Module Details

Module Code: MGMT8076
Title: Consumer Studies
Long Title: Consumer Studies
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3450 - Business & Management
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The focus of this module is to enable the learner to examine, evaluate and critique the key factors affecting buyer behaviour and the purchasing process. This module aims to equip students with a knowledge and appreciation of the centrality and scope of consumer responsibility and consumer protection in today's modern market place.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain and assess the main characteristics that underpin the consumer behaviour discipline.
LO2 Critically evaluate the influence of internal and external factors and common driving forces on consumer decision-making and buyer behaviour.
LO3 Critically analyse the implications of consumer decisions and behaviour in a range of business contexts.
LO4 Strategically assess the implications of consumer policies, issues and decisions on environments.
LO5 Explain and critically analyse the development and operation of legal frameworks to protect the consumer.
LO6 Evaluate the legal rules and ethical guidelines governing the protection of the consumer in the context of electronic and distance contracts.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Consumer Behaviour
Main origins, characteristics and development of consumer behaviour and the consumer buying process. Patterns and trends of consumer behaviour e.g. neuromarketing, sustainable consumption and consumer misbehaviour.
Consumer Behaviour and lnfluencing Factors
The role of personality, motivation, perception and learning in influencing the behaviour of consumers. The influence of groups, social processes, communications and culture in buyer behaviour.
The Nature of the Consumer
The importance of consumer behaviour in the global modern market place. The role of marketing and the effect that marketing activities have on the decisions and behaviours of consumers. The influence of consumer empowerment.
Environmental Effects
The responsibilities of consumers on making informed and ethical decisions. The implications and impact of those decisions on the state and sustainability of our natural environment. The effect on social, economic and political environments. This links with SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action - decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing global emissions.
Legal Frameworks
The range of legal protections available to the consumer. The implied terms in consumer contracts under the Sale of Goods Acts 1893 and 1980. The additional protections afforded under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 and the role of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Electronic Contracts
The additional protections applicable to electronic and distance contracts afforded by the Consumer Protection Directive. Ethical issues in the context of electronic commerce.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Students will be expected to engage with a Consumer Studies online Discussion Board. They will be required to discuss and critically analyse issues of consumerism, and articulate key aspects and findings which must be submitted in journal format 4 times over the course of the module.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Students will be required to prepare a written report on a problem-based case study
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Students will prepare a presentation on the analysis used and solutions found in their report.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture / In-class Discussion / Application of Theory and Practice Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Research and Reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture / In-class Discussion / Application of Theory and Practice Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Research and Reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Linehan, Margaret. (2008), Consumer Behaviour: Irish patterns and perspectives, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717144563].
  • Solomon, Michael R; Bamossy, Gary J; Askegaard, Søren; Hogg, Margaret K. (2016), Consumer Behaviour: A European Perspective, 6th. Pearson Education Ltd..
  • Schiffman, Leon G; Wisenblit, Joseph. (2015), Consumer Behaviour, 11th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132544368].
  • Whyte, Fidelma. (2012), Commercial Law, 2nd. Round Hall, Dublin, [ISBN: 1858006325].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Kardes, Frank R; Haugtvedt, Curtis P; Herr, Paul. (2008), Handbook of Consumer Psychology, Routledge, [ISBN: 9780805856033].
  • McDonagh, Maeve; O'Dowd, Michael. (2015), CyberLaw in Ireland, 1st. Kluwer Law International, [ISBN: 9041160051].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_FHEBU_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Home Economics and Business 5 Mandatory