Common Business Programme (N97)

Get ready to ‘run’ your own business and see how different functions work together through an online business simulation game in the “Makings of a Business” module. You will learn to make data-driven decisions, solve problems, and manage day-to-day operations – essential skills for today’s fast-paced business world.

In the “Kickstart a Business” module, you will step into the shoes of an entrepreneur. Using the Lean methodology – widely applied in business today – you will develop appealing products or services and evaluate the success of your business idea.

Besides gaining skills in data analytics, digital marketing, user-centred design, and persuasive writing & presentation, you will learn how to use tech tools such as generative AI for scenario-based solutioning. To help you develop global perspectives, your learning is also infused with real-world insights drawn from South-east Asia, one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.

By the end of your foundation year, you will be ready to choose from one of our 5 sought-after diplomas:

• Accountancy
• Banking & Finance
• Business Studies
• International Trade & Business
• Tourism & Resort Management

All freshmen in BA share a common curriculum in the first year.

Data Analytics (3 Credit Units)
This module equips students with the essential skills to extract meaningful insights from data. Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications using data visualisation tools, students will learn to collect, clean, analyse, and visualise data to inform decision-making.  The module emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate findings effectively.

Economics (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics with an application of these concepts in real-world business scenarios. Topics include Demand and Supply, Price Elasticity, Market Structure, Gross Domestic Product, Unemployment, Inflation, Fiscal and Monetary policy.

Global Business (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of how the external business environment, consisting of country and industry level factors, affects the overall strategy, organisational structure and various internal functions of international businesses. Students will also discuss how contemporary world affairs, such as the impact of globalisation, terrorism, pandemics, emergence of economic powers in Asia and digitalisation present both opportunities and challenges to international businesses.

Makings of a Business (4 Credit Units)
Students will gain hands-on and real-world experience as they actively learn to integrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired in various modules to manage different types of businesses through game simulation. They will gain understanding of the inter-dependence of the different business functions, and to make data-driven decisions to address day-to-day operations of a business. They will also develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills as they analyse performance data and evaluate decisions to improve overall company performance.

Statistical Applications for Business (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to basic statistical concepts, tools, models, and the introductory use of generative AI.  Students will learn how to organise and analyse data, as well as interpret results for decision-making in the business world. Students will apply and reinforce their learnings through data presentation, use of AI, performing descriptive analysis and data generated from the Business Simulated Game.

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)
This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health. 

Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)
English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

* This module is only offered to students who are weaker in the English Language.

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Business Persuasion (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with essential written and oral communication skills for professional success. Students will learn to craft clear and logical business messages, deliver impactful elevator pitches, and present persuasive business ideas using storytelling and persuasion principles. They will also create a professional digital profile to enhance their online presence, building their confidence to engage and network with a diverse audience.

Career & Professional Preparation (2 Credit Units)
This module supports students in their journey of self-discovery, character-building, NP values-inculcation, development of education and career goals via experiential activities and guided reflections with CPP coaches. To prepare them for their career and the future, students will also deepen their knowledge of the respective diploma curriculum and industries through learning journeys, mentorship and opportunities for interactions with alumni and industry practitioners. The module will incorporate a more comprehensive feedback and reflective approach from self, peers, tutors and the industry mentor to support students’ holistic growth and development.

Digital Experience Design (3 Credit Units)
This module equips students with practical skills in user-centred design for business digital applications, covering key design principles, interface and experience evaluation across platforms, and the use of AI-powered software tools and highlighted through examples like AI-enabled solutions.

Finance & Accounting for Business (3 Credit Units)
The module imparts basic accounting and finance knowledge to students, in areas such as accounting equations, accounting principles, financial statements, ratio analysis, cash budgeting, short-term financing strategies, time value of money and capital investment analysis. Students will demonstrate their understanding by using financial software to interpret financial accounting information for decision-making in business environments when working on integrated project scenarios.

Kickstart a Business (4 Credit Units)
The module is designed for students to integrate and apply learning from the different modules to address real-world challenges provided by industry partners. Using the Lean methodology, students will build a Lean Canvas Model to develop and showcase a minimum viable product to address challenges and evaluate opportunities. They will learn about resource optimisation and value creation for businesses.

Marketing (3 Credit Units)
The module provides students with a strong foundation in marketing, equipping them with the skills necessary to develop effective marketing plans and strategies for the digital landscape. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental marketing concepts, with a specific focus on their application in the digital realm.