BSc (Honours) in Business Information Systems. Course Handbook 2012/13

Transcription

1 BSc (Honours) in Business Information Systems Course Handbook 2012/13 Definitive January 2011

2 Contents Welcome to the Course 6 The induction programme 8 Key dates 8 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 9 Course Record Information 9 Name and level of final & intermediate Awards 9 Awarding Body 9 Location of Delivery 9 Mode of Study 9 UoW Course Code 9 JACS Code 9 UCAS Code 9 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group 9 Professional Body Accreditation 9 Date of initial course approval/last review 9 Date of Programme Specification 9 Admission Requirements 10 Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) 11 Aims of the Course 12 Employment and Further Study Opportunities 13 Course Learning Outcomes 13 Teaching, Learning and Assessment 16 Course Structure 16 Progression requirements 19 Support for Students 20 Tutorial and Student Support 21 Counselling and Advisory Service 22 Student Housing Services 22 Student Health Service 22 Students Union 22 Support through office hours 22 Key Reference Points for the course 22 Externally 23 Quality Management and Enhancement 23 Course Management 23 Course approval, monitoring and review 23 Student involvement in Quality Assurance and Enhancement 24 COURSE HANDBOOK 25 1 How to contact us Contact details of the Course Leader Personal Tutor arrangements Who to contact about module queries Academic Registry role, location and opening hours Information about where course information/news/events is posted Support for students with disabilities Support for International Students 28 2

3 1.8 WIUT Students Union Sports facilities How you are taught Teaching and Learning Strategy for the Course The course skills strategy WIUT On-line Learning Management System Study abroad and Exchange opportunities How you learn Guided Independent Study Study Guidance The Library and IT Services Personal Development Planning (PDP) Feedback on assessed work How you will be assessed The assessment strategy for the course Cheating and plagiarism Guidance on the project/dissertation Assessment Boards and the release of results External Examiners Make your voice heard The Course Committee How Course Representatives will be selected Feedback from the Course Committee Module Feedback Questionnaires why complete them? Student Experience Survey What to do if things go wrong Mitigating circumstances Penalties for late submission of coursework What to do if you fail Suspending from the course Withdrawing from the course Changing course Complaints procedure 55 7 Course regulations How your degree is classified Intermediate Awards Maximum periods of registration Exclusion from the course on academic grounds 58 8 Your rights and responsibilities as a student 58 9 Module Proformas WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY IN TASHKENT 146 APPENDIX 1. Glossary of commonly used regulatory terms (Undergraduate courses) 148 3

4 Contents Welcome to the Course 5 The induction programme 7 Key dates 7 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 9 Course Record Information 9 Name and level of final and intermediate awards 9 Awarding Body 9 Location of Delivery 9 Mode of Study 9 UoW Course Code 9 JACS Code 9 UCAS Code 9 QAA Subject Benchmark 9 Professional Body Accreditation 9 Date of Initial Course approval/last review 9 Date of the programme specification 9 Admission Requirements 9 Accreditation of Prior Learning 9 Aims of the Course 9 Employment and Further Study Opportunities 10 Course Learning Outcomes 10 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods 14 Course Structure 14 Progression requirements 17 Support for Students 18 Key Reference Points for the course 19 Quality Management and Enhancement 20 SECTION COURSE HANDBOOK 22 1 How to contact us Contact details for the Course Leader Personal Tutor arrangements Who to contact about module queries School Registry role, location and opening hours Information about where course information/news/events is posted Support for students with disabilities Support for international students WIUT Students Union 25 2 How you are taught The Teaching and Learning Strategy for the course The course skills strategy WIUT Intranet Study abroad and Exchange opportunities 31 4

5 3 How you learn Guided Independent Study Study Guidance The Library and IT Services Personal Development Planning Feedback on assessed work 36 4 How you will be assessed The assessment strategy for the course Cheating and Plagiarism Assessment Offence and Point System at WIUT 4.3 Guidance on the project/dissertation Assessment Boards and the release of results External Examiners 46 5 Make your voice heard The Course Committee How course representatives will be selected Feedback from the Course Committee Module Feedback Questionnaires why complete them? Student Experience Survey 49 6 What to do if things go wrong Mitigating Circumstances Penalties for late submission of coursework What to do if you fail Suspending from the course Withdrawing from the course Changing Course Complaints procedure 52 7 Course Regulations How your degree is classified Intermediate Awards Maximum periods of registration Exclusion from the course on academic grounds 54 8 Your rights and responsibilities as a student 55 9 Module Proformas 56 Section 10 Westminster International University in Tashkent 131 Appendix 1. Glossary of commonly used regulatory terms (Undergraduate courses) 133 Every effort is made to ensure that the information given in this Course Handbook is correct at the time of publication and that the course information given accurately describes the courses offered by the University. The University reserves the right to cancel, without prior notice, a course, modules or specialisms within a course

6 Welcome to the Course Welcome to Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) and to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Information Systems, a validated course of the University of Westminster, London. The purpose of this handbook is to explain to you the main details of the course. Some of the information may appear complex and daunting at first sight, but as you become used to the University and the course you will find it will become more useful. We want you to feel confident on the course and hope this handbook will help you understand how the course is structured, the assessment procedures, the course management and other vital aspects of your programme. It is important that you retain this handbook throughout your time at the University. The Course Handbook should be read in conjunction with the general WIUT booklet Essential Information Undergraduate Student Guide which contains vital information on University regulations, procedures and facilities. Copies of this booklet are available in the library and on the University intranet. Being a student can be an enjoyable experience - despite all the pressures, it is a unique opportunity for you to discover your own strengths and to capitalise on them. This time will remain in your memories with warm thoughts and many friends you make here will stay with you for a long time. You will find that your colleagues on the course have varied backgrounds, abilities, hopes and aspirations. We hope you will gain useful life experiences and knowledge from the interaction with your fellow students as you progress in the course. For some of you, your aim at the end of the course will be to gain an interesting and worthwhile job. For others it will be to continue your studies to degree, masters or research level. The University provides many opportunities to help you both in your studies and in your personal development, but the final responsibility for learning rests with you. We strive to create an academic environment in which you are continually challenged and inspired to do your best possible work. We can only do that with your effort and ambition. It is a partnership between all of us - you, the lecturers and the University. So let us work together to achieve our aim and to make your time here an enjoyable and valuable experience. Vasiliy Kuznetsov Course Leader, WIUT 6

7 And Welcome to the University of Westminster You are a student of both the Westminster International University and the University of Westminster. I would like to welcome you as a student of both Universities but in particular as an employee of the University of Westminster. WIUT and the University of Westminster are partners, WIUT is not a campus or branch of the University of Westminster, it is an independent Uzbekistan public university, the Rector being appointed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I am appointed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Westminster to work in WIUT as the 1 st Deputy Rector (Academic). I have many colleagues in the University of Westminster who are responsible for ensuring you are able to progress your studies. In particular each course has a Liaison Tutor who you may meet at WIUT, they make regular visits to Tashkent, to ensure you are being treated fairly and to ensure WIUT is able to deliver to the standards expected. The University of Westminster is a public National University of the United Kingdom and its main campus is situated in London. The University of Westminster like all other UK Universities, has the power to validate its awards in other countries such as Uzbekistan. You have been enrolled on such an award and will be allocated a student record number, a unique number, on the University of Westminster Student Record system. All your assessment results will be stored on this system and if you successfully pass all the requirements you will be able to graduate with a University of Westminster Award, at the appropriate level. This will be the same award as students who study in London. Staff employed by WIUT will teach you and you will be subject to the disciplinary rules and regulations of WIUT. For your academic studies the rules and regulations are those of the University of Westminster. In practice you should not notice any difference, all my colleagues at WIUT understand this relationship and give you advice if you are confused. You are however responsible for your own performance and learning, for your own discipline and behaviour, we are here to help and will do so if needed. I was appointed to work with my WIUT colleagues to help develop and build a unique and strong university. WIUT is still a young university but it has been able to offer high quality courses, built on a high standard of integrity and honesty that you will be expected to observe. It provides a unique experience in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, an Uzbekistan University offering International standards of education, built on the traditions, values and standards of UK education, and the particular expertise of the University of Westminster. I hope you will be proud to be a student of the University of Westminster as well as WIUT. I am proud to work at WIUT for the University of Westminster. Alan P. France 1 st Deputy Rector (Academic) 7

8 The induction programme The induction programme is seen as an integral part of the learning process and will operate during the week prior to commencement of lectures in Semester 1. The main aim of induction programme is to introduce students to the University, to the Course, to the facilities that they will immediately make use of, and to the course structure. Responsibility for organising the Induction programme rests with the course leaders and the course team. The primary objective of the induction is to ice-break within the students groups and between the students and tutors. It will also help them to overcome language barrier students may have. Games, simulations and other exercises will be used to break the ice and help to build a team spirit. This programme is very important as some of the students will be entering direct into the degree programmes, whereas others will come from the foundation programme (Certificate of International Foundation Studies, level 3) and will therefore have a better understanding of the system and principles of WIUT. The induction programme gives you the opportunity to get settled in and familiarize yourself with the University and your course. Once lectures have started all of you will have busy time attending lectures and seminars as well as meeting the deadlines of various assignments. So induction is a good chance for you to get to know each other and make initial contact with your classmates. Key dates The normal duration of study for full-time bachelor students is three academic years. Each academic year lasts about 34 weeks and is divided into two semesters, the first running from September to February and the second running from February to June. Each semester normally consists of 13 teaching weeks followed by assessment weeks. In-course-work assignments are given to students normally in the beginning of modules. Each student should be aware of the deadlines for assignments. For this purpose students are advised to regularly visit the University Intranet and check their University s. To provide a broader support in learning, during academic year students are offered series of Personal Development Planning workshops organised by Faculty staff. Students are highly recommended attending these workshops in order to acquire necessary transferable skills. The dates of the trainings will be announced by your Personal Tutor. Academic year structure and calendar The normal duration of study for full-time bachelors students is three years. Each academic year lasts 34 weeks and is divided into two semesters as follows: Semester Dates 2012/2013 Semester 1: Enrolment/Induction week Monday, 24/09/2012 Friday, 28/09/2012 Teaching Weeks 1 13 Monday, 01/10/2012 Friday, 28/12/2012 New Year Holiday Monday, 31/12/2012 Friday, 04/01/2013 Assessment Week Monday, 07/01/2013 Friday, 11/01/ 2013 Semester 2: Teaching Weeks 1 13 Monday, 28/01/ Friday, 26/04/2013 (13 weeks) Assessment Weeks Monday, 29/04/2013 Friday, 10/05/2013 Assessment Board Weeks Tuesday, 04/06/2013 Thursday, 13/06/2013 8

9 Publication of Results Week commencing on 1July 2012 Semester 9: GIS Weeks Monday, 24/06/2013 Friday, 28/06/2013 Referral Exam weeks Referral CW deadlines Monday, 08/07/2013 Friday, 19/07/2013 Within this structure, a more detailed breakdown is issued every academic year, which contains dates for teaching weeks, GIS weeks and formal holiday breaks. PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Course Record Information Name and level of final & intermediate Awards BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems BSc Business Information Systems DipHE Business Information Systems CertHE Business Information Systems Awarding Body Location of Delivery Mode of Study UoW Course Code JACS Code UCAS Code QAA Subject Benchmarking Group Professional Body Accreditation University of Westminster WIUT, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Full-time BFDNWIT Computing, General Business and Management University of Westminster Date of initial course approval/last review Sept 2003/ January 2007 Date of Programme Specification April

10 Admission Requirements Entry requirements for the BSc Business Information Systems have been set in order to select potential students who have proven academic ability and are able to demonstrate a solid foundation of skills in both Mathematics and English. The admissions policy aims to attract and recruit motivated applicants across the full range of possible access routes. Students may have a background in any academic discipline. We encourage applications from students with disabilities. The admissions policy follows, whereever possible the equal opportunities policies of the University of Westminster. The over-riding principle upon which admission decisions are based is that applicants should be likely to benefit from, and succeed on, the course. Intending students will have to meet age, English language, Mathematics and general requirements: Age Requirement Normally applicants will have to reach the age of at least 18 years old at the date of enrolment. For the purpose of this regulation the academic year runs from 1 st October to 30 th September. English Language and Mathematics Requirement Applicants must: Have had their secondary educations through the medium of English and gained grade C or above in the equivalent of GCSE English; or Have an IELTS score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in the writing component or the equivalent score at TOEFL or other University of Westminster recognised English Test according to the WIUT/UoW conversion table; or Have successfully completed an appropriate International Foundation course and passed an Academic English Language module. Applicants must have an acceptable level of competence in Mathematics. This could be demonstrated by one of the following: A pass in an maths test approved by the University of Westminster; or Grade C or above in GCSE/ O Level Mathematics (or its equivalent); or A pass in Quantitative Methods on an appropriate Foundation course. General Requirements Applicants must have studied a broad range of subjects and have a school leaving certificate equivalent to GCSE/ O Level e.g the Uzbek Certificate of Secondary Education (Attestat) normally with an average of 70%. In addition applicants should satisfy at a minimum one of the following requirements, namely: Successfully completion of an appropriate International Foundation course which includes a pass on an English for Academic purposes module or equivalent; or Successful completion of the WIUT Lyceum s Attestat, and the WIUT International Foundation, course including the module English for Academic Purpose; Successful completion (an minimum of an average mark of 70%) of the first year of an appropriate degree course in a recognised Uzbek or similar university; or 10

11 Two GCE A level passes (in any subject excluding mother tongue), plus three GCSE passes at grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics; or NC/ND or HNC/HND. (The range of academic disciplines studied is not hereby restricted, but certain vocational courses such as City and Guilds would not satisfy the admissions requirements.); or An Advanced General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ); or Any other equivalent qualification normally accepted as entry requirements (e.g. International Baccalaureate, etc). Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) If an applicant has certificate(s) or credits from previous undergraduate courses of internationally recognised universities they may refer to Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) process approved by the University of Westminster and qualify for exemption from modules. Making a claim for APCL is an applicant s responsibility and s/he is recommended to contact the Course Leader or the Dean s Office for further advice. The overall programme aims are to produce technologically skilled professionals who can understand the business challenges of an enterprise and conceive and manage solutions, which are ICT dependent. This course is designed to produce graduates who will be able to integrate their ICT skills with their knowledge of business operations and environments to support an enterprise to achieve competitive advantage. 11

12 Aims of the Course The course also aims to: Develop student s critical thinking, analytical reasoning and modelling skills for problem solving; Enable students to recognise the professional, legal and ethical issues in developing or employing information systems and technology; Produce graduates with a range of key skills such as team working and independent learning; Provide educational foundation for further study. The detailed objectives are that students completing the course will be able to: Comprehend and illustrate key information and business systems and their interrelationships; Analyse business environment issues that influence information systems development; Interpret and apply proven management paradigms to a specific problem; Evaluate critically contending information systems development strategies and practices; Select and apply appropriate technology to design and deliver ICT related applications for an enterprise; Demonstrate awareness, knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in a commercial or public sector environment; Recognise the potential benefits of employing Information Systems and ICT within organisations; Evaluate situations and solutions and make appropriate choices in relation to the use of information systems to solve business problems in a changing environment. 12

13 Employment and Further Study Opportunities The study of Business Information Systems involves applying knowledge and problem solving to practical business situations, and in an academic environment successful students must also be able to discuss and communicate these ideas effectively. The combination of knowledge and skills gained in each of the areas as stipulated by the learning outcomes ensures that students have many of the attributes required by the graduate employers. For a number of years there has been a consistent demand for graduates with hybrid knowledge and skills in ICT and business. With the current explosion in the availability of information, businesses are becoming more and more reliant on information systems to support innovation, decision-making and day-to-day operations. Working in the advancing world of information systems can be exciting and rewarding, as companies throughout the world are keen to recruit staff that can maximise business potential. Graduates of the BIS course typically go on to careers in the business and/or IT sectors. They have open to them a wide spectrum of career options. British Computer Society (BCS) recognises some of the career routes available to BIS practitioners as Systems Analyst, Web Designer, Sales Executive, and End User Support Analyst. The University s First Destination Statistics of the precursor degrees show how proudly our graduates demonstrated their skills and knowledge to qualify for positions in these categories. In addition to these as career entry opportunities, BCS lists Business Analyst, Consultant, Project Manager and Director positions as opportunities open to experienced BIS graduates in their career progression. Graduates who wish to continue to masters can confidently pursue their education in a variety of advanced courses in information systems, information technology, business management or similar disciplines. According to the latest survey 93 % of the BIS graduates are working and 7% are studying. It is very pleasing to see that 30% of BIS graduates are working in the IT sector and 30% in education on the related courses. This means that at least 60% of the students are employed in their field of study. The positions students held in different organisations are very varied: Business analysts, Software and Web Developers, Service development specialists, Financial managers, Teaching assistants and Lecturers. Course Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes are statements on what successful students have achieved as the result of learning. They threshold statements of achievement and are linked to the knowledge, understanding and skills that a student will have gained on successfully completing a course. Knowledge and Understanding On completion of the BSc Business Information Systems course, students should have detailed knowledge and understanding of: 1. The structures of business organizations, their functions and challenges, and the environment in which they operate. 2. The application of information systems and their impact on the business operations and on an organization as a whole. 3. The information systems life cycle including the major development processes/models, phases, activities, and issues relating to the development, management and maintenance of information systems. 4. The principles, methodologies, criteria and tools that can be employed in analysis, specification, development, evaluation, and management of information systems Information and Data Modeling. 13

14 5. The wider issues of quality, security, ethical principles, legislative compliance and the social and economic implication in relation to the computer industry. 6. The issues and implications surrounding the management of information systems projects. 7. The history and theoretical foundations of information systems and trends in application of information systems. 8. The components of ICT e.g. hardware, software, servers, and networks. 9. Security and risks relating to computer systems and the implications of security breaches. Specific Skills BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems graduates should possess subject-specific, but highly transferable, rigorous skills. High transferability of these skills into a wide range of areas should allow high mobility of the graduates to wide range of careers. These subject skills can be summarized as follows: Conduct critical analysis of a business problem/situation, formulate criteria to identify and employ an appropriate strategy to solve it; Identify, analyse and specify user requirements to develop or to select an appropriate information system solution; Specify, design, develop and test information systems to address business problems; Evaluate the quality of an information systems solution and the effects of possible tradeoffs in a particular business context; Critically evaluate, select and apply appropriate principles, methodologies, techniques, tools and packages in the analysis, specification, development and evaluation of information systems; Produce models of business processes, business data, and information systems using a industry standard modeling language; Select and use appropriate methods and tools to plan and manage the development of an information system. Key Transferable skills While the development of generic skills and abilities must be an integral aspect of Higher Education courses it must remain highly visible to the students and it must be assessed. Key transferable skills and abilities encompass the general intellectual development of the individual. Use of a wide range of assessment formats enhances the visibility of these characteristics. BSc (Honours) in Business Information Systems graduates acquire a high level of transferable skills such as: Gather and assess information; Organise and manipulate data; Think critically and evaluate their own performance; Work collaboratively; Self-manage; Use numbers accurately and effectively; Communicate effectively orally and in writing; Use of IT as a tool and resource; 14

15 Conceptualise and problem solve. Students employability should be enhanced by their increased awareness of their transferable skills and abilities. Transferable skills enable the students to perform a range of business related skills with awareness of the necessary techniques, their potential uses and hazards. Key transferable skills/other attributes developed during the course are: Cognitive Critically analyse theories, concepts and problems Formulate a complex argument within a theoretical and contextual framework Challenge received opinion and use own criteria and judgment Numeracy Use quantitative information to verify and extend existing theory Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Select and use most appropriate ICT tools for self-determined task Research Develop and implement own research strategy, working with a minimum of guidance Critically review those aspects of current research relevant to self-determined research topic Decision-making Evaluate options within the limitation of imperfect and incomplete information Communication Engage in debate in a professional manner, using communication to persuade and convince Teamwork Work effectively as a member of a team, negotiating in a professional manner and managing conflict Continually reflect on the group process to improve group effectiveness Leadership To provide motivation and leadership skills, relevant to an economy in transition Personal Awareness and Career Management Initiate own activity, plan and manage own time effectively over a project Reflect on outcomes, processes, the experience of others and personal experience to improve performance Students employability should be enhanced by their increased awareness of their transferable skills and abilities. 15

16 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy of the BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems course fits to the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy of the University of Westminster and is set up so that to be aligned with the stated aims and learning outcomes within each module. Learning and Teaching Most modules include a formal taught component with lectures provided on a weekly basis. Tutorial seminar classes are also provided each week to provide a stimulating environment for students to work through examples and case studies, experiment with hands-on solutions in the labs, engage in group discussions or on-line discussions, and gain immediate feedback and support from tutors. In addition, students are provided with a range of additional resources including online discussion forums to encourage student-centred learning. The resources can be accessed through the University Intranet, textbooks, academic journals and other materials available in the University s Library, and software systems. Teaching staff are often engaged in research or commercial activities, and this ensures that the students gain an understanding of contemporary business issues. Working with industry in a real-life situation is invaluable in developing professional skills but also in raising confidence. Interacting with the workplace while studying help students prepare for a future career but also help them reflect on your knowledge and be more aware of how this fits with the developing needs of industry. The course is designed to offer opportunities to engage with industry before graduation, so that the students can develop skills alongside the ones you get from the rest of your course. These opportunities can be a formal part of your course, such as doing an internment within your course or attending talks giving by guest speakers from industry. You will also, however, be able to engage with industry by interacting with the professional community, working on assessments drawn from real-life examples, and engaging with your area s professional bodies. Students are encouraged to learn independently throughout their studies. This may be in the form of literature review or research to support their assignments and projects. There are also guided Independent study periods when are encouraged to interact with their tutors and lecturers for advise and guidance and take responsibility for their on learning. Assessment The Assessment Strategy of the Course is based on the criterion-referenced assessment concept, which is designed to assess changes in performance as a result of learning, for the purpose of seeing what and how well material has been learned. The course strives to develop effective approaches to assessment, both formative and summative, taking into consideration the variety of modules within the course such as level, length and type of the module. The assessment strategy is based on principles of best practice such as validity in purpose (to measure the learning outcomes), reliability and free of bias (by the use of carefully designed marking scheme), as well as constructive and timely feedback to students Course Structure This section shows the core and option modules available as part of the course and their credit value. Full-time Undergraduate students normally study 120 credits per year. BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems consists of three types of the modules: core, optional and free choice. All students must take core modules and full-time students study from 6 to 8 modules worth in total 120 credits per year. 16

17 Types of the modules: Core. These are modules that must be undertaken by all students on the course. They provide the fundamental skills and knowledge on which to base your future careers and must be taken for the award of the degree. Option. These are modules that can be chosen from the course specific list of modules. These modules allow you to pick modules that best fit your own aspirations while still providing a cognate business information systems oriented curriculum. Free choice. A free choice module, of which you may take one at level 4, 5, and 6, may be chosen from other courses offered by WIUT. A free choice can be one of the listed option modules, but it usually is a module from one of the other course offered at the University. Free choices are subject to availability and the approval by the relevant module leader and your Course Leader. All modules on the course are worth 15 credits and some of them 30 credits. 15-credit modules should normally be completed in a single semester of study, while 30-credit modules should be completed within one academic year of study. 17

18 Code Module Title Status Semester Credits EUZC405 Credit Level 4 Data Analysis and Information Management in Business Core EUZC400 Fundamentals of Programming Core UZB409 Introduction to Web Publishing Core 2 15 Two 15 credit option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 1 BUZB400 Environment of Business Option UZB404 Business Communications Option UZB401 Organisational Behaviour Option UZE404 Mathematics for Economists Option credit option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 2 BUZB400 Environment of Business Option UZB403 Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting Option 2 15 EUZC407 Fundamentals of Information Technology Option 2 15 Award of Certificate of Higher Education available Credit Level 5 EUZC500 System Analysis and Design Core EUZC507 Database Systems Development Core Two 15 credit option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 115 credit option + 15 option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 2 EUZC508 Information Systems Management Option 1 15 EUZC510 Software Design Patterns Option 1 15 BUZE512 Cost and Financial Management Option BUZB512 Human Resource Management Option BUZB522 Advanced Topics in Marketing Option BUZB523 Retail Management Free choice UZB511 Creating and Delivering Customer Value Free choice 1 15 BUZB524 Professional Practice Learning from Work Free choice UZB505 Consumer Behaviour Free choice 1 15 Two 15 credit option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 2 2UZC505 Network Operations Option 2 15 BUZEB512 Cost and Financial Management Option BUZB512 Human Resource Management Option BUZB522 Advanced Topics in Marketing Option

19 2UZB503 Research Methods Option UZE507 Money and Banking Free choice 2 15 Award of Diploma of Higher Education available Credit Level 6 2UZC699 Business Information Systems Project Core EUZC600 Web Application Development Core credit option + 15 option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 1 15 credit option + 15 option / free choice modules to be chosen in semester 2 2UZC604 Decision Support and Data Mining Option UZB610 Project Management Option UZB609 Cultural Differences and People Management Free choice 1 15 BUZB616 Strategic Marketing Free choice UZB605 Fixed Interest Securities and Related Derivatives 2UZB604 Strategic Management Accounting and Performance Measurement Free choice 1 15 Free choice UZC603 Database Management Option UZC605 Strategic Management of Information systems Option UZB607 Marketing Research Free choice 1 15 EUZC606 Marketing Communications Free choice UZB612 Developing a Small Business Free choice UZB606 International Accounting Standards Free choice UZE611 Investment and Risk Management Free choice UZE605 International Business Finance Free choice 2 15 Award of BSc/ BSc (Hons) available NB: Not all option modules will necessarily be offered in any one year. Students will have to attempt and achieve a qualifying mark of 30% in the specified assessment element in addition to achieving an overall module pass mark of 40% or above. When a mark for a component is below 30%, then the module is not deemed to be passed even when the average between the components is over 40%. Progression requirements The BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems and its intermediate awards operate in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University Westminster and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). All students should make sure that they have and keep for reference a copy of the current edition of the general University handbook called Essential Information for Undergraduate students 2010/11. The following course specific requirements should be read in conjunction 19

20 with the Modular Framework for Undergraduate Courses and relevant sections of the current Handbook of Academic Regulations. A Pass in a module is achieved when the overall mark is at least 40% and the marks for aggregated components (e.g. coursework and exam) are individually at least 30%. Condoned Credit The term Condoned Credit relates solely to undergraduate modules at Level 4 and can only be awarded to a student who has met the referral threshold (see Refer/Referral/Referred) and attempted all of the referral assessments offered to them by an Assessment Board. A student may be awarded condoned credit at Level 4 only, where he/she has achieved: a) an overall module mark of greater than or equal to 30% but less than 40%; b) an overall mark of 40% or greater but not reached the required qualifying mark(s) and/or qualifying set(s) as detailed in the course or module handbook; and c) attempted all referred assessment as offered by the Assessment Board. Where a student, following a referral opportunity, is awarded condoned credit, the recorded module mark will be capped at 39%. Condoned credit will count towards any credit limits for specified awards. Where a student is awarded condoned credit in a module but subsequently achieves an overall pass within a retake module, credit may contribute only once to an award. Progression All core modules should be passed. To progress from Level 4 to Level 5 in full time study, a student must achieve an average of 40% across 120 credits and pass 75 credits with the remaining 45 as condoned credits. To progress from Level 5 to Level 6 full-time study, a student must pass at least 165 credits, including 75 credits at Level 5. Award To qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) BIS, a student must: a) Obtain at least 360 credits including: - passed 75 credits at Level Four or higher and achieved at least a condoned credit in each of the remaining modules worth 45 credits at Level 4; and - a minimum of 120 credits at Level 5 or higher; and - a minimum of 120 credits at Level 6 or higher. b) Attempt modules with a maximum value of 330 credits at Levels 5 and 6 c) Satisfy the requirements contained within any course specific regulations for the relevant course Scheme. The class of the Honours degree awarded is decided by two criteria: the average of the best 105 credits passed at Level 6 being in the range of the class to be awarded, and the average of the next best 105 credits passed at Levels 5 and 6 provided the next best 105 credits passed are no more than one classification below this. Support for Students On arrival, an induction programme will introduce students to the staff responsible for the course, the campus on which they will be studying, the Library and IT facilities and to the Campus Administration. Students will be provided with the Course Handbook, which provides detailed information about the course. 20

21 Learning support includes the Library, which holds printed collections of books and journal subscriptions. Access to electronic resources such as WestLaw, SpringerLink, JSTOR, EBSCO, and BLACKWELL is also available. There are over 100 computers spread over four computer labs available for students use. The University uses a Virtual Learning Environment where students can access course materials and communicate with staff and other students via message boards. At University level, student services provide advice and guidance on accommodation, financial and legal matters, personal counselling, health and disability issues, and careers. The Social Development Department provides particular support for international students. The WIUT s Student Union also provides a range of facilities to support all students during their time at the University. Tutorial and Student Support All undergraduate students at the Westminster International University in Tashkent, in common with every student of the University of Westminster, have access to the University's student academic and personal support system for students. 21

22 There are the following University wide support services: Counselling and Advisory Service Students are allocated an Academic Advisor at the start of semester one of the programme. Academic advisors are selected from amongst the course teaching team. Academic advisor aim is to provide his/her tutees a quality counselling and academic advisory service whenever there is a need for this. Social Development team also provides counselling and advisory services for students., including, the career services, that give students a chance to look at a variety of opportunities, starting from an advice and assistance on building plans for the future career, and ending with getting a part-time employment to cover their own living expenses. Plus for those who are required to undertake military service the Social Development Team can also help. In addition, this department provides assistance for students coming from other regions of Uzbekistan as well as other countries with their passport and other related procedures. Student Housing Services Because of the vast diversity of students in terms of where they come from, the University offers accommodation for regional and international students. In addition to all the necessary conditions, the dormitory has Gym, where any student can spend his/her leisure time. Moreover, computer labs with an access to Internet offer the students a chance to continue their academic assignments off-campus. Student Health Service A Health Department is available on the University and provides the students an immediate point of help should there be a need for this. Professional staff of this department also offers students counselling of a medical type. Students Union The aim of the Union is to provide a range of essential services as well as assisting students in their sporting and social life. The Union gives help and advice on academic and personal matters and represents students on all University Committees, to organise sport, societies and entertainment. Support through office hours Given the favourable ratio of teacher to student, an advantage of studying at WIUT is that students have ample opportunity to work with the academic staff of university in one to one basis during office hours of Faculty staff. Office hours of each faculty staff involved in the academic delivery process are normally announced on the module web-site in the WIUT intranet and information boards as well as within in-course assessment instructions. Key Reference Points for the course Internally The BSc (Honours) in Business Information Systems programme draws upon the Mission Statement of the University of Westminster and its international remit. It seeks to establish the quality and good practice in teaching and learning that is articulated throughout the University's policies and to promulgate those practices abroad. Since the initial validation, the scholarly activities of the WIUT staff have built on and influenced the breadth of the curriculum on offer and have affected the teaching and learning methodologies which are shared across the two participating countries (UK and Uzbekistan). 22

23 Externally The external reference points for the programme are the QAA subject benchmarks particularly the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for General Business & Management and Computing. This document sets out the nature and characteristics of the programme and represents general expectations about the standards for the award of qualifications at a given level and articulates the attributes and capabilities that those possessing such qualifications should be able to demonstrate Attention has also been given to Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems, done by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Association for Information Systems (AIS). IS 2009 is the latest in a series of model curricula for undergraduate degrees in Information Systems. It builds on the foundation formed by this earlier work, but it is a major revision of the curriculum and incorporates several significant new characteristics. IS 2009 is the third collaborative effort by ACM and AIS. Both organizations have worldwide membership, and therefore, IS 2009 includes elements that make it more universally adaptable than its predecessors. IS 2009 is not directly linked to a degree structure in any specific environment but it provides guidance regarding the core content of the curriculum that should be present everywhere and suggestions regarding possible electives and career tracks based on those. Copies of the report are available from ACM and AIS: Quality Management and Enhancement Course Management The Course Leader is responsible for the overall academic management and organisation of the course. Course approval, monitoring and review A University Validation Panel approved the course in April The Panel included internal peers from the University and external subject specialists from academia and industry to ensure the comparability of the course to those offered in other Universities and the relevance to employers. Periodic Course Review helps to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and that the skills gained on the course continue to be relevant to employers. The course is monitored each year by the Faculty to ensure that it is running effectively and that issues that might affect the student experience have been appropriately addressed. Staff will consider the outcomes from each Course Committee, evidence of student progression and achievement and the reports from External Examiners to evaluate the effectiveness of the course. The Academic Standards Group of WIUT audits this process and the outcomes are reported to the Academic Council of WIUT and to the UoW, London. The Liaison tutor A Liaison tutor is appointed by the University of Westminster to provide support to both staff and students at WIUT. The liaison tutor s role is to ensure that students studying at WIUT receive the same information, standard of teaching as those students studying in London, including having similar standards of assignments and examinations. The liaison tutor will usually visit WIUT twice a year and during their visit will hold meetings with WIUT students to discuss their views on their programme and any other issues of concern. The liaison tutor will attend the assessment Boards held at WIUT and also moderate the work of students prior to the work being presented to the external examiner. 23

24 Student involvement in Quality Assurance and Enhancement Student feedback is important to the University and student comment is taken seriously. Student feedback is gathered in a variety of ways. The most formal mechanism for feedback on the course is the course committee. Student representatives will be elected to sit on the committee to represent the views of their peer group in the discussions held at the committee. The University and the Students Union work together to provide a full induction to the role of the Course Committee. Course Committee Meetings are held normally 4 times a year - 2 meetings in each Semester according to the following schedule: Semester 1 Semester 2 CCM # 1 CCM # 2 CCM # 3 CCM # 4 TW 5 TW 10 TW 5 TW 10 Students are asked to complete a Module Feedback questionnaire at the end of each module. The feedback from this will inform the Module Leader on the effectiveness of the module and highlight areas that could be enhanced. The University also administers an annual Course Evaluation Questionnaire, which provides valuable feedback about a range of University services. Students meet with Review Panels when the periodic review of the course is conducted to provide oral feedback on their experience on the course. Student feedback from course Committees and the University s internal surveys are part of the Faculty quality assurance evidence base. For more information about this course: University web site: General queries: info@wiut.uz Admission queries: advice@wiut.uz Please note This programme specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. This specification should be read in conjunction with the Course Handbook provided to students and Module Handbooks which provide more detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods for each module. 24