UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION. COURSE TITLE: BSc (Hons) Business Management

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1 UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION COURSE TITLE: BSc (Hons) Business Management PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course handbook. 1 AWARD INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster 2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: University of Ulster 3 LOCATION: Coleraine Campus 4 ACCREDITED BY: N/A 5 FINAL AWARD: BSc (Hons); BSc (Hons) with Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS); BSc (Hons) with of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP); CertHE (Exit Award); AB (Exit Award); AB with DIAS (Exit Award); AB with DPP (Exit Award). 6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Full-time 7 SPECIALISMS: N/A 8 COURSE/UCAS CODE: 6816/N102 C BSc/Bus 9 DATE REVISED: Effective from 2013/14 10 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE The aim of the programme is to produce industry focused graduates who have an indepth knowledge of the core business principles with a practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice in preparation for a career in the business sector and/or postgraduate studies in management or cognate disciplines. Within the context of achieving the University s mission statement the BSc in Business Management aims to: - provide a sound understanding of the concepts, theories and techniques of business management; - evoke an appreciation of their application and integration across a range of business scenarios and environments; - advance an understanding of the need to anticipate and manage change within the global business environment; - further the development of intellectual skills including critical analysis, synthesis and problem-solving to be able to determine and appraise appropriate solutions to a range of business situations; - support the development of competency in a wide range of, both subjectspecific and general, practical and transferable skills that are essential for successful operation within business including interpersonal skills such as negotiation, presentation, numeracy, leadership, teamwork;

2 - develop students ability to research, analyse, interpret and communicate business information using appropriate information technology; - instil an ethical understanding of the individual, social, organisational and economic implications of the business sector; - encourage an appreciation of the importance of adopting a strategy for life long learning and a willingness to continue personal and professional development after completion of undergraduate study. In relation to the industrial placement period: - bridge the theory-practice-gap via work-based learning, demonstrating the integrative and dynamic nature of business operations; - further development of professional skills and management competencies. In relation to academic study abroad: - expand knowledge of the academic discipline, whilst absorbing another cultural and educational environment increasing self -awareness and sensitivity to other cultures; - provide a recognition of the advantages and implications of cultural diversity within the global business environment. 11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes: the University s Vision and core strategic aims, teaching and learning strategy and policies; current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; subject benchmark statements for General Business and Management (2007) and Accounting (2007); requirements of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM); a range of national occupational standards for business and management as found at including national occupational standards for IT users (e-skills UK); national and University qualifications and credit frameworks. The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to:

3 11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award (Level 4) Demonstrate understanding of the behaviour of groups and individuals in organisations, organisation structures and management theory, including the need to anticipate and manage change; Show an understanding, at microeconomic level of the operation of markets in a mixed economy and at macroeconomic level of the behaviour of the economy and of macroeconomic problems, including the influence of government policy, and the implications for businesses of change within markets and the macroeconomy; Appreciate the contribution marketing can make to organisational success and the way in which this may be enhanced and evaluated; Distinguish between Financial and Management Accounting and demonstrate understanding of how financial statements are prepared and information required for management purposes differs to that required by external users; Apply a basic knowledge and understanding of a range of statistical tools used for business analysis including the use of statistical software as a practical way of handling voluminous and/or complex estimation techniques; Recognise, and understand, expectations and responsibilities in studying Business at a Higher Education level including acknowledging the work of others and understanding peer learning. Associate Bachelor s degree Exit Award (Level 5) Show a detailed understanding of the phenomenon of globalisation and appreciate the importance of cultural differences and the reasons for differences in national competitiveness; Comprehend the role of the management accountant and the elements of cost and the basic concepts and processes used to determine product and service costs and pricing; Relate the concepts and issues associated with the effective management of human resources in contemporary organisations; Operate the principles, concepts and techniques of services marketing; Demonstrate a broad understanding of operations management and its role in the wider context in the private and public, service and manufacturing sectors; Exhibit an understanding of Management Information Systems, hardware, software and networks and initiating systems development and the system lifecycle. Bachelor of Science (Level 6) Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the influence on organisations of regional, national and global environmental factors and the need to anticipate and manage change; Construct an appreciation of the role and value of entrepreneurship; Exhibit a conceptual understanding of corporate governance and the related requirements upon managers for accountability; Relate an appreciation of contemporary issues relevant to business and management, such as globalisation and business innovation; Illustrate a deep awareness of the integrative nature of business and an ability to adopt a comprehensive coordinated response to the changing environment. Teaching and Learning Methods:

4 Subject related knowledge and understanding are developed by lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, experiential learning, guest speakers, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning including contemporary interactive learning technology (TurningPoint) to promote student participation and enhance their learning. Assessment Methods: Testing of the knowledge base is principally through unseen examinations, investigative reports, real-life projects, subject-specific essays and oral presentations, using both individual and group projects; and interactive TurningPoint technology for formative and summative assessment. 11I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 I4 I1 I2 I3 I4 I1 I2 I3 I4 Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award (Level 4) Appraise with guidance an organisation and its environment; Collect and categorise ideas and information in an appropriate standard format; including awareness of the importance of integrity and acknowledgement of sources; Evaluate the reliability of data, arguments, evidence and assumptions using defined techniques within a business and management context; Apply given tools/methods accurately and carefully to a well defined problem and appreciate their complexity of issues. Associate Bachelor s degree Exit Award (Level 5) Using given classifications/principles analyse a range of information, with minimum guidance, on an organisation and its environment, and compare alternative methods and techniques for obtaining data; Reformat a range of ideas and information towards a given purpose; including an ability to employ correct acknowledgement and referencing of sources; Select appropriate arguments, assumptions, evidence and techniques, and evaluate the relevance and significance of data collected; Identify key elements of problems and choose appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner. Bachelor of Science (Level 6) Analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance, on an organisation and its environment, using a range of techniques appropriate to business; With minimum guidance transform abstract data and concepts towards a given purpose and design creative solutions; with an ability to employ correct acknowledgement and referencing of sources; Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, evidence and techniques to support conclusions/recommendations, while reviewing reliability, validity, significance and investigating contradictory information; Identify and define complex problems and apply appropriate knowledge and skills to their solution in a confident and flexible manner. Teaching and Learning Methods: Intellectual skills are developed mainly through tutor directed tutorials, student-led seminars, guest speakers, case studies, computer assisted learning, problem-based learning scenarios including coursework assignments, projects, examinations and placement (where appropriate).

5 Assessment Methods: Assessment approaches include coursework submissions, project reports, oral presentations, application of theory to real-life scenarios, placement portfolio and major projects and unseen examinations. 11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 P4 P1 P2 P3 P4 Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award (Level 4) Apply information technology skills within predictable, defined business contexts; Explain standard business models, tools and techniques that will enhance understanding and help formulate responses to business problems; Demonstrate an ability to display management competencies, leadership and team membership skills, under direction; Research into defined management and strategic issues within defined guidelines. Associate Bachelor s degree Exit Award (Level 5) Apply information technology skills within business situations of varying complexity and predictability; Evaluate a wide range of business models, tools and techniques that will enhance understanding and help formulate responses to business problems of varying complexity and predictability; Demonstrate an ability to display management competencies, leadership and team membership skills, under reduced supervision and direction; Research into less-defined management and strategic issues within defined guidelines. Bachelor of Science (Level 6) P1 Apply information technology skills within complex and unpredictable business situations; P2 Critically analyse for selection and application a wide range of standard / innovative business models, tools and techniques that will enhance understanding and help formulate responses to business problems that are complex and unpredictable; P3 Demonstrate an ability to display management competencies, leadership and team membership skills, with minimal supervision and direction within agreed guidelines; P4 Research into less-defined management and strategic issues within agreed guidelines. Teaching and Learning Methods: Professional/practical skills are developed mainly through tutor directed tutorials, student-led seminars, guest speakers, case studies, computer assisted learning, problem-based learning scenarios including coursework assignments, projects, examinations, practitioner master classes and workshops, and placement (where appropriate). Assessment Methods: Assessment approaches include coursework submissions, project reports, oral presentations, application of theory to real-life scenarios, placement portfolio and

6 major projects, using both individual and group projects. Some of these skills are also assessed in the formal examinations. 11T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award (Level 4) Meet obligations to others as an effective member of a team/learning group; Use and access a range of learning resources, manage information, collect appropriate data and undertake simple research tasks with external guidance; Accurately apply given tools and methods, numeracy and literacy skills and the manipulation of data and information to a well defined problem; Communicate effectively in a format appropriate to the business discipline and report practical procedures in a clear and concise manner; Assess own strengths and weaknesses within external criteria, identifying strategies to enhance future learning; Take responsibility for own learning with appropriate support. Associate Bachelor s degree Exit Award (Level 5) Interact effectively within a team/learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying response where appropriate to develop professional working relationships; Select appropriate data from multiple sources and manage a range of learning resources and information while developing appropriate research strategies; Identify key area problems and choose appropriate tools and methods, numeracy and literacy skills, data and information for their resolution; Communicate effectively in a format appropriate to the business discipline and report practical procedures in a clear and concise manner; Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, challenge received opinion and develop own criteria and judgement; Take responsibility for own learning with minimum direction. Bachelor of Science (Level 6) Interact effectively within a team/learning group/professional group, to recognise, support, be proactive in leadership, negotiate in a professional context and manage conflict; With minimum guidance select and manage information, completely undertake research tasks and manage own learning using a full range of business-related discipline resources; Identify and define complex problems and apply appropriate tools and methods, numeracy and literacy skills, data and information for their resolution in a confident and flexible manner; Communicate effectively in debate in a professional manner and produce detailed and coherent project reports; Challenge received opinion and reflect on action, confident in application of own criteria of judgement; Take responsibility for own work in a critical manner. Teaching and Learning Methods:

7 The aim and objectives of your course will be achieved in a variety of ways through the application of a range of teaching and learning methods across all modules. The principal methods are detailed below. Lectures Lectures are the traditional form of communication between the lecturer and the students. However, it must be noted that the term lecture is interpreted in a wider sense with an emphasis on encouraging two-way communication. Handouts, worked examples, overhead projector presentations and videos are used, but a range of student/group activities is also incorporated to encourage student participation. Similarly, the lectures are structured in such a way as to stimulate and guide further reading and other student activity and to relate to the seminar situations. As the course progresses, the traditional teaching and learning mechanism is incrementally reduced in favour of more participative and student-led systems. Please note: Lectures are not designed to spoon-feed facts nor are seminars an opportunity to repeat lectures. Rather, as you are reading for your qualification, you should read widely on the topics covered in each module. This allows you to acquire knowledge while at the same time developing skills in information gathering and time management. Laboratory / Practical Classes The objectives of laboratory/practical classes are to develop subject specific skills, reinforce and validate material exposed in lectures, simulate working environments, synthesise knowledge and provide opportunities for innovation. The Department has a strong commitment to providing realistic work experiences and various simulated exercises are included in the laboratory and practical sessions. Seminars Seminars are organized for groups of students, under staff supervision. Here the emphasis is on student participation and initiation, with the overall aim of developing independent learning abilities. Each group of students can therefore, consolidate the knowledge gained through lectures and independent study, develop their problem solving and analytical skills and play a more active role in the teaching/learning effort. As the course develops, seminars become a more important teaching/learning vehicle in order to encourage independent and self centred learning and to develop abilities, attributes and competencies which students will use in their managerial positions. These include the transferable skills of communication, leadership, negotiation, group dynamics and self presentation. The seminars also feature case studies and some role-play. Case Studies Case studies of increasing complexity are used within the course. They develop an understanding of the nature and skills of logical reasoning, a capacity for creative thinking and problem solving and a facility for the enhancement of effective communication and interpersonal relations. Many of those in use have been developed by staff, based on previous industrial and/or research experiences. The main aims underlying this learning/teaching mechanism are to allow students to develop powers of analysis and evaluation in defining problems, formulating and implementing solutions and assessing their impact in relation to either the organization(s) or to the consumer(s) involved. Tutorials

8 Tutorials may be conducted on a small group or more usually, on an individual basis. They are used to assist those who are experiencing learning difficulties, and to assist and advise in preparation for the honours dissertation, curriculum projects, assignments and other investigations. Workshops Workshops are forums for open discussion. Students will research aspects of a given topic or case study and will discuss their findings with their peers in the workshops. They also provide a practical vehicle upon which certain theoretical perspectives can be applied, tested and evaluated. Guest Speakers Guest speakers will be invited to present on a range of issues within particular modules. This exposes students to a wider set of issues and will give you the opportunity to apply your studies in a broader context. Assessment Methods: The role of assessment is of major importance in the totality of a student s educational experiences. For that reason, considerable thought and effort has been given to ensuring that the assessment requirements built into each module specification are appropriate to the particular qualities and abilities being assessed. A wide range of alternatives to the traditional essay and an exam have been introduced, including for example, group presentations, practical simulations and the preparation of portfolios. The learning, teaching and assessment methods for each module are given in the module descriptions.

9 SECTION B1 11 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. LEARNING OUTCOMES Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award (Level 4) MODULE STATUS* LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 I1 I2 I3 I4 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 MODULE TITLES Academic and Personal C 4 BMG179 Effectiveness Foundations of Marketing C 4 MKT108 Accounting for Decision Makers C 4 ACF110 Economics C 4 ECO127 Business Statistics C 4 BMG157 Organisational Studies * C- Compulsory; O Option. C 4 BMG106

10 MODULE TITLES Management Information Systems Professional and Personal Effectiveness Managerial Accounting Fundamentals of Human Resource Management Operations Management MODULE STATUS* LEARNING OUTCOMES Associate Bachelor s degree Exit Award (Level 5) SECTION B1 LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 I1 I2 I3 I4 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 C 5 BMG366 C 5 BMG367 C 5 ACF328 C 5 BMG433 C 5 BMG368 Services Marketing C 5 MKT312 Global Business Environment C 5 BMG418 Associate Bachelor s degree with DPP/DIAS Exit Award (Level 5) Diploma in Professional O 5 BMG415 Practice Diploma in International Academic Studies O 5 BMG416 * C- Compulsory; O Option.

11 SECTION B1 LEARNING OUTCOMES Bachelor of Science (Level 6) MODULE TITLES MODULE STATUS* LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 I1 I2 I3 I4 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Strategic Management C 6 BMG580 Supply Chain Management C 6 BMG526 Marketing Communications O 6 MKT507 Entrepreneurship and Small O 6 BMG587 Business Mgt. Resourcing People O 6 BMG589 Innovation Management O 6 BMG525 Consultancy Project C 6 BMG528 Corporate Governance C 6 BMG592 New Venture Creation O 6 BMG513 Services in Context O 6 BMG530 Financial Management O 6 ACF548 Research Skills O 6 BMG529 Strategic Management of Regional Innovation O 6 BMG566 * C- Compulsory; O Option.

12 SECTION B1 12 STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD The course is delivered over six semesters spread over three years of full-time study. After successful completion of year-two there is the option of a year on industrial placement or studying abroad, extending the duration to four years; completion of either of these years can lead to either an honours degree with Diploma in Industrial Studies or honours degree with Diploma in Area Studies respectively. The placement options aim to provide full-time students with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the world of work, and to apply/develop personal and interpersonal skills. The programme conforms to the University s modular requirements. An accumulation of 120 credit points is required to complete each level of the course. A number of prerequisite modules are built in to the programme structure to ensure the academic coherence of the course. Progression between semester 1 and semester 2 is automatic and progression from year to year is determined according to current University Regulations for undergraduate programmes. In both year-one and year-two all modules are compulsory. In year one all modules are of 20-credit point value each. The level four menu of six compulsory modules, common to other undergraduate programmes within the Department of Business and Enterprise, facilitates student transfer between business degree courses within the School. In year-two there are five 20-credit point modules and two 10-credit point modules, Management Information Systems and Professional and Personal Effectiveness. In final-year there are four 20-credit point compulsory modules allowing the selection of one 20-credit point module in each semester. Further details are provided in the tables following this section. Across levels four and five, through compulsory modules, a range of core business and management subjects are introduced, providing knowledge and understanding of the general business environment within which business decisions are made. Providing broad coverage of the QAA Business and Management benchmark themes and necessary skills for professional life on completion of the qualification. The 6 compulsory modules at level 4 offer students initial exposure to subjects offered in year-two and final-year and form a sound foundation from which to proceed into year-two. Modules at level 4 will provide: a foundation for understanding upon which financial systems are based; basic economic concepts and principles and their applications to the economic concepts and principles and their applications to the economic problem of resource allocation and the operation of markets; an introduction to the key areas of organisational behaviour and management and a framework for understanding and analysing organisations and the role of management of people and operations in an organisational setting; guidance in day-to-day tasks of number handling and manipulating numbers and converting them into useful information; consideration of the structure within which businesses identify customers needs and wants, determine which markets to target and design an appropriate approach to serve those chosen markets; an understanding of the skills necessary to progress a learning experience and the need for lifelong learning.

13 SECTION B1 At level 5 completion of a set of compulsory modules allows students the opportunity to consolidate and extend their knowledge and understanding, beyond modules taken at level 4, in areas such as accounting practices, marketing, information systems and management of people, organisations and operations within the context of the global external environment. Level 5 helps ready students for professional life whether immediately if going on industrial placement or on graduation. Level 5 seeks to move students from the factual and a conceptual knowledge base of level 4 to a more detailed knowledge of business while widening a student s perspective in a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks. The structure of both levels 4 and 5 have been designed to encapsulate the three basic tenets of a business management programme as defined in the subject benchmark statement for General Business and Management (2007) and help provide internal coherence throughout the programme: study of organisations, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate; preparation for and development of a career in business and management; enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large. At level 6 students will have the opportunity to further consolidate and extend their knowledge and understanding of the management of organisations while exploring ethical issues. Level 6 allows students to build on the knowledge and skills provided at levels 4 and 5 as well as providing the chance to develop in areas of interest through a choice of an option module in each semester - to both staff, in either research or academic enterprise, and students, for example in entrepreneurship, managing of people, marketing, finance and issues in management. In the final year students will be completing major projects, both group-based and individual, where students will be selecting a problem area within the context of the module and then undertaking an extensive search for relevant information and data, applying appropriate techniques to analyse the problem. These projects will give students the opportunity to synthesise knowledge and skills gained from across their degree, while in preparation for future professional life demonstrating independence and selfawareness. The tables below illustrate the interrelationships and academic progression between levels and modules of the programme. The language of instruction is English.

14 SECTION B1 BSc (Hons) Business Management Programme Structure (the tables below lists the modules in level order) Credit Module Exit Module Title Level Points Status Award Academic and Personal Effectiveness 4 20 Compulsory 1/6 CertHE Foundations of Marketing 4 20 Compulsory 1/6 CertHE Accounting for Decision Makers 4 20 Compulsory 1/6 CertHE Economics 4 20 Compulsory 1/6 CertHE Business Statistics 4 20 Compulsory 1/6 CertHE Organisational Studies 4 20 Compulsory 1/6 CertHE Pre-requisite Credit Module Exit Module Title Level Points Status Award Management Information Systems 5 10 Compulsory 1/12 AB Professional and Personal Effectiveness 5 10 Compulsory 1/12 AB Managerial Accounting 5 20 Compulsory 1/6 AB Fundamentals of Human Resource Management 5 20 Compulsory 1/6 AB Operations Management 5 20 Compulsory 1/6 AB Services Marketing 5 20 Compulsory 1/6 AB Global Business Environment 5 20 Compulsory 1/6 AB Pre-requisite Module Title - Placement (OPTIONAL) Credit Level Points Module Status Award Pre-requisite Diploma in Professional Practice 5 60 Option DPP Successful completion of levels 4 and 5. Diploma in International Academic Studies Option DIAS Successful completion of levels 4 and 5. Exit Award: Associate Bachelor s degree with DIAS/DPP.

15 Credit Module Module Title Level Points Status Award Pre-requisite Strategic Management 6 20 Compulsory 1/6 (Hons) Operations Management Supply Chain Management 6 20 Compulsory 1/6 (Hons) Marketing Communications 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Entrepreneurship and Small Business Mgt Option 1/6 (Hons) Resourcing People 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Innovation Management 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Consultancy Project 6 20 Compulsory 1/6 (Hons) Corporate Governance 6 20 Compulsory 1/6 (Hons) New Venture Creation 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Entrepreneurship and Small Business Mgt. Services in Context 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Financial Management 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Research Skills 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) Strategic Management of Regional Innovation 6 20 Option 1/6 (Hons) SECTION B1

16 16 SECTION B1 13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: Induction process a comprehensive programme for new and returning students, regardless of entry level. This includes a longitudinal induction during the first semester of level 4 through the Academic and Personal Effectiveness module. There is a comprehensive provision of study skills, ICT and professional development within the modular structure; Course and module handbooks; Course Director; Studies Advisors; Personal Development Planning; Careers Development Centre; Information Services Department among other services each student has a university account and internet access; Student Support Department - provides advice and services on health, counselling and guidance, childcare, finance and special needs; Sport and Recreation Department; International Office; Students Union; Chaplaincy; Learning Resource Centre; Residential Services. 14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Applicants must satisfy the University s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. GCE/VCE 'A' level A minimum of 260 UCAS Tariff points to include grades CCC. See prospectus entry. 15 EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING In the evaluation and improvement process of the programme the following applies: External benchmark standards (as stated in section 11); Views of students as expressed through staff/student consultation and the University student questionnaire on teaching (module feedback survey) and other questionnaires; Module monitoring as carried out by the Head of Department; Views of graduates in the National Student Survey; Programme management system ongoing review of programmes and enhancement of student learning experience carried out by Course Committee; Views of employers as facilitated by the Department of Business, Retail and Financial Services Business Advisory Group, Academic Enterprise and links with InvestNI; Views of external examiners; Student performance data and career progression; Revalidation of programmes on 5 year cycle; Course Committee meetings and Department Board meetings;

17 SECTION B1 Staff Development Appraisal Review; Participation in Peer-Supported Review of Learning, Teaching and Assessment, includes peer observation; Participation in Staff Development activities; Department Teaching and Learning workshops and engagement in Education research; Membership of Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee and membership of working groups considering issues such as study skills; Participation in pilots such as the Employability Development Opportunities Review Tool (EDORT); Membership of Higher Education Academy and other Professional bodies. In addition, there are University/Faculty/Department strategies for teaching and learning that are implemented and monitored. 16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules General course regulations are in accordance with the current University of Ulster Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations and are updated annually in the handbook for the course and on the web. The pass mark for each assessment element is 40% and for the module overall; details of module assessment is set out in each module specification. For those students undertaking a period of study abroad or industrial placement, the pass mark for the DAS/DIS is 50%. Pass with Commendation is 70%. A mark of 40% is sufficient for progress to final year of the course. The following percentage bands will be used as a basis for determining the classification of the honours degree. The six modules taken at Level 6 will determine the honours classification: First Class An overall average of at least 70% Second Class Upper Division An overall average of at least 60% and less than 70% Second Class Lower Division An overall average of at least 50% and less than 60% Third Class An overall average of at least 40% and less than 50% External examiners There are four External Examiners for the course. External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners. 17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING 17

18 SECTION B1 In the 2001 QAA Subject Review of Business and Management the maximum score of 24 was awarded; In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Business and Management Studies at the University of Ulster achieved an overall rating of 2.25 with 85% of the research profile deemed to be of international quality with 35% in the 3* and 4* categories; Ulster Business School academic staff are encouraged to become members of the Higher Education Academy, as a number of staff within the Department have; A large number of staff in the department hold post-graduate teaching qualifications; Staff engage in research and consultancy activities within the subject area in addition to education research with funding being obtained from the Business, Management, Accountancy and Finance Higher Education Academy Subject Centre; and The Department encourages staff to become members of relevant professional bodies. 18

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