London Metropolitan Business School

Transcription

1 LONDON NORTH CAMPUS London Metropolitan Business School MA International Human Resource Management Course Handbook For admission in

2 The Postgraduate Academic Year AUTUMN SEMESTER Start - End Welcome Programme 24 September October 2009 Teaching 5 October December 2009 Christmas Break 21 December January 2010 Teaching/revision 11 January January 2010 Examinations 18 January February 2010 Dissertation Deadline 22 January 2010 SPRING SEMESTER Welcome Programme (new February entrants only) 2 February February 2010 Teaching 8 February March 2010 Easter Break 29 March April 2010 Teaching 12 April May 2010 Teaching/revision 10 May May 2010 Examinations 17 May June 2010 Dissertation Deadline 21 May 2010 SUMMER STUDY PERIOD Summer 7 June September 2010 Resit Examinations 19 July July 2010 Reassessment Coursework 30 July 2010 Dissertation Deadline 3 September 2010 In addition to these dates you need to be aware of other important events and deadlines throughout the year; such as coursework submission dates, publication of the exam timetable, publication of results, mitigating circumstances deadlines, programme planning deadlines. You can access these at:

3 KEY CONTACTS Postgraduate Office: Stapleton House Fourth Floor, Room 403b Departmental Office: LMBS Administrative Office North Campus Stapleton House Fourth Floor, Room LMBS Administrative Office City Campus Moorgate Room MG1-04 Course Leader: Dr Christina Schwabenland Course Leader s Office: Room 1.21 Main Campus teaching location: North Campus

4 CONTENTS 1.0 WELCOME TO THE COURSE Using This Handbook WELCOME TO THE LONDON METROPOLITAN BUSINESS SCHOOL Introduction to the Course Key Features of Postgraduate Courses Introduction to London Metropolitan Business School Location and School s Facilities supporting the course Learning and Teaching on the Course Research in the Business School BEING A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT Welcome Programme Checklist Your first semester Attendance, academic engagement and employment Studying Enrolment and Re-enrolment Credit for previous learning Module Registration and Programme Approval Your Timetable Publication of Results and Transcripts MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE Your University IT Account Communication Your Contact Details Evision WebLearn Online module resources THE STUDENT VOICE StARs Course Committees Students views on modules and courses SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE Postgraduate Office The Graduate School Postgraduate Course Leader Module Lecturers Student Success through Learning Development Student Services Disabilities and Dyslexia Service (DDS) Placements/study abroad DISSERTATION OR PROJECT Registration Supervision Arrangements Topic approval Planning and Timing Submission MARKING AND ASSESSMENT Academic Regulations Marking and grades Your responsibilities concerning Assessment Assessment Feedback Submission of coursework Examination Timetable Past Examination Papers Mitigating circumstances Assessment Board Appeals Action in the event of failure to pass a module University Criteria for Awards WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER...19

5 9.1 Withdrawal from a module Intermission of Studies Mode of Study Course Transfers STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES Libraries and Special Collections Subject Librarians and Subject Guides Student feedback Media Resources ICT Services FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Open Language Programme COURSE SPECIFICATION USEFUL INFORMATION DIRECTORY OF MODULES FOR THE COURSE INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION Relevant University Procedures: Useful online information:...32

6 1.0 WELCOME TO THE COURSE 1 This is the Course Handbook for the MA International Human Resource Management. The staff of the London Metropolitan Business School wish you a warm welcome to London Metropolitan University North campus and to the study of International Human Resource Management. 1.1 Using This Handbook This handbook contains a lot of information. Some of it will be of more relevance later in the course than at the start of your studies. You can access the course handbook either by logging into your Evision account or via the University s website at: We recommend that you read this Course Handbook thoroughly and carefully, as it covers many of the questions you will have about your course. Sections 4 and 6 in particular, will help you locate the advice you will need and Section 15 contains an Index of key sources of information that you may need to access during your course. For detailed information you will sometimes need to consult other sources, including: University Student Handbook - for details of important University regulations and procedures. It also provides information on university life and all the support services available. The University Student Handbook can be accessed at: PostGrad-Line a comprehensive on-line source of postgraduate course and module information available at: Postgraduate students webpage a comprehensive on-line resource for postgraduate students. Provides information about your Postgraduate Office, timetables, details of timeslots and room numbers for most taught modules. Once you have completed enrolment and registration, you can view and print your personal timetable Please see: The Course Specification (Section 12 of this handbook) defines the key features of your course, its aims, structure and learning outcomes, and includes all the modules you must study for the award. All postgraduate courses are governed by the University s Academic Regulations ( It is your responsibility to be fully aware of the regulations which govern your studies as a postgraduate student of the University. Your course may in addition have some course specific regulations or may be governed by a Professional Body. Where relevant these are included in paragraph 32 of the Course Specification, contained within Section 12 of this handbook. You should note that occasionally, the details in this handbook may be amended or revised in order to improve the Course. We hope that some of you will feel sufficiently committed to your course to participate as a Student Representative (see Section 5). Equally, we would at any time, welcome your comments about the course or any suggestions for improvements. We wish you every success with your studies.

7 1 2.0 WELCOME TO THE LONDON METROPOLITAN BUSINESS SCHOOL 2.1 Introduction to the Course The MAIHRM is aimed at professionals working in international organisations, and/or those that are directly related to, or influenced by global developments in business and the implications for people management. The purpose of the MAIHRM is to equip students with the knowledge and capabilities to analyse problems and evaluate alternative strategies, relevant to organisations of various constitutions and characteristics in what is sometimes referred to as late modern society, relating to work and employment transnationally and internationally. The course has been designed to provide students with a mix of academic understanding of international business and HRM in the context of the so-called globalisation debate. It also facilitates development of comparative and cross-cultural sensitivity in interpreting employment systems and their regulation, as well as competences required to contribute to development and execution of international people management strategies. The specific aims and learning outcomes of the award may be organised into a two-part pedagogic framework, each of which has two sub-components as follows: Context and personal development: (a) Development of an advanced level of awareness and understanding of the economic, political, regulatory, social and technological factors enabling and constraining international organisation in contemporary and historical perspective, (b) Encouragement for students to reflect critically on their own experience, to develop personal capabilities and to regard themselves as life-long learners. Intellectual skills and knowledge: (a) Facilitation of competence in engaging critically with contemporary debates, alternative conceptual artefacts, and empirical evidence available to facilitate interpretation of strategic choices (and predicted outcomes) around the HRM paradigm. Such intellectual competence development will be facilitated bearing in mind the dynamic manner in which HRM concepts and practice interact with and evolve under various interpretations of contemporary capitalism. (b) An indepth appreciation of the characteristics of international markets for (core) managers and professionals, and (peripheral) labour populations (transnationally mobile and immobile), and their material and ideological priorities in respect of the employment relationship, taking account of cultural, ethnic and broader socio-economic phenomena. MAIHRM WORKSHOP PROGRAMME MAIHRM-specific workshops, led by senior-level speakers drawn from the international business and professional community, contribute to the programme s coherence and distinctiveness. Enabling students to enjoy direct contact with seasoned practitioners from a range of wellknown organisations, supplementing scheduled lectures and seminars, helps individuals to relate theoretical perspectives to the people management dimension of international organisation in practice. 2.2 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses The Course Specification (see Section 12) details your course curriculum and structure and you should study this closely. Many features are defined by the Postgraduate Regulatory Framework, part of the University s Academic Regulations (see Section 15 of this handbook for details), which sets out general features common to almost all Masters courses.

8 2 (i) Full-time students starting Masters programmes in the Autumn semester are taught over a 48-week year, requiring approximately 40 hours of study per week. For fulltime students starting courses in February the workload is similar but is distributed over a longer study period and normally completed at the end of the following Spring semester. Part-time students undertake the equivalent overall workload over a longer period of study, normally at least two years. (ii) The standard Masters award requires 180 credits at level M: normally 120 credits for the taught elements and 60 credits for the Dissertation or Project. There are some exceptions to the rule, such as specified Masters courses in Human Resource Management, which require 200 credits, and the MBA at 220 credits. (iii) Most postgraduate modules are equivalent to 20 credits. Typically, a full-time student studies modules equivalent to 60 credits per semester (normally 3 modules), with 15 weeks of teaching, revision and assessment activities for each module. (iv) The taught elements of postgraduate courses are mainly compulsory core modules and normally include one concerned with research methodology and project development and practice, in preparation for the dissertation or project. Some courses may include designate modules, which can be chosen from a specified list for the course, or elective modules, which can be chosen from any available at postgraduate level. (v) All taught modules and the dissertation or project module, are marked on a percentage scale, with a pass/fail threshold of 50%. (vi) Based on the final aggregate of average percentage results, Masters awards are graded as: Masters (50-59%), Masters with Merit (60 69%), or Masters with Distinction (70% plus) (vii) While most students will aim to achieve the full Masters qualification, all Masters courses offer the subsidiary awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma (both available with Merit or with Distinction) for students unable to complete their full programme of study. The full list of awards and their requirements is as follows: Award Credits at level M Modules Required Masters 180 credits 6 modules + dissertation Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits 6 modules Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits 3 modules 2.3 Introduction to London Metropolitan Business School Following its launch in August 2007, London Metropolitan Business School (LMBS) is now one of the largest Business Schools in Europe with ambitions and capabilities to match this international profile. With approximately 200 full-time academic staff, over 9,000 students, and over 100 courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the formation of LMBS has enabled us to build on our already well established reputation as one of the largest and most successful providers of business and management education in the country. The School is located across both University campuses and we are the only UK business school located in the city of London. Our vision is to be the leading international business school in our chosen markets, through innovation and the development of global networks. Our mission is to enable individuals and

9 3 organisations to realise their potential through the provision of excellent business and management education. LMBS offers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and executive courses within eight subject groups. These are: Accounting and Business Law Business Analysis, Information Systems, Transport and Logistics Economics Finance and Financial Services Human Resource Management Management, Strategy and Leadership Marketing and Communications Tourism, Sport and Creative Industries We currently offer over 60 postgraduate courses in the above subject areas. In addition to general business and management courses such as the MBA and MA Management, there are more specialist courses in disciplines such as financial derivatives and corporate governance and courses serving specific industry sectors such as events management and transport. We also award Professional Doctorates and PhDs. We regularly review our course portfolio, and new postgraduate courses for 09/10 include Aviation Marketing, Aviation and international Trade, International Business and Sustainability, International Business and Emerging Markets, Economic Development and Financial Risk Management. A number of our courses are run jointly with Business Schools in Europe and North America so that students have the opportunity to study in two countries and obtain dual awards. Currently postgraduate students account for 24% of our student body but our aim over the next five years is to grow this to 30% in line with our aspiration to raise the centre of gravity of the Business School. 2.4 Location and School s Facilities supporting the course LMBS is based on both campuses. At the City campus, the School is located in the Moorgate building. At the North campus, the School is located in Stapleton House. Teaching mainly takes place in these buildings but large classes may be timetabled in other University buildings on the respective campuses. A key feature of the LMBS student experience is the provision of resources to enhance learning. As well as well-stocked libraries and modern ICT labs using cutting-edge technology, our facilities include a Bloomberg Research Trading Room where you can get hands-on experience of a dealing room, and a flight simulator on which aviation students can get experience of landing an aircraft. All courses are supported by a virtual learning environment, Weblearn, and we continue to invest in learning materials and platforms. Currently we are working with our counterparts at the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham to develop electronic learning resources. Accommodation and facilities for students at each site include lecture theatres, classrooms, learning resources, administrative and student support facilities and refreshment and social facilities. At Moorgate and Stapleton House you can also find our Business Relations Offices, which have links with a large number of companies and organisations and can assist students to obtain work placements and internships. Business School students also benefit from the modern facilities in the wider University. These include the Graduate School, designed by the world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind and new sports and fitness facilities located in the state of the art Science Centre.

10 2.5 Learning and Teaching on the Course 4 LMBS endeavours to provide students with an excellent learning experience that is current, academically challenging and vocationally relevant. An emphasis is also placed upon developing students personal transferable skills and attributes in order that they can progress to rewarding careers. We work in partnership with students to develop their knowledge and skill set, provide value-added experiences, and enhance their future employment opportunities. From 09/10, students will be required to prepare, in conjunction with their tutors, and where appropriate their employer, a personal development plan as part of their studies. The most recent subject review of our teaching, student support and course provision by the UK Government s Quality Assurance Agency awarded business and management education top marks and so placed it in the top 5% of UK Business Schools. In addition, the School s commitment to teaching has been recognized nationally through awards gained by its lecturers. The Business School also has strong links with employers and professional bodies. We encourage students to take advantage of opportunities for gaining work experience whilst on their course. To this end our Business Relations Office has extensive links with industry and can assist students in obtaining placements and internships. Recent employers we have worked with include Air France, Arsenal Football Club, Barclays Bank, BBC Worldwide, Chester Boyd, HSBC, Limelight Projects, Orient Express and the Hilton Hotel Group. We can also help students secure work experience abroad. Recent overseas based employers of our students include: Disney Florida and Paris, Rail Europe, DICR Europe Ltd, Eurocity Consultants (Brussels), Dunas Hotel (Grand Canaria), Siemens (Germany), Orient Express Hotels and Trains and Cruises Worldwide. Professional bodies we work with include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, British Academy of Management, Association of Business Schools and Royal Aeronautical Society. Many of our courses lead to membership of these and other professional bodies. The Business School is also a member of, and working towards accreditation by, the international Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Our graduates can be found working in many countries and in all sectors of the economy. Some of the organisations where our students have found employment include: BP, Coutts Bank, Daiwa, Deloitte and Touche, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Forte UK, Marks and Spencer, Rank Xerox, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Virgin. Course leaders and other faculty members can often provide information leading to important contacts with prospective employers. 2.6 Research in the Business School Research is a very important aspect of the Business School s work. It underpins the curriculum, sustains excellence in our teaching, supports consultancy, promotes relations with national and international partners and promotes an academic and intellectual ethos within the School. Research in the Business School is wide ranging in terms of the issues we address. We are, however, developing a distinctive profile and reputation around a number of research themes which characterise our mission, values and subject strengths, including financial services, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, cultural and creative industries, world markets, governance, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, employment and equal opportunities, business analysis, professional and managerial practice and pedagogy. Through multi and interdisciplinary research we can address real-world problems which are rarely amenable to single disciplinary solutions. Our partnerships with corporate, public sector and other educational organisations also provide us with a strong base for carrying out policy and practice-based and transnational research. Research in the Business School is mainly organised around a number of Research Centres. Currently these are:

11 5 Centre for International Capital Markets Management Research Centre Comparative Organisation and Equality Research Centre Centre for International Business and Sustainability Centre for Corporate Responsibility Centre for International Transport Management Centre for Research in Marketing Centre for Business Education Research Centre for Research in Cultural Industries Management (proposed) Centre for Research in African Business (proposed) These Centres undertake pure and applied research and consultancy in their fields. They also organise workshops, seminars and conferences, often with a strong international dimension, produce working papers and reports and publish articles in academic and practitioner journals. Senior staff are also represented on the editorial boards of these publications. The University also has a number of Research Institutes and the Business School has strong links with some of these including: Global Policy Institute Working Lives Institute Cities Institute Our research activity is funded partly by the University itself, and partly externally by bodies such as the European Commission, UK Research Councils, Trusts and Foundations. We also carry out applied research and consultancy for a range of clients in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Some examples of our many recent and current projects and research areas are: Employee reward policy and practice trends internationally Current trends in expatriation practice Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace Visitor research in London s Royal Parks Voice and value debates and knowledge dissemination Nonprofit, social and arts marketing Digital and internet aspects of fundraising Role of tourism in poverty alleviation in Africa and SE Asia Monetary rules for the open economy Central Bank independence and economic performance in industrial and developing countries Learning, jobs, human capital and growth Pricing American-style derivatives Corporate rules, distributive justice and efficiency Corporate Social Responsibility in UK local authorities IT governance and business intelligence Analysis of business success in London s Olympic zone and hinterland Foreign direct investment and political stability Economics of film production and distribution Analysis of problem-based learning in economics teaching General equilibrium model for credit and market risk Japanese management practices Management implication of NHS reforms Trends in HRM in the Nigerian employment system Diversity and equality in the voluntary sector Leadership styles and their impact on corporate social responsibility Communication of new product development in firms Factors influencing the internationalisation of retailing firms Patient satisfaction in public and private health care

12 6 Enterprise education for black minority ethnic young people Visitor management strategies in tourism Online consumer behaviour in the hospitality sector Sustainable tourism indicators for the Caribbean There are often opportunities for students themselves to participate in this research and inspiration for students dissertation topics can often be found by discussing such research projects with tutors. If you would like to know more about the work of the research centres and Institutes in the University, speak to your course leader. The Business School offers postgraduate students many opportunities to extend their academic and professional development beyond the immediate boundaries of their course. In addition to work placements and internships, there are regular conferences, seminars and workshops, presentations and talks by outside speakers, industry and professional body events, student competitions and business challenges, visits and social activities. You are encouraged to engage in these activities which will add value to your course. Details can be obtained from your course leader and from the LMBS web pages. 3.0 BEING A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT Undertaking study at postgraduate level is likely to involve new and different methods of working compared to your previous experience. You will study more specialised subject matter at a more advanced level, relatively quickly and over a shorter period. You will be expected to pursue your studies with a greater degree of independence than at undergraduate level and to set your own learning objectives within the framework of the course. The remainder of this section highlights the general features and expectations associated with postgraduate study. 3.1 Welcome Programme Checklist Following the Welcome Programme and Course Introductory Meeting, you should check that you have received the following: an ID card (including library number and computer network username) an address a course timetable the location of your Postgraduate Office the location of your Department Office the location of you main learning centre and IT facilities the name of your Course Leader If you arrived late you will still need to obtain the items above and there will be a late Welcome session for you. Contact your designated Postgraduate Office to ensure you know what to do and where to go to get started. Classes commence from the Monday immediately following the Welcome Programme. 3.2 Your first semester After your welcome, you will find yourself in the first week of formal teaching, where you will meet the module lecturers, who will often be giving the main lecture for the module, and other teaching staff, who may be taking seminars or workshop groups. Your first semester usually involves mainly compulsory (core) modules covering essential subject contents and skills elements in your area of study. During this first semester you will meet with your Course Leader who will discuss your study programme and advise you on how to plan your studies for the second semester if you did not do this at the start of the course.

13 3.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment 7 Your success depends upon full and regular attendance at all classes, seminars, lectures, workshops, tutorials and the completion of all of your module assessment(s), including your dissertation. Our records show that students who do not attend all their classes are at very high risk of failure. The University s Academic Regulations make it clear that attendance and full academic engagement are requirements of your registration on your course. The content of modules is progressive, so if you miss a session you will need to catch up. However, we do recognise that for some postgraduate students there may be occasions where your absence is unavoidable; in such circumstances, we strongly recommend that you contact your Course Leader or Module Tutor/Lecturer. If you are having ongoing difficulties with attendance or committing fully to your postgraduate studies please contact your Postgraduate Office for advice on what to do. Please note - for international students, the University is required by the UK government to confirm that you are in regular attendance. The University looks carefully at the evidence of your attendance and academic engagement and full-time students who fall below these requirements can find themselves being moved to a part-time programme. This can have serious implications for you and your course. In the case of part-time students, if you fail to meet attendance and academic engagement requirements the University may withdraw you from some of your modules. In some circumstances this can also lead to you being required to leave your course. We recognise that you may need to undertake part-time work, but strongly advise you not to take employment of more than 15 hours a week if you are a full time student (should you need to take employment of more than 15 hours per week we recommend you register as a part-time student). The University s Employment Service, in Student Services, can help you find a suitable part-time job that can enhance your employability and complement your studies. ( 3.4 Studying As a postgraduate student, you will be seeking to develop your learning at more advanced level and your course will provide many opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills. To make the most of these you will need to develop a strategy for your studies, planning ahead, managing your time effectively and reflecting on your learning. Assessment is an important feature of study at postgraduate level. Each module booklet sets out detailed assessment requirements and learning outcomes, providing a focus for your studies. There are various forms of assessment and modules often involve a combination of examination and coursework or presentation. It is important that you understand clearly the expectations and deadlines for each item of assessment. You should be aware that all the various coursework assessments and examinations have to be completed for the achievement of your final award. In addition to attending the timetabled sessions, you will need to study in your own time. You should expect to spend hours per week on each module, making a 40 hour per week commitment for a full-time student. Parttime students need to plan a similar time commitment for each module, but will generally be taking fewer modules at any one time. Independent study is particularly important when planning work for your dissertation or project. This is a substantial piece of work, to be developed and completed over a relatively lengthy period, with much of the writing concentrated in the final stages. Working closely with your assigned supervisor, you will need to plan your work carefully, with initial discussion to define the topic, preparatory research and reading, planning the structure of the research and final report, writing and re-writing particular sections and drafts.

14 8 Please be respectful of the learning environment and remember to switch off your mobile phone before entering all classes and study areas. In summary: plan your learning strategy; allocate enough time; attend all of your module lectures, tutorials and other sessions; start assignments well in advance; seek advice and help; use the learning resources offered; and, enjoy the learning experience! 3.5 Enrolment and Re-enrolment Enrolment is an annual process. The first time you enrol you will need to provide evidence of your identity and the qualifications which formed the basis of your offer from the University. You will also need to pay your tuition fees or demonstrate how these will be paid. The University ID card you received at enrolment contains your library number and computer network username and allows entry to the University s buildings. Provided you fully completed your enrolment your card should work throughout the year. If it stops working then please seek advice from your Postgraduate Office. By signing the enrolment form you confirm that you accept and will follow the University s regulations If you are studying on a part-time basis over more than one academic year or need to return to complete your studies, you will need to re-enrol online usually from around mid-august. Reenrolment is necessary for your ID card to be reactivated for the new academic year. There will be a deadline for this so it is important that you complete this before the start of the next academic year. 3.6 Credit for previous learning If you already hold a qualification (for example from another college) that may exempt you from part of your course, you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL). Similarly, if you have undertaken work, paid or voluntary, that has resulted in learning skills or knowledge equivalent to a module you will be studying you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Collectively these are known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). It is important to be aware that any application for APL credit in respect of postgraduate studies must be based on prior learning or experience at a suitably advanced level. This means that it is not normally possible to accredit prior learning at undergraduate level, even if the content may appear similar. The University operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), where 1 European credit (ECTS) is equivalent to 2 UK credits (CATS). Thus, each taught module of 20 credits is normally equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, and a full Masters of 180 UK credits is equivalent to 90 ECTS. If you wish to claim for APL please contact your Postgraduate Office or refer to the Index (Section 15) of this handbook for further information. 3.7 Module Registration and Programme Approval Your Course Leader should provide the information you will require in order to choose your modules. Core Modules are compulsory for your course, but your course may also offer Designate Modules, which can be chosen from a specified list. Additionally, you may be allowed to take Elective Modules, which can be chosen from any available at postgraduate level. Further information about modules and their timeslots can be found on PostGrad-Line: When you carry out module

15 9 registration you may be able to choose some time slots, subject to capacity of the class, if the module(s) run more than once. You are more likely to get your first choices if you register on time. Programme Planning Deadlines: 2009/10 Module Registration 24 September 2 October October November January February Feb 2010 March/April May 2010 Autumn Semester 2009/10 Starters Module Choice Events during Welcome Programme 1 Spring Semester 2009/10 Starters Deadline for confirmation of Autumn Semester programmes 2. Confirmation of Spring Semester Modules 3 Autumn Semester Dissertation Deadline 4 Module choice exercise for students continuing their studies in 2010/11 Spring Semester Dissertation Deadline 4 Module Choice Events during Welcome Programme Deadline for confirmation of Spring Semester programmes Module choice exercise for students continuing their studies in 2010/11 3 September 2010 Summer Dissertation Deadline Summer Dissertation Deadline 1 Students should ideally plan for the whole 2009/10 programme. 2 Students confirm their programme for the semester and may not vary it after this point 3 Students plan for Spring Semester if they did not do this when enrolling in October. 4 It is unlikely that students will be in a position to take their dissertation at this stage, but it is just possible that they may have sufficient credit at entry to do so. 3.8 Your Timetable The University timetable operates from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, Monday to Friday. You will be given a course timetable at the Course Introductory Session. This gives timeslots and rooms for all modules on your course. Once you have registered your modules you can get a print out of your individual timetable for the current semester at: Your timetable will change each semester, and will be available on the web shortly before the start of each semester. If you do not have a course timetable please contact your Postgraduate Office. 3.9 Publication of Results and Transcripts At the end of each semester Assessment Boards confirm marks and awards. The Postgraduate Offices are responsible for providing these results to you via Evision. (refer 4.4 below) An official transcript will be posted to you at your home address on the completion of your course. There is no charge for this end of course transcript but a fee will be payable for any subsequent transcripts.

16 10 For reason of employment or to provide proof of study at the University during your course, you may need a formal transcript, stamped by the Postgraduate Office. There is a fee for these transcripts, payable at the time of request. Requests should be made to the Postgraduate Office, who aim to produce transcripts within 5 working days of request. 4.0 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE 4.1 Your University IT Account You use the same account to access all University IT systems. Your account name is printed at the top of on the ID card that you receive at enrolment and is 7 characters in length (e.g. ABC1234). Your password will be set initially to be your date of birth (DD/MM/YY) so you should change to something secure when you first log in. 4.2 Communication We do our best to keep you informed of what you need to know at all times. We use the Web to provide much of the information you need so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the University website. At other times we will use to contact you so it is essential that you check your University on a regular basis. 4.3 Your Contact Details The University will contact you by letter, phone, or , perhaps to arrange a meeting, to provide you with information, or to respond to a query. It is therefore essential that you keep your contact details up to date on your student Evision account. Increasingly, we use to communicate and keep you informed. You will also have been allocated a University address, which is your 7 character account name (see 4.1 above) e.g. ABC1234@londonmet.ac.uk. Even if you already have an account that you will continue to use you should regularly check your London Met account or set up an auto forward, as important messages will be sent to you by . You can change the details of the address that the University holds for you though your Evision account (see below) and the University s IT Helpdesks can help you to make the best use of the University s extensive IT facilities. 4.4 Evision Evision is the University s online facility that allows you to access your personal student record, to register your modules online for the next session and where you print your coursework coversheets and other forms that you may need. You also re-enrol via Evision and view information showing your attendance at classes. You can view your: Personal and contact details (can be updated online) Registered modules Enrolment and progression Tuition fee details Record of coursework deadlines and submissions Mitigating Circumstances decisions Module results (available from notified date of publication) Details of final award For more information please check:

17 WebLearn Online module resources WebLearn provides online support for many of your modules, enabling you to communicate with your tutor and other students. Course materials, information, assessments and administration are available on WebLearn as well as study programmes, such as Writing and Communicating at University. WebLearn requires your user name and password and can be accessed at: THE STUDENT VOICE 5.1 StARs Feedback from students is vital to the University to find out how well the teaching, guidance and other services are working. This is obtained in different ways, including via Student Academic Representatives (StARs) who, supported by the Students Union, provide direct feedback from students on the course and raise any issues on their behalf. You will have the opportunity to stand for election as a StAR or to elect a fellow student. 5.2 Course Committees A Course Committee is normally convened each semester to review a set of modules and courses and provide quality assurance. Key staff, including module and course lecturers, attend these meetings and student input is received via the Student Academic Representatives (StARs). 5.3 Students views on modules and courses Students views are obtained by a variety of means such as focus groups and web-based questionnaires. While staff welcome informal feedback from students, Module Lecturers will produce formal monitoring reports which cover areas such as teaching, student feedback and assessment. Reports and action points agreed are available from both module and course reviews. 6.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE 6.1 Postgraduate Office The Postgraduate Office is the key administrative service to support you in your studies throughout your time at the University. You will be assigned to the Postgraduate Office linked to your course, normally in the building where the subject teaching staff are located. It will be here that you go with timetable queries, to plan your modules, to hand in your coursework, to collect letters you may need, and to ask any questions about your studies. You should also contact your Postgraduate Office in relation to the following issues: Queries about your enrolment status, the fees that you have been charged or if you have not received your student loan; Queries about your timetable or the modules that are registered for you; If your ID card is not working; Submit a module query, a claim for mitigating circumstances, an appeal, or get advice about examination arrangements; Advice on claiming credit for previous study or experience; Help you contact your course leader; Obtain standard letters and council tax exemption certificates; Visa extension letters for international students;

18 12 Advice on the consequences of withdrawing. Your Postgraduate Office is responsible for processing your results and ensuring that they are published on time. Each group of courses has a Course Administrator and you will become familiar with them throughout your time at the University. Your Postgraduate Office will also contact you if you are missing classes or not submitting work on time. The offices are normally open throughout the academic year but can also be contacted by phone or see When contacting your Postgraduate Office, please always quote your student number as it enables staff to access your information quickly and so respond to your query. 6.2 The Graduate School The Graduate School provides a focus for postgraduate education and research activity within the University. It works closely with academic departments and Postgraduate Offices; the latter providing information and advice to all students on taught Masters level courses. The Research Office, which is part of the Graduate School, deals with the administration of postgraduate research degrees (MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate, etc), provides advice and support to research degree students, and plays a central role in facilitating the University's Research Policy. It can also assist Masters students who may be planning to go on to study for a research-based MPhil or PhD on completion of their masters programme. The Graduate School s website provides further information about its activities and arrangements to support postgraduate study and research, and includes advice on research ethics and resources to support the development of research skills. You can view this at: Postgraduate Course Leader Course Leaders are the main contacts for personal academic advice, including programme planning and approval, and are also responsible for the day-to-day organisation of their course and liaising with academic and administrative staff. They can be a source of valuable advice for other matters also and should be tour first port of call if problems arise. They are able to: provide you with academic advice on all aspects of your studies and progress explain the implications of assessment results and associated feedback on your academic performance advise you on managing and planning your studies; refer you to Student Services for support regarding personal problems, housing, health and finance Your Course Leader can also write you a reference, for a job application for example. 6.4 Module Lecturers Module lecturers are members of academic staff who lead the modules contributing to your programme of study and are key to your learning experience. They should be your first port of call for advice on any topics you do not understand following a lecture or seminar. All Module lecturers have office hours these are set times during the week when they are available for consultation. For each module there will be a Module Booklet. 6.5 Student Success through Learning Development Some students may need extra help with their studies, sometimes for a particular module, or, more generally, across their programme. This might include help with presentations, essay writing and critical analysis. It is always best to seek help in good time and to take advantage

19 13 of the range of additional classes, courses and resources available. For the full range of study and skills programmes and to find out more about the Learning Development Unit, please visit: Student Services The Department of Student Services offers advice, information, support and guidance across a range of areas including: finances and funding personal and emotional issues career choices services for disabled and dyslexic students employment and CV advice volunteering and mentoring opportunities visa renewals and immigration regulations faith and spirituality student opportunity activities and projects For more information call into one of the main Student Services receptions or visit their website: Please take some time during the first few weeks of your course to look at the website and familiarise yourself with the services offered. 6.8 Disabilities and Dyslexia Service (DDS) The Disabilities and Dyslexia Services (DDS) offers a confidential service to any student with a disability, long term medical problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia). They can also assist in obtaining a diagnosis for students who feel that they may have a Specific Learning Difficulty. This service can be accessed at any time during your course. Once you have registered with the DDS and provided the evidence required to establish your claim for support, the service can assist you in obtaining adjustments to help you successfully complete your course. Such adjustments are based on individual circumstances and relate to the severity of impact of your disability on your ability to study. Depending on the level of need identified, these may include: Practical Assistance: specialist tutors (specific learning difficulties), note-takers, or communication support Specific Adjustments to Study-Related Services: extended library loans (week loans only) or accessibility related rooming adjustments Teaching-Related Adjustments: internal needs assessment report to identify needs to Academic Staff Assessment Specific Adjustments: exam adjustments, coursework certificates or alternative assessment arrangements. Important Note There are some aspects of course assessment that cannot be changed. These are known as competence criteria. To be identified as competence criteria the assessed items must be essential to the course and all students must be able to fulfil these criteria. Although in such situations it may not be possible to alter the format of the assessment, disabled students may still be entitled to adjustments (e.g. extra time or an amanuensis). Placement support If you are required, as part of your course, to go on placement you can receive assistance to ensure that your placement is suitable for you and for any required adjustments to be discussed and organised as appropriate.

20 14 Most disabled students are entitled to government allowances. You are strongly advised to contact the Disabilities and Dyslexia Services who will help you with funding applications. Please refer to the Student Handbook for full information on the types of funding available or the Disabilities and Dyslexia Services website at: Placements/study abroad Not applicable on this course 7.0 DISSERTATION OR PROJECT 7.1 Registration You register for your Masters Dissertation or Project in the same way as for your other modules - see section 3.8 Module Registration and Programme Approval. Once you are registered for your dissertation/project, you are expected to submit it in the period for which you are registered. The University s standard assessment arrangements and mitigating circumstances procedures apply (see below for information on withdrawal and mitigating circumstances). Formal requirements for your dissertation are set out in detail in the Dissertation/Project Module Booklet for your course, and the main aspects are summarised below: 7.2 Supervision Arrangements When you take the Research Methods module you will be asked to write a proposal for your dissertation research. On the basis of the topic that you have chosen and the research methods you would be likely to use, you will be allocated a supervisor from amongst the academic staff (although all staff are familiar with supervising students across a range of topics). Members of academic staff are allocated 7.5 hours of teaching time for dissertation supervision (including reading and commenting on drafts and assessment). That means that you need to use this time wisely. It is your responsibility to make the initial contact with your supervisor and to establish the kind of support you will need. It is good to create a provisional timetable with your supervisor when you first meet so that each of you is clear about the plan you are pursuing. Contact with your supervisor may take place via one-to-one tutorials or by or phone, especially when students are pursuing research outside the UK. 7.3 Topic approval Students must pick a topic for research that is relevant to international human resource management and can demonstrate their increasing knowledge in this area. The topic must include an element of empirical research; desk based, or archival work is not sufficient for this degree. It is your responsibility to ensure that you will have access to the organisations and individuals that you will need to survey to carry out your project although your supervisor may be able to offer advice and to write supporting letters. Your topic needs to be quite tightly focussed as you have a short period of time to carry out your project. You should also consult the University s Code of Good Research Practice which can be accessed on the Graduate School s website at: to see whether these guidelines raise any issues for your own research, and discuss them with your supervisor