Business Continuity Management The Business Continuity Institute Diploma (DBCI)

Transcription

1 Business Continuity Management The Business Continuity Institute Diploma (DBCI) Frequently Asked Questions Q. What does the course involve? This is a 30-week long, distance-learning programme, which consists of three modules, each of which is of 10 weeks duration. Programme materials will be distributed on the University s Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. The course is broken down as follows: Module One covers the study of Business Continuity Management, its context and history. It allows students to analyse and develop a thorough understanding of current practice concerning BCM and is closely linked to documents such as the BCI Good Practice Guidelines. Study resources are available to students for the duration of the module and there is a workbook based activity programme for them to follow. Students have a total duration of 8 weeks to complete all work related activities and a further 2 weeks to complete the written assignment. It is expected that students take responsibility for uploading their work related activities in a timely manner throughout the 8-week period as completion of the activities contributes to the module mark. Module Two takes students into a more detailed academic study and analysis of the BCM and resilience issues which face organizations now and in the future. In this phase of the course students will be encouraged to develop their own arguments and theories concerning course subject matter and to debate and discuss with fellow students and their tutors. There will be a series of formative assessment tasks which will be required to be submitted to the tutor for further feedback and discussion. This will allow students to develop their concepts and ideas beyond the straightforward adherence to guidelines and standards. In Module Three, students will be given the opportunity to develop, with their tutor, their assessed assignment which will lead to the award of the BCI Diploma. Each student will be required to propose, research and produce a report on a BCM or related topic of 5000 words length. This Module will involve interaction between students and tutors to formulate and develop the report which should reflect the students development throughout the programme and their understanding of the course subject matter and related theories. Students will need to study an average of 3-4 hours per week in the early stages and this may increase as the course progresses. Guidance and advice will be available from tutors via , telephone, VoIP (Skype) to ensure timely and effective support for your studies.

2 Q: What award will I receive? A: On successful completion of the Course, students will receive a printed Diploma from the BCI and Buckinghamshire New University. There will also be a transcript which details the marks awarded and the amount of academic credits earned. Completion of the course will earn 90 UK Higher Education Academic Credits and, from the BCI, the designation DBCI Diploma of the Business Continuity Institute. Academic credits can be used to access and contribute to other Higher Education or degree programmes at the discretion of the institutions running those programmes. Subject to additional requirements; students will also be eligible to apply for the Buckinghamshire New University MSc in Business Continuity, Security and Emergency Management. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Q: Will I then become a full Member of the BCI? A: The Institute will award the student s who successfully gain the BCI Diploma the qualification DBCI. Holders of the DBCI, who can also demonstrate 3 or more years experience as a BCM practitioner, may then apply to become a Member of the Business Continuity Institute (MBCI). DBCI holders with less than 3 years experience may apply to become Associate Member of the Business Continuity Institute (AMBCI) upgrading to MBCI once they have sufficient experience. Q: Who teaches the Diploma? A: The programme is taught by the University s academic team who have strong industry and academic experience in BCM and associated resilience disciplines. The tutors consult closely with industry and sector practitioners through the BCI, and as such the whole programme was developed jointly by the BCI and the University. Q: What will my computer requirements be? A: Minimum requirements for PC users: 1 GHz or equivalent computer with a minimum of 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended), a colour monitor, broadband connection recommended), sound card and headphones or speakers; Operating System: Windows XP, Windows 7; RAM: 512 MB (1GB recommended); Free Disk Space: 250 MB (1 GB recommended for most programs); CPU Speed: 1.66 MHz; Audio: Sound card and speakers; Browser: Internet Explorer 8*, Firefox 8 Minimum requirements for Mac users: Operating System: Macintosh OS/X v 10.x; RAM: 512 MB (1 GB recommended); Free Disk Space: 250 MB (1GB recommended for most programs); CPU Speed: Power Macintosh or higher; broadband recommended); Audio: Sound card and speakers; Browser: Firefox 8 *Please note: if you have an older version of Internet Explorer, the University s Virtual Learning Environment Blackboard, will not display correctly and could hinder your progress with this course.

3 Q: How do I access the University Blackboard Portal? A: New students will be provided with a login user name and password to access Blackboard. This will usually become available no more than 3 working days prior to the start date of the course. Q: Do I need to purchase books for my studies? A: The material provided covers the course content very well and there is no need to purchase additional books unless you wish to purchase something specific. Q: Do I have regular contact with the module tutor? A: If you have a problem, issue or wish to discuss an area of your work you are more than welcome to your tutor directly. Replies are usually returned the same day or within a 24hour period. Q: Course support A: Students have access to the tutors on an ongoing basis. Should it be necessary to speak regarding a matter this is usually achieved via Skype or Telephone. Make sure you add your tutors details to your contact list and send a request with; Name Student ID Course details Q: What information should I include in any correspondence with the course tutor(s) or administration team? A: All correspondence should include Name Student ID Course details An outline of the issue Q: Do I have to attend a tutorial/workshops at the University? A: If you have enrolled for a Distance Learning course it is highly unlikely that you will be required to attend a class or workshop. Should it be deemed necessary to attend a tutorial or workshop, students will be notified in advance.

4 Q: Do I need to complete all the course activities? A: All activities must be completed. Separate submission points have been set up for each week. However, to allow students to balance their study time with work commitments each submission point is open for a period of eight weeks. Students can upload the weekly activities at any point during this period, but ALL activities must be uploaded to the correct submission point. Q: When I have completed an activity what to I do with the evidence? A: Always keep a copy of your work and follow the guidance for submission on Blackboard or on the assignment brief. Q: When do I have to complete the Module assignment? A: Each Assignment Brief will include a 'Submission Date' and students are required to submit their work by 1400hrs GMTon that day. Q: Where do I submit the Module activities? A: Open the Module folder and scroll down until you see the submission logo. Click the link and follow the online instructions. Remember you may have more than one piece of work to submit so locate the correct submission point. For each one Q: What format do I use to submit my work? You work can be uploaded as a Word or PDF document. If you are required to submit in other formats your tutor will advise in advance. Q: What do I do if an assignment cannot be submitted on time? A: we understand that on occasions it may be difficult to submit an assignment on time therefore it is the students' responsibility to inform the module tutor of any delay. Please note, extensions should be viewed as the exception and will only be agreed in certain circumstances.

5 Q: When should I request for an assignment extension? A: Requests should be made as soon as possible. If the request is made post the submission date it is likely to affect your final mark. Q: Is the Assignment marked and does it contribute to the final grade? A: Each module is marked as a stand-alone module but students must pass all the modules to achieve the relevant course award. Q: When will I receive my assignment feedback and mark? A: We endeavor to provide marks within a three week period following submission of the assignment, however there are occasions when this may not be possible, but we will keep you informed. All marks are subject to moderation and may increase or decrease. Q: Confidentiality and course work. A: We respect confidentiality at all times and discussions between the student and tutor are treated sensitively. However, there will be occasions when it may be necessary to involve another member of the academic team, however, students will be informed of this should it be necessary. Q: What happens if I am unable to access the Blackboard portal? A: Students are expected to inform their respective module tutor of the situation and contact [email protected] for further assistance. Please include the following - Name Student ID Course details DOB A clear outline of the problem Please note* Module tutors and the administration team are unable to help with IT issues.

6 About Buckinghamshire New University Buckinghamshire New University has been open for business since 1893 and is renowned worldwide for its flexible programmes for the continuity, security and safety management industries as well as its dynamic partnerships and cutting-edge research. The University is home to The International Centre for Crowd Management and Security Studies, a partnership between the crowd management and security industries and the University. Founded in 2000, the Centre delivers a range of innovative courses, groundbreaking projects and research, as well as supporting work-based activity and education. The University believes in lifelong learning to suit students needs and aspirations starting with short courses, moving through Foundation and Honours to Masters degrees. We believe that our graduates should be employable as well as educated and we utilise our experience of research and links with industry to develop new courses and modules which reflect the very latest thinking and practice. Our new, exciting portfolio of courses, developed with industry and other external expertise, will place students at the cutting edge of industry knowledge and professionalism, developed to provide what industry and businesses need, rather than what we would like them to have. Our unique approach to work-based and distance-learning programmes provide student s the opportunity to learn remotely, supported by various methods of contact with our tutors who provide a unique combination of academic and sector experience in their specialist and generalist areas and understand fully the needs and requirements of students and their sponsors. To learn more about the University, please visit the website