Programme Specification BSc (Hons) International Business

Transcription

1 Programme Specification BSc (Hons) International Business Valid from: September 2012 Faculty of Business

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles: Brookes course code: UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: Mode of delivery: Mode/s of study: Language of study: Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: Oxford Brookes University and Burgundy School of Business, Dijon, France (Dual Award) Oxford Brookes University and Burgundy School of Business, Dijon, France BSc (Hons) International Business Degree without Honours Named Diploma in Higher Education Diploma in Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education ID N121 BSc/ID N100 On campus Full time / part time English Subject benchmark statement: General business and management (QAA 2007) The Dijon Bachelors programme is accredited by the French Ministry of Education having met the requisite Ministry standards to be awarded a programme visa. External accreditation/recognition: Faculty managing the programme: Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: Not applicable Faculty of Business April

3 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Distinctiveness of the programme This programme is distinctive in the following ways: The degree has a shared common first year with three other programmes: Business, Business and Management and International Business Management. It, therefore allows programme choice to be reviewed in an informed manner. The degree provides flexibility to both changes between degrees programmes after the first year and secondly to build a degree by the selection of electives and alternative compulsory modules into a specifically tailored degree indicating a specialism and career aspiration. The programme enables the student to study abroad for one or two years in Dijon France with our partner, Burgundy School of Business in a programme that achieves close and multi-point integration of curriculum design, delivery and research. Students receive two degrees one from each institution. The programme gives the student an opportunity to study one of a range of languages in each year. The opportunity to undertake a work placement in Dijon or anywhere in the world 2.2 Aim/s of the programme The aim of the course is to enable graduates to develop a systematic understanding of international business practices and the conceptual underpinning of business to support informed decision making. Students will be able to use an analytical and critical approach to knowledge incorporating multiple perspectives, cultural influences and the uncertainty and complexity of the global business context. This will be achieved by the use of an analytical and evidence-based approach to key aspects of business in today s complex international context. Through active learning and enquiry, students will exercise initiative and personal responsibility in order to develop the ability to learn independently, to engage in critical enquiry and achieve personal and professional development. Students will be able to work cooperatively and participate extensively with another culture whilst also cooperating in diverse and multicultural teams demonstrating in which they will need to exercise personal initiative. They will be able to recognise the importance and variety of interpretation in relation to values, ethics and social responsibility in many aspects of business and professional life. SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge, understanding and skills: 3.1 Academic literacy 1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the complex and uncertain nature of the global environment and its effects upon the strategic management and direction of business, including economic, financial, ethical, legal, political, social, technological, competitive and market considerations [also Global Citizenship] 3

4 2. Explore and critically evaluate business concepts and frameworks through analysis of complex, multifaceted business problems from a range of organisational, industrial and international contexts [also Global Citizenship] 3. Understand the contribution of key functions and transformational processes and practices which contribute to the effective performance of business 4. Demonstrate strategic awareness, and analyse and evaluate options open to organisations involved in the process of formulating business policies and strategies in the current global context 5. Devise, substantiate and sustain arguments that contribute to decision making in diverse, dynamic and uncertain contexts [also Global Citizenship] 6. Present and evaluate arguments in a form appropriate to the audience. [also Digital and Information Literacy] 3.2 Research literacy 7. Demonstrate awareness of business research methodology and techniques, their role in business decision making and the development of ideas at the forefront of the discipline 8. Select and apply qualitative and quantitative business specific tools of research, analysis, decision making and evaluation to a wide range of international scenarios and problems 3.3 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy 9. Reflect on experiences leading to personal and professional development 10. Develop the capacity for autonomous and reflective self-directed learning 11. Work productively as part of a group 12. Recognise the importance of values, ethics and social responsibility in all aspects of business and personal life [also in Global Citizenship] 3.4 Digital and information literacy 13. Manipulate financial, numerical and statistical data. 14. Use effectively information technology and demonstrate digital literacies appropriate to the business profession 15. Deploy basic techniques for the effective financial management of business 3.5 Global citizenship 16. Demonstrate an ability to make business decisions that take into consideration international complexity, multiple perspectives and cultural dimensions 17. Use and practise business communication techniques including digital and on-line methods 4

5 18. Appreciate the existence of cultural differences and their impact on professional life 19. Work co-operatively and participate in multicultural and diverse teams, demonstrating personal initiative [also Critical Self-awareness and Personal Literacy] SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: There are two student streams for the BSc programme, one starting in Burgundy and the other starting in Oxford. After the first year, students will share a common academic and student experience, with year 2 in Dijon and their final year at Brookes. Please see details of the programme as set out below (15 CATS credits equals 7.5 ECTS credits or 2 CATS for every ECTS credit) First year (level 4) OBU students will study the following programme during their first year: Module CATS U50001 Analytical Techniques for Business and Management 15 U51015 International Business Context 30 U58002 Introduction to Management 30 U51002 Foundations of Business, if Business A Level not passed 15 Elective module credits 15 TOTAL CATS CREDITS 120 TOTAL ECTS CREDIT 60 Level 4 recommended (elective) modules U51014 The Evolution of Global Business 15 U52007 Interpreting Economic and Financial Data 15 U55002 Foundations of Marketing 15 U58005 Creating Entrepreneurial Organisations 15 U61500 French 1A 15 BSB students will study the following programme during their first year: Module ECTS Microeconomics 2 Macroeconomics 2 Organisation of the firm 2 Consumer behaviour 2 Distribution systems 2 Marketing Methods 4 Methodology for analysis 2 Information Analysis 2 General Accounting 1 1 5

6 Introduction to law 1 General Accounting 2 1 Contracts law 1 Quantitative methods 1 Professional information systems 1 Quantitative methods 2 1 Professional information systems 2 1 Social and behavioural science 1 writing 1 Social and behavioural science 2 speaking 2 Business project coaching 3 English 3 German, Spanish or Italian 3 English 3 German, Spanish or Italian 3 Intensive foreign language 6 Culture and civilisation 2 Geopolitics 2 Thematic analysis 2 Internship 4 TOTAL ECTS CREDITS 60 TOTAL CATS CREDITS 120 Second year (level 5) The second year of the programme will be studied by both BSB and OBU students together at BSB. Module ECTS Distribution Strategy 2 Industrial Economics 2 Marketing Strategy 4 Market Research 4 Sales Methods 1 Marketing Communication 2 Costs Analysis 1 Mathematics for Finance 1 Control management 1 Financial diagnosis 1 Taxation 1 Social and Behavioural Science (teamwork) 1 Quantitative Methods 3 1 Professional Information Systems 3 1 Advanced Web Research 1 Project Management 1 Professional Development - search for internship 0 Business Project (coaching) 4 English (for ESC Dijon students only) 6 French beginners, intermediate, advanced (for OBU students only) 12 ECTS German or Spanish or Italian (compulsory for ESC Dijon) 6 German or Spanish or Italian (Optional for OBU students) 0 International Management 3 Business and Economics 3 Cross Cultural Management 2 International Institutions and Distribution Systems 2 6

7 International Business and Marketing 3 Internship (compulsory for ESC Dijon students, optional for OBU students) or Independent Study (alternative for OBU students only) 6 TOTAL ECTS CREDITS 60 TOTAL CATS CREDITS Optional placement year In order to undertake the work placement module U58065, students must have completed the year 2 BSB module, Professional Development search for internship. Students will be made exempt from U58030 Skills for Placement Search (non-credit), which is the prerequisite for U58065 Placement. 4. Final year (level 6) The final year of the programme will be studied by both BSB and OBU students together at Oxford Brookes. Module CATS U51072 International Business Case Studies 30 U51071 Strategic Decision Making 30 Plus at least 30 credits from: U50072 The Developing Business 15 U51091 Consultancy Project 30 U51099 Dissertation in Business 30 U52080 Contemporary Issues in Finance 15 U55072 International Marketing 15 U58072 Developing Self, Developing Others 15 U58074 Entrepreneurial Business Management 30 U58077 Leading and Managing Change 15 U58078 Perspectives on International Management 15 Remaining credits will be made up from: U51050 Managing Knowledge for Competitive Advantage 15 U51056 Environmentally Sustainable Business 15 U51057 The Business of Sport and Entertainment 15 U51068 Independent Study 15 U52025 Financial Markets and Institutions 15 U52030 Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance 15 U52041 Regional Studies: Asia, Africa or Europe 15 U58020 Creativity and Innovation 15 U58022 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship 15 U58023 Ethics in Business 15 U58027 Managing Non-Profit Organisations 15 TOTAL CATS CREDITS 120 TOTAL ECTS CREDITS Professional requirements Not applicable. 7

8 SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment The programme s enquiry-based learning approach emphasises learning that takes place through exploring business issues and problems that are set in realistic contexts which allows theory to be explored through interesting and challenging situations thus marrying critical enquiry with practical insights. Students are at the centre of the learning process, making their own connections between ideas. Deep learning is encouraged with enquiries involving the integration of knowledge from multiple subject areas. Such enquiry-based learning underpins autonomous learning and critical enquiry including a research-based orientation. The programme favours active learning approaches such as seminar and workshop activities, discussions and problem solving activities rather than an approach focused on lectures and note-taking. The programme emphasises facilitative teaching methods through which students are expected to construct their own knowledge and understandings by engaging in supported processes of enquiry, often carried out in small groups so giving opportunity for frequent and informal feedback. It also encourages student participative approach to learning including collaborative learning and peer review. The programme s overarching aim regarding assessment is to use assessment to both measure student achievement and to promote student learning and engagement. Within this, the programme seeks to implement a programme focused assessment strategy to achieve four main objectives: Firstly, the reduction of assessment pressure points and consequent stress on both staff and students. Secondly, to enhance student engagement and ability to make informed judgements on their own work Thirdly, to enhance student progression and achievement of programme learning outcomes through the provision of effective feedback and feedforward. Finally, through diligent adherence to Faculty and University quality assurance policies and procedures and critical self-evaluation of the Programme s learning, teaching and assessment processes to ensure (within pragmatic limits) the assessment of student learning is both valid and reliable and does not unfairly disadvantage any student. These objectives are met through: An assessment schedule developed and agreed by the programme showing assessment load, type and balance across compulsory modules, as defined by the Assessment Compact (2009 onwards).. The identification and mapping of the key learning outcomes, graduate attributes and transferable skills within the programme structure. An enquiry-based pedagogy including early diagnostic assessment in level 4 to enhance student engagement embed good study habits and inform teaching practice. Enhanced formative assessment to allow for practice and rehearsal of literacies and skills as well as unfamiliar assessment methods. Feedback strategies that promote the active engagement of students with their feedback and where feed-forward opportunities are explicitly articulated. The programme acknowledges the importance of student engagement and involvement both within and outside the formal classroom. The methods with which such engagements are developed include: student-centred, active learning pedagogies (e.g. enquiry based learning, collaborative activity, peer 8

9 review); assessment and feedback processes; the development of a more personal and relational learning environment; and enhanced opportunities for student and staff interaction. Contact hours comprise a mix of lectures (including guest speakers as well as more theory-based material), seminars, workshops and tutorials. The students approach to enquiry is supported and structured through, for example, in-class exercises, debates, discussions and case study analysis, during their contact hours. In general, a single module (15 credits) will comprise 150 hours of study including 24 hours contact time (lectures, seminars/workshops) and 126 hours of guided learning (reading, coursework preparation, revision etc). Academic literacy To underpin their future careers in business and management, students will need skills of critical thinking informed by relevant theoretical perspectives to make effective decisions in the context of the uncertain and rapidly changing business environment. Consequently, an enquiry-based learning approach underpins the development of the intellectual skill of critical enquiry and encourages active engagement with the discipline. This is especially emphasised in Level 4 in U58002 Introduction to Management, U51015 International Business Context and U50001 Analytical Techniques for Business and Management. In level 5 an increased emphasis is placed on acquiring a systematic understanding of business knowledge and honing slowly learnt academic literacies including information, numeric, pedagogic and digital literacies. These are covered in detail during the year at Burgundy School of Business with modules such as Market Research, Cost Analysis, Financial Diagnosis, Quantitative Methods, Business Project and an Internship. At level 6 the compulsory U51071 Strategic Decision- Making and other honours level modules will further develop students autonomous learning skills and skills of synthesis. Research literacy At level 4 students begin to identify and use appropriate business and management information sources and develop an understanding of basic academic conventions, including referencing and academic (mis)conduct. At level 5 there is increased emphasis on more advanced information literacy and research skills to develop an independent learning approach. At Level 6, students develop skills in the application of research tools, analysis, argument, debate, evaluation and decision-making to a wide range of contemporary strategic business scenarios. Critical self-awareness and personal literacy Students are introduced to Personal Development Planning (PDP) in Level 4, including reflective practice and self-evaluation, and receive formative feedback from tutors. In U58002 Introduction to Management (double) students develop an e-portfolio to explore their reflections on the development of their management skills. Development of students self-awareness and skills in reflection culminate in an assessed reflective statement in the level 6 compulsory U51072 International Business Case Studies. Digital and Information literacy E-learning is used as a tool to support learning in a variety of ways. A blended learning approach on level 4 and Level 6 compulsory modules is supported by use of Brookes Virtual/Moodle for virtual lectures, plus online resources and activities. The development of students digital literacies, including skills in online communication and collaboration, begins at level 4 in U58002 Introduction to Management (double), continues at Level 5 in the Project Management and Business Project modules studied at Burgundy School of Business, and culminates in Level 6 in U51071 Strategic Decision Making (double). In terms of information literacy, the focus is on developing students skills in selecting relevant information and data and, at levels 5 and 6, synthesising and integrating that information for decision making. Global citizenship 9

10 The programme s aim is that students develop a deep understanding of the complexities of the global business environment and the skills to manage that complexity, including consideration of the intercultural issues relating to management. This begins in Level 4 with analysis of intercultural communication, deepened in Level 5 in modules International Management, Cross Cultural Management, International Institutions and Distribution Systems and International Business and Marketing, compulsory French language study plus optional German, Spanish or Italian, and by the experience of living and studying overseas. At level 6 students evaluate international issues through assessed case study analysis in U51072 International Business Case Studies, and consideration of the global perspective is embedded across the range of compulsory and alternative compulsory modules. 5.2 Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B11 Undergraduate Modular Programme Regulations [ The Programme also embeds the principles and practices within the Brookes Assessment Compact. Assessments are carefully designed to contribute to formative developmental feedback and can incorporate peer feedback as well. All module guides include specific assessment criteria which are clearly communicated and an assessment calendar is also produced. SECTION 6: ADMISSIONS 6.1 Entry criteria Typical offers A-level: BBB or equivalent IB Diploma: 31 points Advanced Diploma: grade B, including A-level at grade B BTEC National Diploma: DDM AS-levels will be recognised in place of a maximum of one A-level (may include a 12-unit vocational A-level) Key skills are not required but would be a positive feature of an application, as would freestanding AS-levels such a Critical Thinking. Specific entry requirements GCSE: Mathematics (grade B preferred) and English Please also see the university's general entry requirements. Please also see the university's general entry requirements. English language requirements Please see the university's standard English language requirements. 10

11 To year 1 at BSB A competitive exam is open to French and foreign candidates, male and female, aged less than 26 years on the 30th of September when they would begin school, to high school students in their last year (admission depends on the award of a High School diploma), and to Bachelors or holders of a French or foreign diploma which may be taken as equivalent. This is a requirement of the French Ministry of Education but would not apply to students commencing the programme in Oxford at OBU 6.2 CRB checks Not applicable. SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Induction An induction programme is provided before teaching begins in the first semester, providing the opportunity to meet fellow students outside the classroom situation. It also introduces the philosophy of the programme, the rationale for its design and delivery, and provides insight into what is expected of students. People A number of people are available to support, guide and assist personal development during the programme. The Programme Lead and Programme Administrator work as a team to ensure the programme runs smoothly. The Module Leaders and Module Tutors provide academic tutoring and answer subject specific queries during modules. Each student is allocated an Academic Advisor from within the Department and is invited to regular and structured meetings throughout the programme to review progress and get help with academic development. The Student Support Coordinators can provide one-to-one support, advice and guidance on a range of issues, such as personal and family problems, disability or sickness, learning difficulties and money worries. They offer the opportunity to talk to someone who is not connected to academic studies and can refer students to other services available within the University, which include: Counselling, Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, Medical Centre, International Students Advisory Service, plus specific support for mature students. Study skills support is provided by the University s Upgrade service, which provides bookable tutorials and a drop-in service on all campuses plus an online directory of study skills resources. English language support is also available. Programme and Module Guides Handbooks are provided for both the programme and for each module. The Module Guide provides: Contact details of the Module Leader and Tutors Specific content and learning outcomes Week by week topics and activities Details of required class preparation Recommended and required reading Coursework assessment including the task, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and deadlines. Work-placement and Careers Centre support The Work and Voluntary Experience Service (WAVES) supports sandwich-mode students in applying for and securing a work-placement. During the placement year itself students are supported by an assigned placement tutor who remains in regular contact with the student and their line manager and conducts at 11

12 least one meeting at the student s place of work, WAVES also supports students in identifying volunteering or internship opportunities. The University Careers Service offers guidance on career planning as well as practical advice on CV writing, mock interviews and assessment centres, tutorials and careers counselling. Its online vacancies database Talent Bank details internship and graduate job opportunities plus volunteering and project work. SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY Having developed knowledge of studying and working in different countries and cultures during their degree programme, graduates will be well placed to secure positions locally, nationally and internationally. SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS The course aims to provide opportunities for students to work with business professionals, for example using guest speakers and live case studies from the business community to emphasise the currency of the programme and its alignment with real world business practice and engage students through relevance and authenticity. This will form a significant element of the programme at both OBU and BSB with options to make the link between international business theory and practice via short internships and a year long placement. The compulsory U51072 International Business Case Studies in Level 6 will particularly engage business practitioners in its delivery. All students have the option of undertaking a placement year in year 3 of the course. The Business Faculty WAVES team manage relationships with over 1000 employers, the overwhelming majority of whom remain enthusiastic about employing our students year after year. We enjoy a high success rate in placing students with employers, due in large part to the skills development embedded within years 1 and 2 of the programme. The placement year is a building block of the sandwich mode programme and reflective practice is developed and extended in the reflective elements of some final year Level 6 modules such as U51072 International Business Case Studies. Recent placement employers have included Aston Martin Racing, Disney, Harley Davidson, IBM, NHS Trust, Prospect Soft and Samsung. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT Indicators of quality/methods for evaluating the quality of provision The reputation of the Faculty of Business is underpinned through programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs; professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the European Foundation for Management Development. The Business School is widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group. The Faculty of Business's programmes benefit from rigorous quality assurance procedures and regularly receive excellent feedback from external examiners, employers, students and professional bodies. Quality assurance of the Programme is addressed in a number of ways:- 12

13 Subject Committee meetings held once a semester to enable staff and students to feedback on the programme A rigorous annual and periodic review process to ensure the currency of the programme An external examining process that follows the university guidelines - Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation 13