[BA (Hons) Business Administration (Informatics)]

Transcription

1 [BA (Hons) Business Administration (Informatics)] Programme Specification Primary Purpose: Course management, monitoring and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose: Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer: The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.

2 Contents Programme Specification 1. Named Awards Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) Awarding Body Teaching Institution Accrediting Body QAA Benchmark Groups Document Control Information Effective Session Author Faculty Department Educational Aims Reference Points Learning Outcomes... 2 A. Knowledge and Understanding of:...2 B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:...3 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:...3 D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements Employability Statement Support for Student Learning Admissions Criteria... 5 A. Academic Admissions Criteria...5 B. Disability Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching... 5 A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation...5 B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation...6 C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback...6 D. Staff Development Priorities Assessment Strategy Assessment Regulations Role of Externals Indicators of Standards and Quality... 7 A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition...7 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)...7 C. Quality Assurance Agency...7 D. Others Other Sources of Information... 8

3 Programme Specification 1. Named Awards BA (Hons) Business Administration 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) RO 284 (Singapore) 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution Informatics Education Ltd (Singapore and Hong Kong) 5. Accrediting Body None 6. QAA Benchmark Groups General Business and Management 7. Document Control Information Version 3 June Effective Session Author Fiona Goss 10. Faculty Portsmouth Business School 11. Department PBS 12. Educational Aims To provide a challenging and stimulating study environment To provide students with the opportunity to develop key skills To equip graduates with the necessary transferable skills for lifelong learning and flexibility in the context ofchanging labour markets To provide students with the skills and knowledge required to maximise career and postgraduate study opportunities To provide an integrated education in Business and Management that will meet current organisational needs. To provide a framework for understanding organisations and interpreting their diverse relationships in a dynamic and international environment Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 1

4 To view change and enterprise as constants in business and society and as such their positive handling as an integral part of business learning To encourage ongoing critical, evaluative and strategic ways of thinking in all areas and recognise the importance of the industry-education relationship and to offer opportunities for learning in other environments To provide links and or a platform for the eventual professional development of a career in business and management To integrate research undertaken by academic staff into teaching 13. Reference Points University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document 2012 Subject Benchmark Statements (SBS) for General Business & Management (2007) The scholarship and research expertise of academic members of staff QAA Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education QAA Code of Practice on Collaborative Programmes Framework for Higher Education Qualifications National Qualifications Framework 14. Learning Outcomes Generic Learning Outcomes of the Programme Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to: Understand the key aspects of the subject areas Apply appropriate techniques of analysis to the subject areas Research topics and to devise and sustain arguments in the subject areas Discuss current research and scholarship related to subject areas Discuss current limits of knowledge in subject specific areas Take responsibility for their own learning Carry out an extended piece of independent enquiry Communicate information in a manner appropriate to subject and the intended audience. Show initiative and be able to make and justify decisions. Subject Specific Outcome The General Business and Management Statement applies to general Business and Management Honours degree programmes. Outcomes which cross reference directly to the General Business and Management Benchmark Statement are shown with a #.Outcomes which cross reference directly to the Portsmouth Marketing Benchmarks are shown with a *. A. Knowledge and Understanding of: A1# Fundamentals/Principles of a range of business functions A2# Interrelationships between organisations,the business environment and society A3# Processes relating to people and their management in organisations A4# Complexity of organisational governance A5# Interaction [synthesis] of management theory and business practice A6# Nature of innovation and entrepreneurship A7# Significance of key contemporary issues for business such as globalisation and CIT A8# Complexity of values and norms adopted in business A9* Comparative and cross-cultural dimensions of marketing. A10* Marketing Planning: transactional and relational approaches. A11* Research techniques for marketing decisions Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 2

5 Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Teaching and learning is developed through a range of methods. Lectures provide theoretical / conceptual foundations (L0 A1, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9 and A10). Seminars, workshops and surgery sessions build on and develop further knowledge and understanding. (LO A2, A3, A5, A7, A9, A10 and A11). Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills occur in the range of assessment methods employed i.e. examinations; coursework; continuous assessment. (Programme Learning Outcome, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10 and A11). B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: B1# Ability to identify, define and explore business problems [using logical and creative approaches] B2# Ability to identify tacit assumptions and limitations of data and information B3# Ability to discriminate between business and / managerial alternatives and evaluate them B4# Ability to analyse and interpret a range of business documentation B5# Ability to argue cogently in oral and written form B6# Ability to think creatively in dynamic, unpredictable business situations B7# Ability to apply mathematical and statistical analysis to business tasks B8# Ability to reflect on own learning, and apply skills to actively manage studies Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Cognitive skills are developed through lectures supported by other class-based sessions and independent learning (see department policy document on Student Private Study Guidance). Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills occurs in the range of assessment methods employed i.e. examination and / or continuous assessment, coursework and / or group work. C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: C1 Use of techniques for planning and scheduling work/projects C2 Deciding on the feasibility of plans given time and resources available C3 Liaising and negotiating with clients C4# Self-management to meet deadlines in business C5# Interpersonal skills to relate to, and collaborate effectively with colleagues C6# Cultural sensitivity C7# Information search and data retrieval using traditional and electronic sources C8# Use of IT skills including spreadsheets for data analysis C9 Ability to use CIT to process and progress business tasks C10 Update professional knowledge using business resources on the internet C11 Networking skills C12# Use a range of presentation forms professionally Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods C1, C2, C4, C5, C10 and C12 are developed through self-management and individual and groupbased seminar and workshop activities. These skills, together with C3, C6, C7, C8, C9 and C11 are required in units focussing on the particular skill or skills referred to. Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 3

6 Assessment C1, C3, C6, C7, C8, C9 and C11 are assessed through relevant unit assessment artefacts. These plus C2, C4, C5, C10 and C12 form part of self-managed learning and are key to performance in a range of assessments. D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: D1# Communication (persuasion, influencing, project management) D2# Information Technology D3# Problem Solving D4# Application of Number D5 Improving own Learning and Performance D6# Working with Others (in a team environment) Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Transferable key skill opportunities are developed across the programme (see the key skills unit mapping grid for details). Assessment D6 is assessed through group project activities. D1 and D3 are assessed in specific assessment artefacts. D2 is assessed in units specialising in IT and D4 in quantitatively based units. D5 forms part of independent learning developed through the course by learning logs, portfolios and the final year dissertation. 15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements 1. The equivalent of 360 credits is required in order to be awarded the Honours degree. Standard University rules apply. The Regulations must be consulted for a full description of exit awards. 2. One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of learning.this programme comprises 120 credits. 3. Units are offered as 20 credit core units.the programme includes a 20 credit dissertation unit. 4. The Business Administration Pathway (Informatics) is offered in one year, full or part-time mode. It is offered as a final year honours degree top-up for students who complete the Informatics (Thames) International Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, or equivalent qualification. Candidates may be required to take bridging modules. 16. Employability Statement The Business Administration degree is by nature a vocationally oriented programme which provides a range of opportunities to learn about, and from, a range of practitioners in the teaching teams and throughout the delivered curriculum. Similarly, in Level 6, vocationally important skills of opportunity analysis, pitching to customers/employers/agencies, decision-making involving financial criteria and others, will also be tested in the unit Business Enterprise. International and global market awareness are specifically reviewed in the units, Cross cultural awarenessfor business and Global marketing. Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 4

7 17. Support for Student Learning Collaborative programmes are managed on a day-to-day basis by the University Academic Contact. The University Academic Contact is the liaison person, as appropriate, with the Home Course Leader and Unit Co-ordinators. The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections. The following support is available at Informatics centres in Singapore: The course is managed by an academic staff member at each of the partner institution centres A designated member of staff acts as dissertation co-ordinator in each centre. Each student attends an induction/orientation programme in which they are introduced to the teaching centre and receive course information All students receive a Student Handbook that provides information regarding course structure and assessment regulations Appropriate library facilities. Transferable Graduate Skill opportunities are incorporated into all units. Written feedback is provided for all assessments. Study skills are promoted in the induction/orientation programme and are embedded throughout the curriculum Students may contact the University via the University Contact for further advice as appropriate 18. Admissions Criteria A. Academic Admissions Criteria The standard entry qualification is the Informatics (Thames) International Advanced Diploma in BusinessAdministration (pass) or an equivalent qualification. Candidates may be required to undertake bridging modules. All students will be expected to be proficient in the English language to the following levels: TEFL 550 or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. The minimum age for entry to the programme is normally 20 years. B. Disability The University and Informatics Education Ltd. makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study on a course of their choice. 19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation The University Academic Contact currently completes an annual report (ASQER) for the home Boardof Studies, and will continue to provide review and evaluation of data as required by the University Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance Annual Report by the Partner Academic Contact Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 5

8 Associate Dean (Academic) annual reporting to Quality Assurance Committee Student feedback considered at Board of Studies Written student feedback considered by Partner Academic Contact Consideration of External Examiner s reports Collaborative Programme Review Committee B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation The University Academic Contact has overall responsibility for ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of the programme is undertaken in contact with: The Partner Institution Academic Contact The University of Portsmouth moderation team Home unit co-ordinators and course leader Board of Studies (Portsmouth) Student Staff Liaison Committee / Board of Studies (Informatics) Head of Undergraduate Programmes Associate Dean (Academic) Associate Dean (Students) Unit and Award and Progression Board of Examiners C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies / Student Staff Consultative Committees. Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires. Informal student feedback gained in the course of visits to Informatics centres University participates in external student surveys,eg National Student Survey (NSS), PostgraduateResearchExperienceSurvey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB). D. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance. Annual staff appraisalsmatch development to needs. Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes. Portsmouth staff-led development sessions held during visits to Singapore and Hong Kong. 20. Assessment Strategy All assessments on this programme are considered to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter relating to the degree programme. Some assessments lend themselves more readily to the development and demonstration of cognitive skills. Others provide evidence of practical, professional and subject specific skills. Most assessments will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the achievement of transferable and key skills. At this level, students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking and engage analytically with the subject matter. An example of this is the 6,000 word dissertation. The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to develop self management skills and includes skills of researching, analysing, documenting and evaluating. At this level, students will be required to demonstrate the higher skills of analysis, synthesis, critical judgement and evaluation along with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relevant areas of business. These skills will be assessed through a mixture of coursework, and case studies and essay questions set in time-constrained examinations. The ability of students to engage in independent research will be formally assessed through the Dissertation.Course-work will also act as formative assessment prior to examinations. Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 6

9 21. Assessment Regulations Standard university rules apply (see Assessment and Regulations). In summary the main points relating to assessment are as follows but the regulations as stated in Academic Regulations Examination and Assessment Regulations for Informatics Holdings Ltd (Partner specific Assessment Regulations) October 2013, must be consulted for a full description. Unit overall pass mark is 40%. Referral is allowed in all or some assessment components, to a student who has failed a unit or units at limits prescribed in the regulations with unit overall marks capped at 40%. To limits prescribed in the regulations, units failed at the first attempt may be compensated at the discretion of the Award/Progression Board. Special provision may be made in approved Extenuating Circumstances cases, usually by allowing the affected assessment to be undertaken again, as if for the first time. 22. Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards; approve unit assessment strategy; sample assessment artefacts; present report to Unit Assessment Boards. Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards; scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment; ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom. 23. Indicators of Standards and Quality A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition None B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) PERIODIC COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP AND PROGRAMME REVIEW April 2013 Fitness of Partnership Arrangements Confirmed for a further three years Yes Fitness of Purpose of Curriculum Confirmed Yes Annual Monitoring and Review Processes Effective No Quality Assurance Agency QAA Institutional Audit, December 2008, broad confidence (for full report see QAA Institutional Audit: University of Portsmouth 2008). QAA Institutional Audits in 2004 and 2008 in which reports positive comments were made regarding the management of Collaborative Programmes. C. Others None Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 7

10 24. Other Sources of Information Other sources of information may be found in Course Approval Document. Informatics Student Handbook. Partner Specific Examination and Assessment Regulations, Sept University of Portsmouth ( and Informatics ( Programme Specification for Business Administration Page 8

11 Unit Assessment Map UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credit Delivery 6 Strategic Management U Standard campus 6 Business Enterprise C Standard campus Core / Optio n Total % Type of Artefact Duration/ Length Weighting % Total % Open/ Closed Duration (hrs) Weighting % Core 50% Individual Report 2500 words 50% 50% Closed 1.5 hours 50% Core 85% Coursework 1 Coursework words portfolio 2000 words Group report 35% 50% 15% ICT 15% 6 Global Marketing U Standard campus 6 People Resourcing U Standard campus 6 Cross Cultural Awareness for Business U Standard campus 6 Dissertation (Informatics) U Standard campus Core 100% Group report Group presentation Equiv. 6, mins Core 70% Essay 3,000 words 70% 30% Closed 1 hour 30% Core 40% Course work % 60% Closed 2 hours 60 Core 100% Coursework Unit Assessment Map for [Title] Page 1

12 Unit Learning Outcomes Map 1 Unit name Unit Code Credits Status C/O A1 A2 A3 A 4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C1 1 C12 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D 6 Level 6 Strategic Management 20 C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 20 C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Business Enterprise Global Marketing 20 C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x People Resourcing 20 C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cross Cultural Awareness for 20 C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Business Dissertation (Informatics) 20 C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 A = Knowledge and Understanding; B = Cognitive (Intellectual) Skills; C = Practical (Subject Specific) Skills; D = Transferable Skills Unit Learning Outcomes Map for Business Administration Page 1