University of Wolverhampton Business School Final Record of Approval

Transcription

1 University of Wolverhampton Business School Final Record of Approval Courses Code Title (in collaboration with partner if appropriate) Modes of delivery BU008P01MC Master of Business Administration (MBA) in collaboration with Manchester International College. (Direct Entry with Advance Standing) See Appendix 1 Course Specification for module diets Full time Next Review Date: (if this is less than the normal 6 year period please state reason) The University Validation Panel unanimously approved Manchester International College (MIC) to offer the validated course of MBA and recommended an approval period of six years (2018/19), or until the next review of the home provision Deletions: Courses Code Title List all awards to be deleted None Modes of delivery Last recruitment date Final completion date for students Deletions: Modules Module code Module title Credits Date to be deleted None Exemptions (Please specify course which exemption relates to. If none, please state NONE. Use official wording from ARSC feedback.) 1. None Approval date (s): External Adviser(s) (Note name, job title, Institution and identify course(s) reviewed, if necessary.) 1. Dr Janet Kirkham. Academic Manager/Former DBA Programme Director, University of Hertfordshire (Note final sign off statement see appendix?) Approval date (s): 16/02/2013 PSRB(s) Approval (Please specify course which PSRB relates to. To include record of meetings held and outcome of consideration. Note official outcome and statement of accreditation). None Page 1 of 18

2 Collaborative Approval (Please specify the named collaborative partner and related course. Outline process for approval e.g. meetings, resource visit and detail the approved mode of delivery and support). Approval of Manchester International College to offer the validated University of Wolverhampton course of Master of Business Administration (MBA) Resource visit undertaken on 21st March 2013 Supported Delivery: Staff of Manchester International College to deliver the course, supported by staff from UWBS. General comments on the process (such as the nature of student/employer/industry engagement) The approval of Manchester International College to offer the validated University of Wolverhampton course of MBA, was considered during a visit to the Institution on 21 st March During this visit, staff from UoW and an external subject specialist, met with MIC staff and current students studying on campus. A campus tour, taking in teaching accommodation and student facilities was made in order to evaluate the suitability of the facilities. The findings from this visit are appended to this Process Record. This course will be offered as a progression route for students successfully completing the Edexcel Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership. Students will be accepted on to the MBA with advanced standing and will study only 100 credits at level 7, including the dissertation. The units of the Edexcel Level 7 Diploma have been mapped against the MBA and a copy of the mapping document is appended to this Process Record. Approval Timeline (Add months as applicable) Feb 2013 Academic Proposal Sign off 11/02/13 March 2013 April 2103 Draft(s) available for comment 06/03/13 Deadline for response from team 18/03/13 Resource visit with External Adviser 21/3/13 Response to recommendations/actions 15/4/13 (This list can be added to in order to give a full view of the developmental process) Approval Date: Confirmed by External Adviser See Appendix 5 Confirmed by Validation Lead See Appendix 6 Confirmed by Officer See Appendix 6 Page 2 of 18

3 Additional items (Such as best practice that could be disseminated to a wider audience and any University wide issues) UWBS SQEC should note the following points for monitoring purposes: MIC recruits a high number of international students on to their programmes and currently hold Tier 4 Highly trusted status with UKBA. MIC will issue the CASs to prospective MBA students and support them through the process of complying with UKBA conditions of entry to the UK under its UKBA licence and to comply with all UKBA conditions, monitoring and reporting procedures. Class registers will be maintained by the College and copies will be held by the International centre for audit purposes. The University UKBA Compliance Officer has been notified of these arrangements. MIC will apply of Educational Oversight by the QAA at the earliest opportunity. This is anticipated to be early 2013/14. Date submitted to UQEC for approval 12/06/13 Date approved by UQEC Page 3 of 18

4 Record of Initial Planning Meeting (IPM) Date: 28 th February 2013 Present: Dr Paul Johnson (Chair) Mr Jas Uppall (STech,( UQP Panel Member) Dr Gurmak Singh (UWBS, proposer) Ms Janice Stanton (Quality Officer) Planning Approval Date (to include areas for consideration, where applicable, and whether SQEC or other) Approved by Prof Ann Holmes 11/02/13 SQEC Other (Please state) UQP Short description of scope of validation / list of courses proposed (e.g. SAD Undergraduate portfolio) Direct entry with Advanced Standing to Master of Business Administration (MBA) Identify exemptions being proposed. (Please specify course which exemption relates to. If none, please state NONE) 1. None Collaborative Partner and nature of collaboration proposed e.g. Supported Delivery. (Please specify course which collaboration relates to. If none, please state NONE) Supported delivery in partnership with Manchester International College Professional / Statutory / Regulatory Body (PSRB) and nature of PSRB to include level of involvement e.g. as part of the Developmental team or stand alone event. (Please specify course which PSRB relates to. If none, please state NONE) None Nature of student engagement (to include a brief outline) Not Applicable Nature of engagement with employers / industry / sector (to include a brief outline) Not Applicable External Adviser nomination (to include brief outline of experience, institution and number proposed by School) Dr Janet Kirkham. Academic Manager/Former DBA Programme Director, University of Hertfordshire Page 4 of 18

5 Developmental Team (please list details of participants and role e.g. Developmental Lead, Validation Lead etc) Not Applicable Curriculum Development Documentation Checklist (Please and/or specify details if required) Proposal Plan Course Specification Module Specification Collaborative agreement (please MoC, including Operations Manual specify) CVs (collaborative only) PSRB Record Template N/A Other (please specify) Curriculum mapping document Staff development plan Proposed Timeline for Draft Documentation Draft(s) available for comment (date) Draft(s) deadline response from team (date) Feb 2013 March /03/13 18/03/13 April 2013 (Note: the months highlighted show the potential developmental timeframe for the team this does not however, imply that drafts will necessarily be submitted each month e.g. a draft submitted in October might not be re-drafted until December. This is at the discretion of the IPM.) Other comments, actions and items to follow up after the initial planning meeting External Adviser, Dr Janet Kirkham, approved by Head of QMD 16/02/13. Proposed date of visit to MIC, 21 st March 2013 Page 5 of 18

6 Appendix 1: Course Specification(s) Section 9 Core (C) or Option (O)* Module Code Module title Credits Delivered in block C 7AC002 Accounting and Financial 20 1 Management C 7BE002 Strategic Management 20 1 C 7MG001 Independent Business Analysis Project 60 1 and 2 Page 6 of 18

7 Appendix 2 - Visit Report Award / Programme /School: Details of Partner Institution: UWBS Master of Business Administration (MBA) Manchester International College Date of Visit: 21 st March 2013 UW Staff involved (including external advisers): Partner Staff involved in visit (names/roles): Purpose of visit Dr Paul Johnson (Chair) Mr Jas Uppal (UQP Panel member) Dr Gurmak Singh (Proposer, UWBS) Dr Janet Kirkham (External adviser) Ms Janice Stanton (Quality Officer Sharjeel Nawaz (Head of International Operations) Raheel Nawas (Academic Director) John Carroll (Principal) Precious Oseki (Course Leader) Sheku Kakay (Lecturer) Vasilis Gotsis (Lecturer) Sina Joneidy (Lecturer) Ibrahim Ahmedin Solange da Silva Jothsna Petrillo Zafar Iqbal Resource visit in regard to the approval of Manchester International College to offer the validated UoW course of Master of Business Administration (MBA) Issue Learning & teaching / Assessment Mode of delivery Comments Supported Delivery: The course will be delivered by Manchester International College staff, with support from UWBS staff. Full time study only. Page 7 of 18

8 What arrangements are in place for student assessment in terms of moderation, subject & award boards? How will students be made aware of regulations relating to academic misconduct? Comment on teaching accommodation and facilities. Student support & guidance Comment on arrangements for student support. Comment on any issues arising from students being recruited outside the partner institution. What arrangements are in place regarding advertising and marketing? Comment on social facilities The arrangements for student assessment will mirror those arrangements in place for the home delivery of this course. Results will be submitted to the relevant School Module Results Board and Award/Progression Board. University of Wolverhampton staff will moderate all student assessments for the first year of operation, or until MIC staff is fully conversant and confident in UoW procedures. Students will be provided with a University produced Course Guide and have access to the University website. Information on University Academic Regulations and policy appertaining to academic misconduct will be available from both of these sources. This information will also be communicated to students during induction sessions. The panel found the teaching accommodation to be satisfactory. The rooms were mostly equipped with hostess chairs and all of those viewed had AV facilities. When joining the course, students are allocated a Personal Tutor, who is a member of the academic staff. The college also employs a full time Welfare Officer to support students in other personal areas. The students that the panel met with were extremely positive around the support that they receive at the college, from both tutors and the Welfare Officer. They found the lecturers approachable and ready to help, with the Welfare Officer organising social activities, such as cultural events. MIC recruits a high number of international students on to their programmes and currently hold Tier 4 Highly trusted status with UKBA. MIC will issue the Cas to prospective MBA students and support them through the process of complying with UKBA conditions of entry to the UK under its UKBA licence and to comply with all UKBA conditions, monitoring and reporting procedures. MIC has links with a regional office in India where the course will be advertised at career fairs and also in the media. There is a dedicated student social area in the basement of the building, with tables, chairs and a comfortable seating area. This area is also equipped with vending facilities for snacks and drinks. Page 8 of 18

9 Learning Resources Comment on acquisitions / purchasing policy The college library is very small and appeared to be inadequately stocked with text books. In its current location there is little scope for improvement through expansion. This view was shared by the students that the panel met with during the visit. The college relies heavily on students using the libraries of the University of Manchester, MMU and Central Manchester Library. MIC has arrangements in place with each of these institutions to extend full borrowing rights to their students. Comment on the availability of the core texts for each module. Comment on the book stock availability in relation to the reading lists provided by the key proposer. Journal stock Access / opening hours / loan facilities Awareness of access to UW electronic resources, including full text journals Awareness of local external collections including access & borrower status IT Facilities Comment on the appropriateness of ICT (compatibility of specialist software if appropriate) The panel thought this was an area for concern and included in the recommendations that the college gives consideration to making some improvements to the library facilities. Not available as yet through the college library. However, MIC confirmed that core texts as specified by the Course Leader, will be purchased for short term loan. Students will also have access to UoW on-line book and journal stock, as well as full borrowing rights at local University libraries. See above Students have access to a full range of on-line journals. There are minimal hard copies of journals available from the library. The library is open Monday Friday between the hours of 9.00 a.m p.m. Students are permitted to borrow a maximum of two books on a one week loan. A full time Librarian is employed during opening hours to provide assistance to students. Staff and students will be made aware of UoW electronic resources and shown how to access these during induction sessions. Further information on electronic resources will be provided in the Course Guide Students confirmed that they were aware of the relationship that exist between MIC and the John Rylands Library at The University of Manchester and libraries at Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition, students also use the resources at Central Manchester Library which is extensively used by HE students in the vicinity. In general ICT facilities were found to be satisfactory. No specialist software is required for the MBA course. Page 9 of 18

10 Comment on access to printers Comment on access to the internet via broadband, and hours of access to the internet. Comment on the availability of pcs / laptops for students. Comment on ease of access to WOLF, pebblepad etc Comment on contingency plans in the event of a technical failure Comment on the availability of technical support Comment on the renewal policy for computers QA /Organisational Issues Comment on the administrative support available for programme management. Are equal opportunities issues appropriately addressed? (Disability/ gender issues) Refer to UW policy as appropriate. Comment on the experience of HE level programmes and of collaboration with other universities How are staff and student views fed into the programme annual monitoring? Printing facilities are available on campus for student use. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled with internet access available to students during college opening hours. Students have access to PCs in learning labs during college opening hours. They are also able to use their own lap-tops as the campus is Wi-Fi enabled. Members of the panel tested the speed and ease of connection to WOLF, Pebblepad and UoW on-line learning resources. This was found to be satisfactory in all areas Technical support is available on campus, with data files backed up on a regular basis. MIC also has a service contract with an external IT company for the maintenance and upgrade of their IT equipment. As above Upgrades Approximately every two years as part of the external contract. There will be a named programme Administrator in both institutions. These will be identified in the Memorandum of Co-Operation (MoC) and Course Guide. The panel noted that the student social area and library in the basement area could be accessed via a lift for those students with disabilities. MIC offers a range of HNC/HND courses and level 7 Pg. Diplomas.in the areas of Business and Management and Information Technology. They are an accredited centre for City and Guilds, Edexcel, Microsoft etc. and have links with the University of Huddersfield. Most of their teaching staff hold, or are studying for a PhD qualification. Students are required to complete a module evaluation form at the end of each module. They are also required to complete a course evaluation form at the end of the academic year. The results from these evaluations, together with a self-evaluation undertaken by teaching staff, are used for monitoring and action reporting. Students are also invited to sit on College committees. Page 10 of 18

11 What arrangements are planned to ensure the effectiveness of the links between the two Universities? Staffing Which local staff will be supporting this programme and what are their roles? Comment on the current experience of staff in teaching on HE level programmes in the same or similar field of study? There will be named personnel in both institutions with responsibility to ensure the effective operation of the courses. These people and their individual roles will be identified in the MoC, Operations Manual and within the Course Guide. There will be a named Programme Manager and Programme Administrator in both institutions to support the effective running of the courses. These members of staff will be identified in the MoC and Course Guide. The CVs provided to the panel for consideration indicated strong academic qualifications, with the proposed candidates either having, or studying for, a PhD. The panel were unable to meet with these candidates as they will all be employed as VLs. However, the panel met with the prospective Course Leader of the MBA and also other members of academic staff teaching in a similar area. All new lecturers employed by MIC shadow an existing lecturer in the same subject area. MIC also operates an informal peer review scheme. Any weakness in practice is addressed by the subject team, or through CPD. What steps will be taken to prepare the local administrative team and tutors for delivery of the programme? For postgraduate awards, comment on resources to support the provision of study skills and English language support for students admitted with a score of no higher than IELTS 6.0. Comment on any issues raised by ADP for specific attention. A staff induction programme for all MIC staff having involvement with the course, will be carried out before the start of teaching. It is proposed that there will be three visits made by UWBS course and module leaders prior to the start of the course and a further two visits will be made for on-going development during the academic year. Any potential areas of weakness are identified at induction and students are supported with additional English classes. English language proficiency at MIC is based on IELTS score plus additional Oxford test. The main areas of concern raised by the ADP were around compliance with UKBA regulations and the monitoring of international students. This was addressed before the resource visit took place. MIC hold Tier 4 Highly trusted status with UKBA. MIC will issue the CASs to prospective MBA students and support them through the process of complying with UKBA conditions of entry to the UK under its UKBA licence and to comply with all UKBA conditions, monitoring and reporting procedures. Class registers will be maintained by the College and copies will be held by the International centre for audit purposes Page 11 of 18

12 Appendix 3 Outcome and Recommendations UNIVERSITY QUALITY PANEL, 2012/13 Meeting held on 21 st March 2013 at Manchester International College (MIU) to consider the approval of MIU to offer the University of Wolverhampton validated course of Master of Business Administration (MBA) Outcome The University Validation Panel unanimously approved Manchester International College to offer the Master of Business Administration course and recommend an approval period of six years (2018/19), or until the next review of the home provision. This approval is given subject to compliance with the following recommendations. Recommendations MIU are to provide details of their strategic plan for managing growth in student numbers on the MBA programme. This is to include information on - Academic staff to support the programme - Physical resources - Administration support - Personal tutor and pastoral support. Confirmation required that improvements to the library facilities will be made within current space restraints and an assurance that sufficient copies of core texts will be purchased. Confirmation is also required that access and borrowing rights at local University libraries will be maintained in future years. Further clarification required around the management of adequate dissertation supervision for the projected number of students and how this support will be maintained over the summer period. Clarification is required of how UKBA requirements will be met in regard to contact time after taught modules are finished and students are engaged in completing their dissertation. Also the mechanism for communicating any student issues to the University of Wolverhampton. Confirmation is required that MIU will apply for QAA oversight at the earliest opportunity. Confirmation that MIC will work with the University of Wolverhampton Business School to ensure submission of assessments and feedback via WOLF will be in-line with University policy and procedure. Confirmation that MIC will work with the University of Wolverhampton Business School to ensure that the process for extensions to assessment submission dates and applications for extenuating circumstances are managed in-line with University policy and procedures. MIU are asked to consider the provision of a dedicated study area for the MBA to create a distinct identity for those students enrolled on the course. Deadline: On or before Monday 15 th April 2013 for the submission of requested documentation and actions. All documents are to be forwarded to the Quality Officer at j.stanton@wlv.ac.uk Page 12 of 18

13 Appendix 4 MIC response to Recommendations MBA Growth Plan Manchester International College in Partnership with the University of Wolverhampton Proposed by: Sheku Kakay Director of Studies (Business Management Department) Moderated by: Raheel Nawaz Academic Director Page 13 of 18

14 Managing Growth in Student Numbers MIC plansto offeran MBA programme in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, which is expected to commence in autumn Students on the programme will be recruited both nationally and internationally. This plan outlines the growth plan for the MBA programme in terms of human and physical resources based on the expected student numbers. Human Resources Academic Staff The anticipated number of students to be recruited on the MBA programme in October 2013 is between 50 and60. The programme is expected to be completed in9 months. The College currently has 10qualified and experienced lecturers who will be assigned to lecture and to supervise the dissertations of the students. The programme will be coordinated and led by an existing staff member, who has extensive management experience and skills. Dissertation Supervision The College currently has 10 qualified and experienced lecturers who will be allocated to lecture and supervise the dissertations of students. The ratio of lecturer to students for dissertation supervision will not ordinarily exceed 1:6. Students progress during the completion of the dissertation will be recorded weekly at the one-to-one meetings described in the section entitled UKBA Requirements below. Monthly team meetings will be held by the Programme Manger with all supervisors to discuss students progress and ensure there are no issues. We confidently expect the number of students to rise annually which will mean a corresponding increase in academic staffing. The College is committed to providing high quality teaching and dissertation supervision. We have access to a bank of suitably qualified staff who are currently in relevant part-time teaching/research posts at nearby HE institutions and some of these can be called on at short notice if required. Support Staff The success of any programme is also dependent on the amount of support provided by nonacademic staff. The College will ensure that there is sufficient administrative and pastoral support provided to the programme. Currently, we have adequate staff to support the MBA programme and Page 14 of 18

15 would increase staff numbers as student numbers increase. As we are in an area which has high HE student numbers, there is a pool of experienced staff which can be accessed to support the programme. All students will be allocated a pastoral tutor who will ensure that a holistic overview of the student is maintained. The pastoral tutor will see the students on a regular basis. These staff will come from the academic staff engaged by the College. Again, as numbers grow, staffing will be increased in line with student increases. Physical Resources The College has been recently refurbished to a high standard suitable for graduate and post graduate study and teaching with a capacity for 600 students. Dedicated Study Area In the first year, we will designate a separate study area for use of MBA students which will provide suitable facilities such as computers, Wi-Fi and quiet areas for students to pursue their studies and dissertation. This will be extended as numbers rise and we envisage that eventually, a complete floor will be given over to the MBA programme. This will be suitably equipped to a high standard. Library As the College works towards its new growth plan, it is evident that it will be necessary to revamp and re-resource the library to suit the needs of the students. Adequate copies of the core textbooks available for short term loan will be purchased. We will also widen access to an e-library to provide students with e-journals and e-books for research. The relationships that exist between MIC and the John Rylands Library at The University of Manchester and libraries at Manchester Metropolitan University, which ensure that students enjoy access rights to their libraries, will be maintained. In addition students will be directed to use the resources at Central Manchester Library which is extensively used by HE students in the vicinity. Students will therefore have access to high quality reference and borrowing catalogues within easy reach of the College Page 15 of 18

16 UKBA Requirements Students will be expected to attend the college for a minimum of 16 hours per week throughout their course of study. At the end of taught modules, the students will start work on their dissertations. Their weekly timetable will include 15hours of guided self-study activities which will be rigorously monitored for attendance purposes. They will also have a1hour one-to-one meeting with their supervisor every fortnight. The College will also assign additional hours for on-line contact between the supervisor and student. A meeting schedule will be agreed between the MIC Programme Manager and the UoW Programme Manager which will have an agreed format and include standing items. contact will be maintained between scheduled meetings to deal with any emerging or urgent issues. MIC does not have a summer closure and we therefore do not anticipate any issues related to UKBA requirements on this point. Application for Educational Oversight by QAA As explicitly stated in the partnership contract, MIC will apply for educational oversight by QAA in the next round of applications, which is anticipated to be in Aug-Sep Page 16 of 18

17 Appendix 5: External Adviser approval External Adviser Report Template Name of external Dr Janet Kirkham adviser/consultant Institution of external Process Record Reference Number Named validation Academic manager /Research Tutor, University of Hertfordshire Approval of Manchester International College to offer the validated University of Wolverhampton course, Master of Business Administration (MBA) General Comments The visit to MIC was carried out in a competent and comprehensive manner. Colleagues at MIC were extremely helpful and discussions candid and constructive. Key areas of concern were around the physical learning facilities available for the proposed MBA, and the geographical extent to which MIC would be recruiting via the Diploma. For the provision included in the above process record, I can confirm that academic standards are set at the appropriate levels and that the course structure, content and available resources are such that standards can be met. Furthermore the provision has benefitted from external views during the approvals process. Signed Dr janet D Kirkham Date Please use this section to highlight good practice and feedback on the developmental process (This may include engagement with staff and the use of the University s online systems e.g. WOLF and e:vision) I found the process using WOLF to be very efficient and effective. Page 17 of 18

18 Appendix 6: Team Lead Approval Validating Team Report Template Name of Lead/Chair School / department Dr Paul Johnson (UQP Chair) SSPAL Process Record Reference Number Approval of MIC to offer the UoW validated course of Master of Business Administration (Entry with Advanced Standing) For the provision included in the above process record, I can confirm that due process has been carried out the provision conforms to relevant regulatory requirements the provision conforms to relevant external requirements the provision has benefited from external views during the approval process General Comments The validation process was extremely efficient, and there is clearly a productive working relationship between the School and the Partner. Manchester International College clearly took the validation event seriously, and this allowed for a thorough process to be carried out. Please use this section to highlight good practice and feedback on the developmental process (This may include engagement with staff and the use of the University s online systems e.g. WOLF and e:vision) The clear induction process provided by University of Wolverhampton staff for partner staff is good practice. The on-going support that will be provided from University of Wolverhampton staff to the Manchester International College staff is also a very good idea. There was concern expressed that the Operations Manual includes actions that need to be completed by parts of the University that the person completing the document has no control over. Date confirmed by Lead/Chair 12/6/13 Paul Johnson Date confirmed by Officer 12 th June 2013 Page 18 of 18

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