London Metropolitan Business School

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1 NORTH CAMPUS London Metropolitan Business School in co-operation with ESCEM School of Business & Management, Poitiers MA International Business 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 Assessments 18 January February 2010* * Final coursework submission date before transfer to ESCEM Poitiers. Coursework must be submitted in person before departure to Poitiers. You will see from the above calendar that teaching does not take place over Christmas and New Year and students are free to travel during this period. However, if you plan to leave the UK to return to a home country outside Europe, it is strongly recommended that you confirm in advance that your visa will permit you to reenter the UK and subsequently gain entry to France. Please also note that the date given below for the commencement of teaching at ESCEM is fixed and, due to the structure of the teaching programme, is NOT flexible under any circumstances. Please therefore be aware that any delay in joining the programme at ESCEM, however caused, may necessitate your discontinuation of the programme. SPRING SEMESTER ESCEM POITIERS Welcome Programme 1 February 2010 Teaching 1 February April 2010 Spring Break 2 April April 2010 Teaching 12 April May 2010 Examinations 17 May May 2010 SUMMER STUDY PERIOD Internship 7 June September 2010** UK Resit Examinations 19 July July 2010 UK Reassessment Coursework*** 31 July 2010 ESCEM Reassessment Dissertation deadline*** Dissertation Deadline for ESCEM registered students January 2011 End August 2010 September 2010 * Unless exempted ** Flexible by arrangement with employer *** NB Resit and Dissertation submission dates are those applying only to students registered through London Metropolitan University. No deferrals are permitted, however students are allowed to submit their LMU Dissertations at the earlier 3 September 2010 submission date if they are ready. A different schedule will apply to students registered through ESCEM. Submission dates may therefore vary between institutions.

3 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 etc. Note especially that the academic regulations of each institution are those to be applied where the student is studying. LMBS Postgraduate Office: You can access these via the Postgraduate Centres' webpage Stapleton House Fourth Floor, Room 403b KEY CONTACTS Departmental Office: LMBS Administrative Office North Campus Stapleton House Fourth Floor, Room Course Leader: Paul Bullock ) Course Leader s Office: Room SH4.05 Stapleton House Main Campus teaching location: North Campus ESCEM POITIERS If you have any questions regarding non-academic issues please contact: Maggy Sourisseau International Student Exchanges Office A106, tel: / [email protected] If you have any administrative questions about the course please contact: Valérie Akerman Office A108 tel: [email protected] If you have any questions regarding academic issues please contact: Peter Forte, the course leader of the programme in Poitiers, Office A120 tel: [email protected]

4 CONTENTS 1.0 WELCOME TO THE COURSE Using This Handbook WELCOME TO 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 at London Metropolitan University 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 Communication Your Contact Details E-vision 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... 19

5 8.8 Mitigating circumstances Assessment Boards Appeals Action in the event of failure University Criteria for Awards WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER Withdrawal from a module Intermission of Studies Mode of Study Course Transfers STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES Libraries and Special Collections Library Catalogue and Borrowing Subject Librarians and Subject Guides Media Resources ICT Services FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Open Language Programme COURSE SPECIFICATION REGULATIONS DIRECTORY OF MODULES FOR THE COURSE INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION Relevant University Procedures: Useful online information:... 39

6 1.0 WELCOME TO THE COURSE 1 This is the Course Handbook for students registered on the MA International Business Management at LMBS. This programme is a joint collaboration between London Metropolitan Business School and ESCEM School of Business and Management, Poitiers, and the staff and management of both institutions welcome you warmly to the programme and to the study of International Business Management. The Course Handbook to be provided upon registration at ESCEM in February will explain the delivery of modules, teaching and learning processes, and academic and administrative procedures at Poitiers. 1.1 Using This Handbook This handbook is designed to provide you with the essential information you will need while undertaking your studies at London Metropolitan University. It also provides some of the indicative information you will need in order to complete your studies at ESCEM School of Business & Management. On arrival in Poitiers you will receive a second handbook which will give you information of equivalent detail on your studies in France. There is therefore a considerable amount of information contained in this handbook. Some of the information will be useful to you in orientating yourself to your new learning environment while other information will be of greater relevance to you as you work through your studies. Please keep this handbook safely as you will need to refer to it throughout your course. We recommend that you read this Course Handbook through carefully as it covers many of the questions you will have about your Course. You should refer to Sections 5 and 6 in particular, to help you locate the advice you need. For detailed information you will sometimes need to consult other sources, including: Student Handbook - for details of important University regulations and procedures. It also provides information on university life and all the support services available. You should be issued with a Student Handbook at enrolment, if this does not happen please collect one from your Postgraduate Centre or access: PostGrad-Line a comprehensive on-line source of postgraduate course and module information available at: On-Line Timetable Information provides 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. You should note that occasionally, the details in this handbook may be amended or revised in order to improve the Course.

7 2 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. 2.0 WELCOME TO LONDON METROPOLITAN BUSINESS SCHOOL 2.1 Introduction to the Course The MA in International Business Management is an international programme which will offer you considerable variety in terms of course content, thematic approaches and teaching and learning styles. The philosophy of the programme is to provide an advanced education in International Business Management to those who have studied business or some comparable subject as an undergraduate, or to those who have not studied business but who have significant work experience. The programme is designed to enable you to study a range of modules whose themes lie at the heart of international business management and practice. You will also write a dissertation on a related topic of your choice and have the opportunity to undertake a work internship. Perhaps most significantly of all, you will enjoy the benefit of conducting part of your studies in another country. We expect that the diversity of cultural backgrounds of the student body, together with the opportunity to study in two distinctive learning environments, will contribute significantly both to the global themes within the curriculum and to the overall student experience. The course is structured as follows: During the Autumn semester you will be based at London Metropolitan University where you will study three core modules in the Economic and Political Environment of International Business, Strategic Decision Making for International Management, and Cross Cultural Management. During your two semesters taught courses, there will be a continuous process of development and reinforcement of your knowledge of research method techniques. This transversal delivery between the two centres is embedded into the course, and aims to ensure your capacity to conduct research effectively both for your Dissertation and in your future employment During the Spring Semester you will be based at the ESCEM School of Business and Management in Poitiers, where you will study seven modules which develop various themes of management in an international context - Strategic Issues, Corporate Strategy, International Resource Management, International Risk Management, Small and Medium International Enterprises, and Business Innovation. Managing with Data. During the summer you will undertake a 4 month work internship, whilst the dissertation will be completed and submitted in the following January. Different aspects of the course structure are explained in more detail in the pages which follow. Although the official title of the programme is as shown above, you may find that in internal documents or schedules the programme is identified by the abbreviation MAIBM.

8 2.2 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses 3 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 London Metropolitan University s Academic Regulations (see Section 15 of this handbook for details), which sets out general features common to almost all Masters courses. (i) The standard LMU Masters award requires 180 credits at level M: normally 120 credits for the taught elements 6 modules - and 60 credits for the Dissertation or Project, (There are some exceptions to the rule such as specified Master s courses in Human Resources Management area, which require 200 credits, and the MBA at 220 credits, which clearly do not apply to you). Most postgraduate modules are equivalent to 20 credits, although precise values on specific courses may vary - the credit values attaching to your modules are indicated in the course specification. (ii) The London Metropolitan section of your Masters course in International Business Management will be composed of 3 taught modules providing a total of 60 credits and the Dissertation providing 60 credits. Generally you will have 15 weeks of teaching, revision and assessment activities for each module in the semester. (iii) As preparation for work on the dissertation/project, a core element (delivered both at LMU and Poitiers) of our taught programme will be concerned with issues of research methodology, project development and practice, and related issues, specifically within the modules Strategic Decision Making for International Management at LMBS and Managing with Data in Poitiers. (iv) All taught modules and the dissertation or project module, are marked on a percentage scale, with a pass/fail threshold of 50%. (v) 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) (vi) While most students will aim to achieve the full LMU 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 in the MAIBM is as follows: Award Credits at level M Modules Required Masters Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate 180 UK credits (120 UK and 30 ECTS credits) 120 UK credits from the taught courses at ESCEM Poitiers and LMU 60 UK Credits or 40 UK credits and 10 ECTS Poitiers credits. The 3 UK modules + the 7 Poitier taught modules + dissertation 3 UK modules + the 7 Poitier taught modules Three UK Modules or a combination of two modules from LMU and additional Poitiers modules attracting 60 UK credits

9 4 The additional award of the MA in International Business Strategy (Poitiers) depends however upon the further successful completion of the Internship. 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 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

10 5 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. 2.5 Learning and Teaching on the Course 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.

11 2.6 Research in the Business School 6 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: 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

12 7 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 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. While much of the information in this section will be of relevance to you throughout your studies, some aspects will focus primarily on your experiences while studying in London. You can expect to receive further information on your arrival in Poitiers which addresses the general features and expectations associated with being a student at ESCEM. The remainder of this section highlights the general features and expectations associated with postgraduate study.

13 3.1 Welcome Programme Checklist 8 Following the Welcome Programme and Course Introductory Meeting, you should check that you have received the following: a Course Handbook the University Student Handbook an ID card (including library number and computer network username) an address a course timetable the location of your Postgraduate Centre 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 Centre to ensure you know what to do and where to go to get started. Classes commence from the Monday immediately following the Welcome Programme. A similar series of Welcome events will be held shortly after your arrival at ESCEM in Poitiers. At this time you will be given a further set of materials equivalent to those listed above which will be designed to assist your preparations for study in France. Full details of the welcome programme and orientation will be given towards the end of your programme in London. 3.2 Your first semester at London Metropolitan University 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 London semester (and indeed your whole programme) involves compulsory (core) modules covering essential subject contents and skills elements in your area of study. During Welcome Week you will meet with your Course Leader who will discuss your study programme and advise you. You can also expect to be contacted by members of staff at ESCEM in preparation for your second semester of study. 3.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment 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). 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. If absence is unavoidable, you should seek advice from your Course Leader and module tutors. Our records show that students who do not attend all their classes are at very high risk of failure. You should also be aware that failure to meet the requirements for study on your course, both in terms of attendance and the completion of assessment(s), will jeopardise your registration on your course. As a full-time student, therefore, you must attend all taught modules that form your programme and submit all of your module assessments, including the dissertation. 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. (

14 3.4 Studying 9 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 forty-hour week commitment for a full-time student. 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. 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 At enrolment for your course you will have to show original certification of entry qualifications, prove your identity and pay your fees (or give an acceptable guarantee of payment). By signing the enrolment form you confirm that you accept and will follow the University s regulations. The University ID card you receive at enrolment contains your library number and computer network username and allows entry to the University s buildings. Each card is set with an expiry date when you enrol, usually the beginning of the next academic year. If you are studying on a part-time basis over more than one year or you need to return for any other reason to complete your studies, you will be able to re-enrol online. Re-enrolment is necessary for your ID card to be reactivated for the new academic year. Please contact the Postgraduate Registry if your card should fail to work during the period of your enrolment. However, please do note that your ID card may be disabled in the event that you have not met all the charges, or fines, incurred during your study period in London.

15 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 Centre or refer to the Index (section 15) of this handbook for further information. During your first semester at LBMS the opportunity exists to apply for an exemption from the compulsory internship element of the programme, based on prior relevant work experience, and subject to strict approval of the ESCEM exemption committee. 3.7 Module Registration and Programme Approval Not applicable to this course. 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 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 Registries are responsible for providing these results to you via Evision. ( (refer to 4.3 below). Official transcripts 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. 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 Registry. There is a fee for these transcripts, payable at the time of request. Requests should be made to the Postgraduate Registry, who aim to produce transcripts within 5 working days of request. Similar arrangements will apply at ESCEM and these will be detailed in your ESCEM course handbook.

16 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE 4.1 Communication We will 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 will 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. 4.2 Your Contact Details The University will need to contact you either 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 E-vision account. Increasingly we make use of to communicate and keep you informed. At enrolment you will be given a University account, which we will use to correspond with you. It is therefore your responsibility to check this account regularly. If you prefer to use your own personal address(es), it is essential that you set up forwarding from your University account in order to ensure that you receive anything sent to your University address. 4.3 E-vision E-vision is an online facility that allows you to access your personal student. You will be able to view your: Personal and contact details (can be updated online) Registered modules Enrolment and progression Details of your Personal Academic Adviser 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: 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.

17 Course Committees At LMBS a Course Committee is normally convened each semester to review the set of modules and courses and to provide quality assurance. Key staff, including module and course lecturers, attend these meetings and student input is received via LMBS Student Academic Representatives (StARs). Details of the student delegates committee arrangements at ESCEM will be provided on your arrival in Poitiers. Elected student representatives meet directly with the Director and course leaders to discuss the course twice during the semester. As well as separate module evaluation forms, an anonymous on-line course feedback is required and published. 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 the staff welcome informal feedback from students, Module Lecturers will produce formal module and course logs which cover areas such as teaching 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; 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.

18 6.2 The Graduate School 13 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; withdrawing from a module; applying for mitigating circumstances; helping you to obtain extra learning support 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. Contact details for specific staff associated with your Course at London Metropolitan are given below: Room Ext Paul Bullock Course Leader MAIBM SH [email protected] London Paul Bullock Liaison Tutor SH [email protected] LMBS/ESCEM Pat Fraser Course Administrator SH 403b 3097 [email protected] Dr Gherardo Girardi Module Tutor - Strategic Decision Making for International Management Paul Bullock Module tutor The Economic and Political Environment of International Business SH [email protected] SH [email protected] Francis Module tutor SH [email protected]

19 Tomlinson Cross Cultural Management 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 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 Service (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).

20 15 Placement support 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. 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 The completion of a summer work internship is a required element for the ESCEM award, and thus for the Dual Award of MA International Business Management. This assessment component is therefore conducted under, and subject to, ESCEM regulations. This and other useful information appears in the ESCEM course handbook and will be explained in full on induction at the Poitiers campus. The internship will normally be commenced immediately following completion of the Spring Semester and has a duration of 4 months. It is expected that, in most cases, the work internship will be carried out in your country of registration for the programme, although it may be carried out in the country of the partner institution, or elsewhere, subject that institution s agreement. If you have registered for the programme through London Metropolitan University you will be expected to devote time to finding a confirmed internship opportunity during the first semester of your course i.e. while you are in London. This will require you to plan ahead and devote time and energy to developing your C.V. and exploring suitable opportunities with potential employers. You can seek advice on placements from the Business Relations Office, Stapleton House room 2.13, telephone: Please note, identifying and securing an internship is your responsibility. In the event that you are not successful, and are additionally unable to secure a suitable internship through ESCEM, it will be necessary for you to return to London during your semester of study in France in order to secure a suitable opportunity. The internship is formally assessed by the host organisation and carries ESCEM credits. It is possible for students with appropriate work experience to apply for exemption from the internship. Both institutions are able to offer some support to students in helping them prepare for their search for internship opportunities. Further details will be given during the Welcome Week briefings at each campus. Please be reminded once again that you will not be eligible for the ESCEM award if you do not satisfactorily complete the internship, unless you have secured exemption. 7.0 DISSERTATION OR PROJECT 7.1 Registration Your dissertation will be written under the supervision of, and graded by, the institution through whom you have registered for the programme. You are registered for your Masters Dissertation in the same way as for your other modules. If you have enrolled for the MAIBM programme through London Metropolitan University, your registration for the Dissertation will have been made automatically.

21 16 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 If you have registered through London Metropolitan University, you will be assigned to a supervisor during the Spring semester once you have completed a satisfactory dissertation proposal as part of the Strategic Decision Making for International Management course. The role of the supervisor is to act as a learning resource for the students. The amount of actual supervisory contact time will vary between disciplines but you should expect to receive as a minimum at least 4 hours contact with your supervisor. You are expected to actively engage with your supervisor, agreeing times and attending supervision sessions where practicable, but at least remaining in contact and responding to communications. General information and guidance on dissertation work is posted on the WebLearn site for the module. This is where London Metropolitan-registered students will first be advised of the name of their designated supervisor. (Please note that supervision allocation arrangements may differ between campuses). London Metropolitan-registered students who are pursuing a work placement away from London should be prepared to maintain contact with their supervisor by or other suitable means. 7.3 Topic approval Choosing a good topic is a critical to the success of the dissertation. Students are expected to develop their own topics. They can come from any area of International Business Management but they must be focused and realistic. Help is given in the Strategic Decision Making for International Management module in choosing a topic and developing a research plan. Students should also consult one of the many useful text books on this subject, for example: Business Research Projects, A.D. Jankowicz, 2002 Thompson Learning. It may be that you will wish to consider changing your topic following completion of your dissertation proposal, perhaps as a result of the experience gained during your work placement. You should discuss this with your dissertation supervisor. 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. 7.4 Planning and Timing A dissertation proposal is drawn up and presented in the first semester of study as part of the Strategic Decision Making for International Management module, and will prompt early reflection on the Dissertation, a significant later component of the course. Students enrolled on

22 17 the MA International Business Management programme will normally be writing their dissertations in the Autumn following the second semester of study and will submit these in the following January. 7.5 Submission You must submit two copies of your dissertation/ project. One copy will be available for you to collect after marking and the other may be kept by the University, for reference. Both copies should be securely bound so that pages cannot easily be removed, lost or replaced. It is helpful if at least one of the copies is bound with front and rear boards rigid enough to hold the dissertation upright on a shelf, and has a navy blue cover with gold lettering. (Your Postgraduate Office can provide a list of thesis binders. You should expect to pay around 20 per volume). The deadline date for Dissertation submission by International Business Management students will be January 2011; contact the Postgraduate Office for the exact date. Dissertations/ Projects should be submitted to your Postgraduate Office: North Campus Room SH-403, Stapleton House Under normal circumstances, the first opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony will be January 2011 for ESCEM-registered students, and December 2010 for London Metropolitanregistered students. This will also be the first opportunity for students to attend the same graduation ceremony. The awards themselves are confirmed the first Award Board after the submission of the Dissertation, i.e. October 2010 in the case of LMU. Further details on graduation arrangements will be given to you nearer the time. 8.0 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT 8.1 Academic Regulations The University s Academic Regulations govern all aspects of assessment and those concerning postgraduate assessment can be found in Section 4.2 ( 8.2 Marking and grades The University provides you with marks and grades for the work that you submit for assessment. The detailed requirements of assessment in each module are specified in module booklets, together with indicative assessment criteria associated with different levels of performance and results. Each component of assessed work is assigned a percentage mark with a pass/fail threshold at 50%. At postgraduate level, degrees are awarded according to the overall average mark obtained for all modules and the dissertation, with classification thresholds for each grade of award as follows: 70% and above Masters degree with Distinction 60% % Masters degree with Merit 50% % Masters degree 0% % Fail At the end of each semester, module results and awards are confirmed by Assessment Boards (Subject Standards Boards and Awards Boards). Assessment Boards uphold the academic standards of your course and ensure that each student is treated fairly and equally through the assessment process.

23 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment You have a responsibility to ensure that all coursework assessments are completed in accordance with the published deadlines and that all examinations are attended in accordance with the published timetable. While there are opportunities to be re-assessed in assignments and examinations (see 8.10 below) you should be aware that, under the University s Academic Regulations, if you pass the module on reassessment your overall module mark will be capped at the bare pass mark level of 50%. You are also responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is your own and that it is appropriately referenced. The University does not tolerate cheating of any kind. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with the Academic Misconduct Procedures (refer to the Index for details of how these can be accessed). You can also expect academic staff strictly to observe the requirements of these regulations when reviewing work submitted for assessment. For example, academic staff have the discretion to take reasonable steps to establish the authenticity and integrity of the work which they are assessing. Such steps may include, but are not necessarily limited to, requesting further corroborative data or material from a student, conducting an informal discussion regarding any aspect of a student s work, or holding a formal viva voce with the student concerned. In cases of doubt, student work may also be referred to the Student Casework office for formal investigation. 8.4 Assessment Feedback Assessment feedback is a critical part of your learning experience and supports successful achievement on your course. Feedback can be: diagnostic it provides an indicator of your aptitude and preparedness for study and can identify your strengths and weaknesses. formative it provides you with feedback on progress on your work. The work may or may not contribute to the overall module grade. summative it provides a measure of achievement or failure in respect of your performance in relation to intended learning outcomes for a piece of assessment. During your course you will probably receive feedback in a number of different forms. in teaching sessions to the whole class or to you individually; orally or in writing; written using a feedback sheet on your work; during the module as well as at the end. Your assessment tasks may be set for submission during the semester or towards the end of the semester. You should note carefully the following details For coursework submitted up to the end of teaching week 9 of a semester i) Your marked coursework and accompanying feedback should normally be returned to you during module sessions. Alternative arrangements may be made, for example, where the assessment involves bulky pieces of coursework. For coursework submitted after teaching week 9 of a semester i) Your tutor s feedback (without the coursework) will be available for collection either from your module lecturer or from the Postgraduate Centre. ii) The marked work with your tutor s comments will be available for collection two weeks after the formal publication of the result.

24 19 iii) Any unclaimed work will be kept for a period of 6 months following publication of the result, after which it will be destroyed. All arrangements for coursework and feedback return will normally be stated in module booklets. This should include: due dates for coursework submission; dates when coursework feedback will be distributed in class (for work submitted up to the end of week 9); dates when coursework feedback can be collected from the module lecturer or the Postgraduate Office (for work submitted after week 9); the format by which assessment feedback will be given; the process by which coursework can be collected two weeks following the publication of the result concerned. 8.5 Submission of coursework When handing in coursework you must ensure that you have understood and followed all the instructions provided by the module lecturer. Your coursework should be accompanied by a securely attached barcoded coursework coversheet printed from Evision. Unless you are given formal guidance to do otherwise (e.g. for some design work or work to be submitted via WebLearn), written coursework must be submitted only to the Postgraduate Office in the building that the module is taught. Work handed in to tutors prior to, or on, the confirmed coursework deadline date does not constitute a valid submission and will not be processed. It is important that you retain both your submission receipt (this is an electronic receipt sent to your University address and also available to view on your Evision account) and a copy of the coursework until the results are published on Evision. Full details of the coursework submission process, including how to obtain coursework cover sheets, can be accessed at: Examination Timetable The London examinations for the three taught courses take place in January. Timetables are posted on LMU examtrack ( three weeks in advance. ESCEM exams are May. 8.7 Past Examination Papers Not applicable to this course. 8.8 Mitigating circumstances Students who are unable to attend an examination must contact their Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office on or before the date of the exam. A claim should also be made under the procedures for Mitigating Circumstances which, if accepted, will result in an opportunity to redo the exam without penalty in the summer period. Students who are unable to submit coursework by the due date should also make a claim under the mitigating circumstances process but are also expected, where possible, to submit the assignment within 10 working days of the due date with an explanation of the reasons for lateness. Students who do not submit assessment and do not notify the University of the reasons for this in advance will not be eligible for reassessment and may be required to leave the course.

25 20 For further information access: If you think you are likely to need to make a claim under these procedures you are advised to contact your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office in advance of the due date. Claims of mitigating circumstances must be submitted to the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office on the appropriate form, attaching independent supporting evidence of the particular circumstances that affected your studies. Forms should be printed from: The deadlines for the submission of claims are published at: but also on notice boards outside the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office. Prior to submitting a claim for Mitigating Circumstances you are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with the Mitigating Circumstances Criteria (Section 10.3 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at: Assessment Boards Appeals There are only three grounds on which students may appeal against the outcome of an assessment board decision. These are very specific and an appeal may not be made in respect of an academic judgment or in respect of a rejected claim of mitigating circumstances. The University operates a strict deadline for submission of appeals, following the publication of the result(s) concerned. Refer to the Index (Section 15.0) for sources of further information. Prior to submitting an Appeal you should familiarise yourself with the Procedures for the submission of Appeals (Section 10.4 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at: Action in the event of failure A student who attempts the final component of assessment in a module shall normally be entitled to be reassessed on one occasion in any module for which a failing mark has been awarded. Reassessment takes place during the summer resit period following the academic session in which the module was taken. However, reassessment of a dissertation shall take place at the next available assessment point (i.e. January for September submissions, May for January submissions and September for May submissions). Under the University s Academic Regulations, if you pass the module following reassessment, your overall module mark will be capped at the bare pass. A student who does not attempt the final component of assessment in a module will only be permitted reassessment if they have notified the University (normally in advance of the date of submission/date of examination). Where the reasons given are documented and meet the criteria for Mitigating Circumstances (see Section 8.8), a student will be entitled to be assessed during the summer period as if for the first time and will be entitled to the full range of marks for the module. Where a request for a deferral of assessment is made but the claim does not satisfy the criteria for Mitigating Circumstances, the University may agree a reassessment opportunity but any passing module mark will be capped at a bare pass. If you have received failing marks in three or more modules (60 credits) in a level you will be required to undertake a review of your academic performance with your Course Leader or nominee. On the basis of this review, you may be required to leave the course or seek admission on to a different course. You should ensure that you familiarise yourself with the University regulations on reassessment (Section 4.2 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at:

26 21 Retaking a module If, after reassessment, you still have not passed a module, you may need to re-register and to take the whole module again. You are only permitted to re-register any module on one occasion and a fee may be charged for re-registrations University Criteria for Awards The Postgraduate Awards Framework, the list of all of the University s postgraduate awards, can be found at the beginning of Section 4.1 of the Academic Regulations. Section 4.2 of the Academic Regulations (refer to Regulations 25-35) details the minimum criteria for all the University s postgraduate awards. 9.0 WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER 9.1 Withdrawal from a module Normally once you have a registered programme for the academic year it cannot be changed. You have until the end of week 2 of the first semester to withdraw from a module without academic or financial penalty. After this point you are expected to complete every module registered against your record and to pay any fee due for your registered programme. For further information and advice please contact your Postgraduate Office. Withdrawal from a module is not permitted after Week 2 of the first semester and students with unforeseen circumstances, which prevent completion of an assessment or a module, should submit a claim of mitigating circumstances. (See section 8.8). Requests to substitute modules for the second semester of study must be submitted by the University s specified deadline for such requests and shall be subject to University approval. Such requests shall only be considered where there is no reduction in the total number of modules registered. 9.2 Intermission of Studies There may be circumstances that arise in the year that make it difficult for you to continue on your course or part of your course. If this is the case you should in the first instance, contact your Postgraduate Office, who will advise you of the options available to you. You may need to see your Course Leader and/or Student Services. Intermission of studies is only possible in exceptional cases and you will need to provide evidence of your circumstances that confirms it is not possible for you to continue on your course. Intermission can have as financial implications (where applicable) and on your status in the UK if you are an international student. During an approved intermission of studies you will not be eligible to sit examinations, submit coursework or undertake any other form of assessment. The maximum period of intermission permitted is two years and the maximum period in which to qualify for a Masters degree (including any agreed intermission) is six years. If you intermit without prior approval you will be deemed to have withdrawn from your course and you may not be allowed to recommence at a later date. For further details go to: Mode of Study Your mode of study is determined by the University based on the number of modules that you have registered for a particular semester (Refer to Section 4.1, Regulation 13 of the Academic Regulations).

27 9.4 Course Transfers 22 If you intend to change course, you should seek advice from your Postgraduate Office STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES 10.1 Libraries and Special Collections The University has five libraries, located at Calcutta House, Commercial Road, Holloway Road, Ladbroke House and Moorgate. For library opening hours and information on our services, resources and contacts, please use the Library Services web site at: The University Libraries provide a range of printed and online resources to support your studies. All offer areas for quiet study and group study and as well as having group study rooms which you can book. To use any of these services, you will need a library account. In addition to the main stock, the University has a number of special collections, including the Women s Library and the Trades Union Congress Library Collection Library Catalogue and Borrowing The library catalogue, listing all items held at the five University Libraries, can be accessed online at: from where you can also renew and reserve items. The catalogue also provides a gateway to online resources such as databases and online journals. You will need your university ID card to borrow from the libraries. Fines will be charged for the late return of items, so please check your account and renew your items regularly Subject Librarians and Subject Guides The subject librarians at all sites have extensive knowledge of available resources, both internal and external, in their subject areas. They provide enquiry sessions and enquiries can also be submitted by . To access subject guides and find your subject librarian: Media Resources Media equipment and resources (e.g. video, reprographics etc.) are available from the University s media resource centres. The media team also provide technical support and advice. All classrooms are fully equipped with fixed Audio-Visual installations, including overhead projector, PC, whiteboard and screen ICT Services The University has a number of computer studios, offering both specialist and general-purpose software, running mainly on PCs, but some on Apple Macs. Access ICT facilities can only be accessed through using individually assigned IDs and passwords. General-purpose PC and Mac studios are provided and supported by IT support staff. Most are open-access to students except when booked for teaching. Support staff

28 23 Support is provided through dedicated teams, with Student Helpdesks located in Tower Building, Calcutta House, Commercial Road, Eden Grove, Ladbroke House, Moorgate, Spring House and Tower Hill. Students are encouraged to make use of the Student Portal, which allows them to view personalised information and to interact with the university. Opening Hours During term time, studios are generally open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:45 on City campus and 09:00 to 20:30 on North campus. On Saturdays during term time several of the buildings are open for part of the day, as is the Learning Centre, Holloway Road. During vacation, studios are normally open from 09:00 to 16:30 or 17:00. However, essential work takes place during vacations and provision may be reduced. For full details of opening hours, refer to: Students can access many of the University s computing facilities from home or another workplace via the Internet. Printing Laser printing is available throughout the University. A fee is charged FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 11.1 Open Language Programme In addition to their main programme of study, the University offers all postgraduate students the opportunity through the Open Language Programme, to learn (or gain fluency in) one of a wide range of languages. For the majority of courses an additional fee payment is charged should you wish to pursue this. Before registering for an OLP module you will need to be assessed so that you can be placed at the appropriate level; these assessments are made by the Open Language Programme at key points in the year. The languages available are usually: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Learning is achieved through a combination of taught sessions and independent study packs, both of which are essential to make real progress. For further information please visit: COURSE SPECIFICATION MA International Business Management 1. Name of course and highest award MA International Business Management 2. Scheme Postgraduate 3. Total credit for course Possible interim awards PGDip in International Business Management PGCert in International Business Management 5. Awarding/validating institution/body London Metropolitan University 6. Teaching institution London Metropolitan University/ESCEM 7. Course also accredited by ESCEM School of Business & Management 8. Professional body None exemptions/accreditation

29 9. External subject benchmarks N/A 10. UCAS code (undergraduate only) N/A 11. London Met course code 12. Route code INTBSM-N 13. JACS code N Source of funding 15. Approved to run from September Mode of attendance Full-time 17. Expected duration of course Full-time 18 months 18. Organised work experience/sandwich Internship within course year/year abroad 19. Career education, information and guidance 20. Admissions Autumn 21. Teaching location North and Poitiers 22. Home academic department London Metropolitan Business School 23. Course Leader Paul Bullock Main educational aims of the course To teach the core disciplines of International Business Management To develop skills relating to the practical application of International Business Management information to business decision making; this includes collection, analysis and interpretation of information from a wide variety of media and the organisation of knowledge in a meaningful managerial way. To enable students to become independent learners The MA International Business Management seeks to address the needs of a growing number of people who wish to develop their understanding of the challenges and issues facing practitioners, or formalise, through acquiring a postgraduate qualification, their past International Business Management work experience. Developments in International Business Management practices and as a discipline of study have reflected these changes. Specific attention is now given to the International Business Management practices, and their nature and development within particular sectors. Pressures for global responsiveness in many markets have increased. This has led to a range of global management strategies and the evolution of new corporate architectures. The dynamic tension between globalisation and pressures for local responsiveness is becoming increasingly exposed, and provides further stimulus for changes in management practice and analysis. Other stimuli for change include the direct and indirect implications of developments in information technology, which has produced increased interest in customer profiling, e- management and new forms of International Business Management research. A central philosophy underpinning the programme is the study of International Business Management within an applied decision-making context. The MA International Business Management will seek to take advantage of student s work experience, knowledge of International Management and develop the student s existing undergraduate skills to provide a rigorous programme of study at Master s level. The student experience will be considerably enriched by the inherent internationalism of the programme design and delivery. The aims of the MA in International Business Management:: a) To orientate students to the issues, challenges and opportunities presented by international business management in general;

30 25 b) To enable students to acquire and develop the theoretical knowledge and application skills that will assist them to enhance their careers in a variety of International Business Management disciplines; c) To provide opportunities for postgraduate education that will benefit students from a wide and increasingly diverse range of management backgrounds; d) To foster a critical awareness and understanding of contemporary issues in International Business Management and its theoretical tools; e) To enable students to select an area of interest and engage in in-depth study through the dissertation; f) To enable students to gain first-hand experience of the commercial environment through the completion of a relevant work internship; g) To enhance student s intellectual, research, inter-personal and applied decision-making skills within a rigorous academic programme. 25 Course learning outcomes Students successfully completing the MA International Business Management will be able to: (i) Use the relevant analytical and creative skills of International Business Management; (ii) Demonstrate that they have the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts and research relevant to International Business Management ; (iii) Develop the ability to communicate the ideas and concepts of International Business Management (iv) Critically to evaluate the International Business environment and consider the appropriate strategic response to this environment; (v) Demonstrate a range of interpersonal, self-management and consultancy skills relevant to International Business Management. (vi) Understand the underlying significance of the ethics of corporate social responsibility for international management Teaching/learning strategies and methods A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to reflect the diverse range of modules available within the award, and the two modes of study. Methods will include lectures, seminars, individual and group mini-projects activities, videos, guest lectures, syndicate tutorials, presentations and case study based learning. Three key principles will underpin the teaching/learning strategies in the Programme s modules. Firstly, that the diversity of experiences that students bring to the course will be used to positively enhance the collective student experience. This will be achieved by utilising a variety of group, team and syndicate activities drawn together, where possible, with plenary sessions. Additionally, independent study will play a critical role in ensuring that students with different market knowledge and experience will use individual routes to achieve the common learning outcomes in each module. Secondly, teaching/learning methods are designed to ensure that students understanding of International Business Management takes place in an applied decision-making context. In order

31 26 to achieve this some modules will make extensive use the case study method of learning, whilst others will use mini-project based activities. In each case the underlying principle is to utilise, translate and apply appropriate theory, concepts, frameworks and empirical evidence into realistic decision-making context. The critical linking of theory to practice is a fundamental characteristic of the postgraduate award in International Business Management. Finally, teaching/leaning methods reflect the need, given the pace of changing in the International Marketing Communications environment, for students to be able to rapidly interpret, synthesise and analyse ideas and information. This principle is reflected in the requirement that students should reflect on their learning, that they should contextualise it within their current and past work experience, and that they should comment on the presentations and work of other students on the programme. In other words: 1 Theory and practice on this course, at both campuses, are inextricably linked and you will need to demonstrate the capacity to absorb the theory and apply the practice. 2 You should expect, and positively embrace, a range of teaching and learning experiences this means that you will have to adapt to the different techniques used by lecturers from different backgrounds. 3 It also means that you will have to adapt your way of learning according to the place of study. 4 When you are asked for your feedback, please remember that it is against these aims that you should measure your experience. Assessment The table below describes the form of assessment that will be adopted in each of the programme s modules across both campuses. It shows that a range of assessment devices is used on the MA International Business Management, but each form of assessment is devised in relation to the principles underlying the teaching and learning of the programme. Some of the modules will look to the student s work experience to determine the nature of the assessment. Case study assessment is adopted in a number of modules, and often reports, requiring relevant International Business Management skills, are a major component of the assessment. There will be both formative and summative assessments, which will be designed focussing on the needs of all students, and in line with university disability policy. MA INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT DESIGN Modules taken at ECP003N Module Economic and Political Environment of International Business Assessment Components Coursework 50% Unseen Exam 50% Details An individual report providing an external audit of an International Business. An Examination of an understanding of the current IB environment.

32 27 Modules taken at ESCEM ECP067N HRP009N ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX Strategic Decision Making for International Management Cross Cultural Management Strategic Issues In International Business Corporate Strategy International Resource Management International Risk Management International SMEs Business Innovation and Sponsorship Managing with Data Individual Dissertation Proposal 25%; Group Case Study 25%; Unseen Exam:50% Coursework 50% Unseen Exam 50% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Group Project 40%; Examination 60% Research and Case Study bases for course work. An unseen exam on a previously provided case study. Individual essay for course work. An unseen exam on a previously provided case study. A group project, and unseen exam. A group project, and unseen exam. A group project, and unseen exam. A group project, and unseen exam. A group project, and unseen exam. A group project, and unseen exam. A group project, and unseen exam. Registered via campus of programme entry Registered via ESCEM Dissertation triple weighted module Internship Coursework 100% Individual, supervised, 15,000 words.) Host organisation evaluation 25b Cognitive/intellectual skills By the end of the course, the student is expected to develop higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to: 1. Carry out independent and scholarly research and investigation. The objective is to develop the student at both module and course level an ability to use the knowledge provide analysis and evaluation, and to think through the practical application of these within the industry 2. Develop and apply intellectual skills and critical thinking to synthesise and evaluate concepts, ideas and theories common to the discipline of international business management 3. Develop an awareness of, and sensitivity to, issues of culture as they are likely to impact the international business environment 4. Carry out a critical review of literature and be aware of alternative approaches to the study undertaken 5. Apply basic skills of seeking, handling and interpreting statistical information 25c Practical skills

33 28 Graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills together with techniques specific to business and management. They should also demonstrate relevant personal and interpersonal skills. QAA website By the end of the course, students will have the ability to 1. Critically assess the process and outcomes of decision making in international companies, recognising the differences between global, multinational and trans-national strategies. They will be able to comment on contrasting theories of strategy in international business development. They will appreciate the challenges of competition/co-operation, integration / localisation, sustainability of competitive advantage, planning and implementing strategy; 2. Explore the inter-relationship between economics and politics and their impact on international business. Students will understand the advantages and constraints of trading patterns and blocks in the EU and other regions. They will appreciate the challenges that emerging economies face in trading with the developed nations; 3. Apply rigorous economic and financial analysis to practical problems in global management; 4. Appreciate issues of validity, structure and design, literature search when undertaking research in international organisations. They will be able to search various research databases and electronic sources in a disciplined manner. 5. Experience of working successfully in multinational teams in challenging, problem solving, time constrained assignments. 25d Key/transferable skills including employability and professional practice Ethics and value management; recognising ethical situations, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices QAA. The practitioner field of International Business Management is guided by the ethical code developed by professional institutes (such as the Institute of Business Ethics, Institute of Management Consultants) and these principles are directly introduced into the course. The teaching team will take opportunities in all modules to provide students the opportunity to reflect on their own ethical stance. QAA Benchmarking Course outcomes were formulated with reference to the following QAA Benchmarking statement(s) Specialist Masters degrees A (Career entry) These programmes are normally designed for career preparation in a clearly defined type of job or profession. They aim to prepare individuals to be operationally effective in the specialist subject area or as a preparation for an academic career in that subject area. Entry requirements often but do not always require a previous degree that is relevant or cognate to the specialism. They do not usually require previous work experience although some students enter after several years in a job. The degrees offer in-depth study (often in fulltime mode) in a particular specialist area and often include ancillary subjects relevant to the specialism (perhaps a specialism: ancillary ratio of 70:30). The content of the programme usually has a strong theoretical base but it should also provide a range of skills relevant to practice. They may be sub-categorised into those that are professionally oriented leading to a job in a company/organisation and those that are academically or research oriented.

34 29 B (Career development) These programmes are designed to develop or enhance professional competence in individuals who are already experienced and who wish to build on that experience through a structured programme of study. Entry requirements may include a cognate prior qualification and will normally require relevant work experience. The process and content of the programme will have an emphasis on practice (based on theory) and will take a critical perspective on both current practice and likely future developments. Skills for all Masters programmes Graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills together with techniques specific to business and management. They should also demonstrate relevant personal and interpersonal skills. These include: a Critical thinking and creativity: managing creative processes in self and others; organising thoughts, analysis, synthesis, critical appraisal. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately. b Problem solving and decision making: establishing criteria, using appropriate decision techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions. c Information and knowledge: scanning and organising data, abstracting meaning from information and sharing knowledge. d Numeracy and quantitative skills including the use of models of business situations; qualitative research skills. e Effective use of Communication and Information Technology (CIT). f Two-way communication: listening, negotiating and persuading or influencing others; oral and written communication, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports. g Personal effectiveness: self-awareness and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations; the ability to continue learning. h Effective performance within a team environment and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes; team selection, delegation, development and management. i Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring, continuous improvement. j Ethics and value management: recognising ethical situations, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices. k Ability to conduct research into business and management issues. l Learning through reflection on practice and experience. 26 MA International Business Management Course structure diagram Autumn Semester Level Semester Code Title Status Credit Points Notes

35 30 Masters Autumn ECP003N Economic and Political Environment of International Business Autumn ECP067N Strategic Decision Making for International Management Autumn HRP009N Cross Cultural Management c c 20 c CATS (=10 ECTS) PG Diploma PG Certificate Summer ECPP09N Dissertation c UK credits from the taught courses at ESCEM Poitiers and LMU 60 UK Credits or 40 UK credits and 10 ECTS Poitiers credits. Taught Modules delivered at ESCEM Poitiers (Spring Semester) Level Semester Code Title Sta tus Spring ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX Strategic Issues C 6 International Resource Management International Risk Management Business Innovation and Sponsorship C 4 C 4 C 4 Credit Points Notes ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4 MSS01 International SMEs C 4 Managing with Data C 4 Corporate Strategy C 4 27 Assessment diagram Assessment London Metropolitan Modules ESCEM taught modules ECP003N ECP067N HRP009N ECPP09N ESCM4M ESCM4M ESCM4M ESCM4M ESCM4M ESCM4M ESCM4 M

36 31 Examination Individual Coursework Group Presentation/Project Project/Dissertation The curriculum The London Metropolitan element of the curriculum is structured around four modules: ECP003N Economic and Political Environment of International Business ECP067N Strategic Decision Making for International Management HRP009N Cross Cultural Management ECPP09N Dissertation These modules provide the common ground on which the modules studied at ESCEM are dependent. 29 Regulations The course conforms to the University s regulations for the postgraduate award framework 13.0 REGULATIONS During your stay at London Metropolitan University you will study under the University s regulatory framework. Conversely, your period of study at ESCEM will be governed by the ESCEM regulatory framework. While the respective regulations of the two institutions are broadly similar, you are encouraged to familiarise yourself with those areas in which there are marginal differences. These are summarised below. Details on each of these regulations as they apply at London Metropolitan University can be found via a link shown at the end of this handbook. You will receive a copy of the equivalent ESCEM documentation on arrival in Poitiers. Regulation London Metropolitan ESCEM Poitiers Mitigating Circumstances Students may submit mitigating circumstances No mitigating circumstances are permitted Attendance Regular attendance is required Contact time consists of 15 hours per module, delivered in blocks. Attendance is compulsory. Module Credit Weighting Assessment Criteria/Grading Resit opportunities Each taught module amounts to 20 CATS = 10 ECTS. There are three modules totalling 60 CATS = 30 ECTS credits. Provided in individual modules (assessment mapping table provided at the end of this handbook) One resit opportunity for each failed assessment, after which year may be retaken. 6 modules attract 4 ECTS credits, One module 6 ECTS credits. The seven taught modules together thus attract 30 ECTS credits Provided in individual modules One resit opportunity for each failed assessment and failure to attend, after which year may be

37 Pass Marks for modules Dissertation regulations Award Completion Award Grading Intermediate awards Internship requirements 32 Mitigation submissions allowed. retaken. Mitigation submissions not allowed 50% Provided in each module Must meet London Met learning outcomes. Amounts to 60 CATS credits = 30 ECTS credits All modules (including dissertation) must be passed and amount to 180 CATS/90 ECTS credits London Met grading set out on p3. Intermediate awards available at Certificate and Diploma level No requirement for London Met award specification: 10 out of 20. Must be defended orally. Amounts to 25 ECTS credits All modules must be passed, internship completed and dissertation completed. See each module specification. Modules are graded out of 20, with 10 as the pass. No intermediate awards are offered by ESCEM. Accumulated credits may be transferable to another approved course. Compliance with ESCEM requirements: must be at least 4 months and meet pass criteria to obtain the ESCEM MA.

38 14.0 DIRECTORY OF MODULES FOR THE COURSE 33 Course MA International Business Management Module Directory Module Code Module Title Semester Autumn (Au), Spring Sp), both semesters, or Summer Study Period Module Status Core (C) Designate (D) Elective (E) Prerequisites (if any) Module Summary Assessment Requirements ECP003N Economic and political Environment of International Business Au C None The module is designed to develop the students capacity to make broad judgements and distinctions out of the complex and manifold environmental factors that press upon International Businesses. The central skill is to develop a capacity to conduct an informed external audit in preparation for strategy formulation Individual assessment (50%) Unseen Examination (50%) ECP067N Strategic Decision Making for International Management Au C None The module aims to provide an understanding of the research methods utilised by international managers using the formulation of strategic decisions by international corporations as the immediate context. The taught course work involves case studies and team work Two coursework components: An individual dissertation research project and a group research coursework. (25%+25%). Unseen Examination based on a seen case study (50%)

39 34 HRP009N Cross Cultural Management Au C None The purpose is to prepare students for the management challenges of working in teams of managers from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. Individual essay (50%) Unseen Exam (50%) ECPP09N International Business Dissertation Summer C None As a core Master s requirement, students are required to design, undertake and write up a substantial individual project-based dissertation, based on a topic of their choice (subject to approval), working under the supervision of a member of the course staff team. Dissertation (12-15,000 words) Work Placement Summer See Handbook Host organisation report

40 Module Directory : Modules studied at ESCEM Poitiers 35 Module Code Module Title Semester Autumn (Au), Spring Sp), both semesters, or Summer Study Period Module Status Core (C) Designate (D) Elective (E) Prerequisites (if any) Module Summary Assessment Requirements ESCM4 MSXXX Managing with Data Sp C None This course offers a comprehensive variety of data management and analysis solutions that support managers in their daily activities through analysis, representation and communication and develops skills in accessing and using quality data in making better business and organizational decisions. Group project 40%. Examination 60%; ESCM4 MSXXX Strategic Issues Sp C None The purpose of this course is to understand concepts underlying consumer behaviour, with particular emphasis on psychological, economic, sociological, and cultural concepts, and to apply that understanding to develop a strategy for marketing in the European market. This module focuses on marketing strategy and cross cultural management, as well as, the theories of trade and foreign direct investment. Group project 40%. Examination 60%; ESCM4 MSXXX International Risk Management Sp C None This module focuses on the political and legal, operational, financial and regulatory aspects of risk. This includes the legal regime of international trade, as well as the more specific topic of the relationship between trade liberalization and protection of the environment. The module includes issues of both exchange rate risk and investment risk management, balance of payments accounting, corporate financial and the financing of Group project 40%. Examination 60%;

41 36 international trade and foreign direct investment. ESCM4 MSXXX International SME s Sp C None SMEs constitute the vast majority of the number of firms conducting international business. This module looks at the process of establishing, developing and internationalising SME s. The constraints on these types of firms is quite different from large multinationals and to understand these it is important to appreciate the underlying forces that affect these firms. There has been an increased internationalisation of SMEs in recent years. The module focuses on export strategies, foreign direct investment and alliances and networks among SMEs. Group project 40%. Examination 60%; ESCM4 MSXXX Business Innovation and Sponsorship Sp C None The module focuses on issues of entrepreneurship and innovation focusing on SMEs. Firms must continuously evolve and invest in innovation in products and processes to survive. For SMEs the issue of capital investment is critical, as many of these are financially restricted in their marketing campaigns, their distribution systems and their access to markets. The module considers the theory and development of entrepreneurship, populations of entrepreneurs, types of entrepreneurs, processes and activities specialising in marketing, marketing strategies, networks and external relations of small firms, as well as, sources of capital, including venture capital. Group project 40%. Examination 60%;

42 ESCM4 MSXXX ESCM4M SS01 ESCM4 MSXXX International Resource Management Sp C None Corporate Strategy Sp C None International Management Dissertation 37 The module focuses on the use of information and communication technologies and the function of operations management in international firms and the role of decision support systems in solving e- business operations to manage non-human and non-financial resources. It focuses on the operations manager s responsibilities for monitoring and managing divisions and subsidiaries, especially those at a distance and outlines the issues for firms that operate internationally This module introduces students to the techniques of competitive analysis that are essential for a firm to understand its industrial environment, its competitors and the trends in its industry and opportunities in related and unrelated industries. It also encompasses the strategies that are that are formulated and implemented and that focus on the firm as whole. Autumn C As a core Master s requirement, students are required to design, undertake and write up a substantial individual project-based dissertation, based on a topic of their choice (subject to approval), working under the supervision of a member of the course staff team. Group project 40%. Unseen Exam 60%; Group project 40% Unseen Exam 60% Dissertation (12-15,000 words) Work Placement Summer C See Handbook Host organisation report

43 15.0 INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION Relevant University Procedures: Procedure Academic Misconduct Appeals against decisions of Assessment Boards APL Procedures Full procedure in the Academic Regulations (Section 10.5) (Section 10.4) (Section 10.1) Full Procedure & notes in the University s Student Handbook (Notes only) Further information/guidance available at: Limits to the amount of APL, which can be claimed, are detailed within the Awards Framework and Regulations that regulate your course. Complaints Procedure Fees and enrolments (Section 9) Fees: Enrolment: Intermission (Suspension of Studies) Mitigating Circumstances Postgraduate Assessment Regulations (Section 9.1) (Section 10.3) (Section 4.2) (including deadlines) Postgraduate Awards Framework, Scheme Regulations & Course Structure (Section 4.1)

44 15.2 Useful online information: 39 Academic and Professional Service Departments Academic Regulations Examination Timetable Evision Learning Development Unit Postgraduate Study/Postgraduate Centres PostGrad-Line Student Handbook Student Services Timetable information Registry Weblearn

45 Key sources of online information: Academic and Professional Service Departments Academic Regulations Examination Timetable Evision Learning Development Unit Postgraduate Officers PostGrad-Line Student Handbook Student Services Timetable information WebLearn Academic and Professional Service Departments Academic Regulations