2012/2013 Programme Specification Data Programme Name Programme Number Programme Award QAA Subject Benchmark Statements Business Purchasing and Supply Chain Management P11663 BA (Hons) Business/Management Programme Aims Threshold standard On graduating with an honours degree in general business and management, students will typically have: knowledge and understanding of the key areas of business and management, the relationships between these and their application demonstrated competence within the range of subjectspecific and intellectual skills a view of business and management which is predominantly influenced by guided learning with a limited critical perspective. Typical standard On graduating with an honours degree in general business and management, students will typically: have a wide knowledge and understanding of the broad range of areas of business and management and the detailed relationships between these, their application and their importance in an integrated framework consistently demonstrate a command of subject-specific skills including application of knowledge, as well as proficiency in intellectual skills have a view of business and management which is influenced by a variety of learning sources including guided learning, team work and independent study be distinguished from the threshold category by their enhanced capacity to develop and apply their own perspectives to their studies, to deal with uncertainty and complexity, to explore alternative solutions, to demonstrate critical evaluation and to integrate theory and practice in a wide range
of situations. Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding A Knowledge and understanding of: have a strong commercial awareness, a systematic and integrated understanding of the functions and processes of business, and practices for effective management of business understand the global environment in which business operate and its effects upon business management, include the political, economic, technological, social, ethical and environmental factors. identify, interpret and utilise complex data to analyse business performance and make plans to improve it. demonstrate strategic awareness, and evaluate options available to organisations with an insight that ensures future business strategy is geared to improve efficiency and overall profit maximisation. make business decisions that take into account international complexity, cultural differences, ethical issues and social responsibilities. Outcomes: Intellectual Skills B Intellectual skills: assess the implications for business purchasing and supply chain management of emerging influences and challenges inside and outside the organisation. link theory to practice through case study and business simulations in the fields of purchasing and supply chain management synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the cross functional and multidisciplinary nature of purchasing and supply chain management activities and associated multifaceted business problems solve problems and make decisions with IDEAL (Identify the problem, Define the problem, Examine alternatives, Act on a plan, Look at the consequences) model have effective intellectual autonomy, initiative and selfcompetence in learning situations think independently and creatively, and work
collaboratively with innovative ideas effective in self-management in terms of time, planning and behaviour, motivation, self-starting, individual initiative and enterprise have self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues lead a team under various circumstances, liaise with different types of people within organisation and external to organization Have the ability to engage all types of audiences Outcomes: Subject Practical Skills C Subject Practical skills: be effective at managing and utilising quantifiable information take logical steps to understand, analyse and solve a problem or issue by utilising scientific tools and processes apply qualitative and quantitative business tools to analyse, evaluate, and make decisions for a wide range of international scenarios and problems place an emphasis upon the integrated and collaborative management skills as a prerequisite for supply chain management apply advanced information communication technologies, and project management skills to manage organisations and improve business performances. work collaboratively in multicultural and diverse teams, appreciating cultural differences and demonstrating personal initiative Outcomes: Transferable/Key Skills D Transferable/ key skills: be able to analyse business problems using a range of criteria and techniques, leading to recommendations on options, implementation and choice of actions be able to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations gain relevant personal transferable skills e.g. oral, written, analytical, problem-solving, teamwork skills, and time management skills applicable to a range of job opportunities including self-employment
be able to recognize the importance of complete, accurate and timely information in the field of forecasting, for both purchasing and demand management. have enhanced interpersonal skills e.g. building relationships, maximising individual strengths, negotiating individual contributions or organisational benefits. Outcomes: Graduate Attributes Our graduates should: Be business minded, i.e. have strong commercial awareness, and the ability to consistently apply their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills in a multi-tasking, fast paced environment. Be numerate, i.e. possess the numerical and analytical skills to setup benchmark processes and measure business performances. Be creative, i.e. be able to approach tasks from an analytical viewpoint and be able to interpret complex data sets, and therefore develop innovative business plans using creative thinking and judgment. Be people oriented, i.e. have strong interpersonal and organisational skills, and therefore be able to liaise with different types of people both within and external to organization. Be able to engage with all types of audiences, and build relations with customers. Be able work either individually or in a team, and be able to inspire and influence others. Be technologically capable; i.e. be able to apply information technology to work, enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy. Have effective oral and written communication skills, and the confidence and ability to present complex ideas and argument. Teaching and Learning Methods Teaching and learning: Interactive lectures, face-to-face and web supported seminars, guest speakers Directed and independent self study, group or web based discussions, Supervised laboratories, Excel demonstration Case studies, problem solving activities, research activities, company visits, guest speakers, consultancy projects, business simulations, and group based research and presentations
Assessment Methods Assessment Methods: The assessment methods are work related and emphasise the applications of knowledge, including a mixture of portfolio based reports, presentations, business simulation scenarios/reports, information technology software demonstrations, consultancy reports, dragons den type assessments involving local employers, seen/unseen examinations, and time constrained assignments.