FOUNDATION DEGREE - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1 Awarding institution/body University of Essex 2 Teaching institution Writtle College 3 Programme accredited by n/a 4 Named award FdA Business Management 5 Programme Writtle College Business Scheme 6 UCAS code (or other coding system if N202 relevant) 7 Relevant QAA subject benchmarking General Business and Management group(s) 8 Date of production/revision June 2008/August 2009 9. Educational aims of the programme: The Foundation Degree programme is designed to produce students who have an appropriate balance of vocationally specific practical skills and a broad based academic underpinning. The aim of the programme is therefore to produce students who have the ability to creatively solve work-based problems and effectively manage resources in the complex and rapidly changing commercial environment. They must have a broad perspective, a sound understanding of commercial practice, well-developed specialised knowledge and skills and highly developed interpersonal skills. These qualities reinforced by enthusiasm and commitment, serve to further enhance their capacity to absorb information, to learn quickly, apply knowledge in a work based environment, to be receptive to new ideas, and to effectively manage change. The objectives of the programme are to: encourage critical and evaluative capability through challenging and demanding courses of study; facilitate flexible approaches to problem solving and innovation through the application of vocational and academic learning; cultivate appropriate communication and inter-personal skills together with the ability to function effectively in teams and groups; develop an academic appreciation of the economic and commercial environment in which businesses operate and function and compare this with vocational experience; provide the underlying principles, practice, technology and commercial aspects associated with managing a business to complement commercial experience; 1
10. Programme Outcomes: All programmes provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: Knowledge and Understanding A. Knowledge and understanding of: the key principles, theories, concepts and practices associated with business and management and their inter-relationships including: 1. markets the development and operation of markets 2. customers customer expectations, service and orientation 3. finance the sources, uses and management of finance 4. people the management and development of people within organisations 5. operations the management of resources and operations 6. information systems the development and management of information systems 7. communication and information technology the comprehension and use of relevant communication and information technologies for application in business and management : The acquisition of knowledge and understanding is approached through an emphasis on studentcentred learning. Integration of theoretical and practical learning ensures the strong vocational focus as a priority in the provision. Acquisition of 1-7 is through key lectures, practical sessions and case studies, supported by group work in workshops and tutorials. The balance of lectures and small group work shifts towards a greater emphasis on small groups and independent learning methodologies in semesters 3 and 4. Investigative strategies are contextualised within discipline fields and increasing exposure to reallife scenarios. : Knowledge and understanding is assessed through a variety of methods including examinations, coursework, portfolio s, vocational tasks, case studies, role plays, presentations and workshop discussion. 2
Skills and Other Attributes B. Intellectual skills able to: 1. use cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and evaluation in problem solving and decision making relating to business problems 2. isolate and focus on the significant features of management problems 3. be innovative and creative in the solution of business problems and demonstrate independent thought 4. consult, challenge, adjust and develop theory and practice for business scenarios 5. work efficiently and effectively C. Practical skills able to: 1. plan, design and deliver practical exercises to manage resources in commercial business 2. retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of business sources 3. analyse information to determine its validity 4. prepare business reports 5. give business presentations 6. use IT in a variety of situations to support the learning process, handle and present information D. Transferable/key skills able to: 1. communicate effectively using a variety of means and to a range of audiences 2. apply numerical skills as appropriate 3. manage time and resources, organise study pattern and work to deadlines 4. participate constructively in teams and groups, showing tolerance and acceptance of other points of view 5. demonstrate capacity to learn through familiar and unfamiliar situations 6. find information from a variety of sources by using information technology 7. embrace career opportunities and challenges to plan a career path Intellectual skills are developed through discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts, both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of case study material and the observation of real life organisational behaviour. Individual feedback is given to students both orally and in writing on all work produced. Organisation based assessments will be used to allow learners to refine and develop their skills. Subject practical skills are developed in a coordinated and progressive pattern throughout the different levels of the programmes. In the lower levels attention is focused on the acquisition of basic skills and safe working practices through prescribed exercises. In semesters 3 and 4 more advanced techniques and open-ended exercises are introduced. Visits will form part of the process of skill acquisition as will the opportunity for fulltime students to complete work placements in industry. A variety of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills. These include reports, presentations and notebooks. The use of IT permeates all forms of presentation and assessment. Skills are delivered and developed as an integrated component of all modules. The delivery is mapped across each programme. Individual tutor support is provided to assist in personal development. Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in assessing all areas of a student s work, and the regular feedback and final grade reflect this. All students develop their information technology skills across the levels and this skill again forms a criterion for marking. 3
Stage 1 Stage 2 11. Programme structure and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards The programme is designed for full-time delivery mode. Full-time students can complete their programme in 2 years if they are not eligible for exemption. The academic year is organised over two fifteen week semesters. The units of learning are arranged in modules of 15 and 30 credit value. A core module must be taken as part of the programme structure and passed, with no condonement of marks below a pass allowed. The appropriate credit is awarded for the successful achievement of the learning outcomes for the unit. Students must satisfy all course scheme requirements at every level to allow them to graduate with the designated degree title. FOUNDATION DEGREE - Business Management Compulsory Modules Foundation Degree Academic and Professional Development H0050093 (30) Learning From Work H0050136 (30) Options NA FdA Business Management Requires See Essex undergraduate rules of assessment Outcomes developed/assessed: Management Concepts and Practice H0150139 (30) Managing People H0150142 Knowledge and skills as indicated by module reference sheets. Information Systems H0150113 Compulsory Modules Sector Studies H0040167 (30) Learning Through Work H0040137 (30) Essential Business H0140083 (30) Introductory Economics H0140125 Managing Operations H0140141 Options N/A Progression requirements: See Essex undergraduate rules of assessment Outcomes developed/assessed: Knowledge and skills as indicated by module reference sheets. 4
12 Support for students and their learning: Induction programme for new students Student handbooks and module guides Teaching programme based at one site Broad range of library and IT facilities with extended access for students All students have an identified personal tutor to advise on pastoral and academic matters Free individual email facilities for students and access to the World Wide Web Access to trained counsellors and student welfare advisors Range of external speakers and possibly visits 13 Criteria for admission: Acceptance onto the degree programmes is based on possession of one or more of the following entry requirements: 80 UCAS tariff points (the UCAS Tariff incorporates BTEC National Awards and Diplomas) The following reference points were used in compiling this institutional Degree Programme Specification: Writtle College Strategic Plan. Writtle College Learning and Teaching Strategy. Writtle College Semesterisation Framework Document. QAA Guidelines for Preparing Programme Specifications. QAA Foundation Degree: Qualification Benchmark (Final Draft) Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements 5