Programme Specification: BA (Hons) Business Management (Level 6 Top-Up) NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detail on the specific learning outcomes, indicative content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found (1) at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/bcbs, (2) in the Module Specifications and (3) in the Student Handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked within independent review processes undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency. Awarding Institution / Body: Teaching Institution: Interim Awards and Final Award: Birmingham City University Birmingham City University BA (Hons) Business Management Programme Titles: Main fields of Study: Modes of Study: Language of Study: UCAS Code: JACS Code: Business and Management Online English TBC TBC The following benchmark and other (external) reference points used to inform programme outcomes: The QAA s award descriptors for Undergraduate level qualifications The University s award descriptors for Undergraduate level qualifications The QAA s Subject Benchmark statement for Business and Management (2007) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/generalbusine ssmanagement.asp The QAA s Distance Learning Guidelines (1999) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/codeofpractice/distancelearning/cont ents.asp
Programme philosophy and aims The BA (Hons) Business Management (Level 6 Top Up) Programme is based on the philosophy that management development should be incremental and this course aims to build on the grounding in the disciplines as studied prior to admission. The course encourages students to develop the skills and competences of future managers. To do this, students should be capable of making management decisions at both a strategic and at a tactical level, emphasising the complexity and dynamics of business and management and taking cognisance of the integrative nature of the various factors which impinge upon management decisions. The programme incorporates frameworks for reviewing, reflecting, analysing and critiquing existing individual and organisational practices. The outcome of this process will be a critical appreciation, in order to make justified decisions; apply those decisions in a variety of contexts; communicating the decisions and make integrative links between disciplines and across organisations in a context of change. The aims of the programmes are to: Provide an intellectually challenging and vocationally relevant learning experience where learners can develop and demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts of business and management and their utility in improving business and management practice. Provide learners with the opportunity to focus on particular aspects of business and management relevant to their backgrounds, interests and career aspirations through a choice of final management project. Facilitate the development and demonstration of learners intellectual skills of information processing, analysis, synthesis, critical appraisal, creativity and innovation and the ability to manage and make decisions in situations of ambiguity and uncertainty. Enable learners to develop business and management competences and research skills to enhance employability and support career advancement. Produce future managers who are able to improve the quality of management decision-making, leadership and business practice across a range of organisations and in a variety of contexts.
Intended learning outcomes and the means by which they are achieved and demonstrated: Programme Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to: 1. Apply knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and methods in relation to the multi-faceted aspects of business and management within their contextual environments and their application to management practice. 2. Examine and evaluate strategic and tactical business decisions in a variety of contexts and within their discipline, whilst appreciating the complexity and dynamics of business and management. 3. Choose and apply relevant theories, conceptual models and techniques to the solution of business and management problems. 4. Exhibit the development and achievement of skills in relation to communication, organisation and working with others from organizational and national cultures and backgrounds in a professional manner. 5. Demonstrate the ability to apply a range of academic and intellectual skills relevant to undergraduate level study including, information gathering, critical analysis, synthesis, problem solving, creativity, innovation and evaluation to aid business decision making. 6. Conduct research and enquiry to further their understanding and to inform business decision making. 7. Structure and communicate ideas and arguments effectively in writing, and reference source materials consistently and accurately using the Harvard referencing system. Managing Strategically Module PLO 1 PLO 2 PLO 3 PLO 4 PLO 5 PLO 6 PLO 7 Contemporary Issues in HRM Critical Management Studies Managing and Leading Change Marketing Management Management Project Personal Development e- Portfolio = forms part of the summative assessment and is integrated into the teaching and learning strategy.
Learning teaching, and assessment methods used The modules will utilise methods of learning, teaching and assessment which are appropriate to Undergraduate level study, as set out in the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) and as outlined in principle in the QAA Benchmark statement for Undergraduate programmes in Business & Management, including case study analysis, group discussions and report writing. Specifically, all of the teaching will be done via online instruction and facilitation on an individual basis but group participation will be used as a resource for learning. There will be online group discussions of practical management situations and problems, making use of case studies, problem situations and scenarios and where relevant, the participants' own experiences. Theoretical concepts will typically be explored in an online assignment submission and will be supplemented with an online discussion forum. These discussions will encourage students to critically examine key elements of business and management further in a constructivist environment. In addition, students are expected to undertake considerable independent study to prepare for and support online class time. Assessment on the programme is designed to be an integral part of the learning process for students and to enhance and confirm their knowledge and practice. Summative assessments will provide a measure of the extent to which students have achieved the learning outcomes of the modules. Assessment within the modules will take various forms including: coursework assignments, reports, participation in online forums and the Management Project. Assessment Grid Module Assignment Participation Project Portfolio Managing Strategically Contemporary Issues in HRM Critical Management Studies Managing and Leading Change Marketing Management Management Project Personal Development e-portfolio
Module: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Duration: Programme e-portfolio Tony Birch Programme structure and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards Module:. MANAGING STRATEGICALLY Module: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN HRM Tony Birch John Kimberley Duration: 9 Weeks Duration: 8 Weeks Module: CRITICAL MANAGEMENT... STUDIES Module: MANAGING AND LEADING CHANGE Martin Hipkiss Geoff Stanley Duration: 8 Weeks Duration: 8 Weeks Module: MARKETING MANAGEMENT Module: MANAGEMENT PROJECT Credits: 30 Richard Frost Steve McCabe/All Duration: 8 Weeks Duration: 20 Weeks
Delivery Model MODULE TITLE Managing Strategically Tony Birch Mar/Apr Contemporary Issues in HRM John Kimberley May/Jun Critical Management Studies Martin Hipkiss Jul/Aug Managing and Leading Change Geoff Stanley Sep/Oct Marketing Management Richard Frost Nov/Dec Management Project 30 credits On-line supervision 20 weeks All/VL Jan/Aug Personal Development e-portfolio On-line portfolio Programme duration Tony Birch Mar/Aug
Markets Customers Finance People Operations Information Systems Communication & IT Business policy & strategy Pervasive issues Critical thinking, analysis & synthesis Effective problem solving/decision making Effective communication Numeracy & quantitative skills Use of communication and IT Effective self-management Effective performance within a team Interpersonal skills Research skills Self reflection and awareness BA (Hons) Business Management Online Level 6 Top Up Module Learning Outcomes Mapped to QAA Subject Benchmarks Knowledge and understanding Cognitive abilities & generic skills Benchmark Statement Criterion Level 6 Critical Management Studies x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Managing & Leading Change x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Contemporary Issues in HRM x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Marketing Strategy Managing Strategically Management Project x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Personal Development e-portfolio x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Support for Learning including Personal Development Planning (PDP) Students are encouraged to identify and, with guidance, to reflect on their own learning needs and are offered the following support as appropriate to meet those needs: A one-week online induction programme within the Moodle VLE. This will mimic the module approach and will deal with orientation and the dissemination of essential information. The week will be added to the first module studied and will involve interactive discussions on library access, academic integrity, and online learning. Within modules, further support provided in relation to assignment submission, problem solving and assessment techniques. A Student Handbook, containing information relating to the University, the Business School, the course and the modules. Access to academic and administrative staff at reasonable times via email, Skype or telephone. Access to online resources and access to the services of the Faculty librarian via the Library Website, email, Skype or telephone. Assistance and support for learning skills provided centrally by the University via email or telephone. Personal Development Planning will be facilitated by the online e-portfolio, Mahara. This provides the opportunity to build a portable learning portfolio to showcase the work completed on the module. Criteria for admission Candidates must satisfy the general admission requirements of the programme. The current admission requirements can be found under the Entry Requirements tab of the web page for this course.
Methods for evaluation and enhancement of quality and standards including listening and responding to views of students Committees: Board of Studies via an online forum (Moodle or Skype). Examination Board. Faculty Academic Standards and Quality Enhancement Committee. Faculty Learning and Teaching and Student Experience Committee. Faculty Board. Senate. Mechanisms for review and evaluation: Individual module evaluation by students, staff and, where appropriate, stakeholders. Regular review of VLE content and usage. Review of teaching support (texts, cases etc.).annual review of modules by module leaders. Annual course evaluation reports and action plans. Annual monitoring process. External examiners comments and formal reports. Student representatives feedback to Boards of Studies. Consideration of the minutes of Boards of Studies by Academic Standards and Quality Enhancement Committee. Approval and review and re-approval events. National Student Survey.