Section 1: Programme Specification 1. Award - BA (Hons) 2. Route Business Studies and IT Management for Business / Business Studies and IT Management for Business (Professional Placement) 3. Awarding Institution/Body University of Chichester 4. Teaching Institution University of Chichester 5. Programme Accredited by Not relevant to this programme 6. UCAS code NG15/ NG1N (professional placement) 7. QAA Benchmarking Group General Business and Management, Computing 8. Validation History first validated July 2002, full programme reviews July 2005 and June 2009. 9. Programme Rationale The programme is designed to develop proactive graduates who will be equipped to gain appropriate and rewarding employment and make an immediate and on-going contribution within the workplace. As such they will be proficient in a team environment, have acquired skills that will enable them to reflect upon a problem or situation and identify appropriate strategies, and have the confidence and capability to allow them to develop as life-long learners. The programme combines the multidisciplinary nature of business studies provision together with the development of specific IT skills. Rapid change in the role and skills of IT professionals is placing growing demands on new graduates in the workplace. Increasingly IT-related degrees must comprise of business, technology, personal skills and project work. It is anticipated that many of the students upon graduation from this course will either work within, or closely with, departments responsible for the development and management of a business information systems. Additionally, there is a focus on the development of students intellectual and practical skills that will support them both as learners and as future managers. Distinctive Features Approaching the implementation and management of IT from the business rather than the computer science perspective. In place of traditional large group lectures, student-centric workshop based learning activities are central to the delivery of the programme. Emphasis on the personal development of students within a supportive environment that enables students to master challenges and achieve goals Vocational focus to the programme underpinned with authentic assessment tasks and project based learning. Projects undertaken for external organisations and businesses.
10. Aims of Field/Programme The Programme aims to: combine a coherent, broad based programme of study of business organisations and their management within the context of a changing external environment alongside a focus that considers the application and impact of information systems and technology on organisations together with their implementation and management; develop self aware, reflective students who take responsibility for their own learning and demonstrate a responsibility to fellow learners; develop a range of intellectual and practical skills that will enable graduates to add-value within the work place; provide assessment and project based tasks that allows students to apply knowledge and skills appropriately within an authentic context; provide the educational foundation that is relevant to further study and lifelong learning; create a learning environment where professional standards are expected, but at the same time recognises that learning is challenging and appropriate support is provided both by staff and fellow learners. [NB: The degree route draws upon both the General Business and Management Subject Benchmark and the Computing Subject Benchmark. Consequently, the aims reflect the aspects of both subject benchmarks. 11. Intended Learning Outcomes (Student Achievement): The intended learning outcomes for the Business Studies and IT Management for Business degree route reflect programme requirements as detailed within the QAA Benchmark Statements for both General Business and Management, and Computing. The learning outcomes are underpinned by a broad, analytical and integrated study of business and management as highlighted in the QAA General Business and Management Benchmark Statement. In line with the Computing Benchmark Statement, the programme is concerned with the understanding, design and exploitation of computation and computer technology in a business context as a means of enabling organisations to flourish in a changing environment. Subject Knowledge An understanding of organisations, their management and the opportunities that the effective implementation and use of IT presents, enabling them to flourish in a changing environment. Within this integrated framework students will have the opportunity to explore combinations of the following: issues in relation to organisational structures including business drivers and processes; Teaching and Learning Strategies and Methods Subject knowledge is developed through student interaction in workshops, on-line discussion, seminars, problem based exercises, business-based guest speakers, visits and guided independent learning. Assessment Subject knowledge is assessed via a broad range of assessment methods. These typically will include: practical exercises; oral presentations; 2
how the effective use of IT transforms organisations underpinning computing and communications technologies and how they are applied principles of programming, database and website development processes, procedures and practice for effective implementation and management of IT systems in organisations; the management and development of people within organisations; the understanding of fundamental financial information the development of appropriate IT policies and strategies within the context of the external environment. Intellectual / Practical Skills / Transferable Skills The ability to critically reflect effectively upon a problem or situation, identify an appropriate, justified strategy and implement it; To be able to structure and communicate arguments; The ability to work effectively as a member of a team; Enhancement of reflective skills that enable students to develop their self-awareness to support both their own learning and their engagement with others; The ability to work independently and to take responsibility for own learning; Effective formal and informal communication and presentation skills (both written and oral), using a variety of media including the effective use of Communications and Information Technology; Sound technical application of IT. Multidisciplinary research skills relevant to the context of business and management issues; Planning and personal management skills. Development and implementation of project management skills. reports/ documentation; analysis; project work; time constrained tasks; computer based exercise/application; peer review; reflective accounts/ logs/ audits. Teaching and Learning Strategies and Methods Intellectual, practical and transferable skills are developed through student interaction in workshops, seminars, problem based exercises, and guided independent learning. At Levels 1 (FHEQ4) and 2 (FHEQ5), the primary focus is on providing a learning environment that enables students to develop a firm grounding in the range of skills highlighted. At Level 3 (FHEQ6) the nature of the modules and the assessment regime, in particular through the management project/personal study, allows students an opportunity to apply these competencies to a professional level. The development of these skills and their application in the context of the subject knowledge reflect the requirements of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Students are also encouraged to undertake their own personal development planning to enable them to reflect upon their own progress and determine strategies to assist their learning. Assessment See assessment schedule detailed 3
under Subject Knowledge. 12. Quality Indicators The quality of this programme is monitored by the following methods: The quality assurance procedures adopted in the programme are laid down at an institutional level within University of Chichester s quality assurance procedures. In particular, there is a formal annual monitoring process informed by feedback and evaluation. The programme is also subject to a University of Chichester Academic Standards Committee five yearly review. In addition the following approaches are used to monitor the quality of the course: Module Review The evaluation of each module taught within the programme is the responsibility of the module co-ordinator. The module co-ordinator may use a variety of methods to evaluate the module, and will be required to seek and report student feedback within the evaluation. Although free to undertake the evaluation in a way that is perceived to be appropriate for the individual module, there will be a requirement to provide a module report that includes specific statistical and qualitative information. Informal Evaluation In addition to the formal evaluation procedures a constant dialogue between tutors, and tutors and students provides valuable information. This type of informal dialogue is often most effective at having a real impact upon the ongoing review and improvement of programmes. The formal procedures are directly and indirectly informed by these processes and help provide the framework that provides focus to programme improvements. 13. Admission Requirements The route will comply with all University of Chichester procedures relating to standard and non-standard entry and has admission standards in line with all University of Chichester degrees. However, in addition to the guidelines set out in the above detailed documentation there are further specific requirements. Applicants would normally have to meet the following requirements: Admission to the programme at First Degree Level (i) (ii) (iii) A standard offer in line with Curriculum 2000 would normally require applicants to achieve a graded profile typically in the range of 180-220 tariff points (including A2 pass grades, or equivalent). Applicants would normally require 3 GCSEs (A C) including grade C or above in Mathematics (or equivalent) and English Language (or equivalent) within their overall GCSE profile when their application is supported by GCE Advanced Level qualifications. For applicants seeking entry with an AVCE qualification, a merit grade is 4
(iv) (v) normally required in a relevant subject area. Overseas students would normally be required to demonstrate achievement of IELTS level 6 (or equivalent). In addition to the tariff point criteria detailed above, the quality of an individual student s personal statement, their reference, the relevance of previous study in relation to their chosen programme route(s), and any previous work experience will also be taken into consideration when determining whether an offer of a place be made. 14. Award Requirements (Includes Interim Awards) Progression to the Award of Degree The degree routes are divided into three levels. Level 1 (FHEQ4) (Certificate level), Level 2 (FHEQ5) (Diploma level) and Level 3 (FHEQ6) (Honours level). The three levels reflect the requirements of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Students will normally accumulate 120 credits for one year of full-time study or its equivalent. The following awards will be made: 120 credits - Certificate of Higher Education (Level 1) (FHEQ4) 240 credits - Diploma of Higher Education (Level 2) (FHEQ5) 360 credits - Degree with Honours (Level 3) (FHEQ6) 5
15. Standard Diagram - Route Requirements Undergraduate Programme For those students undertaking a professional placement route, the 48-Week professional placement will occur between levels 2 (FHEQ5) and 3 (FHEQ6) Credit Level 3 (FHEQ6) Modules Programme Requirements Developing an Information Strategy 360 credits Management Project/Personal Study Critical Issues in Managing the Information Services Organisation One from the following two modules: Corporate Finance Marketing Communications Strategic Human Resource Management 45 credits Work-based Learning or two from the following three modules: Small Business Enterprise Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Contemporary Issues in E-Business Credit Level 2 (FHEQ5) Modules Analysing and Improving Website Design and Performance Business Research Project Management Developing Real Systems for Customers Financial Decision Making Human Resource Management Option module Option module* *If registered on Professional Placement then the Preparation for Internship module must be taken as an option module 30 credits Programme Requirements 240 credits Credit Level 1 (FHEQ4) Modules Programme Requirements Business Decision Making 120 credits Management and Organisations Programming for the Web Working with Others and Developing Self A Business Information Systems Introduction to Marketing Option module 30 credits Further information on this programme can be found in: Student Handbook and University of Chichester Prospectus http://www.chi.ac.uk/info/undergraduate.cfm 6