BA (Hons) Business and Management Programme Specification 1. Overview/ factual information Programme/award title(s) Teaching Institution Awarding Institution Date of latest OU validation Net revalidation Credit points for the award BA (Hons) Business and Management University Centre Stratford The Open University 1/3/11 N/A UCAS Code Programme start date Underpinning QAA subject benchmark(s) Other eternal and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes Professional/statutory recognition Duration of the programme for each mode of study (P/T, FT,DL) Dual accreditation (if applicable) Date of production/revision of this specification Sept 2011 BA (Hons) General Business and Management Edecel BTEC HNC/D Business 3 years FT, 6 years PT N/A Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be epected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the student module guide(s) and the student s handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the Open University and may be verified by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. 2.1 Educational aims and objectives Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 1 of 18
The main objectives of the degree are i) The study of organisations, their management and the changing eternal environment in which they operate; ii) Preparation of learners for and development of a career in business and management; iii) The enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large. 2.2 Relationship to other programmes and awards (Where the award is part of a hierarchy of awards/programmes, this section describes the articulation between them, opportunities for progression upon completion of the programme, and arrangements for bridging modules or induction) The programme provides two direct entry routes for students taking the BTEC Business courses. 1. On successful completion of BTEC HNC Business students enter the degree at level 5. All 120 credits from the HNC is APLed onto the degree. 2. On successful completion of BTEC HND Business students enter the degree at level 6. All 240 credits from the HND is APLed onto the degree. The final degree classification, in accordance with the UCS Regulatory Framework document 306 Awards, section 1.9, is based only upon non APLed credit. In other cases of transfer of credit The Negotiated Awards and APL Panel will determine the amount of credit transferring students can APL and whether bridging modules are required. Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 2 of 18
3. Programme outcomes Intended learning outcomes are listed below. 3A. Knowledge and understanding Learning outcomes: A1 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the eternal environment in which they operate and how they are managed A2 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of markets, customers, finance, business operations and strategy A3 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of people, operations and information system A4 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of communication and information technology, business policy and strategy and pervasive issues eg. globalisation and sustainability Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods Teaching, learning and assessment will include group work, individual tutorials, VLE support, presentations, research, reflection on work eperience, reviews of case studies, eposure to business issues including employer-based case studies, visits and inputs from visiting practising managers There will be an integration between theory and practice by practical questions posed in lectures and theoretical issues raised during work related learning Formative assessment will be used to ensure in depth knowledge and understanding of each module Mid module tests will be given in order to highlight areas needing more attention by students, before the formative end of module assessments Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 1 of 18
3B. Cognitive skills Learning outcomes: B1Make effective use of critical thinking, for eample, in evaluating statements in terms of evidence B2Make effective use of analysis, for eample, to detect false logic or reasoning B3 Make effective use of synthesis, for eample, in formulating and solving business problems. B4 Make effective use of the principles, processes and evaluation of research and various data sources Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods Assessments will include opportunities to carry out effective problem solving, evaluation and decision making, using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills Assessments will provide business scenarios which give students opportunities to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations Assessments will give students opportunities to demonstrate report preparation and writing skills in the business environment. The modules on Study Skills and Research Methods will be used to support students in acquiring these skills. 3C. Practical and professional skills Learning outcomes: C1 Make effective use of communication, IT, numeracy and quantitative skills C2Make effective use of models of business problems and case studies C3 Make use of effective self-management in time, planning and behaviour Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods All vocational assessments will include the targeting of communication, IT, numeracy and quantitative skills Business problems and case studies will be used as learning and teaching contets Students will be epected to demonstrate effective self-management in their responses to assignments and their deadlines Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 2 of 18
3C. Practical and professional skills 3D. Key/transferable skills Learning outcomes: D1 Key skills in numeracy, communication and information technology are to be demonstrated in student learning D2 Group work skills are to be demonstrated by students in workplace and learning contets D3 Effective work in a culturally diverse environment is to be demonstrated by students in workplace and learning contets Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods Student responses to assessments must demonstrate an effective use of functional and professional skills in business situations. Modules on Computer Tools, Study Skills, Research Methods and Diversity and Equality will be used to support students in acquiring these skills Students should demonstrate effective performance, within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills in business situations Students should demonstrate effectiveness in diversity and equality skills, interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation in business situations Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 3 of 18
4. Programme Structure Programme Structure - LEVEL 4 Compulsory modules BMC_01 Study Skills (semester 1) BMC_02 Computer Tools (semester 1 or 2) BMC_03 Critical Thinking (semester 1 or 2) BMC_04 Understanding Organisations (semester 1) BMC_05 Human Motivation and Strength (semester 1 or 2) BMC_06 Introduction to Business Management (semester 1) BMC_07 Principles of Finance and Accounting (semester 1 or 2) BMC_08 Principles of Marketing (semester 1 or 2) Credit points Optional modules Credit points University Certificate 60 credits at Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Business and Management 120 credits at level 4 Pass Merit (normally average between 60% and 69%)* Distinction (normally average 70% and over)* Programme Structure - LEVEL 5 Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 4 of 18
Compulsory modules BMF_00 Research Methods (semester 2) BMF_01 Human Resource Management BMF_02 Applied Finance and Accounting BMF_03 Technology and Knowledge Management BMF_04 Principles of Business Law BMF_05 Customer Services Operation and Ecellence BMF_06 Strategic Organisational Performance BMF_07 Working With Others Credit points Optional modules Credit points Eit Awards Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Business and Management 240 Credits, at least 120 at level 5 Pass Merit (normally average between 60% and 69%)* Distinction (normally average 70% and over)* Programme Structure - LEVEL 6 Compulsory modules BMH30_00 Dissertation (semester 1 and 2) BMH_01 Application of Management: Theories, Principles and Methodologies BMH_02 Professional and Working Ethics BMH_03 Career Management BMH_04 Diversity and Equality Credit points 30 Optional modules BMH_05 Public Sector Management BMH_06 Leadership & Management in Not for Profit BMH_07 Decision making BMH_08 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution BMH_09 Coaching & Mentoring, A Leadership Perspective Credit points Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 5 of 18
Programme Structure - LEVEL 6 BMH_10 Change Management BMH_11 Law in the Workplace Eit Awards BA/BSc Business and Management 300 Credits, at least 60 at Level 6 * In accordance with the UCS/Newham Regulatory Framework the Assessment Board can determine whether the student deserves a pass, merit or distinction Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 6 of 18
Annee 1: Curriculum map Annee 2: Notes on completing the OU programme specification template Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 7 of 18
Annee 1 - Curriculum map This table indicates which study units assume responsibility for particular programme learning outcomes. Level Study module/unit 4 Study Skills Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 Understanding Organisations Introduction to Business Management Critical Thinking Principles of Marketing Computer Tools Finance and Accounting Human Motivation and Strength Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 8 of 18
Level Study module/unit 5 Customer Services Operation and Ecellence Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 Strategic Organisational Performance Working With Others Research Methods Human Resource Management Applied Finance and Accounting Principles of Business Law Technology and Knowledge Management Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 9 of 18
Level Study module/unit Core modules Dissertation Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 Diversity and Equality Career Management Application of Management theories, principles and methodologies Option modules Professional and working ethics Law in the Work Contet Public Sector Management Leadership and Management in the not for Profit Sector Change Management Coaching & Mentoring: A Leadership Perspective Application of leadership theories, principles and methodologies Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 10 of 18
Annee 2: Notes on completing programme specification templates 1 - This programme specification should be aligned with the learning outcomes detailed in module specifications. 2 The epectations regarding student achievement and attributes described by the learning outcome in section 3 must be appropriate to the level of the award within the QAA frameworks for HE qualifications: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/fheq/default.asp 3 Learning outcomes must also reflect the detailed statements of graduate attributes set out in QAA subject benchmark statements that are relevant to the programme/award: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp 4 In section 3, the learning and teaching methods deployed should enable the achievement of the full range of intended learning outcomes. Similarly, the choice of assessment methods in section 3 should enable students to demonstrate the achievement of related learning outcomes. Overall, assessment should cover the full range of learning outcomes. 5 - Where the programme contains validated eit awards (e.g. CertHE, DipHE, PGDip), learning outcomes must be clearly specified for each award. 6 - For programmes with distinctive study routes or pathways the specific rationale and learning outcomes for each route must be provided. 7 Validated programmes delivered in languages other then English must have programme specifications both in English and the language of delivery. Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 11 of 18
Appendi: Mapping HNC/D units to degree modules The rules of combination for the HNC/D distinguish between core and optional units. The mapping is against the core units: HNC core units HND core units (HNC core units plus) Business environment Aspects of contract and negligence for business Managing financial resources and decisions Business decision making Organisations and behaviour Business strategy Marketing principles There is also a core unit Research Project. The learning outcomes for this module are not mapped. On the degree programme students are not epected to carry out their research project until level si. The research methods module at level 5 prepares students for this dissertation so provides the closest mapping to the unit Research Project. Mapping HNC Unit: Business Environment HNC Unit Learning outcomes: BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning outcomes: Understand the organisational purposes of businesses Understand the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate Understand the behaviour of organisations in their market environment Be able to assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities. Introduction to Business Unders tanding organis ations Describe and evaluate the social, technological, economic and political factors that determine the environment in which business management operates Understand the rationale and theories for business management decision making and begin to use this rationale as part of wider analysis, evaluation and synthesis in the review of the business contet Develop the level of professional and practical skills needed within the business management environment including communications, numeracy and computer tools. Understand the skills needed to function in the management role Understand and make use of some of the transferable skills required in business management, eg. team membership and leadership and in a range of different situations Eplain why organisations eist Describe theories of organisational structure and design Analyse some of the factors that influence how organisations function HNC Unit: organisations and behaviour HNC Unit Learning outcomes: Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 12 of 18
BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning Outcomes: Understand the relationship between organisational structure and culture Understand different approaches to management and leadership Understand ways of using motivational theories in organisations Understand mechanisms for developing effective teamwork in organisations. Introduction to Business Unders tanding organis ations Describe and evaluate the social, technological, economic and political factors that determine the environment in which business management operates Understand the rationale and theories for business management decision making and leadership and begin to use this rationale as part of wider analysis Develop the level of professional and practical skills needed within the business management environment including communications, numeracy and computer tools. Understand the skills needed to function in the management role Understand and make use of some of the transferable skills required in business management, eg. team membership and leadership and in a range of different situations Eplain why organisations eist Describe theories of organisational structure and design Analyse some of the factors that influence how organisations function Demonstrate understanding of key theories of motivation Demonstrate understanding of key theories of strength Demonstrate insight into own motivation and strengths Critically analyse key concepts for understanding the nature of groups and teams and their effective performance Demonstrate insight into the role of self and others in group behaviour Identify interventions for improving team and group performance HNC Unit: Marketing Principles Moti vatio n and Working with others HNC Unit Learning outcomes: BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning Outcomes: Understand the concept and process of marketing Be able to use the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning Understand the individual elements of the etended marketing mi Be able to use the marketing mi in different contets. Prin ciple s of Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories in marketing practice Eplain the importance of target market identification and Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 13 of 18
segmentation to position an organisation effectively Analyse the value of integrating marketing mi elements in the design of an effective marketing plan Generate ideas that will lead to the development of an effective marketing plan HNC Unit: Managing financial resources and decisions HNC Unit Learning outcomes: Understand the sources of finance available to a Understand the implications of finance as Be able to make financial decisions based on financial business a resource within a information BA (Hons) Business and Management business Learning Outcomes: Understand the use of financial ratios as part of an organisation's financial and management status Use financial ratios as part of the analysis and evaluation of organisations, using case studies Use evolving skills to interpret financial data Use transferable skills as part of an understanding of financial data and information HND Unit: Business decision making HNC Unit Learning outcomes: Finance and Accounts Be able to evaluate the financial performance of a business. BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning outcomes: Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational contet Be able to use softwaregenerated information to make decisions in an organisation. Computer Tools Technolo gy and Knowledg e Demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure of a computer, and of the impact of technology in society Demonstrate confidence in the use of key computer tools and programmes, including word-processing, presentation, spreadsheet and VLE packages Understand the principles and processes in developing a small-scale research project Apply computer tools to the development, instigation and presentation of results of a small-scale research project Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the role of information in the business environment Appreciate the need for and integrate with other skills and knowledge the use of information in supporting decision making X Template programme specification and curriculum map Page 14 of 18
Effectively use and evaluate database systems for business decision making Develop the ability to specify suitable information systems for effective knowledge management HND Unit: Aspects of contract and negligence for business HND Unit Learning outcomes: BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning Outcomes: Develop an understanding of the place and function of law in business organisations and transactions. Analyse the legal liability of parties in business transaction and recognise the case for reform in this area of the law. Demonstrate the capacity for legal analysis, research and problem solving skills within the contet of Business Law, including the ability to produce written advice (for eample be able to answer a problem). Identify key arguments and structure a reasoned opinion of a general or a specific nature and retrieve information from a variety of sources. Principles of Business Law HND Unit: Business strategy Understand the essential elements of a valid contract in a business contet HND Unit Learning outcomes: Be able to apply the elements of a contract in business situations Understand principles of liability in negligence in business activities Be able to apply the principles of liability in negligence in business situations. BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning outcomes: Understand the process of strategic planning Be able to formulate a new strategy Understand approaches to strategy evaluation and selection Understand how to implement a chosen strategy. Strategic Organisational Performance Understand how organisations evolve and change their strategies in order to adapt to the environmental changes going on around them Use critical thinking effectively to arrive at the best strategic options for the organisations studied Use skills and information learned throughout the whole course to identify the most effective strategic decisions Make effective use of transferable skills eg. group work in order to arrive at and implement the most effective strategic options for organisations Template programme specification and curriculum map Page of 18
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