bsc (hons) business computing and information … (hons) business computing and information systems...

BSc (Hons)Business Computing and Information Systems

Validated and awarded by theUniversity of Central Lancashire

Student Handbook

Course Director: Martin Stanton School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Science (CEPS) (offered in association with NCC Education)

All course materials, including lecture notes and other additional materials related to your course and provided to you, whether electronically or in hard copy, as part of your study, are the property of (or licensed to) NCC Education and MUST not be distributed, sold, published, made available to others or copied other than for your personal study use unless you have gained written permission to do so from the Dean. This applies to the materials in their entirety and to any part of the materials.

of 35

PDHBK_36_UCLan_BCIS_Student_Handbook

Student Handbook

BSc (Hons) Business Computing and Information Systems

2012

Course Director: Martin Stanton

School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)

(offered in association with NCC Education)

All course materials, including lecture notes and other additional materials related to your course and provided to you, whether electronically or in hard copy, as part of your study, are the property of (or licensed to) NCC Education and MUST not be distributed, sold, published, made available to others or copied other than for your personal study use unless you have gained written permission to do so from the Dean. This applies to the materials in their entirety and to any part of the materials.

of 35


UCLan Mission statement

WE PROMOTE ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE ENABLING YOU TO DEVELOP YOUR POTENTIAL

We value and practise equality of opportunity, transparency and tolerance. We strive for excellence in all we do: locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. We work in partnership with business, the community and other educators. We encourage and promote research innovation and creativity.

Student Charter

The Student Charter has been developed by the University and the Students’ Union so that students gain the maximum from their UCLan experience. It is a two-way commitment or ‘contract’ between the University and each individual student. It acts as a means of establishing in black and white what students can expect from the University and the Union in terms of support, and in return what we expect from our students. Read the full Student Charter.

Supporting Diversity at UCLan

UCLan recognises and values individual difference and has a public duty to promote equality and remove discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. During your time at UCLan we expect you to be able to:

experience ‘an integrated community based on mutual respect and tolerance where all staff and students can feel safe, valued and supported’;

contribute to creating a positive environment where discriminatory practices and discrimination no longer happen.

Please review the UCLan Equality and Diversity Policy for further information.

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/study/files/student_charter.pdf

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/uclan/equality_diversity/index.php

of 35


Contents Table

1. Introduction to the Course .............................................................................................. 6

1.1 Welcome to the Course .......................................................................................... 6

1.1.1 About NCC Education ..................................................................................... 6

1.1.2 NCC Education Campus .................................................................................. 6

1.1.3 Entry Requirements ......................................................................................... 7

1.1.4 Registration Deadlines ..................................................................................... 7

1.1.5 Programme Fees – Payment ........................................................................... 7

1.2 Rationale, Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Course .......................................... 7

1.3 Course Team .......................................................................................................... 8

1.4 Personal Tutor ........................................................................................................ 8

1.5 School Office Administration Details ....................................................................... 8

1.6 Communication ....................................................................................................... 8

1.7 External Examiner................................................................................................... 9

2. Structure of the Course ................................................................................................ 10

2.1 Overall Structure ................................................................................................... 10

2.2 Modules Available ................................................................................................. 12

2.3 Study Time ........................................................................................................... 13

2.3.1 Weekly Timetable .......................................................................................... 13

2.3.2 Expected Hours of Study ............................................................................... 16

2.3.3 Attendance Requirements.............................................................................. 19

2.4 Data Protection ..................................................................................................... 20

3. Approaches to Teaching and Learning .......................................................................... 21

3.1 Expertise of Staff .................................................................................................. 21

3.2 Learning and Teaching Methods ........................................................................... 21

3.2.1 NCC Education Campus ................................................................................ 21

3.3 Study Skills ........................................................................................................... 27

3.4 Learning Resources .............................................................................................. 27

3.5 Personal Development Planning ........................................................................... 27

3.6 Preparing for Your Career ..................................................................................... 27

4. Student Support, Guidance and Conduct ..................................................................... 28

4.1 The Role of the Accredited Partner Centre ........................................................... 28

4.2 Conduct ................................................................................................................ 28

5. Assessment Strategy ................................................................................................... 29

5.1 Examinations ........................................................................................................ 29

5.2 Coursework........................................................................................................... 29

5.3 Project .................................................................................................................. 29

of 35


5.4 Formative Assessment ......................................................................................... 29

5.5 Notification of Assignments and Examination Arrangements ................................ 30

5.5.1 Assignments .................................................................................................. 30

5.5.2 Examinations ................................................................................................. 30

5.6 Referencing .......................................................................................................... 30

5.7 Dealing with Difficulties in Meeting Assessment Deadlines .................................. 30

5.7.1 Requesting an Assignment Extension ............................................................ 30

5.7.2 Late Submission of Assignments ................................................................... 30

5.7.3 Non-attendance at an Examination ................................................................ 31

5.7.4 Resitting an Examination or Re-submitting an Assignment ............................ 31

5.7.5 Condonement Guidelines .............................................................................. 31

5.8 Feedback Following Assessments ........................................................................ 32

5.9 Cheating, Plagiarism, Collusion or Re-presentation .............................................. 32

5.10 Appeals Against Assessment Board Decisions ........................................................ 32

6. Course Regulations .................................................................................................. 33

6.1 Course Requirements ........................................................................................... 33

6.1.2 Notification of Final Marks .............................................................................. 33

6.1.3 Issuing of Certificates ..................................................................................... 33

6.1.4 Withdrawing from a Module ........................................................................... 33

6.1.5 Withdrawing from the Programme .................................................................. 33

6.1.6 Suspending Studies ....................................................................................... 33

6.2 Classification of Awards ........................................................................................ 34

6.2.1 Exit Award ........................................................................................................... 34

7. Student Voice ........................................................................................................... 35

7.1 Student Feedback ................................................................................................. 35

7.2 Staff/Student Committee ....................................................................................... 35

7.3 Complaints Procedure .......................................................................................... 35

of 35


1. Introduction to the Course

1.1 Welcome to the Course

Welcome from Course Director

Congratulations on being accepted onto the BSc (Hons) Business Computing and Information Systems programme, offered by NCC Education and validated and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire.

NCC Education is pleased to offer this programme online by distance learning. There will be a variety of teaching and learning methods involved which are described in this handbook. Although you will still be in contact with the Accredited Partner Centre where you studied for your NCC Education Level 4 and 5 Diplomas, the teaching for this degree programme is provided fully by UK-based academics working for NCC Education – a Module Leader for each subject, and a Supervisor for your final project. Remember, your Module Leaders, Supervisors, Accredited Partner Centres and the Student Services Team at NCC Education are all here to help and support you.

Before you begin your studies, it is very important to complete the Orientation week on the NCC Education Virtual Learning Environment Campus. This orientation aims to prepare you for the commencement of your programme and for studying online. It is designed to familiarise you with the Campus online learning environment and all aspects of your learning experience.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at NCC Education and UCLan, I wish you the very best of luck with your studies.

Dr Martin Stanton

1.1.1 About NCC Education

NCC Education was originally the training division of the National Computing Centre, which was set up by the UK Government in 1966 to support and promote the use of computing technology within industry. NCC Education became a separate company in April 1997, and was recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority as a regulated awarding body in the UK in December 2003.

NCC Education’s specialist Information Technology and Business qualifications are either taught online by our own faculty, or offered in face-to-face mode through an international network of Accredited Partner Centres. NCC Education is not only a respected awarding body both in the UK and overseas but also provides a complete learning package for our Accredited Partner Centres; this includes detailed bespoke teaching and learning materials, marketing support and professional development for teaching staff.

1.1.2 NCC Education Campus

This programme is delivered online through the NCC Education Virtual Learning Environment, Campus (http://campus.nccedu.com). You will be provided with a login and password to access it when you have enrolled on the programme.

Through Campus, you will have access to all of the learning materials for this programme, including tutorial notes and videos. You will also interact with the tutor for each module and participate in discussion forums and live chat sessions.

http://campus.nccedu.com/

of 35


Please read the Policies and Procedures documents in conjunction with this handbook, so that you are aware of the policies relating to your studies. For example, it is essential that you are aware of the Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism Policy and that you are familiar with the advice on Referencing and Bibliographies.

1.1.3 Entry Requirements

All students who have met the entry requirements must enrol for this programme through their local NCC Education Accredited Partner Centre.

On entry a student must have one the following:

The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing (QCF) (L5DC)

The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business Information Technology (QCF) (L5DBIT)

The NCC Education International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IADCS)

The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computer Studies (NQF) (L5DCS)

1.1.4 Registration Deadlines

The Accredited Partner Centre will provide full details of registration deadlines to students. Each student will be notified by NCC Education’s Student Services team once their registration onto the programme has been successful. Full details about the programme, including the start dates of the semester, and usernames and passwords will be made available to students once their enrolment has been confirmed.

1.1.5 Programme Fees – Payment

Accredited Partner Centres will be responsible for communicating directly with students regarding payment/outstanding payment issues.

All fees and payments will be dealt with directly by your Accredited Partner Centre; NCC Education is not liable for any financial arrangements or refunds that have been agreed between students and the Accredited Partner Centre. If you have any questions regarding fees and payments you should contact your Accredited Partner Centre directly.

1.2 Rationale, Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Course

The main purpose of this programme is to provide an education that will equip graduates with the knowledge, technical and interpersonal skills necessary for taking part in the design, implementation and management of information systems and to produce professionally-minded computer practitioners able to meet the responsibilities and challenges demanded by the computing industry.

The aims of the programme are to:

Develop students’ knowledge of information systems in the areas of system specification, development, maintenance and management

Develop students’ knowledge of computer networks and the technical and managerial issues associated with them.

Develop students’ knowledge of modern database systems including their design, implementation and management.

http://campus.nccedu.com/campus/personalsupport/policyandadvice

of 35


Develop students’ knowledge of business information systems aimed at supporting management functions.

1.3 Course Team

Important contacts for this programme are:

NCC Education Student Services – [email protected]

The Student Services team are available to assist you with any queries you have about your registration on the programme.

Course Director – Dr Martin Stanton

The course director is the contact for academic related issues or programme-wide issues. Please note, if the issue relates to a particular module, you should contact the Module Leader for that module in the first instance.

Module Leaders

You will be expected to be committed and follow the programme as directed by the Module Leaders. You should contact the Module Leader regarding any specific module queries. This can be done via email, in the module Discussion Forum or in the module Live Chat session. A full list of the Module Leaders is available in Section 3.1.

1.4 Personal Tutor

You will be assigned a Project Supervisor for the Information Systems Project module. Their contact details will be provided once you begin this module.

You can also always contact your Accredited Partner Centre for additional support regarding pastoral care.

1.5 School Office Administration Details

The NCC Education course team can be contacted at:

Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 161 438 6200 NCC Education Head Office The Towers, Towers Business Park Wilmslow Road Didsbury Manchester M20 2EZ United Kingdom

1.6 Communication

NCC Education expects you to check regularly for messages from staff by email and participate regularly in the discussion forums, and online chat sessions.

mailto:[email protected]


of 35


1.7 External Examiner

The University of Central Lancashire has appointed an External Examiner to your course who helps to ensure that the standards of your course are comparable to those provided at other higher education institutions in the UK.

of 35


2. Structure of the Course

2.1 Overall Structure

Module Title Credits

Advanced Database Management Systems 20

Corporate Communications Systems Management 20

eBusiness 20

Managing Information Systems Projects 20

Information Systems Project 40

TOTAL 120

Modules taught in the March semester (beginning March, ending June):

Advanced Database Systems Management

Corporate Communication Systems Management

Modules taught in the September semester (beginning September, ending December):

Managing Information Systems Projects

eBusiness

Please note that the credit ratings given above use the UK-standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS). For enquiries about conversion into the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) or other national and international credit rating frameworks, please contact NCC Education student services who will put you in touch with the Quality Assurance unit for assistance.

Students also study the Information Systems Project. Full-time students begin this in their first semester and complete it in their second semester. Part-time students begin the Information Systems Project in their third semester and complete it in their fourth semester.

Full-time students complete the programme as above, but can begin studying in either the September or March semester.

The following page illustrates the student journey as part of a full-time programme.

of 35


Leaning Journey March Start Learning Journey September Start

Orientation Week

Week 7 – Submit Assignments

March Semester (weeks 1-6)

1. Advanced Database Management Systems 2. Corporate Communications Systems

Management 3. Information Systems Project (1)

Week 1 – Week 6

September Semester (weeks 1-6)

1. Managing Information Systems Projects 2. eBusiness

3. Information Systems Project (1)


1. Managing Information System Projects 2. eBusiness


Examinations








Week 1 – Week 6

Examinations




Orientation Week


Examinations




Week 1 – Week 6





Examinations

Graduation

Graduation

of 35


Part-time students complete the programme over four semesters in the following way:

Semester September Start March Start

1 Managing Information Systems Projects

Advanced Database Management Systems

2 Advanced Database Management Systems

Managing Information Systems Projects

3

Information Systems Project (Semester 1)

eBusiness


Corporate Communications Systems Management

4


Corporate Communications Systems Management


eBusiness

2.2 Modules Available

Module Code

Title Module Aims

CO3902 Advanced Database Management Systems

This module aims to build upon the student's general understanding of database systems, ensuring that the student develops significant knowledge of the major topics (both theoretical and practical) pertinent to the development and management of modern database systems. The module also introduces current perspectives in database management systems, thereby increasing the student’s understanding of future trends and the latest developments in the field.

CO3904 Corporate Communications Systems Management

This module aims to build upon the student's general understanding of networking, ensuring that the student develops significant knowledge of the major topics pertinent to the management of telecommunications and computer networks for corporate systems. This includes network management, communications media and services, global availability and reliability, eCommerce and Internet services.

of 35


CO3905 eBusiness This module aims to build upon the student's general understanding of the Internet, ensuring that the student develops significant knowledge of the major topics (both commercial and technical) pertinent to the use of the Internet to conduct business elecronically. This includes evaluating eBusiness projects for return on investment, the business environment and strategy for the formulation of eBusiness.

CO3903 Managing Information Systems Projects

This module aims to build upon the student's general understanding of project management, ensuring that the student develops significant understanding and theoretical underinning of different approaches to project management and the development of a rigorous attitude to quality in information systems development. The module also introduces current perspectives in the management of information systems projects, thereby increasing the student’s understanding of future trends and the latest developments in the field.

CO3906 Information Systems Project

This module th provides the opportunity for individual in-depth study in a specialised area of information systems. It aims to develop in the student the ability to tackle, individually, a selected problem of suitable scale and complexity, and to develop the ability to present ideas in a series of written reports.

2.3 Study Time

2.3.1 Weekly Timetable

The semester lasts for 16 weeks including the examination period. Learning materials are delivered through NCC Education’s Virtual Learning Environment, Campus. Each week you will be provided with a video lecture and online tutorial for each module.

These video lectures will be made available in advance to Centre Facilitators via a specific area on Campus. Centre Facilitators should download these and make them available to you either on a local network or by showing the videos in a classroom. However, these videos should only be made available to you at the appropriate time.

Below is an example of a student timetable:

Week Topic Activities for students to complete during the week

Week 0 Orientation Undertake online orientation (compulsory for new students)

Week1 Topic 1

Watch video lecture

Work through tutorial and undertake tasks

Contribute to Discussion Forums

Take part in Live Chat session

of 35


Week 2 Topic 2

Watch video lecture




Week 3 Topic 3

Watch video lecture




Week 4 Topic 4

Watch video lecture




Week 5 Topic 5

Watch video lecture




Week 6 Topic 6

Watch video lecture




Week 7 Assignment Week

Submit assignment by 12 Noon UK time on the Friday of this week (electronic submission through Campus)

Week 8 Topic 7

Watch video lecture




Week 9 Topic 8

Watch video lecture




Week 10 Topic 9

Watch video lecture




Week 11 Topic 10

Watch video lecture




of 35


Week 12 Topic 11

Watch video lecture




Week 13 Topic 12

Watch video lecture




Week 14 Revision Revision

Weeks 15 and 16

Examinations Examinations to be taken

of 35


2.3.2 Expected Hours of Study

Advanced Database Management Systems:

Direct Contact Hours No of

hours

Watching Video Lectures (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching

semester)

12

Participating in text-based live chat sessions (one hour per week over a 12

week teaching semester)

12

Participating in discussion forums (one hour per week over a 12 week

teaching semester)

12

Email/Skype/Telephone support (one hour per week over a 12 week

teaching semester)

12

Total Contact Hours 48

Independent Learning Hours No of

hours

Library work for weekly on-line tutorials 24

Directed reading for weekly on-line tutorials 36

Reflection on discussion forums, chat sessions and other feedback 36

Preparation for assessments 56

Total Independent Learning hours 152

Total Student Learning Hours 200

Corporate Communications Systems Management:


hours


semester)

12



12


teaching semester)

12

of 35



teaching semester)

12



hours







eBusiness:


hours


semester)

12



12


teaching semester)

12


teaching semester)

12



hours





of 35




Managing of Information Systems Projects:


hours


semester)

12



12


teaching semester)

12


teaching semester)

12



hours







Information Systems Project:


hours


period)

6

of 35



week teaching period)

6


teaching period)

6


teaching period)

18



hours

Library research for either the project literature review or project

background

54

Directed reading associated with the project 50


Progress Meetings with Project Supervisor 10

Carrying out the analysis, design, development and evaluation 110

Writing up the project proposal, interim report and project report 100



2.3.3 Attendance Requirements

Students must post on the Discussion Forum for each module each week. The Module Leader will set Discussion Forum tasks and questions in the topic tutorial that should be answered and discussed in the Discussion Forum.

Students must attend a one hour Live Chat session per module per week. The times of these sessions will be set by the Module Leader and details will be posted in the Calendar page for each module on Campus. During this session, students will discuss the week’s topic with the Module Leader. This time should be used to ask questions about areas of study that students are finding difficult or areas where clarification is needed.

Notifications of illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made to the NCC Education Student Services team, who will inform the Course Director and relevant colleagues.

If you have not gained the required authorisation for leave of absence and do not respond to communications from NCC Education for four weeks or more, you may be deemed to have withdrawn from the course. If this is the case, then the date of withdrawal will be recorded as the last day of communication with NCC Education staff.

of 35


2.4 Data Protection

All of the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection with your studies with NCC Education will be held securely and will be used by NCC Education both during your course and after you have completed the course, for a variety of purposes. If you would like a more detailed explanation of NCC Education’s policy on the use and disclosure of personal information, please contact your Accredited Partner Centre.

of 35


3. Approaches to Teaching and Learning

3.1 Expertise of Staff

Martin Stanton (Course Director and Module Leader for Information Systems Project)

Martin holds a PhD and has recently taken up a new post at the University of Plymouth.

Previous to this, Martin was a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. His

specialist area is Information Systems.

Shane McMordie (Module Leader for Managing Information Systems Projects)

Shane has over 10 years experience designing and delivering online learning at university

level in the UK. After completing an MBA at the University of Durham, Shane has developed

his career with the University of Liverpool, the London School of Business and Finance and

the University of Essex Online (formerly Kaplan Open Learning).

Gary Budgen (Module Leader for Advanced Database Management Systems)

Gary has considerable experience in a number of computing areas, especially databases and system security. He has previously held a senior lectureship at London Metropolitan University, and is currently an IT lecturer at Redbridge College.

Stuart Hutchison (Module Leader for Corporate Communications Systems Management)

Stuart is currently Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Birmingham City University. He has

been in this position for over a decade. Stuart completed his MSc in Computer Science at the

University of Manchester.

John Hassall (Module Leader for eBusiness)

John Holds a PhD and has considerable experience in the development and delivery of E-

Commerce modules at Wolverhampton University, where he currently works as a Senior

Lecturer. He is also online Tutor for Henley Management College and Oxford Brookes

University.

3.2 Learning and Teaching Methods

3.2.1 NCC Education Campus

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), known as Campus, is the area where you will work through the module materials created by the Module Leader, participate in the module discussion forums with other students, and discuss the content of the course through live chat sessions.

Each week, you are expected to undertake the following tasks for each module you are studying:

Watch the video lecture for the topic, usually at the beginning of the week, i.e. Monday or Tuesday;

Work through the topic tutorial, undertaking tasks as directed;

of 35


Contribute to discussion forums, answering questions and tasks set out by the Module Leader in the tutorial;

Take part in a live chat session with the Module Leader and a group of other students, discussing the week’s topic (times to be set by the Module Leader);

Carry out private study, reading around the topics and additional tasks as directed by your Module Leader.

of 35


The screenshot below is of the homepage for the module materials which you will work through.

of 35


The screenshot below is of the area in which you will download your assignments and upload completed assignments.

of 35


The screenshot below shows an example of the Discussion Forum for a topic.

of 35


The screenshot below shows the start of a Live Chat session.

of 35


3.3 Study Skills

You will have already covered modules in your NCC Education Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas which will help you to study at Higher Education (HE) levels.

Your orientation week, at the start of this programme, will augment these study skills with a key focus on adapting to online distance learning. Participation in the orientation week is mandatory for new students, and vital to your success on this programme.

You should aim to make full use of the reference materials available to you, in order to support the development of your study skills as you continue your learning.

3.4 Learning Resources

Your Accredited Partner Centre will have a library which contains relevant supporting texts, periodicals and electronic resources.

You will also have access to a wide range of online resources and you are encouraged to make full use of this online provision.

3.5 Personal Development Planning

Advisors at your Accredited Partner Centre will still be available to advise on aspects of personal development planning.

3.6 Preparing for Your Career

Your Accredited Partner Centre is your contact for all pastoral care. They will be able to support and guide you in any queries you may have relating to careers and progression after completion of the course.

of 35


4. Student Support, Guidance and Conduct

4.1 The Role of the Accredited Partner Centre

Your Accredited Partner Centre can provide the following during the semester:

Access to IT equipment to allow you to study online; this includes a functioning internet connection at broadband speed or equivalent.

Sufficient access to library resources.

A dedicated Centre Facilitator who will:

- register all students with NCC Education;

- provide pastoral care to all students;

- ensure availability of a sufficient standard and range of facilities;

- download video lectures and make them available to you;

- ensure any issues you have with the delivery of the programme at centre level are brought to the attention of NCC Education;

- advise NCC Education of any withdrawals;

- advise you, where necessary, of NCC Education’s policies and procedures relating to appeals, extensions, late submissions and special circumstances;

The Accredited Partner Centre also acts as a secure examination venue for this programme.

4.2 Conduct

You are expected to adhere to the NCC Education Code of Conduct for students, contained in Section 6 of the NCC Education Academic Regulations.

http://campus.nccedu.com/campus/personalsupport/download/file/NCC_Education_Academic_Regulations.pdf

of 35


5. Assessment Strategy

You are expected to attempt all required assessments for each module for which you are registered, and to do so at the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special arrangements for disability, or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

Assessment and Progression

Assessment Methods Examination Assignment Learning Outcomes

Advanced Database Management Systems

60% 40% All

Corporate Communication Systems Management

60% 40% All

eBusiness 60% 40% All

Managing Information Systems Projects 60% 40% All

Information Systems Project 100% All

The overall module mark is computed from the weighted mean of its components. The pass mark for a module is 40%. In addition, a minimum mark of 30% must be achieved in both the Examination and the Assignment elements.

5.1 Examinations

Examinations are of three hours duration and are closed book (i.e. you will not be permitted to take learning materials into the examination)

5.2 Coursework

Coursework is a single coursework assignment. The assignment must be submitted during Week 7 of the semester.

5.3 Project

You will be expected to produce a bachelor’s degree level project during your studies on this programme. This requires the production of a Project Proposal (first semester, Week 7); an Interim Report (end of first semester); and a Final Report (end of second semester).

5.4 Formative Assessment

As you progress through each module, you will also be able to test your skills and knowledge using the mini review features provided in your Campus tutorials. These may include multiple choice questions, gap fill exercises, quizzes and matching activities and are provided by your Module Leader. You are encouraged to use your performance here to assess how well you have learned the topic material and to decide what further revision (and preparation for discussions with you Module Leader and fellow students) to undertake.

of 35


5.5 Notification of Assignments and Examination Arrangements

5.5.1 Assignments

Assignment specifications will be made available to you via Campus in Week 2 of the semester. You should read and fully understand the Assignment Guidance given at the front of the question paper. Completed assignments should be uploaded electronically by the assignment deadline date (usually 12pm UK time on the Friday of Week 7 of the semester). This date may change so you are advised to check announcements on Campus regularly.

It is also important for you to present your assignment submissions in a way that makes it easy for the marker to read and follow. All submissions should adhere to the NCC Education Assignment Presentation Requirements. You must submit your assignment with the correct file name (see Assignment Presentation Requirements available in the ‘Personal Support – Policies and Advice’ section of Campus). Failure to do this may result in assignments not being recognised and therefore not being marked.

5.5.2 Examinations

Examinations will be taken in Weeks 15 and 16 of the semester. Accredited Partner Centres will be provided with an examination timetable by Week 7 of the semester. Examinations will be invigilated by staff appointed by NCC Education, according to the rules and regulations as set out by the University of Central Lancashire.

5.6 Referencing

You should ensure that all sources used in your assignment are fully referenced using the Harvard Referencing method. Failure to reference correctly in the Harvard style may result in penalties being incurred for plagiarism, whether it is intentional or not. It is therefore vital that you familiarise yourself with NCC Education’s Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism Policy and Section 5 of the University’s Assessment Handbook.

5.7 Dealing with Difficulties in Meeting Assessment Deadlines

5.7.1 Requesting an Assignment Extension

If you request an extension to the official submission date, this must be given in writing to NCC Education at least FIVE FULL UK WORKING DAYS before the official submission date. The request must be made directly to the Student Services team at NCC Education and accompanied by supporting documentary evidence.

Requests for assignment extensions will be evaluated in accordance with Section 3 of the University’s Assessment Handbook. If outside events are affecting your ability to submit your work on time, you are strongly advised to consult this document for guidance at the earliest opportunity.

5.7.2 Late Submission of Assignments

If you submit work late and unauthorised, a universal penalty will be applied in relation to your work. Please note the following:

If you submit work within 5 working days following the published submission date you will obtain the minimum pass mark (40%) for that element of assessment.

http://campus.nccedu.com/campus/personalsupport/download/file/CEAZ_29_Assignment_Presentation_Requirements_Students.pdf

http://campus.nccedu.com/campus/personalsupport/download/file/CEAZ_01-a02_AcDisAdv.pdf

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/sss/quality/regulations/files/assessment_handbook_current.pdf


of 35


Work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date will be awarded a mark of 0%.

Unauthorised late submission at resubmission will automatically be awarded a mark

of 0%.

5.7.3 Non-attendance at an Examination

If you fail to attend an examination, without prior approval, you will be awarded 0%.

You may be given the opportunity to resit an examination once and once only, but a maximum mark of 40% will be awarded for the module.

5.7.4 Resitting an Examination or Re-submitting an Assignment

If you achieve an overall fail mark for a module i.e. less than 40%, you will be given one opportunity to be reassessed in one or both component(s) of that module during the following semester. The first assessment plus the re-assessment together are deemed to be an ‘attempt’ at the module. If you have still not passed the module after this first attempt, you will be required to retake the module in the following academic year. This is deemed to be an ‘additional attempt’. Retaken modules must be studied and completed in full; marks from the first attempt cannot be carried over to the second attempt.

During your programme of study, you will be limited to a maximum of SIX additional module attempts in total. This means you will be allowed up to six resits during the programme. Multiple attempts at any particular module can be included in the total of six. For example, you may request to resit the CCSM module six times. Doing so, however, would disqualify you from pursuing a resit for any other module.

The maximum mark which can be awarded for a reassessed module is 40% irrespective of the academic merits of the reassessed work, unless you have been allowed to ‘sit as if for the first time’ as a result of a successful extenuating circumstances claim. You will not be permitted to repeat any item of assessment previously completed successfully in order to improve your mark for a module.

If you wish, and are eligible for reassessment or to retake a module, you must register with your Accredited Partner Centre before the start of the semester in which you will undertake the reassessment or retake. You must also pay a module reassessment fee. For further details of this, contact your Accredited Partner Centre. This reassessment fee includes the use of online facilities and costs associated with the marking of reassessment submissions.

5.7.5 Condonement Guidelines

Condonement is the process followed when a student does not pass all assessment

components, but is still considered for an award by the Examination Board because the

failure is marginal or is offset by good performance in other components of his/her study

programme. Condonement is always at the discretion of the Examination Board.

Students may only be granted a condonement in one module, and this can only happen

when their Average Percentage Mark (APM) for the programme is at 40 or above.

Condonement regulations do not apply to the Information Systems Project, which is a core

module.

of 35


5.8 Feedback Following Assessments

You will normally receive individual feedback on your assignments before the examination period. This will usually take the form of an electronically annotated script or an individual mark sheet. Note that the mark will not be given to you at this point. Your Accredited Partner Centre will be provided with a list of student numbers, with an associated grade for each. A full explanation of the grades will be provided at this time. Alternatively, the Module Leader may provide a more general feedback on the assignment in some circumstances.

5.9 Cheating, Plagiarism, Collusion or Re-presentation

You must be familiar with Section 5 of the University’s Assessment Handbook, which explains practices which are classified as Unfair Means for students on this programme. Students found to have used unfair means to enhance their performance or influence the outcome of their award will be subject to penalties including the setting of a module or component mark to zero.

5.10 Appeals Against Assessment Board Decisions

Appeals against the decisions of the Assessment Board for this award will be adjudicated under the University of Central Lancashire’s regulations, as set out in Section 6 of the University’s Assessment Handbook.

The particular process for appealing with respect to distance learning students is

paraphrased below:

It is recognised that attendance at a hearing in the University of Central Lancashire in

Preston (UK) will be problematic for students on distance learning awards. A written appeal

application should therefore be made in the normal way using the application form designed

for this purpose. A form can be obtained from NCC Education’s Student Services team

([email protected]).

Students wishing to appeal will be given the opportunity to:

undertake the appeal by correspondence with the nominated appeals officer in the

University facilitating the process. It is expected that this will be the procedure used

in most cases; or

exceptionally, attend a hearing or interview in the University.

In all such cases, the timescales for replying to students and requiring replies from students

will need to be adjusted. However, both the student and the University will be expected to

fulfil their respective responsibilities within a reasonable timeframe.



of 35


6. Course Regulations

6.1 Course Requirements

You will be awarded a percentage mark for each module which will be computed from the weighted average of the examination and coursework assignment marks.

If you pass a module after reassessment, the module result will be awarded as 40%, irrespective of the individual assessment marks you have achieved.

6.1.2 Notification of Final Marks

Transcripts of final marks will be released to Accredited Partner Centres after the External Examination Board has taken place. This usually takes place within two months of the end of the semester.

6.1.3 Issuing of Certificates

Certificates will be issued by the University of Central Lancashire upon successful completion of the programme and the confirmation of final marks by the Examination Board. Certificates will be sent to your Accredited Partner Centre for distribution.

6.1.4 Withdrawing from a Module

Once a module has commenced, you are not permitted to withdraw from it. Should you wish to withdraw from a module before it has started, NCC Education must be informed in writing, either via your Accredited Partner Centre or by email to [email protected].

Each module, other than the project module, is offered only once per year. Consequently, if you withdraw from a module, the next time it will be available will be in the following year.

You should be aware that this may impact on your completion of the programme and it is therefore advisable that you discuss your intentions with your Accredited Partner Centre and/or Module Leaders/Course Director before making a decision to withdraw.

6.1.5 Withdrawing from the Programme

If you intend to withdraw from the programme, you must put this in writing via letter or email to the Student Services team ([email protected]) as soon as you know you wish to do this.

If you are contemplating withdrawing from a programme, you are strongly advised to discuss your reasons with your Module Leaders or Course Director.

6.1.6 Suspending Studies

As an alternative to withdrawing from the programme, you could opt to suspend your studies. This means that you can cease your study on the programme and rejoin at a later date.

However, because all modules apart from the project are offered only once every 12 months, it will only be feasible to rejoin your studies at the start of the relevant semester. You are advised to discuss this option with your Accredited Partner Centre so that any necessary information can be obtained.


of 35


The following issues may be a factor in you wishing to suspend your studies: disability; prolonged ill-health; pregnancy; bereavement; family problems; exceptional financial difficulties; or a traumatic experience.

If you wish to submit a request, then you must contact the Student Services team by email or post at the earliest possible opportunity. Formal notification will be sent to you once the request has been processed and approved by NCC Education.

6.2 Classification of Awards

The University of Central Lancashire publishes the principles underpinning the way in which awards and results are decided in Section H of the University’s Academic Regulations. Decisions about the overall classification of awards are made by Examination Boards through the application of the academic and relevant course regulations. In operating discretion for profiling, Course Examination Boards will use academic judgement and may refer to ‘exit velocity’ (improved performance towards the end of the programme), project performance, or other appropriate factors.

In simple terms, an undergraduate honours degree classification is based on your Average Percentage Mark (APM) for this programme. Please note that results from your NCC Education Level 4 and 5 Diplomas do not count towards your degree classification.

The award of an Honours degree requires all modules on this programme to be passed, except for where a candidate qualifies for module compensation (see Section 5.7.5, above, for compensation guidelines).

Honours degrees are classified according to the following scale:

APM Classification

70-100% First Class Honours (1)

60-69% Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

50-59% Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

40-49% Third Class Honours (3)

6.2.1 Exit Award

Candidates who have completed the programme but have not met the requirements for an Honours degree may be offered the opportunity to exit the programme with a Non-Honours Degree (or ‘Pass Degree’), providing they have passed 80 Credits.

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/sss/quality/regulations/section_h.php

of 35


7. Student Voice

7.1 Student Feedback

You will be asked to complete the Student Feedback Form at the end of each semester. You will be able to comment on all modules separately, rating the teaching, accompanying materials, live chats and discussion forums. You also have the chance to comment on the support you received from your centre as well as the way the programme has been administered.

We also welcome feedback on any aspect of your NCC Education experience. Whether your feedback is positive or negative, we promise that we will listen to you and make every effort to offer you the best service that we can. For details of how to contact us, go to our website or get in touch with the Student Services team.

7.2 Staff/Student Committee

A staff/student feedback live chat session, in which you can raise any issues you have had on the programme, is held on Campus during every semester. We encourage at least one representative from each centre to attend this session. The session is run by staff at NCC Education with input from the Course Director, and minutes from this meeting will be reported to the Joint Board of Studies for this programme.

7.3 Complaints Procedure

NCC Education always welcomes feedback, whether it is good or bad. Complaints are an opportunity for us to improve our systems or information. If you have a complaint to make, you should either use the ‘Contact Us’ section of Campus or email Student Services at [email protected]. Our Student Services team will aim to acknowledge the complaint within one working day, and will normally give a considered reply within two working days.

If you wish to raise any academic related issues, you should refer these to the Module Leader. In instances when it is not appropriate to contact the Module Leader, please refer your concern to the Course Director. Full contact details will be made available on Campus.

Should you wish to deal directly with NCC Education, please refer to the contact details which are provided on Campus.

You will also be given access to the University of Central Lancashire Student Complaints Procedure, applying to students registered on a validated scheme of the University of Central Lancashire.

http://www.nccedu.com/about-us/contact-us


bsc (hons) business computing and information … (hons) business computing and information systems...

Documents