LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY

Course Specification BA Business and Management Top Up

(Distance Learning)

2018/19 BABMT

www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Record of Enhancement No. Detail of modification

(Provide a brief description of the modification and where the Course Specification has been updated)

Date Effective (Indicate the academic year of entry and course level(s) to which the modification will apply)

V1-1 H6 The Strategic Manager assessment weighting change from 75:25 to 30% presentation, 70% Report.

FAQSC 19/08/15

Version Control

For completion by Quality Assurance Services only

Next Re-validation date

Version Control

Version number and date effective

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Target award, course title and programme code:

BA Business and Management Top Up BABMT

Level of qualification: Level 6

Course Rationale and Philosophy:

Informed by recent research (Jackson, 2008 & O’Donovan, 2009) the course has identified key employability competencies most valued by organisations and in line with QAA guidelines has integrated these into the curriculum to sit alongside wider non-curricular experiences provided across university life to provide the course with a relevant portfolio of management competencies to support their transition from university to the workplace. Throughout their studies students are encouraged to develop an ongoing commitment to personal and professional development. The broad nature of the course makes it a valuable foundation upon which to build a fast track management or general career in business. The diversity of the course in both its breadth and depth provides all students with a broad foundation of knowledge and understanding of organisations and the management thereof which will enable graduates to develop their careers in a flexible manner.

Overview and Aims: The course is designed to provide students with a programme of study relevant to the commencement and development of a career in general management across a wide variety of sectors and within an array of organisations from small businesses to large multinationals. It provides opportunities to study general management issues across a broad area of business and incorporates the Public, Private & NFP sectors. The course brings together a diverse team of teaching staff who collectively offer many decades of management experience and help to bring theory to life in the classroom. “Over half of employers surveyed believed that management skills are the most significant factor contributing to competition” (Jackson, 2008). The course is designed to deliver graduates with appropriate, relevant management skills to help them hit the ground running, make an early impact on their destination employers and support flexibility in career progression. Course Aims:

To provide a vocationally-focused academic curriculum which intends to develop a functionally comprehensive knowledge-base to support an

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appreciation and understanding of business structures, concepts and processes involved in the management and administration of organisations within micro, macro and meso environments.

To provide a stimulating learning environment which fosters a critical, creative, innovative, reflective and challenging approach to the study of business and management.

To provide students with an opportunity to develop their capabilities, take positive initiative, respond effectively to contemporary ideas and concepts, adapt to evolving environments and address multifarious issues in an open minded, responsive and flexible manner.

To enhance graduate skills and employability through the embedding of a portfolio of competencies transferable to the workplace, laying the foundation for flexible future career development or continued academic progress.

Course Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1 Develop knowledge, critical appreciation and understanding of a broad range of locally and globally inter-related Business and Management issues.

2 Demonstrate and develop a capacity to develop and apply creative and own perspectives and approaches to appreciate, understand and deal with uncertainty and complexity on a local and global level.

3 Develop the capacity to explore, critically evaluate, assess and interpret ranges of alternative innovative solutions using a range of digital and traditional sources relevant to the contemporary workplace.

4 Develop effective interpersonal and digital communication skills to formulate, communicate and disseminate information in an appropriate manner suitable for a range of audiences.

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Course Structure Level 6

This top-up course consists of six optional 20-credit modules, of which students must pick any three. This suite of modules provides students with opportunities to bring together and apply their knowledge and understanding (e.g. through Business Consultancy Project / The Strategic Manager) at a more strategic level. It also provides opportunities for students to begin to explore the relevance of conceptual thinking within a management context (e.g. Leading Innovation & Change). It also engages students with ethics, governance and social responsibility as a context for all business operations.

Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2 Core (Y) Business Consultancy Project*

N

Leading Innovation & Change

N The Strategic Manager N

Business Ethics, Governance & Social Responsibility

N Managing for Competitive Advantage

N

Enterprise in Action

N

*The Business Consultancy Project commences in semester 1 with preparatory work, but students undertake the bulk of applied activity in semester 2, allowing them the development time for this applied project. For this reason, only part time students (taking the course over 1 year) will be able to select this option.

Contained awards available:

Award Title Level Credits

N/A

Length and status of programme and mode of study:

Length (years)

Status (FT/PT) Mode (campus based/DL or other)

1 year PT DL

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Learning and Teaching

Learning and Teaching Approaches

The course is integrated with the University’s Learning & Teaching Strategy which incorporates self-managed learning and prepares students for an increasingly complex, dynamic and ambiguous global business environment. This approach will facilitate an appreciation of the inter-relationships both within and external to the organisation. It is an approach based on progressive problem solving and which moves students along progressively from studying individual elements of business and management practice towards the an holistic appreciation of their inter-relationship. In all modules, module teams will work closely together to co-ordinate teaching both within modules and in terms of curriculum alignment. At Level 6, students complete the Business Consultancy Project through which they must address multi-faceted, open-ended real business problems and work together to develop solutions acceptable to the clients involved. Business and Management modules reflect the current needs of employers and offers where appropriate a ‘vocational’ approach to study within the context of the subject area and the constraints of the ‘classroom’. Module content will be regularly updated to provide students with up-to-date knowledge and understanding of key business and management issues and challenges to enable graduates to approach and enter the workplace with ‘open eyes, open ears and open minds’. The course aims to provide students with an appropriate understanding of the dynamics and challenges in the current marketplace to ensure they have a balanced understanding of the dynamics, complexities facing managers in the workplace. It alsom aims to ensure that students have the relevant maturing of skills, competencies, knowledge and understanding required to frame relevant challenges and develop relevant pragmatic solutions. The intended learning outcomes are vocationally underpinned to provide all students with the opportunity to graduate ‘fit for business and management’.

Learning and Teaching Activities

A mix of online resources is designed to encourage a community of learning which invites and enables all participants to engage in discussions, to be visible, valued and respected for their individual contribution. It encourages and enables students to be curious about others and engage in debate, collaborative work and research with other people and to explore their ways of viewing the world. The teaching and learning activities will encourage an

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atmosphere in which students value the contribution of their peers- via group work. Global themes run throughout the course but specifically cultural and ethical issues are also dealt with in core modules. At level 6 students work on case study activities which enable them to develop critical insights into the decision making process of organisations in global markets, including an appreciation of the ethical consequences of their actions. The range of delivery and assessment methods is designed to accommodate a range of learning styles across the course; module leaders will adapt materials and delivery as necessary for students with disabilities and/or learning contracts with support from the Disability team. Module leaders will be the focus of personal academic support, contactable by individual students by e-mail or on the VLE. Graduate Attributes (UG Only) - All our undergraduate students will develop three graduate attributes; Enterprise, Digital Literacy, Global Outlook At level 6: The enterprise attribute is developed in the Business Consultancy Project module which is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). In this module, students work on an individual basis to find a real client, negotiate a relevant project with the client, conduct the research and provide the client with potential solutions to the issue(s) identified. Digital literacy is promoted by the Business Consultancy Project module as it requires the students to apply their ICT and online research skills to academic practice and for communication and collaboration, in a practical manner. The Strategic Manager module develops the global outlook attribute through the process of strategic analysis of the business environment and consideration of international working through strategy implementation. Modules across all levels require students to access the VLE to access resources, complete on-line questionnaires / quizzes and submit assessments. This will develop computer literacy and the use of digital sources/ tools for academic practice, communication and scholarship. General Approach to Digital Literacy: Relevant advances in technology will be monitored by the team and these will be integrated into the curriculum where appropriate on an on-going basis. The website, the portal, VLE and the digital library catalogues will encourage students to use the latest available technologies across the University to identify, gather, analyse, report, cite, explore complex systems and issues, manage projects, make informed decisions and at appropriate level share information, evaluations and results across a network of stakeholders (e.g. peer to peer / student / module team). The assessment of digital literacy skills on the course will be through the indirect

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input/output of data research and reporting mechanisms (e.g. quality, accuracy, validity of data etc). Discussions will continue with employers across a wide range of sectors to ensure that the course offers relevant exposure to and experience of digital literacy based skills relevant to a dynamic workplace. Teaching materials on the VLE will enable flexible access to module materials and dialogues to help widen the student’s exposure to and engagement with their community of practice. Use of the Virtual Learning Environment The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is used by all modules offered on the course. Module Leaders populate the site with important module related information (e.g. module guides, schemes of work, lecture slides, tutorial materials, assessment upload facilities, extended reading texts, assessment briefs, generic summative feedback, podcasts, where appropriate quizzes with formative feedback, emails, miscellaneous information related to the module relevant to the in-module learning experience, bulletin boards, discussion forums). Thus the VLE provides a working archive for module materials allowing equal, flexible and easy local or remote access by all students linked to the module and the module team. A consistent navigational experience is agreed across all modules to improve student accessibility to content. Modules include some audio and video elements, as well as discussion forums and quizzes to engage the students. E.g. Lecture slides are mostly enhanced with voice-over. Video conferencing is offered by academic tutors. This will also help to support the different learning styles. Use of Blended Learning This course is delivered via the VLE and is designed for distance/online learning. In line with QAA guidelines, limited use of modules from this online version may be accessed by on-campus based Business & Management students in particular circumstances. Online and campus based modules provide parity in terms of content and assessment.

Student Support Network

If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators works closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students’ Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.

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If you have any questions about life at our University in general, call into or contact the Student Hub on either campus to speak to our Student Experience Team. This team, consisting of recent graduates and permanent staff, are available to support you throughout your time here. They will make sure you have access to and are aware of the support, specialist services, and opportunities our University provides. There is a Student Hub on the ground floor of the Rose Bowl at City Campus and one in Campus Central at Headingley. You can also find the team in the Gateway in the Leslie Silver Building at City Campus. The telephone number is 0113 812 3000, and the e-mail address is StudentHub@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. Within MyBeckett you will see two tabs (Support and Opportunities) where you can find online information and resources for yourselves. The Support tab gives you access to details of services available to give you academic and personal support. These include Library Services, the Students’ Union, Money advice, Disability advice and support, Wellbeing, International Student Services and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration. The Opportunities tab is the place to explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.

Assessment Strategy

A wide range of assessment methods are used throughout the programme to help students practise the skills needed in business. Assessment deadlines are arranged to enable the provision of both formative, and summative feedback. Both generic and specific feedback is provided on all assessed work through the study year. Feedback is provided in a number of different ways; written and verbal. This mix of assessments and deadlines enables students to develop a portfolio of study and work related skills e.g. time-management, motivation, project management at both an individual and group level. The Business Consultancy Project requires students to apply their knowledge and understanding of time management, project management and people management to identify, design and complete a live consultancy project for a live client.

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Feedback on Assessed Coursework All modules use the VLE to facilitate feedback e.g. short exercises, quizzes, discussion. Generic summative feedback on assessment for all modules is provided to students four working weeks after assessment submission. Where possible specific summative feedback is also made available within the same time-frame. In addition to the above feedback opportunities all students may request additional feedback clarification (verbal / written) directly from the module teams.

Module Assessment Methods (core modules only, please tick () all which apply)

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Level 6

Business Consultancy Project

100

The Strategic Manager

100

Business Ethics, Governance & Social Responsibility

100

Leading Innovation & Change

100

Managing for Competitive Advantage

25 75

Enterprise in Action

30 70

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Employability and Professional Context: The award provides employability enhancement for student graduating into general business, managerial and future senior management roles across a range of sectors. In recognition of this the course offers accreditation for students successful for the Business Consultancy Project for eligible membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The generalist nature of the award recognises that “most employers were unimpressed by the overly specialised business degrees and instead favoured a more generalist programme”. (Jackson, 2009) and addresses the issue raised of management and leadership weaknesses and their impact upon competitiveness (CBI, 2007). Overall students are being prepared to be a ‘professional manager’. Further study would allow the candidate to continue undergraduate studies to BA (Hons) level and further to Masters level including, should requirements for professional and experiential qualification be satisfied, MBA-level qualification. The course attracts students from across the UK, Europe, the Middle East & Far East and provides opportunities for a multi-cultural learning experience across multiple learning platforms and environments (e.g. using VLE-based forums). Case studies, staff industry experience, Business Consultancy Project module (if chosen), all provide exposure to “real life”, a vocational approach, within the constraints of the undergraduate study experience. Alumni office data indicates career outcomes for the courses are extremely broad with a number of students working internationally as well as nationally in managerial positions. In the recent survey of earnings for graduates by subject (ONS, Labour force survey 2012) business graduates earned above the median for all graduates and are only exceeded by those from science, medicine and mathematics disciplines. The latest published Destination of Leavers from Higher Education statistics indicates that 90.80% of graduates from the Faculty of Business and Law went into with a job or further study. A breakdown of this follows:

Full-time work 53.20%

Part-time work 10.10%

Work & study 3.30%

Study only 24.30%

In work and/or study 90.80%

Unemployed 9.20%

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Data taken from Destinations of Leavers results 2011/12

Work Related Activities

Placement or Work Related Activity Level: 6 Placement or Work Related Activity Length in Weeks: N/A

Type of Placement or work related activity: If students select the Business Consultancy Project it requires students to work on an individual basis with a ‘real-life’ client. This module requires the students to identify a relevant client based project, to apply their business and management knowledge and understanding to the problems / issues identified and through relevant research activities (secondary & primary / qualitative & quantitative methods) to provide the client with potential solutions.

Reference Points used in course design and delivery: (standard text

provided below) All our courses leading to Leeds Beckett University awards have been designed and approved in accordance with UK and European quality standards. Our courses utilise the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and where relevant subject benchmarks (where these are available) and professional, statutory and regulatory body requirements (for professionally accredited courses). We review our courses annually and periodically, responding to student feedback and a range of information to enhance our courses. Our University is also subject to external review by the Quality Assurance Agency. Our latest report can be found on the QAA web site at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews-and-reports We appoint External Examiners to verify that our University sets and maintains standards for awards which adhere to relevant national subject benchmark statements and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (UK), ensure standards and student achievements are comparable with other Higher Education Institutions in the UK, with which they are familiar, and ensure that assessments measure achievement of course and module learning outcomes and reach the required standard. External Examiners may also provide feedback on areas of good practice or potential enhancement.

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Staff Teaching on the Course: You can find details of our highly qualified permanent teaching staff on our website, who are involved in teaching, research and administration associated with the course.

Regulatory Exemption details: N/A