BSc (Hons) Project Management
2015/16 Undergraduate Students
Award title
BSc (Hons) Project Management
Programme code
PROMT
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology
School
2015/16 Handbook 3
Leeds Beckett University Student Charter
Working together for successLeeds Beckett University and our Students’ Union are committed to working in partnership with our students to ensure that our University is an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for its students and work life for its staff.
Our Student Charter sets out how we aim to achieve this by working together to understand and fulfil our commitments to one another. Our Student Charter has been produced jointly with the Students’ Union and we will review it, together, every year. Our University’s Vision seeks to put students at the centre of all our activities and this Student Charter is a contribution towards that goal. The Leeds Beckett Student Charter is not a contractual document, but provides a guide to what members of the Leeds Beckett Community can expect of each other in terms of engagement and behaviour.
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We work to shape and sustain a supportive, safe, inclusive community for active learning and the building of skills for life.
We will
Work together within a progressive, independent, and active environment which promotes lifelong learning.
Support a culture of personal and academic resilience.
Collaborate to build partnerships for learning.
Work together to sustain our bold, industrious spirit.
We forge an environment which builds trust, accountability and transparency. We will
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Promote the availability of information and support for all.
Ask each other for help when we need it.
Be honest, clear and assertive with each other.
Use the means available to give a compliment, raise a concern or make a complaint.
Take advantage of opportunities for formal and informal learning.
We foster inclusive academic, cultural, social, emotional and creative development for all. We will
Share an exciting and challenging curriculum which is contemporary and relevant.
Promote a culture of critical enquiry and rigorous scholarship.
Support participation in extracurricular opportunities which enhance career and personal development
Enable one another to plan, develop, and drive forward our individual educational and career goals.
Acknowledge and celebrate our joint and separate successes.
We are responsible, diligent, reliable and considerate in our academic and professional actions and behaviours.
We will
Act with academic integrity.
Listen to, and respect, differing perspectives, including those from different cultures and backgrounds.
Work together within a positive collaborative learning and working environment, wherever, and however, we engage.
Take care with our personal and professional digital identity and recognise the impact it may have on us and others.
We seek active engagement, feedback and participation in the issues that affect us. We will
Work together to enhance our experience of our University.
Collaborate to promote learning and support enhancement, through mutual reflection and feedback.
Build partnerships to enable our University communities to engage with our external stakeholders.
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Support the development of courses which prepare our graduates to be ready for work, ready for life and ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Use our knowledge of local and world issues to strengthen our global outlook and build a sustainable environment for a thriving future for all.
Our Student Entitlements
As a full-time or part-time campus-based student you are entitled to:
1. Access online learning materials and resources for every module through a virtual learning environment and have access to the resources and information of an up to date library.
2. Opportunities for on-going feedback on your work and progress towards your assessments in every year of your course.
3. Participate in a course induction, which will be provided at the beginning of each year of your course.
4. A meeting with your personal tutor once per semester. [All new and first year students will be invited to a meeting with their personal tutor within four weeks of the start of their studies].
5. A course that has been informed in its development by external stakeholders (e.g. employers, professional bodies).
6. Participate in Personal Development Planning within the context of your course.
7. Have the opportunity to engage in embedded activities within your course which develop and enhance your graduate employability and lifelong learning.
8. Receive clear dates at the beginning of each module about your assessment, submission dates, when and how you receive formative feedback on assessment during every module, and how you will receive feedback on marked assessments within the 4 week feedback period.
9. Receive clear and easy to understand information about your course and the services available to you.
10. Be engaged, via your course student representative, in your course review, evaluation and development processes.
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11. Have your questions to our University’s services responded to within the advertised timescales in our corporate service standards.
12. Normally be given your course timetable no later than four weeks before the beginning of each semester.
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Contents
1 Welcome to the Course ... 8
2 Studying on this Course ... 15
3 Assessment and Feedback ... 18
4 Where to Get Help ... 23
5 What to do if you… ... 26
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1 Welcome to the Course
1.1 Message from the Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor
Whether you are joining us as a new student or returning to continue your studies, we hope you will enjoy your experience with us and find your studies interesting, challenging and relevant to your development and future career plans.
The Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology, is one of the largest faculties within Leeds Beckett University and covers a wide range of subjects areas. The faculty is divided into the following five academic schools:
• Art, Architecture, and Design • Built Environment and Engineering
• Computing, Creative Technologies and Engineering • Cultural Studies and Humanities
• Film, Music and Performing Arts
Our aim is to provide students with a research-informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that is linked to current industry practices and standards. Our courses are highly valued by employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Through our approach to student support and to teaching and learning we aim to place you, our students, at the heart of everything we do. You will experience a diverse range of teaching approaches. We also use a variety of different methods of assessment and attach considerable importance to providing you feedback on your assessments. We will be organising dedicated, School based feedback weeks for you to ensure that you receive feedback that would help with your future
learning.
As a faculty we strive to be student-centred and value your opinions and feedback. We want to hear about the things you enjoy and that you think we do well, but also want to know when you think there are ways in which we can improve your experience. There are many ways in which you can provide feedback including through your student academic
representatives, through written or on-line module evaluation feedback forms and through student open meetings, forums with staff, and student representative meetings with me. The courses in the Faculty of Arts Environment and Technology are based at both City Campus and Headingley Campus. Our City Campus courses are situated in the heart of the
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city, where our accommodation includes the award-winning Broadcasting Place
development, our Built Environment laboratories, film and performing arts studios and extensive IT facilities. Our University’s Headingley Campus is a leafy parkland setting housing our industry standard music performance studios, visual media, IT labs and dedicated
Computing facilities.
In joining the undergraduate Project Management course, you become part of the Faculty’s community. I would like to wish you well in your chosen studies and hope you have an enjoyable and successful year.
Professor Mohammad Dastbaz
Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology
1.2 Message from your Course Leader
This handbook provides you with information you will need to succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Mark Laurillard
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1.3 Message from your Head of School
Dear student, you are an important member of the community that makes up the School of the Built Environment & Engineering, and our success is entwined with your success. This community extends to several franchise institutions across the globe and is underpinned by impressive list of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as, inspiring research and enterprising activities. This hand book is designed to help you by providing the essential information about your course. The handbook is not the only source of information and you should make use of other documents and online provisions as well as communications and feedbacks from the course team, including student admin support. If there are issues that require further clarification then please do not hesitate to discuss them with your personal / year tutor, course leader or indeed myself.
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1.4 Academic Calendar and Timetable
Our standard student academic calendar is summarised below: Week Commencing Monday Student Calendar
24.08.15
31.08.15 Bank Holiday 31.08.15
07.09.15 14.09.15
21.09.15 Student Welcome and Induction Week
28.09.15 Semester 1 Teaching Starts
05.10.15 12.10.15 19.10.15 26.10.15 02.11.15 09.11.15 16.11.15 23.11.15 30.11.15 07.12.15 14.12.15 21.12.15 - 08.01.16 UG Christmas Break 11.01.16 - 22.01.16 Formal Examinations Period
25.01.16 Student Welcome and Induction Week
01.02.16 Semester 2 Teaching Starts
08.02.16 15.02.16 22.02.16 29.02.16 07.03.16 14.03.16 21.03.16 UG Easter Break 28.03.16 Bank Holiday 04.04.16 11.04.16 18.04.16 25.04.16 02.05.16 Bank Holiday 02.05.16
09.05.16 - 20.05.16 Formal Examinations Period 23.05.16
30.05.16 Spring Bank Holiday 30.05.16
06.06.16 13.06.16 20.06.16 27.06.16 04.07.16 11.07.16 28.07.16 25.07.16 01.08.16 08.08.16 15.08.16
12 Full details of this and future standard student academic calendars are available at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/about-our-university/term-dates.
Once you have enrolled, you will have a student login. You can then find confirmation of your personal timetable by selecting the appropriate link after logging on the Student Hub from www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
1.5 Key Contacts
Course Leader
The course is led by Mark Laurillard. Contact can be made by email at any time to:
[email protected], or by phone during working hours on 0113 812 4144. Course Team
The course is delivered by a number of members of staff. Chiefly these will be the Project Management Course team, made up of the Course leader and:
Allan Jones: [email protected], 0113 812 3932
The course team are available by email or by appointment – please approach the appropriate member of the team to arrange a convenient time and location.
Personal Tutor
Students are allocated a personal tutor during their studies and this member of academic staff will normally stay with the student throughout the period of study. The personal tutor would normally be the first point of contact for pastoral matters, although the course leader and other academic staff are available if this is more appropriate in the circumstances. Where appropriate, the personal tutor will recommend that students contact specialist staff within the university for more support.
Student Liaison Officer
13 Course Representative
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course-level, at Faculty Forums and in meetings with academic and administrative staff. Details about being a Course Representative are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/course-representatives.htm and on the Students’ Union website www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk.
Student Administrator
The Student Administrator for this course is Jackie Leahy. She can be contacted through the General Office in Northern Terrace reception, or on [email protected]
Academic Librarian
Your academic librarian is Jennie Wilson and she can be contacted on
[email protected] or through the desk at the City Campus Library
1.6 Keeping in Touch
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. You can find how to forward your student email address to a preferred personal email address or mobile device from: https://support.google.com/mail.
We will inform you of cancelled classes / activities / course notices as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that a cancelation happens, we will issue an email, post a note via MyBeckett or contact you by phone if possible. For each module, the module handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
14 For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
Please make sure that you inform your Student Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
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2 Studying on this Course
The overall aim of the course is to enable students to develop project management skills and competencies enabling them to become more creative, analytical problem solvers and acquire an ability to synthesise information to resolve conflicts and therefore fulfil the multidisciplinary role of a Project Manager in a project orientated environment. One key aspect of the BSc (Hons) Project Management degree programme is its generic nature, this allows students to study the principles and practices which are applied to any area of business and organisational life. Graduates are employed in the following and many other areas: financial services, NHS, construction and engineering, information technology, public sector and voluntary sector.
2.1 Programme Specification
The programme specification is a concise description of your course's aims and objectives and how you will be taught and assessed to achieve the required learning outcomes. It includes information on course structure and the maintenance of academic standards. The full programme specification for this course can be found in appendix A of this handbook. Course Structure
The course structure outlines the modules that will be delivered on this course. Full details of the structure for this course can be found in the programme specification.
Course Learning Outcomes
All courses are benchmarked against the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ-DAB). The FHEQ-DAB can be viewed on the Quality Assurance Agency website: www.qaa.ac.uk. For more details on the Course Learning Outcomes specific to this course please view the programme specification.
2.2 Course Resources
The programme specification specifies the physical and online resources available to students on this course.
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2.3 Skills you will Gain during the Course
Skills Developed
The course will develop the students skills in a variety of areas: Students will become confident users of project scheduling and planning software and the collection and use of complex data, using Excel and other applications. Students will develop skills in collecting, applying, interpreting and presenting complex data in a range of approaches. There is an expectation that students will become expert at personal time management, research, personal reflection, and writing skills. Project managers need to be highly skilled managers of people, so this area is a key aspect of focus from a skills development perspective. Students will learn how to lead people, communicate to various levels and types of stakeholders, present to a high standard, manage conflict and motivate teams to perform. Additional Activities/Recognition
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
2.4 Graduate Attributes
All graduates from our University will be enterprising, digitally literate and have a global outlook. These three graduate attributes are developed with specific, appropriate emphasis in each course and you will be assessed about each of them at every academic level. They will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your employability and wider life as you move on from your studies here. A summary of how graduate attributes are developed and assessed on this course is provided in the programme specification.
2.5 Work-Related Activities and Employability
The programme specification outlines what work-related activities are associated with this course.
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Digital literacy – this is developed through extensive use of software to capture, manipulate, interpret and present complex data
Enterprise – this is developed by developing a thorough understanding of the economic factors relating to project selection, irrespective of sector. This is supported by the third year which is taken as a placement within a project environment, where students learn valuable practical experience, which is reflected on in the final year of study.
Global outlook – this is developed through reviews of projects and their environments from across the world, given that projects and project management is now a worldwide skill. Graduates are working in a number of countries, including Australia and Canada
Project management is a skill that is applicable in almost all sectors and across the world. The skills and knowledge learnt through this course provide a solid platform for future employment.
2.6 Opportunities for Graduates
The programme specification includes details of any accreditations, career paths, further study options and other opportunities for graduates.
2.7 External Examiner
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the United Kingdom. The details of the External Examiners for this course are as follows:
Academic External Examiner:
Michelle Littlemore, Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader: MSc Project Management Programme, MSc Construction Project Management Programme, MSc Building Design Management and BIM. Faculty of Environment and Engineering. University of Northumbria
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Alison Brown, Senior Project Manager – YBS Group, Bradford.
Your Student Administrator can provide details of the External Examiner’s report on request. Further details on all External Examiners’ reports can be located here:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/external-examiners-reports.htm.
3 Assessment and Feedback
3.1 AssessmentAssessment Strategy
Information on the various methods of assessment can be found in the programme specification (appendix A).
University Assessment Regulations
Our University’s assessment regulations are contained within the Academic Principles and Regulations (sections C3 and C4 in particular). The regulations are available at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations.
Course-Specific Assessment Regulations and Professional Body Requirements The course complies with the University regulations on assessments. Whilst the course is accredited by the Association for Project Management, they do not currently impose any specific requirements for pass levels, or other attributes, other than clear mapping to their Body of Knowledge.
Assessment Schedule
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar (see Section 1) and make sure that you are available during those periods.
19 Examination
For modules where exams are included, the exam schedule will be made available via the portal and on VLE. It is the students’ responsibility to confirm the timing and location of any exam and make arrangements to be there at the appropriate time.
Coursework
Coursework assessment schedules are in the Module Guides for each subject. They will also be in the appropriate module on the VLE.
Submitting Assignments
Assignments are to be submitted in paper form to the Reception desk in Broadcasting Place – unless otherwise noted in the specific Module Guide or assignment brief. Please ensure that all submissions are in the format specified in the assignment brief. Generally this will include: page numbers, appropriate stapling, and the attachment of an assignment submission sheet. The assignment submission sheet includes a receipt – please ensure you collect it. Submission deadlines are in the module guide or on the assignment brief. Please note that there are sanctions for late submissions
Students are encouraged to use the Skills for Learning facilities which can be found at
skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk. This is a resource for all students and provides advice on a range of study related activities.
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of section 3.6 of this handbook. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work.
20 These range from 5% to 100% of the possible total mark, depending on the number of days late. Full details (section C1.5) of the penalties for late submission of course work are available at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations/.
3.2 Giving your Feedback about this Course
We are keen to work with you to enhance your course. Opportunities for you to feedback to us formally include: course meetings, end of module evaluation, mid module review, internal student experience surveys, Course Rep forums (through MyVoice in MyBeckett), the National Student Survey and other student surveys. Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your personal or module tutor or via your Couse Representative.
3.3 What Happens with your Feedback about this Course?
Your feedback helps us to continually enhance this course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students’ Union, your tutors or through the Library. Your Faculty also provides updates on action taken through the “Better Beckett” posters prominently displayed around our University.
3.4 Getting Feedback on your Assessed Work
Our University has committed to a four week turnaround for feedback. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive this. The programme specification explains how feedback will be provided on both formative and summative assessments (see appendix A).
It is important to collect and reflect on the feedback you are given. It is prepared for you to learn and develop your skills and therefore is an important facet of your education. If you wish to discuss the feedback with the module leader (or course leader), it is best to make an appointment with them. Please note that feedback from academic staff comes in a variety of forms: written feedback on a draft or completed assignment, an exchange of emails discussing your work, a telephone conversation or a face to face discussion. You may therefore get feedback without initially realising it.
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3.5 How do I Get my Results?
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (eg from level 4 to level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system from:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/results-online.htm.
Results will only appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Board of Examiners’ meeting (the meeting where your end of year outcome will be decided) or the Examination Committee meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided). If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Student Administrator.
3.6 Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation
If you are experiencing problems which are adversely affecting your ability to study (called 'extenuating circumstances'), then you can apply for mitigation. The University operates a fit to sit/fit to submit approach to extenuating circumstances which means students who take their assessment are declaring themselves fit to do so.
Examples of extenuating circumstances include personal or family illness, bereavement, family problems or being a victim of crime. You will need to provide evidence to prove your situation; the Students’ Union Advice Service can offer guidance on what evidence you will need to present.
Further information can be found at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/mitigation. If you need to apply for extenuating circumstances, the appropriate forms can be obtained from your student administrator. It may be appropriate to discuss your circumstances with the course leader, student administrator, or student liaison officer.
3.7 Re-assessment
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g. whether
22 it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is).
You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Leader, Student Administrator or personal tutor for any necessary clarification. It is important that you take up the opportunities for re-assessment, as failure to do so can materially affect your overall results, especially at levels 5 and 6.
3.8 Student Appeals
If you feel that you have in some way been disadvantaged during your studies and this is reflected in your results, then you may have grounds for an academic appeal.
After your results are available on Results Online you have 15 working days to submit a request for an appeal hearing. You will find the information you need, including grounds for appeal, when and how to appeal and frequently asked questions at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/appeals.htm.
You are strongly advised to seek guidance from the Students’ Union Advice Service on whether you have grounds for an appeal and the completion of the paperwork – see Section 4 for Students’ Union Advice Service contact details.
3.9 Academic Integrity
Our University wants to give you credit for your learning and for work which you have done yourself. Unfair practice occurs when you have not done the work yourself.
Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, whether intentional or unintentional, is a matter of academic judgement and may be considered to be unfair practice. Examples of unfair practice include, but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, ghostwriting and falsification of data. Definitions of these offences and the serious consequences of unfair practice can be found in our Academic Principles and Regulations, Section C9: Academic Integrity: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
23 There are a range of resources available to help you understand what is and what is not permitted and how to use other people’s ideas in your assessed work. These include the Skills for Learning website which can be found at http://skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
If you are unsure on how to reference your work correctly please seek advice from your tutors or access the Skills for Learning resources online (see section 4).
4 Where to Get Help
4.1 Personal TutorsYour personal tutor (see Key contacts in Section 1) will usually be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Leader will make sure that you are given the name and contact details of your personal tutor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Normally, your tutor will aim to follow you right through the duration of your course.
Your personal tutor has an important role to play in supporting you in academic and personal matters while you are studying on this course. The meetings will include discussion about career aspirations, your course, your progress, and your academic results. You may want to set objectives for academic and life goals which you can store on your e-portfolio. Personal tutors are not trained counsellors and will signpost you to other University services if they can’t help you. These services may, for example, be the Students’ Union, the counselling service or the Student Hub.
In the first year your tutor will probably initiate communication to request a meeting at a mutually convenient time, but later in your course it should be your responsibility to set up the meeting. If you ask information to be kept confidential it will be and a note will be kept securely in your University notes with an indication of who can access the information. You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. But your personal tutor may ask you to come to see them more frequently and you should feel free to contact them if you need to see them urgently.
24 Please see Section 6 for details of our personal tutor policy.
4.2 Student Hub
If you have any questions about or problems with life at our University, the first place to call, email or pop into is the Student Hub. The team can help with a broad range of enquiries including: funding and money advice, being an international student, disability, counselling and wellbeing support, student cards, accommodation, fee payments, support from the Students’ Union, how to access on-line services, getting help with your CV, preparing for an interview, careers guidance and getting a part-time job. Details of these and other services are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub.
There is a Student Hub on the ground floor of the Rose Bowl at City Campus and one also in Campus Central at Headingley. Their telephone number is 0113 812 3000 and their e-mail address is [email protected]. They work closely with Faculties, the Students’ Union, all University Services and external organisations to make sure that if they don’t know the answer to your question they will know who will.
You can also use 'my Hub' https://myhub.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/students/login?ReturnUrl=%2f
which is an online resource available 24/7 where you can access information and guidance about a range of services, register and make appointments with Services, register for workshops and employability tutorials, search for job vacancies and use a range of careers resources.
4.3 Disability Support
Disability Support is available from our Disability Advice Team. The Disability Advisers will work with students to ensure support is provided to meet their individual needs:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/disability-services.htm.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer, more information is available at
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4.4 Library Help
The Library
There are two Libraries at Leeds Beckett, Sheila Silver at City Campus and Headingley Library, both open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can use either Library, although the book stock reflects the courses taught at each campus. The website (library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk) also provides access to thousands of resources and information about Library services. Academic Librarian
Your academic librarian (see contacts in Section 1) liaises with your lecturers to ensure physical and electronic information resources for your subject are available in the Library and they work with you throughout your time here to help you develop information and digital literacy skills.
Help and Information Points
If you have any questions about using the library or need IT support you can get help: • from the Help and Information Point on the ground floor of each library • online: library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/contact-us
• by phone - 0113 812 1000 (including 24/7 IT support). Distance Learners
If you are registered on a distance-learning course, you may be eligible for the Library’s Offsite service. This offers help with accessing electronic resources, access to other libraries, postal book loans and journal article supply. See the Library website for details of eligibility and more information.
Skills for Learning
Skills for Learning provides a wide range of web resources and publications on topics including plagiarism, group skills, research, maths, Harvard referencing, essay writing and time management. Information about workshops and one-to-one tutorials can be found at
26 MyBeckett
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment, is the gateway to all the information you will need to support your studies during your time at University. It provides access to your modules and timetables; your email account; your personal storage area on our University IT servers and a wide range of other information.
4.5 Students’ Union Advice Service
The Students’ Union advice service offers free, independent and confidential advice and representation to students. Professional advisers are employed directly by the Students’ Union to represent your interests – even if you are in dispute with our University. Advice is available on a large number of issues, for example:
Academic Problems including: mitigation, complaints, appeals, disciplinary procedures & academic misconduct.
Housing Problems including: disrepair, problems with your landlord, checking your tenancy agreement before you sign.
Money Issues including: problems with your student loan & Debt
Health and Wellbeing. Tel: (0113) 812 8400
E-mail: [email protected]
There are full details of all services available at: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice
5 What to do if you…
5.1 …are absent for more than one day
You must notify your Student Administrator if you are absent for more than one day (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence (see section 3).
27 International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all Tier 4 students. Failure to meet UKVI attendance requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked. Tier 4 students need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk for full information.
For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please contact the International Student Advice Centre at
5.2 …are ill
If you are absent because of illness for more than seven consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note. You can hand in or send a Fit Note to your Course Leader or Student Administrator. Further information is available in the General Regulations (section 6) at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations. If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details and any available evidence as soon as possible. Contact your Student Administrator to get a copy of the appropriate extenuating circumstances form. For more details on mitigation please visit
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/mitigation.htm.
5.3 …have a comment, compliment or complaint
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your course representative or directly with your personal tutor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly
28 concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available online at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/complaints.htm.
5.4 …are considering suspending studies or withdrawing from the course
If you are considering withdrawal from your course you should speak to your personal tutor, a member of staff at our Student Hub or the Students’ Union to discuss your reasons. If there is a problem, University or Students’ Union staff may be able to help. It may be possible to arrange suspension of studies from your course.
If you are considering withdrawing, permanently or temporarily, you must complete a withdrawal form. This form must be submitted as soon as possible to your faculty office as withdrawals cannot normally be backdated. For further details see General Student Regulations at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations/.
6 Relevant Policies
6.1 Student CharterOur University and Students’ Union recently agreed upon the Student Charter which outlines what is expected of students of Leeds Beckett University and what students can expect from our University. The most recent version of our Student Charter is at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/student-charter.htm.
6.2 Student Entitlements
Our student entitlements, listed at the front of this handbook, will help to ensure the student charter is embedded as part of our approach to providing a good quality, consistent learning experience for all our full-time and part-time undergraduate students.
29
6.3 Personal Tutors
You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. See Key Contacts in Section 1 for details of how to contact your personal tutor. See Section 4 for an overview of the support you can expect from your personal tutor. You can find full details of our personal tutor policy from the Student Hub webpages:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/.
6.4 Safety, Health and Wellbeing
Policy Statement
Our University is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical and sustainable working environment that values wellbeing and diversity. This commitment exists alongside our wider legal and moral obligations to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, students and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. There are further details at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/partners/safety-health-and-wellbeing-a-z.htm
(see H - Health and Safety Policy – Policy Statement). Smoking
No smoking is permitted in any of our University buildings, this includes the use of vapour cigarettes (or other similar devices); if you do smoke outside our buildings please make sure that you stand at least five metres way from building entrances and boundaries.
Use of Laptops within our University
If you need to charge your laptop battery, please make sure that the battery charger/lead are undamaged, and only plug it into a designated power socket – if you are unsure of where these are, please ask a member of staff. Please make sure your battery charger cables do not create a trip hazard.
Fire Safety Procedures
Fire information is present on Fire Action Notices displayed in all our University buildings. These are normally present in corridors. Please read and follow the instructions.
30 All fire exit routes are clearly identified. You should familiarise yourself with the location of fire exit routes and fire assembly points for the buildings that you may use in the course of your studies.
If you discover a fire, you should sound the alarm by operating the Fire Alarm Call Point. You should report the circumstances and site of fire using the emergency number 4444 - indicated on the Fire Action Notice.
Do not tackle the fire unless you have been trained to do so. Evacuate the building to the fire assembly point indicated on the Fire Action Notice.
Do not re-enter the building until officially authorised to do so.
On hearing the Fire Alarm, everyone should proceed calmly to the nearest available safe fire exit, as indicated by the green and white fire exit signage. Take appropriate action to assist visitors and mobility-impaired persons or wheelchair users to a safe refuge.
Upon exiting the building, continue on to the fire assembly point so as not to impede the remaining evacuees exiting the building. Evacuation is practised through fire drills. However, you should regard any continuous sounding of the alarm as a fire incident and act accordingly.
Disabled Students
You are expected to declare any disability that would affect your safety in the event of a fire, e.g. hearing impairment or the use of a wheelchair. If you are referred to the Disability Adviser, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) will be developed for you as appropriate.
Disabled students must declare their disability, to the University, for it to be taken into consideration. You can find further information about the support available to disabled students studying at our University and contact details on our website:
31 First Aid
First Aid Notices (green and white) are displayed in all University buildings alongside the Fire Action Notices (predominantly blue and white) and alongside, or adjacent to, each First Aid box. First Aid Notices provide all the information you may require to seek and summon assistance.
First Aider contact details can also be obtained from the Student Hub or from Security: City Campus, internal ext. 23154 or Headingley Campus, internal ext. 23165.
Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents and incidents and dangerous occurrences, must be reported to, and recorded by University staff. Accident report forms (HS1) are available at faculty reception offices, Security and Student Hubs.
Infectious Disease
Campus-based students who have been diagnosed with a serious infectious disease such as TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should notify their Course Leader or Student Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For diseases such as TB or meningitis, the West Yorkshire Health Protection Team may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University.
6.5 University Regulations
There are two sets of regulations you need to be aware of, the University Academic Principles and Regulations and the General Regulations: Leeds Beckett University Students. The Academic Principles and Regulations relate specifically to your studies and your course. They cover issues such as assessment, progression and award requirements amongst a range of other issues.
32 The General Student Regulations deal with a range of issues which apply to all students of our University.
6.6 Academic Principles and Regulations
Our University Academic Principles and Regulations can be found at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
You should familiarise yourself with the Academic Principles and Regulations. The following sections are of particular relevance to your course:
• Assurance of Academic Standards: Assessment (C1) • Achievement of Credit (C2)
• Student Progression (C3) • Conferment of Awards (C4) • Management of Assessment (C5)
• Conduct of Assessment: Coursework and Other Assessed Work (C6) • Administration and Conduct of Examinations (C7)
• Written Examinations: Regulations for Candidates (C8) • Academic Integrity (C9)
• Disabled Students (C10)
• Boards of Examiners and Examination Committees (C12) • Disclosure of Assessment Results (C14)
• Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation (C15) • Request for an Appeal Hearing (C16)
The Students’ Union Advice service (www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk) is able to offer advice and guidance on how to understand and use the Academic Principles and Regulations.
Where students are undertaking any form of research project, reference should be made to the Research Ethics Policy and Research Ethics Procedures which can be found at:
33
6.7 General Regulations
The General Student Regulations are available at the following web link:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations/. You should familiarise yourself with the student regulations relevant to you.
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Appendix A –Programme Specification
Overview and Aims
Project Management is seen to be an important facet of all business and construction related activities and as such this degree will provide graduates with the necessary skill set to gain employment. The successful completion of projects requires such expertise as the management of the human, material and financial resources involved. Organisations therefore need project managers who understand the principles and processes of project
management, who have an understanding of the specialist professional areas and who understand how to manage effectively the resources involved in the process. The BSC (Hons) Project Management degree programme meets this need for students.
The overall aim of the programme is to enable students to develop project management skills and competencies enabling them to become more creative, analytical problem solvers and acquire an ability to synthesise information to resolve conflicts and therefore fulfil the multidisciplinary role of a Project Manager in a project orientated environment. One key aspect of the BSc (Hons) Project Management degree programme is its generic nature, this allows students to study the principles and practices which are and can be applied to any cognate area. Examples are graduates who are employed in the following areas of discipline: Finance and Banking, NHS, Construction,
Computing IT, Insurance, Engineering, Public sector and Voluntary sector.
Employability and Professional Context
Through a number of case study and real project simulations delivered in various modules (seminars, workshops, guest lectures and professional organisational filed trips) students on the course develop excellent project
35 planning, project strategy, project implementation, management and
leadership skills enabling them to work efficiently in teams and project manage as part of these teams. This earlier exposure to project management practice impacts on students’ decision as to what aspect of the profession they wish to specialise in. One key aspect of the BSc (Hons) Project Management degree programme is its generic nature, this allows students to study the principles and practices which are embedded in the course and these can be applied to any cognate area.
Career paths
Many students as graduates initially obtain positions as assistant project managers with a variety of organisations, examples of these are: Finance and Banking, NHS, Construction, Computing IT, Insurance, Engineering, Public sector, Government Organisations and the Voluntary sector.
Professional Body membership:
Students who register on the course are encouraged to become student members of the APM. Graduates may apply for full membership upon gaining professional competence.
Successful graduates of the BSc (Hons) Project Management can also continue on to our MSc Strategic Project Management award.
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Develop knowledge and understanding of the principles, roles and techniques of project management.
2 Apply key concepts, theories and principles to create, define and control a project using a range of technologies and analytical tools to arrive at a solution.
3 Recognise and apply relevant project management skills and analytical tools and apply them to a range of projects and project
36 specialisms, such as: Value and Risk Management, Supply Chain and
Procurement, Negotiation and People Management.
4 Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, critical thinking and analysis of fundamental issues relating to a project management practitioner. 5 Gather and summarise information, cite evidence and critically
evaluate proposals to inform the management and scheduling of projects. Using techniques such as project management software and methodologies.
6 Use a range of skills appropriate to the working environment – including working effectively with others, using appropriate contemporary digital technologies, and communicating effectively with stakeholders orally, in writing.
Level Learning Outcomes
Level 4 The Level 4 study is delivered to ensure that a sound basis for the basic knowledge and principles of project management and study skills are developed within the context of project management and its place in the global community. Students gain an understanding of all aspects of the processes, techniques, roles and relationships which contribute to the global outlook. On completing the level students will normally be able to define, analyse and apply appropriate project management principles associated with various qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop lines of argument and make judgments in relation to project solutions. They will be able to apply appropriate logical reasoning to appreciate fully the relationship between the project manager and the project environment.
Level 5 At Level 5 the emphasis is on developing and applying the knowledge required of a project manager. Students successfully completing their studies will be able to analyse situations, data or existing knowledge
37 to provide solutions to more advanced project issues.
They will also be able to apply appropriate logical reasoning as a tool to effective decision-making and problem solving.
Be able to reflect upon the processes and issues involved in
multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary project environments and make full use of a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of data information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis. Students should be able to effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to project specialists and non-specialist audiences,
and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.
6 Level 6 as a final year of study involves both the study of
technological and management themes to a greater depth through integration across subjects. Students should successfully use research skills to collect and evaluate data gathered by working individually and in groups. Students are expected to use a range of skills to provide valid and reliable summations to explain complex situations and to digitally identify and synthesize information accurately so that issues and patterns can be identified and contextualised to generate appropriate and reliable conclusions. Students successfully
completing their studies at Level 6 will be able to identify problems, analyse more complex situations, and adopt an increasingly reflective and effective approach to project management problem solving. Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis
and enquiry within a project. A student should be able to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline.
38 All our undergraduate students will develop distinctive attributes. Students will:
be enterprising
be digitally literate
have a global outlook.
These attributes have been chosen in order to enhance students’ employability prospects and provide skills for graduates to cope in the wider world in the future, as well as to enhance each student’s learning experience.
Digital literacy is promoted through
The use of the Virtual Learning Environment in teaching and learning in all the modules and especially in the following modules: Project Practice Level 4, Work Based Learning Practice level 5 and Inter Professional Studies Level 6
The use of digital technologies which assist with the planning, tracking, controlling and the associated cost and performance management. These are specialist software programmes such as Microsoft Project, Project Planner, Suretrack and BIM. These are used mostly in the following modules: Project Practice level 4, Information technology for Professionals Level 4, Project Simulation level 5, Project Appraisal Level 5, Work Based Learning Practice Level 5, Advanced Planning and Tracking Level 6, Inter Professional Studies Level 6 and Major Design Project Level 6.
The global outlook is encouraged and achieved through
Teaching staff and guest speakers who have international project management experience and who bring that experience into their teaching.
Embedding sustainability in relation to project management is brought into teaching throughout the course and this also relates to global aspects and perceptions of sustainability.
Examining and evaluating project management practices in other countries. Students have been involved in German, Norwegian, French and American research projects and have used this information to build up their research for level 5 and 6.
Enterprise skills are supported throughout the course
Independent learning and research attributes which form an important part of the course. In the final year students will complete a supervised dissertation on an approved project-related subject of their choice. This Independent piece of work enables students to show their research skill, and ability to collect, surmise and interpret relevant data gathered to form and generate meaningful and logical conclusions about an industry relevant theme. The learning attributes associated with a successful dissertation are well valued by employers through the industry.
39
On graduating on the sandwich degree programme, students gain real-life experience of working within the industry through a work placement. Furthermore, our students' practical knowledge and understanding of project management is enhanced through our liaison with industry partners who allow students to apply for work placements, visit their organisations and assist on real life projects.
Course Learning Outcomes Mapping All modules are core
Title and Level CLO
1 CLO 2 CLO 3 CLO 4 CLO 5 CLO 6 Level 4
Principles of Project Management Y Y Y
Project Practice Y Y Y Y
Introduction to Commercial Economics
Y Y Y
Contemporary Projects Y Y Y Y
IT Application for Professionals Y Y Y Y
Legal Frameworks and Regulation Y Y Y Y
Level 5
Work Based Learning 5 Y Y Y Y
Risk and Value Y Y Y
40
Inter Disciplinary Project Y Y Y Y
Planning and scheduling Y Y Y Y
Financial Management Y Y Y
Level 6
Dissertation (40) Y Y Y Y Y Y
Contemporary issues in the built Environment
Y Y Y Y
Financial and Commercial Management
Y Y Y Y
Management & Design Project Y Y Y Y
Inter Professional Studies (Hsg & Proj Man)
Y Y Y Y Y Y
Course Structure (Full Time) Level 4 Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2 Core (Y) Principles of project management Y Introduction to commercial economics Y
41 Legal Frameworks and
Regulation
Y
IT Apps for Professionals Y
Level 5
Semester 1 Core
(Y)
Semester 2 Core
(Y)
Risk and Value Y Planning and Scheduling Y
Construction Contracts Y Financial Management Y
Inter Disciplinary Project
Y Work Based Learning 5 (PT) Project Simulation (FT) Y Level 6 Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2 Core (Y) Financial and Commercial
Management
Y Inter Professional studies (Hsg & Proj Man)
Y
Contemporary issues for project professionals
Y Management and Design Project
Y
Dissertation (40 credits) Y
Work Related Activities (Approximately 200 word explanation of activity) Not applicable to Part Time students in employment.
Placement or Work Related Activity Level:
Students have access to a range of activities to broaden and extend their knowledge and experience of project management and its wider context. These
42 include: Talks from industrial practitioners and international guest speakers
Site visits, local, UK and international, which incorporate project case studies.
Guest Lectures organised throughout the academic year, presenting project management case studies.
Professional related and supported workshops on and off campus. Interfaculty projects supporting real project teams.
Summer work placements across the UK, with a variety of organisations. Sandwich placements globally with multinational organisations.
Activities are recorded in a Personal Development Portfolio in which students are required to identify, plan, undertake and evaluate their continuing professional development (CPD). The Personal Development Portfolio also includes the project management competence framework available from www.apm.org.uk which students use to record and assess their Professional Development (IPD) during the course and which they can continue to use after they graduate. These objectives specify the broad range of skills, knowledge and experience that graduates must obtain in order to gain a professional qualification and recognition of their achievement by the professional body. Placement or Work Related Activity Length in Weeks:
A placement tutor is in place to support the students with both the application process for the placement and the support needed throughout the placement year. A placement journal is given to students to take with them on their placement and is completed by the student on a daily/weekly basis. This PDP journal is reviewed and supported by the student’s industry placement mentor and the placement tutor. In addition students are visited at their work
placement (a minimum of two visits) by their placement tutor or a member of the course team. These visits provide support and guidance for both the student
43 and the placement organisation.
Type of Placement or work related activity:
A minimum of 48 weeks work placement which is directly related to project management or involves supporting activities to a project. For example, a project manager, project support officer or assisting an organisation with their project related activities. Some students have entered into exchange
programmes with other universities and study a semester with them and complete their placement in the host country and then return to Leeds Beckett for their level 6 study.
Learning & Teaching Approaches
The course is delivered in relation to the mode of study chosen by the student. Part Time is typically delivered on a Sunday to allow students to remain in the work place. Lectures are delivered mostly in Northern Terrace and use the full range of Leeds Beckett Learning and Teaching Strategy, some of which include: project case study teaching, simulation of project scenarios, interactive
workshops, experiments where students can apply direct learning from the scenario, group observations and presentation.
Distance and Blended learning is supported by the full range of Leeds Beckett’s VLE
Teaching material will be provided electronically via X Stream to enable remote access. Hand-in of Coursework will, wherever possible, be done electronically to minimise the inconvenience for students with limited time on campus.
All course modules will be placed on the University’s virtual learning environment, X-Stream to enable remote access.
X-Stream will enable students to engage with the course anytime and
44 provides an additional means of communication with other students and staff;
it promotes technology enhanced learning, digital literacy and can be used for assessment purposes. Hand-in of Coursework will, wherever possible, be done electronically to minimise the inconvenience for students with limited time on campus.
The Virtual Site
The subject group has in recent years developed a learning resource called Virtual Site. Using the latest media technologies, photorealistic virtual tours of building projects have been created. Students should navigate each site, view projects at different stages of construction and access more detailed
information via hot spots superimposed on the panoramic scenes. Other resources have already be developed and embedded into the Low Carbon Housing Learning Zone and Virtual Maths that provides imaginative, digital literacy that are not only interactive but provides the support some mature students need to learn and improve their aptitudes in Maths, Building physics and environmental science subject themes. The Virtual Maths project has for instance previously been awarded the BE2 2011 award for the best education and learning project for social media in the built environment.
Libraries and Learning Innovation (LLI) and Information, Media and Technology Services (IMTS) play a key role in the student and staff experience at Leeds Beckett. Their library, computing, information systems, reprographic, media and learning technology services support the teaching, learning and research needs of staff, as well as students.
Integrated library, computing and media facilities are provided in libraries based on each of the University’s campuses at City Campus and Headingley. Some facilities are also available in Cloth Hall Court and in the Carnegie Stand and Pavilion.
LLI which holds the Customer Service Excellence standard aims to maximise choice and flexibility in the way in which students and staff on the course learn
