PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
COURSE SUBJECT TITLE: BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems
PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course handbook.
1. AWARD INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster
2. TEACHING INSTITUTION: University of Ulster
3. LOCATION: Magee
4. ACCREDITED BY: N/A
5. FINAL AWARD: BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems (with optional DPP/DIAS) with (CertHE and AB
Exit Awards)
6.
7. MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Full-time
8. SPECIALISMS: None
9. COURSE/UCAS CODE:
10. DATE WRITTEN/REVISED: Effective from 2012/13
10. EDUCATION AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
The overall aim of this programme is to provide students with an academically challenging and intellectually stimulating study of the subjects and disciplines associated with a career in the field of business information systems, business management, or technology management, and enable graduates to further their academic studies.
The programme also aims to:
Provide graduates with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding across a wide range of business and management areas and the complex relationships among these, their application and importance in an integrated framework within a local, national and international context;
Develop in students, self-awareness and strong interpersonal skills, together with opportunities to operate effectively in a group, including leadership;
Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and decision making, encompassing a view of business and technology management derived from a wide variety of learning sources, including independent study, group activities and guided learning;
Encourage within students, creativity and adaptability; developing capabilities to evaluate and integrate theory and practice to a wide range of situations;
Develop in students an ability to communicate effectively;
an academic discipline with a view to encouraging progression to postgraduate research or a suitable career in the respective fields;
Provide a systematic study of the theory and principles of information systems and their role in organisations.
Provide opportunities for the development of practical skills in information systems in a business/industrial context (DPP only).
In relation to the industrial placement period:
- the ability to put theory into practice via work-based learning;
- a deeper understanding of the complex and integrative nature of the business environment;
- the further development of interpersonal and professional skills and management competencies.
In relation to academic study abroad:
- an expanded knowledge of the academic discipline, whilst absorbing another cultural and educational environment;
- self -awareness and sensitivity to other cultures;
- recognition of the advantages and implications of cultural diversity within the global business environment.
Associate Bachelor’s Degree exit award
The aim of the Associate Bachelor’s degree is to enable students to engage in a stimulating educational experience through which they can acquire sound knowledge and understanding of the development and application of key information systems and business principles, concepts, theories and techniques; and, to produce graduates who will be equipped to exercise personal responsibility and engage in decision making in employment situations.
Certificate of Higher Education exit award
The aim of the CertHE is to expose students to the foundational elements of business and information systems principles; and to produce graduates who will understand and appreciate business operations and the need for appropriate information systems to be applied.
11. MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes:
the University’s Vision and core strategic aims, teaching and learning strategy and policies;
current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; subject benchmark statement for Business and Management;
national and University qualifications and credit frameworks; contemporary and anticipated future organisational practice
The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning.
Successful students will be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
K1 Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and theories relative to the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services inclusive of an awareness of customer expectations, service and orientation.
K2 Understand the development, management and exploitation of business information systems, and impact of same upon organisations; comprehension and use of information systems for application in business and management.
K3 Develop appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment, meeting the interests of stakeholders; develop an awareness and understanding of contemporary business issues.
K4 Demonstrate understanding of business information systems, systems analysis and design, knowledge management and web-based computing.
K5 Understand and apply an engineering approach to the development of information systems in organisations.
Diploma in Professional Practice/Diploma in International Academic Studies
K6 Demonstrate practical application of business information systems, systems analysis and design, knowledge management and web-based computing.
Associate Bachelor’s Degree Exit Award
K1 Demonstrate awareness of some important concepts and theories relative to the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services inclusive of an awareness of customer expectations, service and orientation.
K2 Understand the development and management of business information systems, and impact of same upon organisations.
K3 Develop appropriate policies within a changing business environment.
K4 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of business information systems, systems analysis and design.
Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award
K1 Demonstrate awareness of some concepts and theories relative to the study of organisations and information systems
K2 Understand the development and usefulness of business information systems, and their impact upon organisations.
Learning and Teaching Methods that will enable the outcomes to be achieved:-
Acquisition of Knowledge and Understanding is through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, Workshops, Practical Sessions and Self-Directed Learning at all level of the programme. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Assessment Methods that enable the outcomes to be demonstrated:-
Demonstration of Knowledge and Understanding is through a combination of Coursework, Presentations, Written unseen examinations, and Practical business planning and research projects
INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
I1 Critically evaluate arguments and evidence;
I2 Identify, analyse and draw reasoned conclusions from structured and unstructured problems and data;
I3 Locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources;
I4 Abstract and model data and facts pertaining to the requirements of an information system for the purposes of comprehension, analysis, specification and communication.
I5 Analyse and evaluate the extent to which an information system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.
I6 Relate professional, legal, moral and ethical issues to the engineering and use of information systems.
Diploma in International Academic Studies
I7 Recognise and respond appropriately to diverse cultural and educational learning environments.
Diploma in Professional Practice
I8 Work effectively within an organisation.
Associate Bachelor’s Degree Exit Award
I1 Evaluate arguments and evidence;
I2 Identify and analyse information from structured and unstructured problems and data;
I3 Locate and analyse data from multiple sources, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources;
I4 Evaluate the extent to which an information system meets the criteria defined for its current use.
I5 Consider professional and ethical issues to the use of information systems.
Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award
I2 Acknowledge and reference sources of information;
I3 Be aware of the professional and ethical issues related to the use of information systems.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Acquisition of Intellectual Qualities is through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, Workshops, Practical Sessions and Self-Directed Learning at all level of the programme.
Cognitive skills are developed particularly at Level 5 and 6. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to further develop intellectual qualities by undertaking independent study.
Assessment Methods:
Demonstration of Intellectual Qualities is through a combination of Coursework and Written unseen examinations.
PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS
P1 Employ information systems orientated techniques in solution of general business problems.
P2 Formulate solutions to a range of problems (qualitative and/or quantitative) created by modern business methods.
P3 Demonstrate effective communication using a variety of media and reporting formats used in business.
P4 Develop interpersonal skills which may include effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation, effective team-working.
P5 Specify, design, construct and test computer-based information systems.
P6 Communicate technical information to technical, management, user, and academic audiences.
P7 Operate computing equipment effectively, based on an understanding of information systems.
Diploma in International Academic Studies
P8 Adapt to the cultural and educational context of the host institution demonstrating where appropriate, communication style and language suited to the locality.
Diploma in Professional Practice
P9 Develop and enhance employability skills within an organisation.
Associate Bachelor’s Degree Exit Award
P1 Consider appropriate information systems orientated techniques in solution of general business problems.
P2 Consider solutions to generic problems created by modern business methods. P3 Communicate appropriately using a variety of media and reporting formats. P4 Develop appropriate interpersonal skills.
P5 Specify and design computer-based information systems. P6 Operate computing equipment effectively.
Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award
P1 Consider how information systems may help solve general business problems. P2 Communicate appropriately
P3 Develop appropriate interpersonal skills. P4 Operate computing equipment effectively.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Acquisition of Professional and/or Practical skills is through a combination of Lectures, Guest Speaker, Workshops, problem-based seminars and practical sessions, project preparation and implementation.
Assessment Methods:
Problem-based coursework, Project reports
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
T1 Demonstrate communication skills which may include the ability to present qualitative and quantitative information, in a form appropriate to the intended audience.
T2 Demonstrate information technology skills, which may include the use of spreadsheets, databases, word-processing and presentation packages.
T3 Progress studies and develop independent and self managed learning skills, including the ability to work as part of a group.
T4 Apply numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative aspect.
T5 Demonstrate personal, organisational, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal, time management and resource management skills
T6 Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning.
Diploma in International Academic Studies
T7 Demonstrate effective interpersonal and social skills in an international setting.
Diploma in Professional Practice
T8 Understand their role and the influences on that role.
Associate Bachelor’s Degree Exit Award
T1 to present qualitative and quantitative information appropriately.
T2 To use appropriately tools such as spreadsheets, databases, word-processing and presentation packages.
T3 To develop some independent and self managed learning skills, including the ability to work within a group.
T4 Apply numeracy in both understanding and presenting material.
T5 Be aware of the need for personal, organisational, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal, time management and resource management skills
T6 Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning
Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award
T1 To present information appropriately.
T2 To use appropriately information systems tools such as word-processing and presentation packages.
T3 To develop the ability to work within a group.
T4 Be aware of the need to develop appropriate personal, organisational, problem solving skills.
T5 Appreciate the need for lifelong learning
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Acquisition of Transferable Skills is through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, Workshops, Practical Sessions and Self-Directed Learning at all level of the programme.
Assessment Methods:
T1 is developed and assessed through coursework, reports, oral presentations and project reports
T2 is developed and assessed through group-based coursework assessment T3 is developed and assessed through project work
T4 is developed and assessed through project and assignment work
Learn to learn effectively is developed and promoted throughout the programme Ability to use IT tools for business is developed through the preparation of coursework
11. Programme Learning Outcome Map – BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES CODE K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 K 5 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 P 6 P 7 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 T 5 T 6 Level 4
Business Information Systems COM112 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Principles of Marketing MKT301 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Database Systems COM162 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Information and Study Skills Management BMG132 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Economic Environment for Business ECO102 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Principles of Management BMG119 x x x x x x x x x x x x
Level 5
Business Improvement BMG422 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Project Management BMG423 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Social Media for Business/ Creative Thinking NEW x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Computer Information Systems Technologies COM330 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Management Information Systems NEW x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Web Database Development COM336 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Level 6
Leadership and Strategy BMG547 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Innovation & Entrepreneurship BMG558 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Management of Change NEW x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Advanced Interactive Web Development COM621 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Finance for Decision Making NEW x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Knowledge Management COM540 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES CODE K 6 I 7 I 8 P 8 P 9 T 7 T 8 Optional DPP/DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice BMG300 x x x x
Diploma in International Academic Studies BEI300 x x x x
MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES CODE K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 P 6 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 T 5 T 6 Certificate of Higher Education Exit Award
Business Information Systems COM112 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Principles of Marketing MKT301 x x x x x x x x x
Database Systems COM162 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Information and Study Skills Management BMG132 x x x x x x x
Economic Environment for Business ECO102 x x x x x x x x x x x
Principles of Management BMG119 x x x x x x x x x x x
Associate Bachelor’s Degree Exit Award [Certificate of Higher Education plus:]
Business Improvement BMG422 x x x x x x x x x x x
Project Management BMG423 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Social Media for Business/ Creative Thinking NEW x x x x x x x x
Computer Information Systems Technologies COM330 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Management Information Systems NEW x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
12. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD
The BSc (Hons) Degree in Business Information Systems is offered on a full-time basis.The programme is designed to be compatible with the University Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). It allocates 20 points to all modules. For satisfactory completion of the programme, students are required to accumulate passes in modules totalling 360 CATS points. Full-time students would normally take three years to complete the programme and are expected to accumulate passes in modules totalling 120 CATS points in each year of the programme before progressing to the next year.
Level 4 consists of four business modules, Principles of Marketing, information and Study Skills Management, Economic Environment for Business and Principles of Management; and two Information Technology modules, Business Information Systems and Database Systems. The structure allows for two business modules and one computing module in each semester. A similar structure in level 5 with four business and two computing modules building level 4 underpinning. There is an optional placement year between level 5 and 6. The progression and structure resumes in level 6 with another four business modules and two further computing modules. The course is normally of four years’ duration. Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent at the university. Year 1 consists of 120 credit points at Level 4, and Year 2 consists of 120 credit points at Level 5, with the final year accruing 120 credit points at Level 6.
Year 3 can be spent on industrial placement. On satisfactory completion of the placement period the student is eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP 60 points). A student who satisfactorily completes Year 3 in study abroad is eligible for the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS 120 points). The language of instruction is English.
EXIT AWARD OF CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
The Certificate of Higher Education exit award is a recognised stepping off from the Single Honours Award programme. This qualification can be awarded to those students who have successfully completed Level 4 of the Single Honours programme and who do not wish to proceed to next level; this provides some flexibility for students who are unable to proceed with the programme due to changes in their work or personal situations. The award may also be granted to students who proceed to the level 5 but fail to successfully complete the level 5 modules of the Single Honours Advertising programmes
EXIT AWARD OF ASSOCIATE BACHELORS
The Associate Bachelors degree is a recognised stepping off from the Single Honours Award programme. This qualification can be awarded to those students who have successfully completed level 4 and 5 of the Single Honours in Advertising and who do not wish to proceed to the final level; this provides some flexibility for students who are unable to proceed with the programme due to changes in their work or personal
situations. The award may also be granted to students who proceed to the final level but fail to successfully complete the level 6 modules of the Single Honours Advertising programme
Structure Diagram: BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems (with optional DPP/DIAS)
Module Title Credit
Level Credit Points Module Status Awards/ Exit Awards
Business Information Systems 4 20 Compulsory
Certificate in Higher Education Exit Award
Principles of Marketing 4 20 Compulsory
Database Systems 4 20 Compulsory
Information and Study Skills Management 4 20 Compulsory
Economic Environment for Business 4 20 Compulsory
Principles of Management 4 20 Compulsory
Business Improvement 5 20 Compulsory
Associate Bachelor’s Degree Exit Award
Project Management 5 20 Compulsory
Management Information Systems 5 20 Compulsory
Computer Information Systems Technologies 5 20 Compulsory
Social Media for Business/ Creative Thinking 5 20 Compulsory
Web Database Development 5 20 Compulsory
DPP Placement or DIAS Placement (optional) 5 60/120 Optional DPP/DIAS
Leadership and Strategy 6 20 Compulsory
BSc Hons Business Information Systems
Innovation & Entrepreneurship 6 20 Compulsory
Management of Change 6 20 Compulsory
Advanced Interactive Web Development 6 20 Compulsory
Finance for Decision Making 6 20 Compulsory
Knowledge Management 6 20 Compulsory
13. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING
Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: Student handbook and programme-specific induction materials; LRC subject-based induction session for new/returning students; Blackboard and university software induction session for each cohort; Course Director, incorporating the role of studies adviser;
Access to Course Director, teaching and support staff;
Regular meetings of Course Committee, to monitor programme delivery and student progress;
Staff/Student Consultative Meetings with each student cohort, held once per semester;
Electronic communication with students, including email, WebCT, updated reading lists and module results;
Detailed feedback provided on individual/group assignments and/or presentations; Student Support Department interaction with Ulster Business School programmes; Sport and Recreation Department;
Chaplaincy;
Careers Development Centre; Personal Studies Adviser.
14. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
Applicants must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry. In addition, applicants to the Minor subject must satisfy the specific requirements for admission to the Faculty sponsoring the corresponding Major subject.
15. EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Quality and standards are evaluated and improved through consideration of: Module evaluation questionnaires or freeform responses
Module reviews provided to external examiners Peer Review of teaching and feedback
Student Assessment of Teaching Questionnaires Annual Subject Monitoring
Student performance data, career progression and feedback from alumni; Revalidation involving external and internal panel members
University processes for initial approval, periodic re-approval and annual monitoring;
Module monitoring processes and course team meetings (Course Committee); School and Department learning and teaching events and conferences;
Views of graduates obtained through the National Student Survey;
Views of students as expressed through the staff/student consultative committee; Views of employers obtained through formal and informal networks.
Views of external examiners through visits and reports
16. REGULATION OF STANDARDS
Assessment rules
Pass mark for each module is 40%.
Performance levels for honours degree classifications are:
Class I At least 70%
Class II (division i) (IIi) At least 60% and less than 70% Class II (division ii) (IIii) At least 50% and less than 60%
Honours classification derives 100% from Level 6 modules.
Specific requirements
In relation to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice OR Diploma in Professional Practice Area Studies, the threshold for progression to the final year of the associated degree programme shall be 40%.
To be eligible for the award of [DPP/DIAS] candidates must have achieved an overall mark of at least 50% in the assessment requirements for the [placement year/year of study abroad] and have successfully completed the associated degree. The results of candidates shall be graded by order of merit as Pass with Commendation and Pass. The following shall be the minimum percentages used in determining the overall grading of candidates:
Pass with Commendation 70% Pass 50%
External Examiners
There are 3 external examiners to review the range of subjects on the BSc Hons Business Information Systems programme.
External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners.
17. INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING
An outcome of the last QAA subject review, indicated that the Ulster Business School was awarded the maximum score of 24.
Many staff are research active and/or have industrial backgrounds/experience. A large number of staff are members of the Higher Education Academy.
All Computing programmes were subject to a Faculty Subject Review during 2002, and participated in a Discipline Audit Trail (DAT) during an Institutional audit in 2005.
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the Faculty of Computing and Engineering was ranked highly in Unit of Assessment 25 (Computer Science). All staff hold (or if not, are required to achieve) a postgraduate certificate in
university teaching (PGCUT/PGCHET).
The School of Computing and Intelligent Systems has attracted external funding for teaching and learning initiatives, including the Wireless Broadband project (2003-2006).
