BSc (Hons) in Business with Human Resource Management

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BSc (Hons) in Business with Human

Resource Management

Course Handbook 2015/16

2013 Entry

Introduction

This handbook summarises the most important aspects of practice and procedure in the management of the department of Business and Management’s Undergraduate taught courses, and is designed to provide you with:

 A clear outline of what you should expect in the management of your degree course;

 A clear indication of what is expected of you during your time in Business and Management;

 A convenient source of information about the mechanics of some of the more common administrative procedures used during a student’s progress from admission to examination.

Message from the Head of Department & Director of Studies

Welcome to the University of Sussex. I hope that you will enjoy studying with us and that you will learn a lot that will be of use to you moving forward. The modules that you will be taking will be taught by nationally and internationally recognized scholars from around the world and by our network of successful local practitioners. This will enable you to learn about both the theory and practice of your chosen area of study. You should find your studies challenging at Sussex but hopefully also rewarding as they prepare you to make an impact in whatever you choose to do after you complete your degree. You will also be studying with students from different backgrounds and there is a wealth of opportunity to interact with other students on the Sussex campus. I hope that you will take the opportunity to mix with people from a wide range of backgrounds and develop your social skills, so important in global

businesses today. I wish you every success in your studies in the Department of Business and Management at the University of Sussex.

Prof. Sue Newell

Head of Department & Director of Studies

Message from the Course Convenor

Thank you for choosing to study on the Business with Human Resource Management course. The course combines an understanding of the wider business context with specialist knowledge of Human Resource (HR) practices. Therefore, it is especially suitable for students with an interest in the HR function. The modules that are part of the course are distinctive in several ways. They offer a critical engagement with the current trends in the 'world of work' and the challenges that employees face within and across organizations. At the same time, the modules offer both UK and international perspectives on

employment. There are several career pathways that you might follow at the end of this course. You may pursue a career as a generalist HR manager or specialise as a recruitment officer, compensation and benefits advisor, or equality and diversity specialist , for instance.

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Course Outline

There are two versions of the BSc (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management Course, one of which includes a Professional Placement Year. Students on both versions study the same course, so this handbook is relevant to all. Students who take a placement will do so in Year 3, before returning to the University to study their final year in Year 4. Students on the Professional Placement version of the course should continue their placement preparation throughout the autumn. A programme of events and activities is jointly organised by the School and the Careers and Employability Centre to support students with their placement applications. Students who do not take a placement usually complete the course in three years.

Your final classification is awarded according to your grand mean. The grand mean is calculated by combining stage means from the second and final year at a weighting of 40% and 60% respectively.

Modules and Convenors

You will normally study four modules per term. Each module carries 15 credits, therefore you will study 8 x 15 credits = 120 credits per year.

Each module is organised by a Module Convenor – a member of faculty who designs and delivers the module, and manages the assessments. Module material (including a handbook and lecture slides) is provided by the Convenor on Study Direct.

To progress on to the second year of your studies you will need 120 credits. This usually requires you to pass all modules, but there is a provision within the University exam Regulations for “compensation” in two modules. Assessments are held in the teaching block in which the module is delivered for

coursework, and in the assessment block following for exams.

Electives are a feature of UG courses at Sussex and give students an opportunity to study modules which are outside of their subject specialism. This can give a valuable new perspective, and contribute to the inter-disciplinary flavour of UG provision at our University.

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Syllabus – Year 1

The year 1 syllabus provides a broad introduction to the fundamentals of business and management, and to the basic concepts of economics, business law, accounting, marketing and human resource management, including methods and tools to develop your analytical skills.

Term Rule Modules Credits

Autumn

Core Introduction to Business and Management (N1065) 15

Core Introduction to Business Law (N1072) 15

Core Introduction to Economics (L1028) 15

Elective Elective 15

Spring

Core Principles of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource _{Management (N1062)} 15

Core Introduction to Marketing (N1067) 15

Core Introduction to Accounting (N1086) 15

Syllabus – Year 2

The year 2 syllabus builds on the introduction provided in Year 1.

Autumn

Core Information Systems (N1039) 15

Core Management of Innovation (N1049) 15

Core Emerging Issues in Human Resource Management and Industrial

Relations (N1085) 15

Spring

Core Managing Change (N1073) 15

Core Operations Management (N1078) 15

Core Research Methods for Managers (N1504) 15

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Syllabus – Final Year

Advanced and specialist modules will be studied in the final stage of the course, taken in Year 3, or Year 4 for students on the Professional Placement version of the course. There will be a number of optional modules.

Subject to your results in Year 2, you may have the chance to take the Research Project, a dissertation which is assessed by a 7500-word report. Students on this module will work closely with a supervisor to find a suitable topic and develop their research.

Autumn

Core Strategy (N1021) 15

Core Public and Non-profit Management and Social Entrepreneurship

(N1045) 15

Core Developing Leadership (N1076) 15

Option Entrepreneurship and Small Firms (N1020) 15

Option Critical Perspectives on Management and Organisations (N1502) 15

Both Option Research Project (N1052) 30

Spring

Core Knowledge, Work and Organisations (N1061) 15

Core International Human Resource Management (N1081) 15

Option Innovation Systems (N1077) 15

Option Business Strategy Report (N1079) 15

Option Project Management (N1503) 15

Option New Venture Creation and Business Planning (N1508) 15

Option Law of Business Organisations (N1513) 15

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Course Aims

The BSc Business with Human Resource Management course is aimed at providing undergraduate students with a foundation in business and management studies alongside a more detailed insight and understanding of the different ways in which organisations relate to employees. The course also aims to provide students with state-of the-art thinking in business and management and specifically in HRM. Students will study a range of modules that enable them to understand how modern organisations go about managing human resources, and they will gain an insight into not only the underlying theory but also the everyday practice of HRM.

Students will develop their analytical skills by engaging with both the academic and practitioner

business and management literatures, providing future managers with effective decision making tools in the context of modern-day challenges facing organisations. Students will develop the skills to make coherent and informed arguments and to be able to formulate and communicate in both written and oral media sophisticated ideas in business and management. Students will also be trained in research methods that will enable them to conduct independent research in human resource management and organisational behaviour-related topics through a dissertation or business strategy report.

The course offers a set of unique modules on innovation, organisational change, HRM and knowledge management. Modules with specific HRM content include Knowledge Work and Organisations, Principles of Organisational Behaviour and HRM, Developing Leadership, Emerging Issues in HRM and Industrial Relations, Strategic Human Resource Management, and International Human Resource Management.

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Learning Outcomes

The course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and qualities in the following areas:

Skills Area Learning Outcomes

Problem Recognition Develop the ability to adroitly interpret both qualitative and quantitative firm-based and other national and industry employee survey data.

Understand how to identify the emergence of particular practices and their impact on employees and firms.

Contextual Understanding Explain problems and key concepts in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour and recognise that HRM policies and practices emerge from a combination of firm practices and strategies, institutional frameworks and markets environments.

Identify different HRM practices at national and international levels, assess their relative advantages and understand the criteria in which these can be applied.

Problem Analysis

and Problem Solving Skills

To be able to devise and sustain arguments, and/or solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of the discipline. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgments, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem.

Evaluation Skills Evaluate which HRM and organisational practices are more appropriate to and are more relevant in different organisational, national and institutional contexts

Research Skills Ability to describe and comment on particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.

Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding and to initiate and carry out projects.

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Analytical Skills (Data Collection and Analysis)

An ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the HRM discipline.

A systematic understanding of key aspects of their study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the HRM discipline.

Presentation and Writing Skills

Effectively communicate by oral, written and visual means to a professional standard.

IT Skills Use IT skills effectively; to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and basic database packages.

Written and Oral Communication Skills

Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Personal and Professional Development Skills

The ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources.

To assist the student to develop the employability skills required for work in the HRM area and enable admission to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development for students completing appropriate Further Education programmes.

Decision-Making Skills

Decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts.

Develop better understanding of how organisations can motivate and work with employees across a range of employment situations..

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Assessment and Academic Progress

A great deal of information is available on the University website regarding how to study, how you will be assessed, and how your degree is classified and awarded. Here are some of the sites that you will find most helpful.

Study Skills

You are very strongly recommended to use the S3 site regularly; it contains vital information and will answer many of the questions you may have:

Study Success at Sussex (S3)

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/

The following pages are particularly useful: Reading and research

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=24

Assessments: essays, reports, etc.

Writing well (including referencing)

Revision and exams

Essential Information

The Student Handbook is a comprehensive guide for Sussex students. Access it here: Student Handbook

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/students/essentials/studenthandbook/

It very clearly explains the services, facilities and conventions of Sussex. This is all essential information and it includes pages on assessment

Formal Documentation

The definitive source of information on regulatory matters associated with assessment and classification is published by the Academic Office, and is available here:

Examination and Assessment Handbook for Undergraduate Students

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/adqe/standards/examsandassessment

This is a version of the handbook used by Exam Board members when making progression and classification decisions. It describes the regulations in formal terms.

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Library

The Library has a vast collection of books to support your study. It also gives you access to over 30,000 online journals and 50,000 e-books. To help you find what you need, we have a powerful discovery tool called ‘Library Search’. It will provide you with full-text access to our journals and e-books, as well as giving you shelfmarks for our print books and DVDs, to help you to locate them in the Library. Our website will link you to Library Search, along with many other pieces of useful information:

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/

As well as Library Search, the Library also has a large number of databases and digital archives specific to Business and Management. To help you find these databases and other resources, we have listed them in our Subject Guide: http://guides.lib.sussex.ac.uk/Business_Management

The Library uses an online reading list system for your course materials. You will usually access your reading list from your Study Direct module page, but you can also search for your reading list here:

http://liblists.sussex.ac.uk/

We run regular workshops and training sessions to help you find and use the Library’s resources, carry out effective literature searches and understand how to cite and reference your sources. We also offer online support through our InfoSuss tutorial, which takes you through searching techniques, as well as providing an easy referencing guide: www.sussex.ac.uk/library/infosuss

Support for a wide range of skills, including Library and research skills, can be accessed via the Skills Hub. It brings together all the workshops, web resources and services at Sussex that can help you with your academic development: www.sussex.ac.uk/skillshub

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Assessment Criteria

Exams, Essays and Reports

Markers of exams, essays and reports will refer to the following criteria when marking your work. They may also provide additional criteria specific to certain assessments.

Mark % Assessment Criteria

80-100 High Distinction

A mark in this range is indicative of outstanding work. Marks in this range will be awarded for work that exhibits all the attributes of excellent work but has very

substantial elements of originality and flair. For quantitative assessments, marks in this range will not be given simply for providing the right answers; in addition, the answer should provide a coherent ‘mathematical argument.

70-79 Distinction

A mark in this range is indicative that the work is of an excellent standard for the current level of the degree. The work will exhibit excellent levels of knowledge and

understanding comprising all the qualities of good work stated above, with additional elements of originality and flair. The work will demonstrate a range of critical reading that goes well beyond that provided on reading lists. Answers or written works will be fluently-written and include independent argument that demonstrates an awareness of the nuances and assumptions of the question or title. Written works will make excellent use of appropriate, fully referenced, detailed examples.

60-69 Merit

A mark in this range is indicative of that the work is of a good to very good standard for the current level of your degree. Work of this quality shows a good level of knowledge and understanding of relevant course material. It will show evidence of reading a wide diversity of material and of being able to use ideas gleaned from this reading to support and develop arguments. Written work will exhibit good writing skills with well organized, accurate footnotes and/or a bibliography that follows the accepted ‘style’ of the subject. Arguments and issues will be illustrated by reference to well documented, detailed and relevant examples. There should be clear evidence of critical engagement with the objects, issues or topics being analysed. Any quantitative work will be clearly presented, the results should be correct and any conclusions clearly and accurately expressed. 50-59

High Pass

A mark in this range is indicative that the work is of a satisfactory to very satisfactory standard at the current level of your degree. Work of this quality will show clear knowledge and understanding of relevant course material. It will focus on the written work title or question posed and show evidence that relevant basic works of reference have been read and understood. The work will exhibit sound written work and/or analytical skills. It will be reasonably well structured and coherently presented. Written work should exhibit satisfactory use of footnotes and/or a bibliography and in more quantitative work it should be possible to follow the logical steps leading to the answer obtained and the conclusions reached. Arguments and issues should be discussed and illustrated by reference to examples, but these may not fully documented or detailed. 40-49

Pass

A mark in this range is indicative that the work is of an acceptable standard at the current the level of your degree. Work of this type will show limited knowledge and understanding of relevant course material. It will show evidence of some reading and comprehension, but the written work or answer may be weakly structured, cover only a limited range of the relevant material or have a weakly developed or incomplete argument. The work will exhibit weak written work or analytical skills. It may be poorly-presented without properly laid out footnotes and/or a bibliography, or in the case of quantitative work, it may not be possible to follow the several steps in the logic and

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35-39 Marginal fail

A mark in this range is indicative that the work is below, but at the upper end is

approaching, the standard required at the current level of your degree. It indicates weak work of an inadequate standard. This will be because either the work is too short, is very poorly organized, or is poorly directed at the written work title or question asked. It will show very limited knowledge or understanding of the relevant course material and display weak writing and/or analytical skills. Written work will exhibit no clear argument, may have very weak spelling and grammar, very inadequate or absent references and/or bibliography and may contain major factual errors. Quantitative work will contain significant errors and incorrect conclusions.

1-34 Fail

A mark at this level is indicative that the work is far below the standard required at the current level of your degree. It indicates that the work is extremely weak and seriously inadequate. This will be because either the work is far too short, is badly jumbled and incoherent in content, or fails to address the written work title or question asked. It will show very little evidence of knowledge or understanding of the relevant course material and may exhibit very weak writing and/or analytical skills.

0 Student absent from examination or no script submitted

For many assessments you may also receive more specific guidance. This typically takes the form of indicating where marks can be earned. For example in the first year Introduction to Business and

Management module students are required to produce a 1,000 word essay. The marks for this are

allocated in the following way:

The marks for your essay will be allocated in the following way 1. Clarity, style, layout and fluency: 20 marks 2. Reading and referencing: 20 marks

3. Understanding shown of your chosen managerial process: 20 marks

4. Appropriate application of your chosen managerial process to your chosen organisation and the evidence base: 25 marks

5. Evidence of the ability to make informed critical judgement: 15 marks

Please note that as in criterion 1 above we expect our students to produce work which is clearly written and which is appropriate to the required format for the set assignment – in this case an essay. We expect work to be proof-read and to show good attention to the 'basics' of grammar and spelling. This is something that comes naturally to many of our students but others need to develop their style

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Presentations and Posters

Markers of presentations and posters will refer to the following criteria when marking your work. They may also provide additional criteria specific to certain assessments.

Mark % Assessment Criteria

70+

Very well prepared, confidently and clearly delivered, at a pace and in a style that suits the needs of the audience. Well-researched. Difficult or subtle points put across with conviction. Excellent use of the time available, and of visual aids and handouts. Answers to questions well fielded.

60-69

Well-prepared and delivered, appropriate to audience. Good use of time and of any visual aids and handouts, with competent answers to questions.

50-59

Good preparation and delivery, related to the needs of the audience. The main ideas conveyed competently. Some weaknesses in time management, or in answers to some questions, but showing a sound knowledge of the subject matter, and some level of critical thought. Adequate answers to most questions.

40-49

Adequate preparation and delivery, some ideas explained competently, if perhaps briefly. Questions understood and answered, at least in part. Fair knowledge of the topic.

0-39

Inadequate preparation and delivery. Some points of relevance to the topic made, but presented in a muddled or unconvincing manner. Little evidence of relevant knowledge beyond the content of the presentation. Inaccuracies in key respects. May show poor time management, poor or no use of visual aids and/or poor fielding of questions. The standards by which criteria for exams, essays, reports, presentations and posters are judged depend on the level of the module. For example, for the work to be rated as ‘excellent’ a higher level of

understanding is demanded from a third year student, compared with a first year student writing on the same topic.

External Examiners

Each of the modules that you study are quality-assured by the involvement of senior academics from other leading universities. These are our 'External Examiners' and their role is to ensure that your degree from Sussex is of a standard that is in line with those from other universities. External examiners advise us on our marking standards and on the design of our assessments. They also participate in our

examination boards.

Here is a list of our current team of External Examiners:

BSc Accounting & Finance Dr Oliver Marnet University of Southampton BSc Business & Management Studies Dr Lynne Baldwin Brunel University

BSc Business with HRM Dr Arjan Keizer Manchester Business School

BSc Finance Dr Lara Cathcart Imperial College London

BSc International Business Dr Jonathan Murphy Cardiff University BSc Marketing & Management Prof. Edward Shiu Bangor University Research Projects and Placements Dr Jimmy Huang University of Warwick

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Transferring to a Different Course

We hope that you are happy with your choice of degree and that you progress within it by successfully meeting each challenge as it comes. However, one of the advantages of studying with us is that you may be able to transfer into any of the following degree courses for your second year - Business &

Management Studies; International Business; and Marketing and Management. As all students studying these degrees study the same modules in the first year, there are no barriers to this process and you can apply at the end of your first year.

However, if you wish to transfer to the Accounting and Finance or Finance degree then you really need to apply during the first two weeks of the autumn term. If you have not done so by then, and decide later that you want to change, it is highly unlikely that your application will be successful as you will have missed some specialised modules. If you wish to consider transferring to a new degree, please make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss the options available.

Contact Details

You should also keep in touch with your Academic Advisor, and contact the Student Life Centre for help with any personal issues you face. Your course convenor should be able to help you find an answer to any questions you have during your studies. Other useful contacts:

Director of Studies Prof. Sue Newell _

Sue.Newell@sussex.ac.uk

(01273) 678266 Room JUB-255

Course Convenor Katie Bailey

K.Bailey@sussex.ac.uk

(01273) 872582 Room JUB-109 Business and Management

Undergraduate Team

ug-bam@sussex.ac.uk

Jubilee G08

Emily Dimer Course Coordinator  (01273) 678273 James Pelling Course Coordinator  (01273) 678330

Daniel Vince-Archer Course Coordinator  (01273) 873832

Employer Engagement Team

bmecplacements@sussex.ac.uk

Ian Pierson

Business Liaison Manager Joanna Budd

Employer Engagement

René Moolenaar Academic Coordinator (Business and Management)

BSc (Hons) in Business with Human Resource Management