BA (Hons) Business and Management Programme Specification

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BA (Hons) Business and Management

Programme Specification

1. Overview/ factual information

Programme/award title(s)

BA (Hons) Business and Management

Teaching Institution

_{University Centre Stratford}

Awarding Institution

_{The Open University}

Date of latest OU validation

_1/3/11

Next revalidation

_N/A

Credit points for the award

UCAS Code

Programme start date

_{Sept 2011}

Underpinning QAA subject

benchmark(s)

BA (Hons) General Business and Management

Other external and internal

reference points used to

inform programme outcomes

Edexcel BTEC HNC/D Business

Professional/statutory

recognition

Duration of the programme

for each mode of study (P/T,

FT,DL)

3 years FT, 6 years PT

Dual accreditation (if

applicable)

N/A

Date of production/revision of

this specification

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main

features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student

might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full

advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, and teaching,

learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the

student module guide(s) and the student’s handbook.

The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by

the Open University and may be verified by the Quality Assurance Agency for

Higher Education.

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The main objectives of the degree are

i)

The study of organisations, their management and the changing external

environment in which they operate;

ii) Preparation of learners for and development of a career in business and

management;

iii) The enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to

contribute to society at large.

2.2 Relationship to other programmes and awards

(Where the award is part of a hierarchy of awards/programmes, this section

describes the articulation between them, opportunities for progression upon

completion of the programme, and arrangements for bridging modules or induction)

The programme provides two direct entry routes for students taking the BTEC

Business courses.

1. On successful completion of BTEC HNC Business students enter the degree at

level 5. All 120 credits from the HNC is APLed onto the degree.

2. On successful completion of BTEC HND Business students enter the degree at

level 6. All 240 credits from the HND is APLed onto the degree.

The final degree classification, in accordance with the UCS Regulatory Framework

document 306 Awards, section 1.9, is based only upon non APLed credit.

In other cases of transfer of credit The Negotiated Awards and APL Panel will

determine the amount of credit transferring students can APL and whether bridging

modules are required.

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3. Programme outcomes

Intended learning outcomes are listed below.

3A. Knowledge and understanding

Learning outcomes:

Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods

A1 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding

of organisations, the external environment in which they operate

and how they are managed

A2 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of

markets, customers, finance, business operations and strategy

A3 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of people,

operations and information system

A4 Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of

communication and information technology, business policy and

strategy and pervasive issues eg. globalisation and sustainability

Teaching, learning and assessment will include group work, individual

tutorials, VLE support, presentations, research, reflection on work

experience, reviews of case studies, exposure to business issues

including employer-based case studies, visits and inputs from visiting

practising managers

There will be an integration between theory and practice by practical

questions posed in lectures and theoretical issues raised during work

related learning

Formative assessment will be used to ensure in depth knowledge and

understanding of each module

Mid module tests will be given in order to highlight areas needing more

attention by students, before the formative end of module assessments

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3B. Cognitive skills

Learning outcomes:

Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods

B1Make effective use of critical thinking, for example, in evaluating

statements in terms of evidence

B2Make effective use of analysis, for example, to detect false logic

or reasoning

B3 Make effective use of synthesis, for example, in formulating and

solving business problems.

B4 Make effective use of the principles, processes and evaluation

of research and various data sources

Assessments will include opportunities to carry out effective problem

solving, evaluation and decision making, using appropriate quantitative

and qualitative skills

Assessments will provide business scenarios which give students

opportunities to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together

with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations

Assessments will give students opportunities to demonstrate report

preparation and writing skills in the business environment. The modules

on Study Skills and Research Methods will be used to support students

in acquiring these skills.

3C. Practical and professional skills

Learning outcomes:

Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods

C1 Make effective use of communication, IT, numeracy and

quantitative skills

C2Make effective use of models of business problems and case

studies

C3 Make use of effective self-management in time , planning and

behaviour

All vocational assessments will include the targeting of communication,

IT, numeracy and quantitative skills

Business problems and case studies will be used as learning and

teaching contexts

Students will be expected to demonstrate effective self-management in

their responses to assignments and their deadlines

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3C. Practical and professional skills

3D. Key/transferable skills

Learning outcomes:

Learning and teaching strategy/ assessment methods

D1 Key skills in numeracy, communication and information

technology are to be demonstrated in student learning

D2 Group work skills are to be demonstrated by students in

workplace and learning contexts

D3 Effective work in a culturally diverse environment is to be

demonstrated by students in workplace and learning contexts

Student responses to assessments must demonstrate an effective use of

functional and professional skills in business situations. Modules on

Computer Tools, Study Skills, Research Methods and Diversity and

Equality will be used to support students in acquiring these skills

Students should demonstrate effective performance, within a team

environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project

management skills in business situations

Students should demonstrate effectiveness in diversity and equality

skills, interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion

and presentation in business situations

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4. Programme Structure

Programme Structure - LEVEL 4

Compulsory modules

Credit

points

Optional modules

Credit

points

BMC15_01 Study Skills (semester 1)

BMC15_02 Computer Tools (semester 1 or 2)

BMC15_03 Critical Thinking (semester 1 or 2)

BMC15_04 Understanding Organisations (semester 1)

BMC15_05 Human Motivation and Strength (semester 1 or 2)

BMC15_06 Introduction to Business Management (semester 1)

BMC15_07 Principles of Finance and Accounting (semester 1 or 2)

BMC15_08 Principles of Marketing (semester 1 or 2)

15

15 University Certificate

60 credits at Level 4

Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Business and Management

120 credits at level 4

• Pass

• Merit (normally average between 60% and 69%)*

• Distinction (normally average 70% and over)*

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Compulsory modules

Credit

points

Optional modules

Credit

points

BMF15_00 Research Methods (semester 2)

BMF15_01 Human Resource Management

BMF15_02 Applied Finance and Accounting

BMF15_03 Technology and Knowledge Management

BMF15_04 Principles of Business Law

BMF15_05 Customer Services Operation and Excellence

BMF15_06 Strategic Organisational Performance

BMF15_07 Working With Others

15

15 Exit Awards

Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Business and Management

240 Credits, at least 120 at level 5

• Pass

• Merit (normally average between 60% and 69%)*

• Distinction (normally average 70% and over)*

Programme Structure - LEVEL 6

Compulsory modules

Credit

points

Optional modules

Credit

points

BMH30_00 Dissertation (semester 1 and 2)

BMH15_01 Application of Management: Theories, Principles and

Methodologies

BMH15_02 Professional and Working Ethics

BMH15_03 Career Management

BMH15_04 Diversity and Equality

30

15

15 BMH15_05 Public Sector Management

BMH15_06 Leadership & Management in Not for

Profit

BMH15_07 Decision making

BMH15_08 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

BMH15_09 Coaching & Mentoring, A Leadership

Perspective

15

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Programme Structure - LEVEL 6

BMH15_10 Change Management

BMH15_11 Law in the Workplace

15

15 Exit Awards

BA/BSc Business and Management

300 Credits, at least 60 at Level 6

* In accordance with the UCS/Newham Regulatory Framework the Assessment Board can determine whether the student deserves a

pass, merit or distinction

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Annexe 1: Curriculum map

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Annexe 1 - Curriculum map

This table indicates which study units assume responsibility for particular programme learning outcomes.

Programme outcomes Level Study module/unit

A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3

4 Study Skills _{x x} _{x x} _{x x} _x

Understanding Organisations x x x x x x x x

Introduction to Business Management

x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Critical Thinking x x x x

Principles of Marketing x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Computer Tools x x x x x x x

Finance and Accounting

Human Motivation and Strength

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A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3

5 Customer Services Operation and Excellence _x _{x x} _{x x} _{x x x} _x

Strategic Organisational Performance x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Working With Others x x x x x x x x x x x

Research Methods

x x x x x x x x

Human Resource Management

x x x x x x x x x x

Applied Finance and Accounting x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Principles of Business Law _x _{x x x x x x} _x

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A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 Core modules

Dissertation x x x x x x x x x x

Diversity and Equality

Career Management

x x x x x x x x

Application of Management theories, principles

and methodologies x x x x x x x x x x x

Option modules

Professional and working ethics _x _{x x} _x _x

Law in the Work Context _{x x x x x x x x x x} _{x x}

Public Sector Management

Leadership and Management in the not for

Profit Sector x x x x x x x x x

Change Management

x x x x x x x x x x

Coaching & Mentoring: A Leadership

Perspective x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Application of leadership theories, principles

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Annexe 2: Notes on completing programme specification templates

1 -

This programme specification should be aligned with the learning outcomes detailed in module specifications.

2 – The expectations regarding student achievement and attributes described by the learning outcome in section 3 must be appropriate to the level of

the award within the

QAA frameworks for HE qualifications

:

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/default.asp

3 – Learning outcomes must

also reflect the detailed statements of graduate attributes set out in

QAA subject benchmark statements

that are

relevant to the programme/award:

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp

4 – In section 3, the learning and teaching methods deployed should enable the achievement of the full range of intended learning outcomes.

Similarly, the choice of assessment methods in section 3 should enable students to demonstrate the achievement of related learning outcomes.

Overall, assessment should cover the full range of learning outcomes.

5 - Where the programme contains validated

exit awards

(e.g. CertHE, DipHE, PGDip), learning outcomes must be clearly specified for each award.

6 - For programmes with distinctive study

routes or pathways

the specific rationale and learning outcomes for each route must be provided.

7 – Validated programmes delivered in

languages other then English

must have programme specifications both in English and the language of

delivery.

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Appendix: Mapping HNC/D units to degree modules

The rules of combination for the HNC/D distinguish between core and optional units. The mapping is against the core units:

HNC core units HND core units (HNC core units plus)

Business environment

Managing financial resources and decisions Organisations and behaviour

Marketing principles

Aspects of contract and negligence for business Business decision making

Business strategy

There is also a core unit Research Project. The learning outcomes for this module are not mapped. On the degree programme students are not expected to carry out their research project until level six. The research methods module at level 5 prepares students for this dissertation so provides the closest mapping to the unit Research Project.

Mapping

HNC Unit: Business Environment HNC Unit Learning outcomes:

BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning outcomes:

Understand the organisational purposes of businesses

Understand the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate

Understand the behaviour of organisations in their market environment

Be able to assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities. Int roduc ti on t o B u s ine s s

Describe and evaluate the social, technological, economic and political factors that determine the environment in which business management operates

x x x

Understand the rationale and theories for business management decision making and begin to use this rationale as part of wider analysis, evaluation and synthesis in the review of the business context

Develop the level of professional and practical skills needed within the business management environment including communications, numeracy and computer tools. Understand the skills needed to function in the management role Understand and make use of some of the transferable skills required in business management, eg. team membership and leadership and in a range of different situations

U nder s tandi ng or gani s at ions

Explain why organisations exist x Describe theories of organisational structure and design x Analyse some of the factors that influence how

organisations function

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BA (Hons) Business and Management Learning Outcomes:

Understand the relationship between organisational structure and culture

Understand different approaches to management and leadership

Understand ways of using motivational theories in organisations

Understand mechanisms for developing effective teamwork in organisations. Int roduc ti on t o B u s ine s s

Describe and evaluate the social, technological, economic and political factors that determine the environment in which business management operates

Understand the rationale and theories for business management decision making and leadership and begin to use this rationale as part of wider analysis

x

Develop the level of professional and practical skills needed within the business management environment including communications, numeracy and computer tools. Understand the skills needed to function in the management role

x

Understand and make use of some of the transferable skills required in business management, eg. team membership and leadership and in a range of different situations

x U nder s tandi ng or gani s at ions

Explain why organisations exist

Describe theories of organisational structure and design x Analyse some of the factors that influence how

organisations function x M ot i v at io

n and

Demonstrate understanding of key theories of motivation x

Demonstrate understanding of key theories of strength x

Demonstrate insight into own motivation and strengths x

Wor k ing w it h ot her s

Critically analyse key concepts for understanding the nature of groups and teams and their effective performance

x Demonstrate insight into the role of self and others in group

behaviour

x Identify interventions for improving team and group

performance

x

HNC Unit: Marketing Principles HNC Unit Learning outcomes:

Understand the concept and process of marketing

Be able to use the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning

Understand the individual elements of the extended marketing mix

Be able to use the marketing mix in different contexts. P ri n c ip le s of

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories in marketing practice

x

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segmentation to position an organisation effectively

Analyse the value of integrating marketing mix elements in the design of an effective marketing plan

x x

Generate ideas that will lead to the development of an effective marketing plan

x x

HNC Unit: Managing financial resources and decisions HNC Unit Learning outcomes:

Understand the sources of finance available to a business

Understand the

implications of finance as a resource within a business

Be able to make financial decisions based on financial information

Be able to evaluate the financial performance of a business. F inanc e and A c c ount s

Understand the use of financial ratios as part of an organisation's financial and management status

x x

Use financial ratios as part of the analysis and evaluation of organisations, using case studies

x x

Use evolving skills to interpret financial data x x x

Use transferable skills as part of an understanding of financial data and information

x x x

HND Unit: Business decision making HNC Unit Learning outcomes:

Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary

Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes

Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an

organisational context

Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation. C om put er T ool s

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure of a computer, and of the impact of technology in society Demonstrate confidence in the use of key computer tools and programmes, including word-processing, presentation, spreadsheet and VLE packages

x x

Understand the principles and processes in developing a small-scale research project

x Apply computer tools to the development, instigation and presentation of results of a small-scale research project

x

hnol

o

ledg

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the role of information in the business environment

X x

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Effectively use and evaluate database systems for business decision making

x x

Develop the ability to specify suitable information systems for effective knowledge management

x x

HND Unit: Aspects of contract and negligence for business HND Unit Learning outcomes:

Understand the essential elements of a valid contract in a business context

Be able to apply the elements of a contract in business situations

Understand principles of liability in negligence in business activities

Be able to apply the principles of liability in negligence in business situations. P ri nc ipl e s o f B us ines s Law

Develop an understanding of the place and function of law in business organisations and transactions.

x x

Analyse the legal liability of parties in business transaction and recognise the case for reform in this area of the law.

x x

Demonstrate the capacity for legal analysis, research and problem solving skills within the context of Business Law, including the ability to produce written advice (for example be able to answer a problem).

Identify key arguments and structure a reasoned opinion of a general or a specific nature and retrieve information from a variety of sources.

HND Unit: Business strategy HND Unit Learning outcomes:

Understand the process of strategic planning

Be able to formulate a new strategy

Understand approaches to strategy evaluation and selection

Understand how to implement a chosen strategy. S tr at egi c O rgani s at ional P er for m anc e

Understand how organisations evolve and change their strategies in order to adapt to the environmental changes going on around them

x

Use critical thinking effectively to arrive at the best strategic options for the organisations studied

x x x

Use skills and information learned throughout the whole course to identify the most effective strategic decisions

x x x x

Make effective use of transferable skills eg. group work in order to arrive at and implement the most effective strategic options for organisations

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