Programme Specifications

Not Applicable

Business and Management

January 2013

• the advanced study of organisations, their management and the changing external context in which they operate

• preparation for and/or development of a career in business and management by developing skills at a professional or equivalent level, or as preparation for research or further study in the area

• development of the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice

• enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development so as to be able to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to business and society at large.

the learning outcomes of this programme are designed to meet the expectations of the benchmarking statement laid down by the QAA for Type 2 Masters awards in Business and Management. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Graduates may have a sound theoretical grounding in the broad area of business and management and will have developed a range of analytical and personal skills. However their practical knowledge and skills will necessarily be limited by the constraints of the pedagogical process. They should have value added above their first degree by having a clear understanding of how their initial discipline may be utilised effectively within an organisational context.

Graduates should be able to collect relevant information across a range of areas pertaining to a current situation, analyse that information and synthesise it into an appropriate form in order to evaluate decision alternatives. Within the broad framework of organisations, their external context and management, it is therefore expected that graduates will gain knowledge and develop understanding in the following areas:

A1 markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services

A2 customers - customer expectations, service and orientation

A3 finance - the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications

A4 people - the management and development of people within organisations

A5 operations - the management of resources and operations; information systems; the development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact upon organisations

A6 communication and information technology (CIT) - comprehension and use of relevant CIT for application in business and management

A7 business policy and strategy - the development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests

A8 pervasive issues - these would include sustainability, globalisation, corporate social responsibility, diversity, business innovation, creativity, enterprise development, knowledge management and risk management.

In addition, on the named pathways, students will be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding and knowledge of a range of issues in the subject areas concerned.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Learning outcomes A1-A8 are acquired through lectures, seminars, individual tasks, group work and directed independent study. The development of the research projects during part two provides an additional opportunity for achieving learning outcomes A1 - A8.

Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understanding to facilitate exploration of the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of business related issues while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach. The use of seminars allows students to develop their own ideas based and to express, and ultimately, justify and defend them, against competing claims. Part of the aim is to encourage the student to take increasing responsibility for his or her own learning.

Directed independent study and reading, along with individual tasks, facilitate further exploration of the relevant areas.

Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library and journal materials relating to individual modules of the programme.

Part Two of the programme requires a student to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and critical evaluation of specific issues. It also requires the student to demonstrate a range of relevant research skills.

The learning outcomes are assessed informally and formally by various means. Oral presentations and the associated informal feedback provided enable students to explore and enhance their understandings and develop presentation skills. Learning outcomes are assessed formally via unseen written examinations, coursework assignments, projects, and in some instances through assessed presentations.

Graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills together with techniques specific to business and management. They should also demonstrate relevant personal and interpersonal skills. These include:

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

B1 being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately

B2 being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

B3 the ability to conduct research into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting

B4 using information and knowledge effectively: scanning and organising data, synthesising and analysing in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Teaching/learning will take place through traditional lectures, practical modules and interactive exercises. The intended outcomes will be assessed via both individual and group continuous assessment, and through examination.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills

C1 high personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience

C2 effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management

C3 leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring

C4 ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understanding to facilitate exploration of the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of the key issues while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach. The use of seminars allows students to develop their own ideas and to express, and ultimately, justify and defend them, against competing claims.

D1 effective use of CIT

D2 effective two-way communication: listening, effective oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports

D3 numeracy and quantitative skills including the development and use of relevant business models

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Most of the key transferable skills form an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree scheme. Skills are assessed directly throughout the degree programme as well as informally assessed through coursework and projects including part two of the programme.