PAEC/A12/5.2.1
Coláiste Uí Ghríofa
Faculty of Business
Programmatic Review Report of Expert Panel
April 2015
Part 1 General Information
1.1Details of the Programmatic Review
ProviderGriffith College Dublin
Date of Review22nd April 2015
Programme(s) under review
Programmes for which Programmatic Review is requiredCode / Level / Title / Credit
number
GC02,
GC510,
GC602 / 8 / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance / 180
GC01,
GC511,
GC605 / 8 / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies / 180
GC22 / 8 / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies / 180
GC012,
GC514,
GC603 / 7 / Bachelor of Arts in Business / 180
GC008,
GC509,
GC604 / 7 / Bachelor of Arts in Marketing / 180
GC003,
GC505,
GC601 / 6 / Higher Certificate in Business / 120
GC12 / 8 / Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
in International Hospitality
Management / 210
GC713 / 7 / Diploma in International Hospitality Management / 120
Membership of Expert Panel Group
Chair: / Mr Danny Brennan, former Registrar LYITAcademic: / Ms Mary Rose Stafford, Manager, Irish Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, IT Tralee
Academic: / Mr Jimmy Tracey, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Business & Humanities, IT Sligo
Academic: / Mr Ger Long, Head of Dept of Accounting and Economics, Waterford IT
Industry: / Mr Ivan Powell, Managing Director, The Packaging Center
QQI Observer: Ms Alga Mulhall
Rapporteur:Ms Orla Butler, Quality Assurance Officer, Griffith College
1.2Summary
The Expert Panel, having reviewed the documentation presented by Griffith College and considered the responses of the programme team during the course of the programmatic review meeting, and having evaluated the programmes against the validation criteria, is recommending the re-validation of the programmes under review, for delivery in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Munich without conditions, but with some recommendations. The panel is also recommending validation of two new programme titles related to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies.
The attached report addresses issues raised by the Panel in the context of the review.
Part 2Report of the Expert Panel
2.1Introduction
Griffith College (GC) is an independent provider of higher education and professional training. Its academic programmes are validated by QQI. It also provides a range of programmes leading to the examinations of professional bodies, including those in accountancy and law. The College has campuses in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Griffith College has been providing programmes in Business Studies since the late 1990s and currently provides programmes in this field from Level 6 to Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
2.2Background to the Programmatic Review
The College is seeking re-validation of the programmes for delivery in the Dublin, Limerick and Cork campuses. There is also a Collaborative Programme with Globe College in Munich, Germany. This was also considered by the panel.
The panel was also asked to consider three proposed programme titles. These were:
1.Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies (Marketing)
2.Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies (HRM)
3.Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Finance
The first two are related to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies and the third to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance.
2.3Examination of the Programme
The panel had a number of meetings with the College and Faculty teams during the course of the visit.
Meeting with College Management
The first meeting was with the senior management of the College. Issues addressed at this meeting included the strategic direction of the College and the place of the Business Faculty within College plans. Issues such as resourcing and the mix of full time and part time staff were discussed, as was the challenge of integrating different campuses. College strategy for future development was discussed and the President outlined the College Strategy for the medium to long term.
Meeting with Faculty and Programme Leaders
The panel then met with the Faculty Head and programme leaders for the programmes. Issues that were addressed included the methodology of the review, the relationship between lecturers on different campuses, relationships between full time and part time lecturers, programme entry requirements, issues of retention, industry links and investment in resources.
A particular discussion was held on the Globe Munich collaboration. The panel were satisfied that this has been a very successful collaboration, and were impressed by the evidence produced.
The panel also discussed the issue of the proposed new programme titles. The consideration of proliferation of titles was discussed. The team made a case for the titles which arose from stakeholder feedback, particularly learners and graduates. The panel explained that they had some concerns, particularly in relation to the Finance proposal.
The question of online and blended delivery was discussed in detail. The College team are of the view that the amount of online delivery will continue to increase, but that they are not seeking full online delivery. Should they wish to do so that will require a new validation panel. They are providing more blended learner supports where applicable, and see this as a distinct offering with face to face sessions supported by online resources.
Meeting with Full Faculty Team
The panel then met with the faculty team involved in the operation of the programmes. This meeting focused on programme delivery, learner performance, relationship between campuses, and programme content with an emphasis on proposed changes.
The team were asked about their involvement in the programmatic review process and the development of learning outcomes. It was explained that a series of meetings of the full team were held, and for each programme the process was led by a programme leader. The panel felt that some learning outcomes were not pitched properly and would benefit from review.
The challenges of dealing with a large cohort of non-EU learners was also discussed and the system of supports put in place by the Faculty were explained.
Each of the programmes was discussed in turn and each of the modules looked at briefly. Again the question of the proposed new programme titles was discussed, as was the management of the Work Placement element within the Hospitality programme.
Meeting with Learners
The panel then met with a group of fourteen learners from various programmes. The learners were asked about their choice of Griffith College, and their experience on the programmes. They discussed the workload on the programmes and their views on employability. The learners were complimentary about the lecturing team. Other issues discussed were learner supports, English language support and the balance between theory and practice on the programmes
Campus Tour.
The panel then took a tour of the College campus to view the facilities available for programme delivery and were satisfied that the College facilities are adequate.
Final Meeting
The panel then had a private meeting to discuss their evaluation of the programme. Having made their decisions, the panel then met with the programme leaders to give initial feedback. The panel thanked the team for the documentation and for the open engagement of the faculty team. The panel commended the quality of the documentation submitted, and gave initial feedback on their findings.
2.4Panel Conclusions
The panel is satisfied that the programmes are in line with, and enhance, the vision and mission of Griffith College. The panel is recommending that QQI revalidate the programmes referred to in the terms of reference for five intakes beginning in September 2015 in full time, part time and blended delivery mode with no conditions, and with the recommendations outlined below.
Significant further development of the blended model to sole online provision must be done in close consultation with QQI and would require a separate validation.
The panel is recommending that the programmes be validated for delivery at the Dublin, Limerick and Cork campuses as currently, and is recommending that the existing arrangement with Globe College Munich be revalidated also. Any further extension of delivery should be agreed with QQI.
The panel is also recommending the validation of the following two programme titles which are specialisms within the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies.
1.Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies (Marketing)
2.Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies (HRM)
The panel is not recommending validation of the proposed Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Finance as it did not feel that the proposal met the criteria required.
2.4.1 Recommendations
The panel wishes to make the following recommendations to the College and Faculty:
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance
The programme team should consider:
1.That the HRM module include negotiation skill techniques in place of motivation theories.
2.More use of excel in modules on all stages of the programme, making it more explicit in module descriptors.
3.Possibly adding a module in Supply Chain Management in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies programme.
4.Including content on Strategic Group Analysis and Value Chain Management in the Strategic Management modules 1 and 2.
5.Reducing the content of the Contemporary Employment Relations module.
6.Reviewing some of the language in the module descriptors to address the appropriate level of learning.
7.Replacing the Financial Accounting module in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies with a less onerous financial module.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Hospitality Management
8.Consider renaming the Health and Lifestyle module with something more general, e.g. Contemporary Issues in Hospitality to allow greater flexibility.
9.Business Mathematics for Hospitality Managers mentions Hospitality in the title but does not mention hospitality anywhere else in the descriptor. The module descriptor should include the hospitality ‘agenda’.
10.There are inconsistencies in the proposed schedule of delivery. The proposed programme schedule should be checked for consistency.
Higher Certificate in Business
Bachelor of Arts in Business
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
11.In the Higher Certificate review learning outcome 5. The panel feel the word ‘analyse’ may not be appropriate to this level of programme.
12.Review the Strategic Marketing Management module to ensure it reflects the functional nature of the material as explained to the panel.
Appendix 1
College Staff who met panel during programmatic review visit
College Management Team Members
Prof. Diarmuid Hegarty, President Griffith College
Mr. Tomás MacEochagain, Director of Academic Programmes
Mr. Eamonn Nolan, Head of Academic Programmes
Ms. Ailish Finucane, Head of Academic Administration
Ms. Fiona O’Riordan, Head of Centre for Promoting Academic Excellence
Faculty Management Team
Mr. Seamus Fitzpatrick, Head of Faculty, Programme Director BA (Hons) in Business Studies
Ms. Madeleine Ford, Deputy Head, Programme Director BA (Hons) in Accounting and
Finance
Ms. Eilis O Leary, Programme Director BA in Marketing
Ms. Jacqui Treacy, Programme Director BA in Business Studies
Ms. Catherine Horgan, Director of Programmes, Limerick
Mr. Noel Daly, Director of Programmes, Cork Dr. Susan Walsh, Director Globe College Munich
Lecturing Team:
Mr John Byrne
Mr Colman Boyd
Ms Deirdre Clarkin
Mr Mark Dowling
Mr Michael Franklin
Ms Deirdre Gorman
Ms Deirdre Harrington
Ms Angela Harvey
Mr Martin Murphy
Ms Claudine Moloney
Ms Geraldine McGing
Ms Majella Mulhall
Mr Michael O’Grady
Ms Angela O’Keeffe
Ms Eilis O’Leary
Ms Jacqui Tracey
Ms Bernadette Walsh
Ms Edel Walsh
Mr Joe Walsh
Overall Result of Evaluation Panel Review:
The Programme is recommended to Programmes and Awards Executive Committee for approval in full time, part time and blended modes subject to the provision to QQI of a revised submission document, which addresses the conditions and recommendations required in the report. The panel is also recommending approval for delivery in Dublin, Cork and Limerick campuses of Griffith College.
This report has been agreed by the Evaluation Panel and is signed on their behalf by the Chair.
Signed:Date: 28 May 2015
Panel Chairperson:
Danny Brennan
The Report of the External Review Panel contains no assurances, warranties or representations express or implied, regarding the aforesaid issues, or any other issues outside the Terms of Reference.
While QQI has endeavoured to ensure that the information contained in the Report is correct, complete and up-to-date, any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk, and in no event will QQI be liable for any loss or damage (including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage) arising from, or in connection with, the use of the information contained in the Report of the External Evaluation Panel.
1
PAEC/A12/5.2.1
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies
Name of Provider / Griffith CollegeProgramme Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies
Award Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Stage Exit Award Title / None
Modes of Delivery (FT/PT): / FT / PT / ACCS / Blended
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage
NFQ
Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits / Date Effective / ISCED
Subject Code
Major / 8 / 6 / 1 / 6 / 5 / 60 / Sept 15 / 344
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS
Credits / Total Student Effort Module (hours) / Allocation of Marks (from the module assessment
strategy)
Status / NFQ
Level / Total
Hours / Contact Hours / Hours
Independent Work / C.A. % / Proj.
% / Prac. % / Final.
%
Effective Learning and Development / 1 / M / 6 / 5 / 100 / 36 / 64 / 100
Quantitative Analysis for Business / 1 / M / 6 / 10 / 200 / 46 / 154 / 30 / 70
Microeconomics / 1 / M / 6 / 5 / 100 / 34 / 66 / 40 / 60
Business Management / 1 / M / 6 / 10 / 200 / 46 / 154 / 40 / 60
Financial Accounting / 1 & 2 / M / 6 / 10 / 200 / 92 / 108 / 20 / 80
Name of Provider / Griffith College
Programme Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies
Award Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Stage Exit Award Title / None
Modes of Delivery (FT/PT): / FT / PT / ACCS / Blended
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage
NFQ
Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits / Date Effective / ISCED
Subject Code
Major / 8 / 6 / 1 / 6 / 5 / 60 / Sept 15 / 344
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS
Credits / Total Student Effort Module (hours) / Allocation of Marks (from the module assessment
strategy)
Status / NFQ
Level / Total
Hours / Contact Hours / Hours
Independent Work / C.A. % / Proj.
% / Prac. % / Final.
%
Information Technology
Skills / 2 / M / 6 / 5 / 100 / 34 / 66 / 100
Legal Aspects of Business / 2 / M / 6 / 10 / 200 / 46 / 154 / 50 / 50
Macroeconomics / 2 / M / 6 / 5 / 100 / 34 / 66 / 40 / 60
Name of Provider / Griffith College
Programme Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies
Award Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Stage Exit Award Title / None
Modes of Delivery (FT/PT): / FT / PT / ACCS / Blended
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage
NFQ
Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits / Date Effective / ISCED
Subject Code
Major / 8 / 6 / 2 / 7 / 6 / 60 / Sept 15 / 344
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS
Credits / Total Student Effort Module (hours) / Allocation of Marks (from the module assessment
strategy)
Status / NFQ
Level / Total
Hours / Contact Hours / Hours
Independent Work / C.A. % / Proj.
% / Prac. % / Final.
%
Operations Management / 1 / M / 7 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
Accounting Information for Managers / 1 / M / 7 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 20 / 80
Organisational Behaviour / 1 / M / 7 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 50 / 50
Marketing / 1 / M / 7 / 10 / 200 / 58 / 142 / 50 / 50
Professional Development / 1 / M / 7 / 5 / 100 / 56 / 44 / 100
Name of Provider / Griffith College
Programme Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies
Award Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Stage Exit Award Title / None
Modes of Delivery (FT/PT): / FT / PT / ACCS / Blended
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage
NFQ
Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits / Date Effective / ISCED
Subject Code
Major / 8 / 6 / 2 / 7 / 6 / 60 / Sept 15 / 344
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS
Credits / Total Student Effort Module (hours) / Allocation of Marks (from the module assessment
strategy)
Status / NFQ
Level / Total
Hours / Contact Hours / Hours
Independent Work / C.A. % / Proj.
% / Prac. % / Final.
%
Business Information Systems / 2 / M / 7 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 30 / 70
Digital Marketing / 2 / M / 7 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
Enterprise and Innovation / 2 / M / 7 / 10 / 200 / 58 / 142 / 100
Human Resource Management / 2 / M / 7 / 10 / 200 / 58 / 142 / 50 / 50
Name of Provider / Griffith College
Programme Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies (Marketing)
Award Title / Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Stage Exit Award Title / None
Modes of Delivery (FT/PT): / FT / PT / ACCS / Blended
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage
NFQ
Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits / Date Effective / ISCED
Subject Code
Major / 8 / 6 / 3 / 8 / 6 / 60 / Sept 15 / 344
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS
Credits / Total Student Effort Module (hours) / Allocation of Marks (from the module assessment
strategy)
Status / NFQ
Level / Total
Hours / Contact Hours / Hours
Independent Work / C.A. % / Proj.
% / Prac. % / Final.
%
Strategic Management 1 / 1 / M / 8 / 10 / 200 / 58 / 142 / 40 / 60
Financial Management / 1 / M / 8 / 10 / 200 / 58 / 142 / 20 / 80
Business Plan / 1 & 2 / M / 8 / 10 / 200 / 35 / 165 / 40 / 60
International Business Environment / 2 / M / 8 / 10 / 200 / 58 / 142 / 40 / 60
Brand Management / 1 or 2 / E / 8 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
Consumer Behaviour / 1 or 2 / E / 8 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
International Marketing / 1 or 2 / E / 8 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
Sales Management / 1 or 2 / E / 8 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
Integrated Marketing Communications / 1 or 2 / E / 8 / 5 / 100 / 46 / 54 / 40 / 60
Learners must choose 4 electives
1