G: Subject Evaluation Document (PSIM)- Table of Contents
A.Overall aims of subject provision...... 54
1.Aims...... 54
2.Market for Business Graduates...... 60
3.External Examiner Feedback...... 60
3.1.Overall Standards and Processes...... 60
3.2.Assessment...... 60
3.3.Additional Comments...... 60
B.Evaluation of Provision...... 61
1.Learning Outcomes...... 61
1.1.Business Management Single Honours BA (BMSH)...... 61
1.2.Business Management in BA Combined Honours Programme (BMCH)...... 61
1.3.Business and Management BA (top-up from HND, known as BAMBA)...... 61
1.4.Objectives of Specialist Programmes...... 62
1.5.Business Management with e-Commerce...... 62
1.6.Business Management with Finance & Economics...... 62
1.7.Business Management with HRM...... 62
1.8.Business Management with Information Technology...... 62
1.9.Business Management with Marketing...... 62
1.10.Business Management with Public Service Management......
1.11.Sub-degree programmes......
1.12.Foundation Degrees......
1.13.Processes to communicate intended learning outcomes......
2.Curriculum Design......
2.1.Business functions......
2.2.Information Technology......
2.3.Communications......
2.4.Research methods and data analysis......
2.5.Orientation......
2.6.Work-Based Learning (WBL)......
2.7.Perceived weaknesses in the Curriculum......
2.8.Currency and Innovation......
2.9.Assessment......
3.Student Progression and Achievement......
3.1.Student Achievement......
3.2.Degree Results by Programme......
3.3.Graduate Attainment...... 71
4.Quality of Learning Opportunities...... 72
4.1.Application of College Policies......
5.Maintenance and Enhancement of Standards and Quality......
5.1.Quantitative Data on Student Achievement......
5.2.Quality Management Process......
Subject Evaluation DocumentBusiness Management & Public Services Information Management /
A.Overall aims of subject provision
(NB Material specific to the Certificate in Public Services Information Management will
generally be italicised)
The Business Management Group has reviewed four existing programmes[1], with the intention of integrating these more closely into a suite of Business Management programmes. The (single honours) Business Management programme conforms to the QAA benchmark for General Business and Management programmes[2], which also form the basis for the design of the Business Management field in the CHP. Since the new programmes are direct successors to the current ones, they will be built on the successes of current programmes, with changes to address deficiencies and superfluities summarized in this document.
In addition, specialist pathways will be derived from this programme, giving students the option of pursuing a degree of specialization after level 1.
There is a good fit between the BAMBA “top up” degree and the Foundation Degree in Management, which will allow the Group to enhance the flexibility of its offerings.
The Certificate in Public Services Information Management (PSIM) was validated in 2001. It is being presented for revalidation in the form of a Foundation degree (FdA) taking into account the profile of existing students which exhibits a remarkable pattern of performance on the existing Certificate programme. This suggests to the Course Designers that the programme has a whole should be repositioned from a Certificate to a FdA/Diploma level qualification.
1.Aims
The aims of all the programmes include the development of problem solving, decision making, and communication skills. The current definitive document for BMBC lists key intended learning outcomes as: critical application of theory; data access; analysis and interpretation; learning how to learn; use of experiential and reflective learning; competence in organizational communications; use of ICT and research skills.
These correspond well with the QAA Benchmarks for General Business and Management (QAA, 2000), which lists: cognitive skills critical thinking; analysis and synthesis; effective problem-solving; communication (e.g. business reports); quantitative skills; effective use of information and communication technologies; self-management; self-awareness; learning to learn; team working; interpersonal skills; and ability to conduct research. The current BMBC programme accords with the benchmark by addressing business issues at both the European and international level.
The Group maintains the aims set out for the 2001 QAA Subject review, which are to develop:
- cognitive and analytical skills of students which may subsequently be deployed in problem-solving and decision-making in organizations;
- approaches to analysis that reflect the range and diversity of business processes, and the disciplines that underpin them;
- communication and interpersonal skills;
- abilities to investigate a variety of business problems and to reflect upon the social and organizational context of management decision-taking in a global market economy;
- understanding of how to deploy effective techniques to aid students in their future careers, including the application of Information Technology and (except for those taking Business as subsidiary subject) of Business Research Methods.
In addition, the CertPSIM programme aimed to produce graduates of a Certificate course who will possess:
(a) A knowledge base of central and local government
Learning Outcomes1. A knowledge of the institutions and interrelationships of government at
central and at local level
Implementation
Material studied in the modules Public Administration in Britain and
Local Government - Continuity and Change
2. An awareness of recent government initiatives in the modernisation of
government (informed by a study of the relevant White Papers) and the
progress made towards implementation at national and at local level
Implementation
Material studied in the modules of Public Administration in Britain
and Local Government - Continuity and Change
3. An understanding of the implementation of customer care philosophies
both in general terms and more specifically within the context of a local
authority service
Implementation
Material studied in the modules of Quality Management in the Public
Sector and Research Methods and Statistics (for questionnaire
evaluation)
4. A knowledge of the ways in which ITC is utilised as an aid to
organisational functioning and efficiency
Implementation
Material studied in the modules of Introduction to Business
Computing, Business Application Packages and Communication in
Public Sector Organisations
(b) Knowledge of information sources and how they may be interrogated, sifted, evaluated and deployed
Learning Outcomes1. Knowledge of conventional reference materials deployed to provide a
rapid response to customer queries
Implementation
Material studied in the module of Public Services Information
Management
2. Familiarity with on-line resources and the operations of the technology
that facilitates data search and retrieval
Implementation
Material studied in the modules of Introduction to Business
Computing, Business Application Packages and Communication in
Public Sector Organisations
(c)Cognitive abilities including the application of theory and evidence in the social and information sciences
Learning Outcomes1. The ability to adduce, sift and evaluate evidence in support of a reasoned
argument as typically deployed in the social sciences
Implementation
Individual/group activities and assignments found across the
programme.
2. The ability to comprehend and utilise the styles of analysis found in the
literature base of the relevant social sciences (public administration,
organisation theory)
Implementation
Individual and group activities and assignments found across the
programme.
3. The development of skills to critically reflect upon one’s own
organisational functioning as an aid to future learning and the
enhancement of performance (as a reflective practitioner)
Implementation
(I) Small group activities and discussions
(ii) Assignments and teaching materials associated with the modules of:
Public Administration in Britain
Local Government - Continuity and Change
Public Services Information Management
Quality Management in the Public Sector
Communication in Public Sector Organisations
(d)Transferable skills to include higher order as well as work-related skills
Learning Outcomes1. Abilities to organise and present reasoned conclusions after evaluation of
available evidence
Implementation
Individual/group activities and assignments found across the
programme.
2. Evidence of transferable skills in the area of:
Skill Implemented:
- Communication In each assignment
- Application of number Research Methods Skills module
- ICTs Introduction to Business Computing
and Business Application Packages
- Working with others Group assignments in Public Services
Information Management and
Communication in Sector
Organisations - Improving own learning and performance Reflective practitioner
- Problem solving Assignments associated with the Research
Methods and Statistics and
Quality Management and Customer
Care in the Public Sector
(e)a foundation for further studies in the field of public administration
Learning Outcomes1. Familiarity with social scientific models and modes of reasoning, as
evidenced particularly in public administration and studies of
organisational functioning
Implementation
Individual/group activities and assignments found across the
programme.
2. Enhanced abilities in ‘learning how to learn’ in the context of the demands
of higher education
Implementation
- Progression in module content from Year I to Year II calls for more
independence in assignments - Reflective practitioner skills (See section (c) 3)
- ‘Transfer of good practice’ in small group sessions
2.Market for Business Graduates
The overview of the Business page[3] of HESA’s “What do Graduates do 2002” states:
‘Graduates with business and administrative degrees continue to enjoy good employment prospects. Their rate of employment measured six months after graduation is markedly higher than the average (81.1% for accountancy degrees and 77.5% for business and management studies compared with 68.4% for all first degrees). Although graduates from these disciplines undertake a wide range of occupations, there are distinct preferences with, for example, 23.8% of business and management studies graduates entering commercial, industrial and public sector management occupations…’
The CertPSIM students are already in employment. Many of the existing cohorts have gained promotion or significantly increased their responsibilities since the start of the course.
3.External Examiner Feedback
The following is quoted verbatim from the 2002 report[4] of Professor Gerald Vinten.
3.1.Overall Standards and Processes
Standards are certainly comparable to those elsewhere. There is considerable talent within this close- knit subject area, and it is amazing the range of diverse topics they can cover competently and with panache. There has never been any problem obtaining information needed. Administrative procedures have been well executed and examination boards conducted equitably.
3.2.Assessment
Assessment is carefully thought out, with pleasing periodic experimentation, with reflection thereafter and modification as appropriate. Marking is fair and consistent and conforms to College and Programme Regulations. Students are provided with full feedback and their needs are well served.
3.3.Additional Comments
Apart from a brief visit in September, partly to assist in the hand-over to my successor, Prof Paul Palmer, this ends my external examining period with the College. I view this with some sadness, since it has been a pleasure to be associated with such a grand group of individuals. I have been privileged to observe the course from its early inception, when it was fly by wires sometimes, to the present when there is a coherent set of offerings and a course and staff well bedded down. The highly satisfactory quality score exemplified this, and it was well deserved. From being at the margins, this course is undoubtedly mainstream now, and it is something of which the College will have every reason to feel proud of. I am sure all will continue to go from strength to strength, and I will miss the walk up though the cemetery and the warm and hospitable welcome always offered.
No specific comments were made with reference to the CertPSIM students, but all the course materials were available for inspection at the time of the visit of the External Examiners.
B.Evaluation of Provision
1.Learning Outcomes
The new programmes will carry forward the objectives and learning outcomes of the predecessor programmes, which state – upon the completion of their studies, students will have developed:
- comprehension of the nature of concepts, models and theories in the business and social sciences, deriving as they do from multiple and occasionally competing paradigms, and of the ways in which they may be compared and evaluated;
- a facility to apply such theoretical approaches to a range of practical problems likely to be encountered in the functional areas of business, and to engage in a critical reflection of their own performance in work settings;
- the ability to deploy effective means of communication at the interpersonal, cultural, organizational and technical level, particularly in the context of increasing globalisation.
Students studying business at other than subsidiary level, will further develop:
- skills in deploying a range of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) effectively to aid them in their professional and organizational lives;
- the analytical research skills, both quantitative and non-quantitative, needed to conduct investigations using appropriate methods.
Additional Objectives are set for the individual programmes:
1.1.Business Management Single Honours BA (BMSH)
The learning outcomes for this programme are directly covered by the QAA Benchmark, and is the Group believes that these outcomes are delivered. Students will acquire an understanding of each of the four organizing principles of the degree (Business Functions; Communications; Information and Communication Technologies; Business Research Methods), and be able to integrate this knowledge and apply it in practice.
1.2.Business Management in BA Combined Honours Programme (BMCH)
Subsidiary Students will develop knowledge and skills in the functional areas of business, the strategic and organizational dynamics of the enterprise, and the social and economic contexts in which it operates.
In addition, Joint Students will acquire skills in quantitative and qualitative research skills, enabling them to undertake investigations (including a Final Year Project) in a business area.
In addition, Main Students will obtain deeper and more extensive knowledge of the deployment of some of the following: analytical tools used within Business (including IT); human resources within organizations; and the wider application of business models in Public Sector and international fields.
1.3.Business and Management BA (top-up from HND, known as BAMBA)
With a view to attaining the same standards as BMSH graduates, students will develop and enhance:
a)the skills required for theoretical and strategic synthesis of business activities, building upon a foundation of knowledge of business functions and activities acquired through previous study and/or work experience.
b)analytical and research skills, equipping them with the ability to undertake research into businessproblems.
1.4.Objectives of Specialist Programmes
Six variants of the Business Management programme have been defined to permit students to pursue a greater level of specialization than has previously been supported. They are not separate, specialist degrees, but vary the standard Business Management programme by including three or more specialist mandatory modules at levels 2 and 3, plus a final year project in the chosen area. This results in approximately 45% of the marks contributing to degree classification coming from that area.
The specialisms proposed are those in which previous students have obtained employment, as well as those with documented demand in the marketplace, and those considered to be of strategic importance in developing Business education at King Alfred’s. They are:
1.5.Business Management with e-Commerce
This is derived from a successful combination of optional modules, strengthened to meet the need for Business graduates with an understanding of how to deploy technology for marketing and trading online.
1.6.Business Management with Finance & Economics
The vocational aim of this degree is to build the knowledge and skills needed by modern financial managers – working in firms which buy and sell products internationally – and certainly within the EU. It should be useful to students wishing to move on to post-graduate study in accounting, finance, financial services, investment and economics.
This programme provides the opportunity to study economic methods and theory applied to the environment in which business operates. It enables the understanding of international trade and the growth of multinational corporations.
The design of this degree reflects the increasing importance of the financial sector in modern interdependent economies.
1.7.Business Management with HRM
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) report a strong growth of interest in obtaining professional qualifications in Human Resource Management. This pathway will support students in building deeper knowledge and understanding in HRM, improving their marketability in HR positions.
1.8.Business Management with Information Technology
The existing programme – Business Management with Business Communications (BMBC) – had a strong focus on the use of IT in Business, but treated IT mainly as a tool rather than as an area for academic study. The growing market focus on software engineering increases the need for business analysts with a good intellectual grasp of both Business and IT, and this pathway will equip students for such opportunities.
1.9.Business Management with Marketing
This is derived from a successful combination of optional modules, strengthened to meet the need for Business graduates with a deeper understanding of Marketing. The Group has run a successful programme for the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and wishes to meet this indicated demand for Marketing specialists within its range of degree programmes.
1.10.Business Management with Public Service Management
Many of the largest employers in the Winchester area are in the Public Sector, and government is raising the priority of improving public services. However, the existing Public Service Management programme (PSM) has not recruited well (7 in 2001, 5 in 2002), possibly reflecting a public perception of these services as thankless and underpaid. At the same time, our Business graduates have obtained public sector employment, indicating that there is a need for coverage of PSM topics. By reducing the focus on PSM to make it a variant of the Business Management programme, we can provide a solid foundation for students wishing to make a career in the public sector, without requiring a commitment before they even enter the College.
1.11.Sub-degree programmes
The Group has been successful in widening access to its programmes by accepting students to DipHE programmes with poorer A-levels than are required for standard entry to three-year degrees. This is to continue. DipHE students will follow the same Business Management programmes at levels 1 and 2 as single or combined honours students, and at the end of level 2 can leave with a diploma or seek entry to L3 (as most do). There will be no specialist DipHE pathways, but DipHE students can select level 2 options that qualify them for entry to the final year of a specialist programme.