UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of ManagementProgramme/programme title: Applied Management and Enterprise
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / Master of Science [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Postgraduate Certificate [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Postgraduate Diploma [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / Applied Management and Enterprise
Programme accredited by:
Relevant subject benchmarks / n/a
QAA Master’s degree in business and management (2007)
FHEQ Level: / 7
Duration:
UCAS code: / 1 Year (full time)
n/a
Date produced: / November 2011
Last updated : / January 2014
Introduction
This programme aims to deliver a flexible programme of study that draws on the collective skills and expertise of the School of Management’s staff in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme aims to develop subject specific knowledge and understanding at master’s level that will enable you to pursue management careers in business and commerce, in line with the University focus on Employability and Enterprise. In particular you will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and critical faculties required to create, develop, launch and manage a business or work in the creative and new business aspects of current organisations.
This programme of study is consonant with the UK QAA Benchmark for a Type 2 (Career Entry) Master Degree in Business and Management. The programme has contributions from all academic groups across the School of Management but there is a particular focus on Innovation, Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and developing the skills required to convert concepts into practical business propositions. The programme of study is suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds with first degrees from a wide variety of subjects. It is intended to be suitable for new graduates and practising managers wishing to develop the knowledge and experience needed to drive new business opportunities through planning and implementation.
The Programme is designed to develop management skills with a specific focus on entrepreneurship and small businesses at the same time as incorporating the increasingly high-profile issues around ethical and sustainable commercial and management practices.
On completion of this programme you will be able to contribute to business and society as a whole whilst applying the highest professional standards and will be capable of identifying your own professional development requirements as the global business environment changes. You will be able to apply your new knowledge and skills in a wide range of business environments as social, legislative and resource pressures continue to increase, requiring innovation in the way products and services are delivered.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1Develop your understanding, skills and knowledge in Management and its underpinning disciplines to enable graduates from the programme to become effective practitioners.
A2Develop your understanding and knowledge across all management subject areas so that the innovation and enterprise aspects can be understood and applied in a holistic manner.
A3Develop your competence to be a business partner or “agent for change” who understands the organisation/business environment to shape innovation as part of an existing organisation.
A4Develop your ability to think strategically and creatively about the practicalities of innovation and enterprise and how these ideas can be converted into operational reality.
A5Develop your ability to create the alternative business models required to deliver goods and services in a sustainable and ethical manner in the future.
A6Develop skills to enable you to reflect on your own performance and the impact of your actions in order to manage your own professional development.
A7Develop your ability to apply concepts of Enterprise and Innovation and develop full understanding of the processes required to drive these into a sustainable commercial proposition.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1Explain the context in which organisations conduct their business and how the business environment determines strategic and operational decisions (PGC);
LO2Critically appraise the external political, economic, social and technological drivers of innovation in and for enterprise (PGC, PGD);
LO3Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the factors that both constrain and facilitate the developmentof innovation and entrepreneurship strategies; (PGC. PGD);
LO4Address complex business and management problems using appropriate theoretical models, frameworks and decision support techniques and to proffer entrepreneurial solutions to put theory into practice through implementation (PGC, PGD);
LO5Design, conduct and manage team and individual based research to enhance understanding of innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship through the conception and development of innovative products and processes (PGC, PGD, MSc);
LO6Recognise and address the ethical and corporate social responsibilities that emerge as a consequence of new business ideas and practices (PGC, PGD, MSc).
LO7Act as an agent for change and demonstrate the ability to promote more ethical and innovative forms of business (PGD, MSc).
LO8Develop an idea into a business proposition (PGD)
LO9Communicate complex ideas clearly, both orally and in writing to a broad range of recipients (PGC, PGD, MSc).
LO10Plan your own personal development (PGC).
Curriculum
The Master in Applied Management and Enterprise emphasises employability and enterprise, focusing on the skillset needed to drive new business opportunities from concept through planning and on to implementation. The programme is built around a set of modules that have been specifically chosen to support the development of entrepreneurial and innovation skills through application.
Stage 1 focuses on developing the knowledge associated with the concepts of innovation and the facilitators/barriers to innovation in business in order to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Stage 2 is the dissertation, which uses knowledge and skills developed in Stage 1 to produce a framework for the development of an innovative business idea. At this stage you are introduced to the techniques and tools of business research used to explore, substantiate and develop your business concept and to write persuasively and lucidly about it. You will study over a number of weeks the methods, tools and techniques of business research and project management so that you are able to design, define, scope and plan your dissertation from inception to completion, having identified key tasks and milestones. The training is lecturer-led and comprises a series of lectures supported by specific research-related tasks set after each lecture to be completed before the next lecture, contributing to a Research Focus Folder and a Learning Log, which will help you reflect on the learning process and also understand how you learn. It will also prove helpful in writing your dissertation proposal. The concluding task is to manipulate and analyse, under supervision, a data set using statistical techniques, to demonstrate an acceptable level of competence.
Following the training, you will develop a business concept and identify the competence, skills and knowledge necessary to make the idea a reality. You will be supported in this endeavour by your supervisor, to an agreed schedule which the two of you have established according to School best practice through the Dissertation Student Learning Agreement.
Stage 3 introduces the essential components of business planning and administration through the study of the subjects which are typically considered the core subjects of management. As the final part of the dissertation, you will create a Business Plan, allowing you to apply the formal knowledge and skills from these modules for a practical outcome.
Each 10-credit module represents approximately 100 hours’ study time of which typically 24 hours is contact time with the programme tutor(s) and the remaining 76 hours is made up of pre-reading, directed reading, preparatory work and assessment. Modules will be taught by School of Management staff, assisted where necessary by external specialists.
Stage 1:
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4302M / Technology and Information Management / Core / 10 / 7 / Jan-May
MAN4321M / Corporate and Social Responsibility / Core / 10 / 7 / Jan-May
MAN4320M / Applied Intellectual Property and Environmental Law. / Core / 10 / 7 / Jan-May
MAN4284M / Entrepreneurship and Innovation / Core / 10 / 7 / Jan-May
MAN4169M / Strategic Management / Core / 10 / 7 / Jan-May
MAN4317M / Information Systems Planning for Sustainability / Core / 10 / 7 / Jan-May
On successful completion of 60 credits (core modules) or more, but less than the 120 credits required for the Postgraduate Diploma, you will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate.
Stage 2/3:
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4513Z / Master Dissertation / Core / 60 / 7 / Jun-Jan
On the successful completion of 120 credits, or more, but less than the 180 credits required for the Masters, you will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma. (Stage 2 is completed after completion of stage 3 – see above for details).
Stage 3:
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4134M / Business Economics / Core / 10 / 7 / Oct-Jan
MAN4154M / Accounting and Finance / Core / 10 / 7 / Oct-Jan
MAN4222M / Human Resource Management / Core / 10 / 7 / Oct-Jan
MAN4139M / International Business Environment / Core / 10 / 7 / Oct-Jan
MAN4514M / Operations Management / Core / 10 / 7 / Oct-Jan
MAN4146M / Marketing, Planning & Strategy / Core / 10 / 7 / Oct-Jan
On successful completion of 180 credits you will be eligible for the award of Master of Science in Applied Management and Enterprise.
Progression through the Programme is monitored at key points in the academic year. The first point occurs at the end of Semester 2 and allows you to be informed of any required supplementary assessment and to formally be permitted to progress to the dissertation stage. The end of Semester 1 provides the opportunity for an award point. For those who require supplementary assessment for Semester 1 modules, the submission dates are August/September of the academic year following enrolment. Successful progression through each Semester permits graduation in the July following Semester 1.
Month / Semester / ProgrammeJanuary / 2 / Enrolment
February
March
April
May
June / Summer / Progression Point
July
August
September / Poster Feedback
October / 1
November
December
January
February / Award point
March
April
May
June
July / Graduation
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Teaching on the programme will be directed, supported and reinforced through a combination of formal lectures, staff/student led group discussions, personal research and guided self-study, tutorials, seminars and directed reading. These activities will all be further supported by the use of a virtual learning environment. Generally the programme will aim to integrate applied and theoretical knowledge with assessment processes that test both knowledge of the discipline and understanding of its application and limitations. To facilitate learning, lectures and seminars will typically utilise case studies, simulations and guided research. Small Group sessions will use case studies and simulations with oral feedback given in class. Students will be guided to suitable primary and secondary data sources and be required to conduct research and carry out presentation exercises. This promotes peer to peer learning in addition to tutor input and exposes students to the demands of persuasive public speaking, which will be of paramount importance to the successful launch of new enterprise, where many will have to present to senior managers,venture capitalists or other funding bodies. Resources to support all teaching and learning activity will be provided on the University’s virtual learning environment.
Assessment
The programme is summatively assessed by a mixture of written examinations, assessed coursework, management reports, portfolios, learning logs and multimedia presentations. Assessment is integrated with learning and teaching to support and demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for individual modules and the programme as a whole. Emphasis is placed on the feedback function of formative assessment as part of the learning, teaching and assessment strategy as a whole.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5are focused on knowledge, understanding and communication. They are assessed by a mixture of closed book examinations, individual pieces of coursework, group coursework and portfolio.
Learning Outcomes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9 and 10are focused on the application of knowledge and its communication. They are assessed by a mixture of individual coursework, group coursework, individual and group presentations (including multi-media), in workshops or by model development.
Learning outcomes 7, 8, 9 and 10 are focused on the application of knowledge to define future challenges and design products, processes or business models to address those challenges in an ethical manner, and communication. They are assessed by group coursework, group presentations (including multimedia), model or business case construction, portfolio or learning log.
The dissertation is an integrative module that assesses the majority of the learning outcomes as well as providing opportunity for formative feedback to guide the final component - the development of a Business Plan.
The maps of learning outcomes, teaching methods and assessment methods in the appendices show the above in more detail.
Assessment Regulations
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the link below, there is one exception to these regulations, which is detailed below.
Waiver
On completion of the taught element of the programme and at the Interim Exam Board, a student who has 50 credits or more requiring supplementary assessment will not be permitted to proceed to the dissertation stage of the programme. The decision to allow progression will only be reconsidered at the Supplementary Exam Board.
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
The University has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme team before you apply.
Applications for the School’s taught postgraduate programmes are made directly to the School and are processed through the MSc team. You will normally have a good first degree, awarded by an approved UK or overseas university.
Exceptional candidates with appropriate professional qualifications may be admitted on their merits. There is no requirement for previous work experience.
As the programme is delivered entirely in English, applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language thus, UK educated students must have a GCSE grade C or above. Non-native speakers must have a 6.5 score on IELTS test of English, 94 in the internet-based TOEFL or a score of 60 or more in the Pearson English Test – exceptionally, holders of a UK degree awarded within 2 years prior to entry to the Bradford programme may be exempt from these English test requirements.
All admissions decisions align with the UoB policies and UK statute that oppose discrimination on any grounds relating to your nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation. The only criteria for admissions decisions are academic and language-based. The School encourages applications from candidates of academic merit for whom some financial support would facilitate participation in our programmes. Applications for financial support are made separately to applications for admission.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
The School of Management has excellent library and IT facilities in the Learning Resource Centre situated in the Sir Titus Salt Building on the Emm Lane Campus. We make extensive use of the University’s VLE giving ready access to guided learning materials at all times whether on or off campus. The School of Management’s Effective Learning Service is available to all students and it is especially valuable to students studying in the UK for the first time.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. Each student is allocated a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your PAT will be available to consult on subject specific queries.