Faculty of Business, Law and Social
Sciences
Birmingham City Business School
Master of Business Administration
MBA(Healthcare Management)
MBA(Environmental Management and
Sustainability)
Course Guide
2016 – 2017
CONTENTS Page No.
Section 1 WELCOME
3
University information 4
Welcome notes 5
Who’s who? – List of staff
7
Section 2 YOUR COURSE 7
10
Course aims and objectives
Course calendar 13
Diagram of course structure(s) 14
14
Section 3 LEARNING & TEACHING
14
Course delivery 14
Student engagement 15
Academic Ethics 15
16
Section 4 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION 17
How you will be assessed 18
Assessment Regulations 18
Advice & support
Allegations of cheating 19
Coursework and exams 19
Taking your assessments 19
20
Section 5 HAVE YOUR SAY 20
Students’ Union 20
Student Surveys 20
21
Section 6 STUDENT RESOURCES 21
21
University Network and I.T. Help 21
Library and Learning Resources
Student Services
Complaints and appeals
Students’ Union
Section 7 FAQs
Communication
Illness and Emergency
Attendance
Problems
Course
Change in Personal Details
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Section 1: WELCOME
University information
You are part of one of the largest Universities in the country; Birmingham City University has
around 25,000 students spread across 8 learning campuses and 4 Faculties. The University
is managed by the Vice-Chancellor and a team of deputies called Pro-Vice-Chancellors.
Just ASK – we’re here to help!
The University is opening a new integrated student enquiry service called ASK from
September 2015.
Ask
Accessing advice has never been easier. Throughout your student career, you will have
access to our full range of student support services, as well as careers advice, mentoring,
advice on finance and academic matter, professional development events and more.
And to make sure it is all easy to access, we have introduced a one-stop confidential enquiry
service, Ask. If you have got a question about health and wellbeing, visas, your student
record, the Students’ Union, childcare, accommodation, IT or anything else, we are here to
help. Look out for a the Ask desk on the first floor of the Curzon Building in the City Centre
and a Ask desk on the first floor of Baker Building at City North. A new Ask desk will be
coming soon to City South. You can also contact us by telephone and online – you will see
an iASK tile when you log into iCity.
Ask can help with:
Your studies
Academic calendar
Student Replacement ID cards and student status letters
Complaints and appeals
Careers and job prospects
Graduation.
Money matters
Personal finances
Student Loans Company queries
Payments.
Support services
Healthcare
Disability and dyslexia support
Counselling, mental health and wellbeing
You’ll still need to go to your School Office for questions about your course or to see your
tutor but for everything else ASK us.
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Just Ask – We are here to help!
Faculty information
Birmingham City Business School is part of the Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences,
which also contains the School of Law and the Scholl of Social Sciences
Welcome notes
I am delighted to welcome you to your programme with us in the Faculty
of Business, Law and Social Sciences here at Birmingham City
University. As you commence this next stage in your ‘learning journey’
with us, I am especially pleased to be welcoming you to our building at
our city campus, the Curzon Building which opened only in 2015. This
is where you will find our Faculty staff, and a lot of our activity. We are
investing heavily in our resources to support you in your learning,
including additional study and teaching space, and I am certain that you
will enjoy your time with us, here in the heart of one of the UK’s leading
cities.
We are a diverse and vibrant Faculty – our student population embraces a range of
nationalities, ages, cultures, levels of experience and prior knowledge. Some of you will have
arrived directly from school or college, some of you will have come from other countries, and
others of you will already have considerable work experience. All of you are warmly welcomed,
and we look forward to working with you as you strive towards achieving your own desired
goals.
I am sure that you will embrace your learning with enthusiasm, and make the most of your
time with us in the years ahead. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality
learning opportunity, which means us delivering outstanding teaching, an excellent student
experience, and a right first time level of service. You will have to work hard as you explore
new areas of study, and you have a wide range of resources and services to support you. You
will also find that your course tutors are keen to support you in your learning. I am confident
that you will find your course to be inspiring, challenging and of course, enjoyable!
As a University we take enormous pride in the work and achievements of you, our students. I
look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead, and in due course, at your
graduation ceremony, which might seem as though it is a long way off, but will arrive all too
quickly. With that in mind, do please make the most of some of the many opportunities that
will present themselves to you as a part of your studies. Please note too that I, and all of my
colleagues are here to support you, and that we are always happy to see you to talk about
any matter relating to the programme, or your student experience within the Faculty, or in the
wider university.
Enjoy your programme, and on behalf of the Faculty may I take this opportunity to wish you
every success in your studies with us!
Professor Keith Horton
Executive Dean of Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
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Dr Dawn Albery
Head of Birmingham City Business School
At Birmingham City Business School we pride ourselves on the quality
of our programmes and teaching and it gives me great pleasure to
welcome you to our student community. As you will see from our
website, many of our courses are accredited by professional institutions
and our aim, through our practice based approach is to focus on
preparing our future graduates to enter good careers after you have
completed your studies.
Enjoy your time with us and I wish you every success with your course.
Anne-Marie McTavish
Head of Management, HR and Enterprise Department
Welcome to your new course and the Department where you will spend
the next year building your future.
We are looking forward to seeing you develop as a specialist learner in
our supportive environment and seeing you apply the knowledge you gain
to practical situations. This is your chance to study something in depth,
advance your career and make friends for a lifetime. We want to see you
succeed and expect you to work hard but know that we’ll be with you every
step of the way supporting, encouraging and developing you and your
skills. I look forward to being there when you graduate.
Welcome from the Programme Director
Welcome to the online MBA programme. I hope that you find your experience with the
Business School of great value to both your career development and personal life. The tutors
are here to help you and will be pleased to assist you with any difficulties you may have.
This Course Guide has been designed to help you understand the aims and structure of the
programme as well as the types of assessment you will encounter. However, if after you have
read it carefully, you still have questions then please ask for further guidance and assistance.
We want to help to make this an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you and I look forward
to meeting online you in the near future.
Tony Birch
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Information on your course regulations, course administration, examination timetables and
other matters relating to your course administration will be provided via i-City which will be
displayed as soon as you log onto the Birmingham City University computer network with your
own user identity and password. I-City also provides news and information about your
University and the Birmingham City Business School. You can access i-City through the
following link https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/
Further information about the University, Birmingham and useful advice and support available
can be found at the following web site http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/current-students
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Who’s who? (List of staff)
Course Administrator
Name: Lisa Payne
Role: Course Administrator
Location: Curzon 303
Telephone: 0121 331 6629
Email: [email protected]
Programme Director
Name: Tony Birch
Role: Programme Director
Location: Curzon 236
Telephone: 0121 331 3219
Email: [email protected]
Academic Department
Name: Anne-Marie McTavish
Role: Head of Department Management, Human Resources & Enterprise
Location: Curzon
Telephone: 0121 331 6256
Email: [email protected]
Core Teaching Staff
Name: David Alcock
Location: Curzon 236
Telephone: 0121 331
Email: [email protected]
Name: Alison McPherson
Location: Curzon
Telephone: 0121 331
Email: [email protected]
Name: Steve McCabe
Location: Curzon
Telephone: 0121 331 5178
Email: [email protected]
Name: Roger Wall
Location: Parkside
Telephone: 0121 331
Email: [email protected]
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Section 2: YOUR COURSE
Term Dates for 2015-16
Term One Commences September 2016
Break Three weeks
Term Two Commences January 2017
Break Three weeks
Term Three Commences May 2017
Break Three weeks
Programme Specification
Every course offered by Birmingham City University has a programme specification. A
programme specification sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills that a student who
finishes the course will have gained. The programme specification also gives details of the
teaching methods which will be used on the course together with information about how
students will be assessed (for example by written examination or coursework assignment).
The programme specification for your course can be found on the webpage for your course
on the University’s website under http://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses.
Programme philosophy and aims
The online MBA programme(s) are based on the philosophy that management education and
development should provide a thorough grounding in the disciplines related to the functional
aspects of management. It should also examine management decision making at a strategic
level, stressing the integrative nature of the various factors, which come into play. The aim is
to encourage students to develop their skills and competencies as managers by providing
opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills they gain. The specialism pathways are
designed to allow students with a background in the specified areas to gain a Masters
qualification with a significant amount of study in the chosen areas.
The aims of the programmes are to:
1. Provide an intellectually challenging and relevant learning experience where participants
can develop and demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the theoretical
concepts of business and management and their utility in improving business and
management practice.
2. Provide participants with knowledge and the development of understanding in the
functional areas of management, and their interaction with the contextual forces which
impact on organisations.
3. Progress participants’ understanding and development towards a strategic view of
management emphasising the complexity and dynamics of business and management in
the international context.
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4. Provide participants with the opportunity to focus on particular aspects of business and
management relevant to their backgrounds, interests and career aspirations.
5. Facilitate the development and demonstration of participants’ intellectual skills of
information processing, analysis, synthesis, critical appraisal, creativity and innovation and
the ability to manage and make decisions in situations of ambiguity and uncertainty.
6. Deepen understanding and broaden awareness of international cultural issues through
working with diverse international student cohorts.
7. Provide aspiring managers with the practical competencies necessary to allow them to
cope effectively within, and lead, the organisations of the future.
8. Produce managers who are able to improve the quality of management decision-making,
leadership and business practice across a range of organisations and in a variety of
contexts.
9. For the specialist pathways, students will have a deeper understanding of the issues that
are relevant to the i) management of healthcare on an international basis and ii) the
approaches that are used to provide increased levels of environmental sustainability
Level Learning Outcomes
Postgraduate Certificate in Management:
1. To develop management and leadership skill-sets to provide improved
organisational outcomes.
2. To demonstrate problem solving and decision making abilities: including
identifying and solving business problems; evaluating options; implementing
and reviewing decisions
3. To apply relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, how they
operate and how they are managed.
4. To apply a range of relevant knowledge of the generic aspects of business
and their management and integration
5. To demonstrate the practical competencies necessary to succeed in
business and management and in management in the specialism areas of
Healthcare management and Environmental management
Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies:
1. To apply strategic management concepts and models to deal with issues in
simulated real world contexts.
2. To apply relevant knowledge of the contextual perspectives for examining
how the environment impacts on business organisations and on
organisational decision-making.
3. To critically examine the nature of international markets and apply concepts
and models to deal with issues in simulated international contexts
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4. To apply concepts, principles and models to deal with issues in simulated
international contexts.
5. To demonstrate advanced practical competencies necessary to succeed in
business and management.
Master of Business Administration:
1. To demonstrate critical thinking and creativity: managing creative processes
in self and others; organising thoughts and analysis.
2. To critically examine the nature of organisational change and to evaluate the
impact of change on management/leadership approaches and actions.
3. To communicate findings and implement agreed solutions effectively and
efficiently.
Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Management) :
1. To demonstrate critical thinking and creativity: managing creative processes in
self and others; organising thoughts and analysis with specific emphasis to the
healthcare sector.
2. To critically examine the nature of international healthcare organizations and
apply concepts and models to deal with issues in simulated healthcare
contexts.
3. To communicate findings and implement agreed solutions effectively and
efficiently.
Master of Business Administration (Environmental Management and
Sustainability) :
1. To demonstrate critical thinking and creativity: managing creative processes in
self and others; organising thoughts and analysis with specific emphasis on
the management of the environment.
2. To critically examine the nature of international environmental scenarios and
apply concepts and models and to evaluate their implications for society, the
environment and the economy
3. To communicate findings and implement agreed solutions effectively and
efficiently.
Some aspects of your course, such as timetables and reading lists will change every year.
Other aspects, such as changes to the title of the course, course content, delivery and
assessment methods, require formal approval by the University before they can be altered. If
any major changes to your course are proposed whilst you are studying, you will be consulted
and given an opportunity to comment. If any changes are formally agreed, you will be
informed.
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Detailed information on your course is available through the online Course Moodle site.
This includes links to the detailed specification for individual modules you will study.
The structure of the course, the modules, credit values, and the awards which can be gained are
shown in the diagram below.
MBA
Term 1
Developing Organizational Business and
Management Behaviour Economic
20 credits
Skills (Core) Environment
20 credits 20 credits
(Elective)
(Core)
Exit award PG Certificate in Business Administration 60 level 7 credits
Term 2
Managing, Managing Managing
Leading and Financial Marketing
Developing Performance Promotion and
20 credits
People Sales
20 credits (Core) 20 credits
(Elective)
(Core)
Exit award PG Diploma in Business Administration 120 level 7 credits
Term 3
Strategic Business International
Management in Processes and Entrepreneurship
and International
Operations and Innovation
Context Management
20 credits 20 credits
20 credits (Elective)
(Core) (Core)
Exit award Master of Business Administration 180 level 7 credits
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The structure of the course, the modules, credit values, and the awards which can be gained are
shown in the diagram below.
MBA (Healthcare Management)
Study three elective modules in addition to six core MBA modules
Term 1
Developing Organizational Health and
Management Behaviour Healthcare
20 credits Management –
Skills (Core) International
20 credits
Issues
(Core) 20 credits
(Elective)
Term 2
Managing, Managing Performance
Leading and Financial Management in
Developing Performance
20 credits Healthcare
People
20 credits (Core) 20 credits
(Elective)
(Core) Business
Processes and Sustainable
Term 3 Healthcare
Operations
Strategic Management Futures
Management in 20 credits
and International 20 credits (Elective)
(Core)
Context
20 credits
(Core)
Exit award Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Management) 180 level 7 credits
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The structure of the course, the modules, credit values, and the awards which can be gained are
shown in the diagram below.
MBA (Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Study three elective modules in addition to six core MBA modules
Term 1
Developing Organizational Environmental
Management Behaviour Management –
20 credits
Skills (Core) International
20 credits Issues
(Core) 20 credits
(Elective)
Term 2 Managing, Managing Society, Economics
Term 3 Leading and Financial and Environment
Developing Performance
20 credits 20 credits
People (Elective)
20 credits (Core)
(Core)
Strategic Business Sustainable
Management in Processes and Environmental
and International
Operations Futures
Context Management 20 credits
20 credits (Elective)
20 credits
(Core) (Core)
Exit award Master of Business Administration (Environmental Management and Sustainability) 180
level 7 credits
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Section 3: LEARNING & TEACHING
Starting a new course provides a unique opportunity to think about how you approach your
study. You can think about enhancing those skills that have served you well but you can
also think about addressing any problem areas. Improving the way you study will not only
help you with your course but will also develop important skills that are valued in the
workplace.
The university will expect you to be a more independent learner (rather than a dependent
learner). This means that you will need to be clear about the work you are expected to do
and particularly the quality of the work. For this reason and many others, it is important for
you to participate in all of the online sessions offered. Merely reading the course notes won’t
give you the insight needed to fully understand subject content or the depth required in your
answers. The weekly online session allows the tutor to explore subject material with you
and typically provides you with an opportunity to respond to the online exercises and
questions. Evidence suggests that participation will make the difference between pass and
fail. These online sessions will be most beneficial if you have done some preparation in
advance and the Moodle class provides plenty of opportunity for this. If there is material you
do not understand from previous sessions but have done nothing to address the problem
then you may find any new material harder to follow. You need to be active in your learning.
Review previous sessions to ensure you understand them, organise material so you can find
it and plan your time so you can achieve a balance between work time and other time.
You will meet a variety of online instruction approaches ranging from prescribed reading to a
videos and self-apprasial tests where you are expected to participate. Each provides an
opportunity for you to learn and each provides an opportunity to develop your skills. A video
may offer the opportunity to improve your understanding, a seminar the opportunity to write a
question response and a discussion forum the opportunity to participate in a group
discussion. All these forms of study will expect more from you. You may need to revisit your
notes or work through problems a second or third time to be confident in your work.
Moodle
Each of the modules you study will be provided by Moodle (Moodle is the ‘virtual learning
environment used by BCU). What you can expect to find is all of the module materials,
practice assessments, the discussion forums, a reflective journal and additional material that
should help your subject understanding.
Directed study
Study for a degree requires you to take responsibility for managing your own time and
conducting research and carrying out wider reading into your chosen subject area between
the online sessions described above. You need to learn to manage your time ensuring that
you are well prepared to make maximum use of your online sessions.
Groupwork
Some of your work will be in small group discussion forums enabling you to develop your
team working skills on projects such. These activities will be facilitated by a dedicated tutor.
Attendance
The University is keen to ensure that all students gain the maximum benefit from their
course of studies. We believe in working in partnership with all students to ensure you are
supported in your learning and are able to get the most from what is on offer here at
Birmingham City University.
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Academic research across the education sector indicates a strong link between levels of
student participation and academic achievement. As part of our learning community, we
expect you to take responsibility for your attendance and active participation in your studies.
The University monitors attendance via the VLE and we undertake to contact students if their
failure to participate gives cause for concern.
Make sure you know what the attendance expectations are for your course. Information on
these requirements can be found in this Course Guide. Further guidance and expectations
about your obligations can be found in this University Student Engagement Policy here
Academic Ethics
During the course of your studies you may become involved in research or projects that
have potential ethical implications which would need to be reviewed by the Faculty
Academic Ethics Committee. When you need to conduct these exercises, the Programme
Director will discuss with you how to make ethical considerations and the process of
applying for ethical approval.
The University’s Ethical Principles and Practice Policy Statement and the University’s
Research Ethical Framework can be found on the University website
at: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/about-us/policies-and-procedures/ethical-principles-and-practice-
policy
Section 4: ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
How you will be assessed
All coursework and examinations are marked by your tutors and then moderated by another
member of academic staff to ensure that the marking scheme is applied consistently and that
suitable feedback is provided. A sample of the work is then reviewed by an external examiner
from another University to ensure that the marking standard is consistent with the standards
expected from other Universities.
Module feedback sheets, which provide general feedback on the module assessment, will be
provided via the Moodle VLE. Detailed feedback will be provided on each individual piece of
assessment and will be available with your returned work. If your work is included in the
sample for the external examiner you will be provided with a photocopy rather than the original
assignment.
Points to note:
1. All module assessments will count towards the final award.
2. All types of assessment are marked anonymously and you should not show your name
in an exam script or assignment.
3. The course’s preferred referencing system is the Harvard Referencing System.
Assessment Regulations
The way in which your work is assessed is covered by the University’s Assessment
Regulations.
The regulations include information about:
modules, levels of modules and the credits which attach to them;
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requirements for passing modules;
requirements for progression to the next level of your course;
how to achieve an award with Commendation or Distinction and how degree
classifications are calculated;
what happens if you fail a module.
The regulations for your course in 2015/16 are the Standard Postgraduate Assessment
Regulations Version 2 (SPAR 2).
You’ll receive information about the University’s regulations from your course team, and
you can find a copy of SPAR 2 here. You will need to be logged into the University intranet,
iCity, in order to access the document. Select the word document entitled Part I Section
K2)
If you cannot access the electronic version and would like a paper copy, ask your
Programme Director.
Where you can get advice & support if you’re worried about assessments
We realise that assessments can be stressful so we try to provide as much support as possible
throughout the year. There are a number of people across the University who can help with a
variety of issues ranging from personal and financial to academic difficulties in Maths or
English, for example.
If you’re worried about anything, you can contact:
Your Programme Director – Tony Birch
The Centre for Academic Success
The Students’ Union Advice Centre
Student Services
Have a look at ‘Student Resources’ for more information about these departments and their
contact details.
Avoiding allegations of cheating
The University takes allegations of cheating, in any form of assessment, very seriously. We
class it as a disciplinary offence if a student attempts to gain or helps someone else to gain
an unfair advantage over other students. Students who are suspected of cheating will have
to attend a formal hearing to explain their case, and if found guilty of cheating the penalties
can be severe. You can look at our Disciplinary Procedures on the website at
http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/academic-regs. The procedures are in Part II.
Here are a few simple principles to follow to avoid allegations of cheating:
In exams:
Don’t attempt to see the paper before it is published
Don’t ask another student for help during the exam or copy another student’s
work
Don’t let another student copy your work
Don’t take unauthorised materials into the exam room
Make sure you know what equipment/materials you can use in the exam (i.e.
calculator) and make sure the permitted materials are clear of your additional
notes and other recorded information.
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In online forum and journal assignments:
Don’t pass off someone else’s work as your own. This is plagiarism and is
viewed very seriously by the University
Acknowledge all sources that you have used in your assignment or project. For
advice on referencing contact the Centre for Academic Success.
Use quotation marks if you are using the exact words of another person
Don’t submit a piece of work that has already been submitted in whole or in
part for an assessment elsewhere. This is called duplication and, like
plagiarism, is viewed very seriously by the University.
Don’t allow others to copy your work, or lend your work to other students
Don’t make up data to prove your point.
For more information on referencing your work appropriately check out the Library’s web
pages at http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/Guide%20Index.htm
Submitting coursework and attending exams
All coursework should be submitted to the required areas of the VLE on the specified date. All
assignments will have a date and time allocated by the online system.
You should talk to the Programme Director if any of your examinations are scheduled
during a major religious festival that you may observe.
Forum and journal submission dates will be communicated via the Moodle VLE. The
Examination timetable will be posted on Moodle and this will be confirmed by the Course
Adminstrator via email
Before you take an exam, make sure you have a look at the exam
procedures available from your faculty. These will cover:
Proof of identity;
Late arrival;
Items you can and cannot take into the exam with you;
Leaving the exam early;
Suspected cheating.
There may be times when you feel that due to circumstances beyond your control you are
unable to submit an assignment or attend an exam (for example, if you’re ill). In such cases
you can apply under the University’s procedures for the consideration of extenuating
circumstances for either:
A deferral (which means that you will take the assessment at the next available
opportunity)
Or
A coursework extension of 10 working days to the coursework deadline
There are strict timescales by which an application must be submitted. You are strongly
advised to familiarise yourself with the procedure, the timescales and evidential requirements
currently in operation. Current information on the procedure can be found at:
https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/student-services/complaints-and-appeals
The Students’ Union Advice centre can also provide useful guidance when you make a claim
and can be contacted via the following link: http://www.bcusu.com/advice/.
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It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with the procedure and that you
access the most up to date version which is available from the Complaints and Appeals
link above.
You need to ensure that you understand the academic regulations that govern your course
and that you are clear about the implications of failing to submit your work on time and of
having a claim for extenuating circumstances rejected.
If you have longer term problems which you think are likely to last more than three weeks, you
should ask the Programme Director - Tony Birch - whether you should apply to withdraw
temporarily from the course – this is called ‘taking an interruption of studies’. For further
information contact your Faculty office.
Academic Queries and Appeals Procedure
If you can demonstrate that there has been an error or irregularity in an assessment, or at an
examination board, that has adversely affected the outcome of your assessment you may
submit a claim under the Academic Queries and Appeals Procedure.
There are strict timescales by which an application must be submitted. You are strongly
advised to familiarise yourself with the procedure, the timescales and evidential requirements
currently in operation. Current information on the procedure can be found at:
https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/student-services/complaints-and-appeals
The Students’ Union Advice centre can also provide useful guidance when you make a claim
and can be contacted via the following link: http://www.bcusu.com/advice/
Please note that you are not able to make a claim that challenges academic judgement.
You must seek guidance from the person that has marked your work if you have any queries
or concerns about your mark.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with the procedure and that you
access the most up to date version which is available from the Complaints and Appeals
link above.
Taking your assessments – why it’s important!
It’s really important that you go to all of the exams and submit your forum posts and journal
entries on time for every module that you’ve registered to take in the year.
If you fail any of the modules you’ve taken, you will have to re-take them. There are limits on
the number of times that you can re-take and for this programme you can only retake the
assessment once. Having to re-take modules means that your workload will be increased
and you will be putting yourself under more pressure and you may not be able to progress to
the next year with all your peers.
Your Programme Director – Tony Birch, Student Services, the Centre for Academic Success
and the Students’ Union Advice Centre are on hand to offer advice and support on
assessments. See section 8 for more information.
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Section 5 : HAVE YOUR SAY!
It is important to us that you have the best student experience possible whilst studying at
Birmingham City University. There are a number of ways you can express your opinion about
your time studying here. You can also raise issues at Student Feedback Forums that will be
posted for every module throughout the year.
You will also be given the opportunity to comment on the modules you have taken during the
year, and your course team may ask you to participate in online focus groups. Other formal
opportunities for you to comment on the quality of your student experience include:
Students’ Union
Your Students’ Union is an independent charity led by its student members where
decisions on how we are run are made democratically by elected Executive Officers
and you. You can suggest ideas for improving your Students’ Union and the University
through a variety of ways.
For further information - http://www.bcusu.com.
o Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is carried out every 2 years.
It targets students studying taught postgraduate courses throughout the UK, asking
questions about their learning experience. It is run, independently of the University,
by the Higher Education Academy. All data collected in this survey will be held
anonymously and securely.
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Section 6 STUDENT RESOURCES
Birmingham City University Network and IT Help
As a student of the university, you will have access to a number of IT services, including
shared storage, email, and Internet access. Once you’ve firmly accepted an unconditional
offer of a place, you will be sent a username and password to access these services.
One service you will be using a lot is iCity, the University’s web portal (https://icity.bcu.ac.uk).
iCity gives you access to all the information that’s important to you including your email
account, course timetable and enrolment details. It also acts as a gateway to other web-based
resources and systems including the Moodle virtual learning environment.
Your University email account is hosted by Microsoft Office 365 and provides a 50 GB mailbox.
As a student of the University, you can download Microsoft Office on up to five devices for
free, giving you access to your University Email, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You will also
get 1TB of online storage through Microsoft OneDrive. To get Office 365 visit mail.bcu.ac.uk
and enter your University email address and password.
Email is the main communication method used by the University to send you course and
official information, so please make sure you check it regularly to avoid missing anything
important. You can access your email account anywhere you can access the Internet in the
following ways:
Via iCity off campus - you’ll need to enter your username and password
Via mail.bcu.ac.uk
Further information about IT Help is available at: https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/cict.
Library and Learning Resources
All Birmingham City University libraries offer a wide range of electronic resources and services
to help you through your course. Library staff will be able to advise you on how to access the
resources that you require to support your studies and how to request materials in other
electronic formats
For more information about the library you can visit the website at
https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/Library-and-Learning-Resources. This is available to you once you have
your network ID and password. The library “tile” on iCity is a useful shortcut giving you quick
and easy access to these pages, your borrowing record and to Summon, our search tool for
many library resources.
The Centre for Academic Success
For more information about what the Centre for Academic Success has to offer, you can visit
their website at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/why-study-at-bcu/learning-
support/academic-skills.
Student Services
Student Services is here to help you make the most of your time at the University. Student
Services has a range of specialist staff to give advice and guidance on a wide range of topics
20
Have a look at their pages on iCity to find out what Student Services can do for you:
https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/Student-Services or contact them at www.bcu.ac.uk/askus
Complaints & Appeals
Find out about ... extenuating circumstances, academic queries and appeals procedures,
fitness for practice, student disciplinary procedures and policy and making a complaint. See
further information at: Complaints and Appeals
Students’ Union
BCUSU - Your Students’ Union
All students at Birmingham City University are
automatically a member of your Students’ Union!
You can opt out, but as a member you will benefit
from our fantastic services and facilities including bars, shops and numerous student groups.
Your Students’ Union also has an Advice Centre which provides confidential help and support
on issues ranging from money matters to academic welfare.
More information about your Students’ Union can be found on their website:
http://www.bcusu.com or you can email them at [email protected]
Section 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Communication
How do I communicate with my tutor or a member of staff?
All student communications to all University staff are must be courteous and professional,
using language appropriate to a business environment. Witten communication to staff must
not be in “text speak”, where such communications are received, the member of staff is
entitled to return these to the student asking for them to be written in appropriate English.
It is the students’ responsibility to check their university email account regularly, at least
twice a week during teaching periods, and once a week at other times. Students also need
to be aware that should they choose to set up mail forwarding on their email account, they
are responsible for ensuring that mail forwarding is set up correctly and that they are able to
receive emails sent to their University email account on their mobile devices.
Students are required to notify their tutors if they are unable to attend any timetabled
activities.
Illness and Emergency
What if I am ill and unable to participate in the online sessions
?
You are expected to attend all of your sessions to fully participate in the course – remember,
the more you put in, the more you will get out!! But, if you have a valid reason for being absent
21
then you must contact the module leader and programme director via email with details of your
absence.
What happens if I am too ill to complete my assessments?
If you can’t submit an assignment or attend an exam for valid reasons beyond your control
you can apply for either a deferral of assessment or a coursework extension. Have a look at
Section 5 ‘Submitting Coursework and Attending Exams’ for more details on how to apply.
You must apply for a deferral or an extension as soon as you possibly can.
Attendance
What if I want to change or leave my course?
If you think you want to leave your course, it’s a good idea to talk it through with your
Programme Director – Tony Birch - before making any final decisions. They can discuss your
options with you, which could include transferring to a more suitable course within the
University. You can also get support from the Students’ Union Advice Centre and Student
Services.
What if I want to take some time out from the course?
Taking time out is called ‘an interruption of study’, which is an approved leave of absence from
all study and may be taken for a number of reasons e.g. health, financial, academic or
personal. If you’re thinking about interrupting, you should talk to your Programme Director –
Tony Birch - first before completing the necessary paperwork. It is also vital that you let
funding bodies, such as the Student Loans Company, know you’re interrupting your studies.
Have a chat with Student Services for more advice.
Problems
How do I voice my concerns or make a complaint?
If you’re unhappy about any aspects of your experience at Birmingham City University, we want
to know about it so talk to your Programme Director – Tony Birch. In many cases, they will be
the best person to help you but if they are unable to resolve matters for you, you may need to
refer to the University’s formal complaints procedure (contact Student Services for more
information). You should also seek advice from the Students’ Union Advice Centre who can
discuss your case with you and advise you on the processes involved in making a complaint.
Course
Who can I talk to about problems on my course?
Contact your Programme Director – Tony Birch - at first to tell him about your situation and
how it may affect your work. You can also book to see an adviser from the Advice Centre at
the Students’ Union or speak to a counsellor at Student Services for help and support.
Change in Personal Details
What should I do if I change my name during my time at University?
If you change your name during your studies and would like your new name to be used on
your University records and award certificates, you must make a formal request to your
Faculty. You must make the request before you finish your course. No changes can be
made to your student record after the final examination board for your course has met.
22
You must provide evidence of your change of name. Acceptable forms of evidence are:
Passport
Marriage certificate
Birth certificate (original birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth)
Divorce decree absolute.
Please note that your student number will remain the same throughout your course, even if
you change your name. For more information contact your Faculty Office or Academic
Registry.
23
MBA
MBA (Healthcare Management)
MBA (Environmental Management and Sustainability)
MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
24
CERTIFICATE STAGE MODULES
DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT SKILLS
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE
MANAGEMENT
25
University Standard Module Template
Faculty: Business, Law and Social Sciences School/Department: Business School
Module Title: Developing Management Skills
Programme(s) on which the module is delivered: MBA, MBA (Healthcare Management), MBA
(Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Date of publication of template to students:
Version Number: 1.0
Module Code: TBC Level: 7
Credit value: 20 credits
ECTS Credit Value1: 10
Module Leader: Tony Birch
Module start date(s) during the current academic year:
January 2016
Module finish date(s) during the current academic year:
May 2016
Assessment weightings:
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
For SRS Team Use Only: Date:
Created By:
1 ECTS is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System which was developed to promote the
international recognition of qualifications and student mobility within Europe.
26
Relationship with Programme Philosophy and Aims
This module emphasises the acquisition of the key personal and professional skills essential for
an on-going and effective career in business and organizational management in any sector of
economic activity. These will include the skills expected by employers in key areas such as self-
awareness and improvement, effective business communication, group work and team building,
intercultural awareness, negotiation skills, business networking and working with technology.
How we manage our own personal competences and their development will be a key
determinant of how effective we will be in managing and leading others in any organization.
The aim of this module is to examine the managerial and leadership roles within organisations
and to evaluate the attributes, skill-sets and practices commonly identified with the effective
performance of those roles. The students are introduced to both the theory and empirical
evidence required if they are to evaluate the techniques and approaches best suited to the
effective management of individuals and groups within an organisation. Students will be helped
to understand, acquire and apply the key ‘management competences’ to specified
organisational issues and problems.
Indicative content
The Nature of Management
Managerial Behaviour and Effectiveness
The Nature of Leadership
Individual Differences and Diversity
The Nature of Learning
Perception and Communication
Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction
The Nature of Work Groups and Teams
Working in Groups and Teams
Managing Planning
Managing Decision Making
Managing Strategies
Study mode/delivery method(s):
The module will be delivered in 15 Sessions involving a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’
study related engagements and activities. These activities are designed for completion in the
student’s ‘home environment’ as a distance learner and include a presentational overview to
introduce each Session, together with Readings, Case Studies, Reflective Tasks, Self-Evaluation
and other mechanisms to develop knowledge, understanding, and practical managerial skills and
their applications as appropriate for an MBA module. Time guidance is provided for each activity.
The pedagogic structure and content for delivery of this module makes full use of the Moodle
platform and other interactive VLE features built around a module-specific custom e-Text (with
available hard copy version). The module follows a uniform structure for the programme, and
involves a ‘Managing your Studies’ session of 4 hour duration, grounding the student in the
materials and approaches required to complete this module successfully as a distance learning
27
student. This is followed by 12 Topic-based sessions, each with study time of 14 hours duration,
1 ‘Module Review’ session with study time of 14 hours duration and 1 ‘Module Assessment:
Preparation and Practice’ session with study time of 14 hours duration. In total this constitutes
a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’ for this module.
Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are to be achieved and demonstrated.
Learning Outcome Learning and Teaching Methods
On successful completion of the module, a The 200 hours of ‘Time on Task’ learning activities
student will be able to: required if students are to successfully engage
with this module, will involve students in
1. Examine and evaluate the reviewing and responding to texts, articles and
management and leadership skill-sets case materials using print and multi-media
and practices associated with effective formats, with extensive questions, applications
organisational outcomes and analysis of skill related managerial contexts,
supported by comprehensive feedback to aid
2. Demonstrate critical awareness of the learning.
issues, problems and practices that
characterise the management of Students will be expected to enhance their
individuals and groups learning experiences based on the Moodle
platform, e-texts and case materials through
3. Apply appropriate managerial further engagement with the BCU module support
techniques and approaches to materials available on its ICT system and a wider
specified organisational issues and reading of articles and texts available in both
problems electronic and physical media.
4. Demonstrate an ability to construct a Structured individual tasks of a formative nature
management plan in a specified are provided, together with extensive feedback
organisational context and to evaluate but these are not formally assessed. They are
the management competences presented throughout the module for application
required to successfully implement to the student’s own organisation and
that plan circumstances, or to other organisations of choice.
Assessment and feedback
Formative Assessment
Students will be able to self-assess their understanding of key concepts by thorough feedback
provided for all questions and activities based on the Moodle virtual learning environments, custom
e-texts and the BCU Digital library supplemented by access to designated Birmingham City
University resources where appropriate. There will also be a forum by which BCU module leaders
and lecturers will respond to module specific enquiries within a reasonable time period.
Seminars 14 and 15 of each module are expressly directed towards ‘Module Review’ (Session 14)
and ‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ (Session 15) with some 28 hours available for
these purposes.
28
Summative Assessment
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
Learning Outcomes covered: L1, L2, L3 & L4
Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided to students on an on-going basis throughout the delivery
of the module and its constituent Sessions involving a total of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’. There
will also be opportunity for students to interact with module leaders and lecturers via a ‘Ask
the Tutor forum.
Related Modules
Pre-requisite modules: None
Co-requisite modules: None
Excluded modules: None
Learning Resources
Purchase/Essential Reading
Developing Management Skills (2015) Pearson Custom e-Text (web reference TBC on
completion)
Recommended Reading
Anderson, L. and Bolt, S. (2013) Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success (3rd Ed.), Harlow:
Pearson
Boddy, D. (2013) Management: An Introduction (6th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson
Bratton J. and Gold, J. (2010) Work and Organisational Behaviour (2nd Ed.), London: Palgrave
Macmillan
Bratton, J. and Gold, J. (2012) Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice (5th Ed.),
London: Palgrave Macmillan
Gallagher, K. (20130 Skills Development for Business and Management Students: Study and
Employability (2nd Ed.), Oxford: Oxford University Press
Huczynski, A. and Buchanan, D. (2013) Organizational Behaviour (8th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson
Mullins, L. (2013) Management and Organisational Behaviour (10th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson
Robbins, S. and Judge, T. (2012) Organisational Behaviour (15th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson
29
Whetton, D. and Cameron, K. Developing Management Skills (8th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson
Journals
Human Resource Development International (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2159/loi/rhrd20#.VWxD7UYe1s8 )
International Journal of Human Resource Management (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2159/loi/rijh20#.VWxEJUYe1s8 )
Journal of Management Development (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2156/loi/jmd )
Websites
Charted Institute of Personnel and Development (Available at; www.cipd.co.uk )
Chartered Management Institute (Available at; www.managers.org.uk )
Management Models and Theories (Available at; www.valuebasedmanagement.net )
30
University Standard Module Template
Faculty: Business, Law and Social Sciences School/Department: Business School
Module Title: Organisational Behaviour
Programme(s) on which the module is delivered: MBA, MBA (Healthcare Management), MBA
(Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Date of publication of template to students:
Version Number: 1.0
Module Code: TBC Level: 7
Credit value: 20 credits
ECTS Credit Value1: 10
Module Leader: tony Birch
Module start date(s) during the current academic year:
May 2016
Module finish date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Assessment weightings:
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
For SRS Team Use Only: Date:
Created By:
1 ECTS is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System which was developed to promote the
international recognition of qualifications and student mobility within Europe.
31
Relationship with Programme Philosophy and Aims
An understanding of the principles of organizational behaviour, at both individual and group
levels, will help you become a more effective manager of any organisation, whether large of
small, private or public. The module reviews the ways in which managers can better understand
the individual and group actions and relations of employees and thereby be better placed to
adopt approaches and practices that results in high performance work environments.
Operational mechanisms for improving individual and group workplace outcomes are identified
and evaluated, with attention also being given to the ways in which organisational structures,
cultures and work design can influence employee motivation and productivity. An international
perspective is adopted throughout with cross-cultural influences on management processes and
work outcomes recognised and addressed.
The aim of this module is to examine the nature and purpose of organisations and to evaluate
the theoretical and empirical contribution of different approaches to managing and leading
organisations. The impacts of organisational structures on the achievement of strategic
objectives are reviewed, together with the contributions of an ethical and socially responsible
corporate culture to the achievements of such objectives. Students will be given the opportunity
to evaluate the principles and practices of organisational behaviour in a specified organisation
setting with which they are familiar.
Indicative content
The Nature of Organisational Behaviour
Approaches to Organisation and Management
The Nature and Context of Organisations
Organisational Strategy and Structure
Patterns of Structure and Work Organisation
Technology and Organisations
Information Systems and E-Business
Organisational Control and Power
Corporate Responsibility and Ethics
Organisational Culture and Change
Organisational Performance and Development
Finance and Budgetary Control
Study mode/delivery method(s):
The module will be delivered in 15 Sessions involving a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’
study related engagements and activities. These activities are designed for completion in the
student’s ‘home environment’ as a distance learner and include a presentational overview to
introduce each Session, together with Readings, Case Studies, Reflective Tasks, Self-Evaluation
and other mechanisms to develop knowledge, understanding, and practical managerial skills and
their applications as appropriate for an MBA module. Time guidance is provided for each activity.
The pedagogic structure and content for delivery of this module makes full use of the Moodle
VLE and other interactive VLE features built around a module-specific custom e-Text (with
32
available hard copy version). Each module follows a uniform structure on the Programme, and
involves a ‘Managing your Studies’ session of 4 hour duration, grounding the student in the
materials and approaches required to complete this module successfully as a distance learning
student. This is followed by 12 Topic-based sessions, each with study time of 14 hours duration,
a ‘Module Review’ session with study time of 14 hours duration and a ‘Module Assessment:
Preparation and Practice’ session with study time of 14 hours duration. In total this constitutes
a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’ for this module.
Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are to be achieved and demonstrated.
Learning Outcome Learning and Teaching Methods
On successful completion of the module, a The 200 hours of ‘Time on Task’ learning activities
student will be able to: required if students are to successfully engage
with this module, will involve students in
1. Examine the nature and purpose of reviewing and responding to texts, articles and
organisations and evaluate the case materials using print and multi-media
theoretical and empirical contribution formats, with extensive questions, applications
of different approaches to managing and analysis of skill related managerial contexts,
and leading organisations supported by comprehensive feedback to aid
learning.
2. Explain how achieving corporate
strategic goals might be influence by Students will be expected to enhance their
organisational structures and evaluate learning experiences based on the Moodle
the organisational context best suited platform, e-texts and case materials through
to achieving such strategic goals further engagement with the BCU module support
materials available on its ICT system and a wider
3. Evaluate the theoretical and empirical reading of articles and texts available from BCU
evidence as regards the contribution of electronic media.
corporate social responsibility, ethical
behaviour and organisational cultures Structured tasks of a formative nature are
to the achievement of corporate provided, together with extensive feedback but
strategic goals these are not formally assessed. They are
presented throughout the module for application
4. Apply appropriate principles and to the student’s own organisation and
practices of organisational behaviour circumstances, or to other organisations of choice.
to a particular organisational setting
with the intention of improving
organisational performance and
development and use contemporary
theory and evidence to evaluate the
likely outcomes
Assessment and feedback
Formative Assessment
Students will be able to self-assess their understanding of key concepts by thorough feedback
provided for all questions and activities based on the Pearson and BCU virtual learning
33
environments, custom e-texts and the Digital library, supplemented by access to designated
Birmingham City University resources where appropriate. There will also be a forum by which BCU
module leaders and lecturers will respond to module specific enquiries within a reasonable time
period.
Seminars 14 and 15 of each module are expressly directed towards ‘Module Review’ (Session 14)
and ‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ (Session 15) with some 28 hours available for
these purposes.
Summative Assessment
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
Learning Outcomes covered: L1, L2, L3 & L4
Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided to students on an on-going basis throughout the delivery
of the module and its constituent Sessions involving a total of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’. There
will also be opportunity for students to interact with module leaders and lecturers via a ‘Ask
the Tutor’ forum
Related Modules
Pre-requisite modules: None
Co-requisite modules: None
Excluded modules: None
Learning Resources
Purchase/Essential Reading
Organisational Behaviour (2015) Pearson Custom e-Text (Web link to be confirmed)
Recommended Reading
Boddy, D. (2014) Management: An Introduction (5th Ed.) Harlow: Pearson
Huczynski, A. and Buchanan, D. (2013) Organisational Behaviour: An Introductory Text (8th Ed.)
Harlow: Pearson
Mullins, L. (2013) Management and Organisational Behaviour (10th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson,
Robbins, S. and Judge, T. (2013) Organisational Behaviour (15th Ed.) Harlow: Pearson
Journals
International Conference on Business Strategy and Organizational Behaviour (Available at ;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/1036377 )
34
International Journal of Organizational Behaviour and Management Perspectives (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/2032284 )
International Journal of Organizational Analysis (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/29366 )
Websites
European Group for Organizational Studies (Conference paper archives) (Available at;
http://www.egosnet.org/home )
35
University Standard Module Template
Faculty: Business, Law and Social Sciences School/Department: Business School
Module Title: Business and Economic Environment
Programme(s) on which the module is delivered: MBA, MBA (Healthcare Management), MBA
(Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Date of publication of template to students:
Version Number: 1.0
Module Code: TBC Level: 7
Credit value: 20 credits
ECTS Credit Value1: 10
Module Leader: Dr Steven McCabe
Module start date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Module finish date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Assessment weightings:
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
For SRS Team Use Only: Date:
Created By:
1 ECTS is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System which was developed to promote the
international recognition of qualifications and student mobility within Europe.
36
Relationship with Programme Philosophy and Aims
Allocating scarce resources between alternative uses is an issue for all managers as well as being
a widely used definition of the ‘economic problem’. Management awareness of the
microeconomic principles underpinning the behaviour of individual households, firms and
markets is vital for many business decisions. Indeed it is difficult to imagine effective decision
making on price and non-price strategies, product portfolios, size and location of operations,
actions and reactions to competitors, without a firm management grasp of microeconomic
principles. A similar group of macroeconomic principles underpinning aggregative behaviour at
national and international levels is just as vital for many management decision, especially in a
contemporary world characterised by global uncertainties. An awareness of global patterns,
trends and impacts of variations in economic growth, employment, inflation, interest and
exchange rates can often be the difference between managerial success and failure. This module
will help managers understand the opportunities and threats inherent in their internal and
external environments, increasing the likelihood that their decision making will allocate
resources more efficiently.
Indicative content
Business and the Economic Environment
The Working of Competitive Markets
Demand and the Consumer
Supply and the Producer
Pricing and Output Decisions
Business Growth and Strategy
Multinational Corporations and the Global Business Environment
Labour and Employment
Government, the Firm and the Market
The Economy and Business Activity
National Macroeconomic Policy
The Global Trading and Financial Environment
Study mode/delivery method(s):
The module will be delivered in 15 Sessions involving a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’
study related engagements and activities. These activities are designed for completion in the
student’s ‘home environment’ as a distance learner and include a presentational overview to
introduce each Session, together with readings, case studies, reflective tasks, self-evaluation and
other mechanisms to develop the knowledge and understanding of the business and economic
environment, both nationally and internationally, which is so crucial for effective managerial
decision making in an increasingly uncertain globalised economy. Time guidance is provided for
each activity. The pedagogic structure and content for delivery of this module makes full use of
the Moodle VLE and other interactive VLE features built around a module-specific custom e-Text
(with available hard copy version). Each module follows a uniform structure on the Programme,
and involves a ‘Managing your Studies’ session of 4 hour duration, grounding the student in the
37
materials and approaches required to complete this module successfully as a distance learning
student. This is followed by 12 Topic-based sessions (see ‘Indicative Content’) above), each with
study time of 14 hours duration, a ‘Module Review’ session with study time of 14 hours duration
and a ‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ session with study time of 14 hours
duration. In total this constitutes a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’ for this module.
Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are to be achieved and demonstrated.
Learning Outcome Learning and Teaching Methods
On successful completion of the module, a The 200 hours of ‘Time on Task’ learning activities
student will be able to: required if students are to successfully engage
with this module, will involve students in
1. Evaluate the role of competitive and reviewing and responding to texts, articles and
regulated markets in providing ‘signals’ case materials using print and multi-media
to both consumers and producers and formats, with extensive questions, applications
the implications of such market and analysis of skill related managerial contexts,
mechanisms for management decision supported by comprehensive feedback to aid
making learning.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of Students will be expected to enhance their
the issues, problems and practices learning experiences based on the Moodle VLE
resulting from the varied platform, e-texts and case materials through
microeconomic environments, further engagement with the BCU module support
whether local, national or materials available on its ICT system and a wider
international, in which businesses and reading of articles and texts available from BCU
organisations operate, and the electronic media.
strategic implications for both product Structured individual and groups tasks of a
and factor markets formative nature are provided, together with
extensive feedback but these are not formally
3. Evaluate the impacts of changes in the assessed. They are presented throughout the
macroeconomic business environment, module for application to the student’s own
both nationally and globally, on the organisation and circumstances, or to other
operational and strategic responses of organisations of choice.
businesses and organisations
4. Identify and evaluate a range of
specific policies and practices which an
organisation might apply to specified
changes in its business and economic
environment
Assessment and feedback
Formative Assessment
Students will be able to self-assess their understanding of key concepts by thorough feedback
provided for all questions and activities based on the Pearson and BCU virtual learning environments,
Pearson custom e-texts and Pearson Digital library supplemented by access to designated
Birmingham City University resources where appropriate. There will also be an ‘Ask the Tutor’ forum
38
which BCU module leaders and lecturers will respond to module specific enquiries within a reasonable
time period.
Seminars 14 and 15 of each module are expressly directed towards ‘Module Review’ (Session 14) and
‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ (Session 15) with some 28 hours available for these
purposes.
Summative Assessment
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
Learning Outcomes covered: L1, L2, L3 & L4
Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided to students on an on-going basis throughout the delivery
of the module and its constituent Sessions involving a total of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’. There
will also be opportunity for students to interact with module leaders and lecturers via an ‘Ask
the Tutor’ forum.
Related Modules
Pre-requisite modules: None
Co-requisite modules: None
Excluded modules: None
Learning Resources
Purchase/Essential Reading
Business and Economic Environment (2015) Pearson Custom e-Text (Web reference to be
confirmed)
Recommended Reading
Begg, D. & Ward, D. (2013) Economics for Business (4th Ed.) Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill
Griffiths A. and Wall S. (2011) Economics for Business and Management (3rd Ed.) Harlow:
Pearson
Mankiw, N., Taylor, M. & Ashwin, A. (2013) Business Economics Andover: Cengage
Sloman, J. Hinde, K. and Garrett, D. (2013) Economics for Business (6th Ed.) Harlow: Pearson
Journals
Business Economics Journal (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/2030194 )
International Business Review (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2055/science/journal/09695931 )
Journal of Economics and Business (Avialable at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2055/science/journal/01486195 )
39
Review of Economics Review (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/43988 )
Society and Economy (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/1026373 )
Websites
The Economist (Available at; http://www.economist.com/ )
The Royal Economic Society (Available at; http://www.res.org.uk/view/index.html
40
University Standard Module Template
Faculty: Business, Law and Social Sciences School/Department: CEBE
Module Title: Environmental Management: International Issues and Policies
Programme(s) on which the module is delivered: MBA, MBA (Healthcare Management), MBA
(Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Date of publication of template to students:
Version Number: 1.0
Module Code: TBC Level: 7
Credit value: 20 credits
ECTS Credit Value1: 10
Module Leader: Roger Wall
Module start date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Module finish date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Assessment weightings:
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
For SRS Team Use Only: Date:
Created By:
1 ECTS is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System which was developed to promote the
international recognition of qualifications and student mobility within Europe.
41
Relationship with Programme Philosophy and Aims
This module reviews the causes and consequences of the ever-increasing global focus on
environmental management and sustainability. Indeed ‘sustainability’ is now a key trigger word
in the world of advertising and marketing, which seek the positive, motive images associated
with words and phrases such has ‘green’, ‘wholesome’, ‘wellbeing’, ‘environmentally friendly’,
‘reduced carbon footprint’, among others. They are used to sell cars, nappies, holidays and even
lifestyles. So important has the term ‘sustainability’ now become that serious analysts see clean
technologies as the source for the clusters of innovative goods and services that are seen as
forming the basis of the latest long-term global business cycle. This module makes extensive use
of theory, evidence and case study applications to examine the impacts of environmental
policies for managerial decision making and organisational, national and international levels.
Indicative content
Environment and the Economy
Valuing the Environment
Environmental Targets and Policy Instrument
Sustainable Development and the Environment
The Climate Change Issue
Energy Issues
Transportation Issues
Development, Natural Resources and the Environment
Identifying Environmental Priorities
Making Environmental Policies
Evaluating Environmental Policies
Sustainable Future Environmental Policies
Study mode/delivery method(s):
The module will be delivered in 15 Sessions involving a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’
study related engagements and activities. These activities are designed for completion in the
student’s ‘home environment’ as a distance learner and include a presentational overview to
introduce each session, together with readings, case studies, reflective tasks, self-evaluation and
other mechanisms to develop a knowledge and understanding of the environmental issues and
policies, both nationally and internationally, which will impact on managerial decision making.
Time guidance is provided for each activity. The pedagogic structure and content for delivery of
this module makes full use of the Moodle VLE and other interactive VLE features built around a
module-specific custom e-Text (with available hard copy version). Each module follows a uniform
structure on the programme, and involves a ‘Managing your Studies’ session of 4 hour duration,
grounding the student in the materials and approaches required to complete this module
successfully as a distance learning student. This is followed by 12 Topic-based sessions (see
‘Indicative Content’) above), each with study time of 14 hours duration, a ‘Module Review’
session with study time of 14 hours duration and a ‘Module Assessment: Preparation and
42
Practice’ session with study time of 14 hours duration. In total this constitutes a minimum of 200
hours ‘Time on Task’ for this module.
Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are to be achieved and demonstrated.
Learning Outcome Learning and Teaching Methods
On successful completion of the module, a The 200 hours of ‘Time on Task’ learning activities
student will be able to: required if students are to successfully engage with
this module, will involve students in reviewing and
1. Critically assess the main responding to texts, articles and case materials
methodologies adopted when valuing using print and multi-media formats, with extensive
the environment and examine the questions, applications and analysis of skill related
implications of such valuations for managerial contexts, supported by comprehensive
identifying sustainable policy feedback to aid learning.
development
Students will be expected to enhance their learning
2. Evaluate the costs and benefits to experiences based on the Moodle platform, e-texts
organisations from adopting more and case materials through further engagement
‘environmentally friendly’ policies, with the BCU module support materials available
using case study examples wherever on its ICT system and a wider reading of articles and
appropriate texts available from BCU electronic media.
3. Critically review the approaches to Structured individual tasks of a formative nature
target-setting for a specified are provided, together with extensive feedback, but
environmental issue, and evaluate the these are not formally assessed. They are
respective contribution of market and presented throughout the module for application
non-market based policy instruments to the student’s own organisation and
to achieving those targets circumstances, or to other organisations of choice.
4. Examine the similarities and
differences in approach to
environmental policy making for at
least two specified countries and
evaluate the impacts of any such
differences on managerial decision
making.
Assessment and feedback
Formative Assessment
Students will be able to self-assess their understanding of key concepts by thorough feedback
provided for all questions and activities based on the Pearson and BCU virtual learning environments,
Pearson custom e-texts and Pearson Digital library. There will also be a forum by which BCU module
leaders and lecturers will respond to module specific enquiries within a reasonable time period.
43
Seminars 14 and 15 of each module are expressly directed towards ‘Module Review’ (Session 14) and
‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ (Session 15) with some 28 hours available for these
purposes.
Summative Assessment
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
Learning Outcomes covered: L1, L2, L3 & L4
Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided to students on an on-going basis throughout the delivery
of the module and its constituent Sessions involving a total of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’. There
will also be opportunity for students to interact with module leaders and lecturers via a ‘Ask
the Tutor’ forum.
Related Modules
Pre-requisite modules: None
Co-requisite modules: None
Excluded modules: None
Learning Resources
Purchase/Essential Reading
Environmental Management: International Issues and Policies (2015) Pearson Custom e-Text
(Web reference TBC on completion)
Recommended Reading
Kraft, M. (2014) Environmental Policy and Politics (6th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson
Maslin, M. (2014) Global Warming 3rd Ed.) Oxford: Oxford University Press
Smith, S. (2011) Environmental Economics: a very short introduction, Oxford: Oxford
University Press
Tietenburg, T. (2015) Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (10th Ed.) Harlow:
Pearson
Wall, S. (2013) Environmental Economics: Harlow: Pearson
Journals
44
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2055/science/journal/18773435 )
Ecological Economics (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2055/science/journal/09218009 )
Journal of Environmental Economics and Management (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2055/science/journal/00950696 )
Journal of Environmental Management (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2055/science/journal/03014797 )
Social Trends (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/296202 )
Websites
World Association for Sustainable Development (Available at;
http://www.worldsustainable.org/ )
Sustainable News UK (Available at; http://www.sustainablenews.uk/ )
45
University Standard Module Template
Faculty: Business, Law and Social Sciences School/Department: Public &
Community Health
Module Title: Health and Healthcare Management: International Issues and Policies
Programme(s) on which the module is delivered: MBA , MBA (Healthcare Management), MBA
(Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Date of publication of template to students:
Version Number: 1.0
Module Code: TBC Level: 7
Credit value: 20 credits
ECTS Credit Value1: 10
Module Leader: Fouad Berrahou
Module start date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Module finish date(s) during the current academic year:
TBC
Assessment weightings:
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
For SRS Team Use Only: Date:
Created By:
1 ECTS is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System which was developed to promote the
international recognition of qualifications and student mobility within Europe.
46
Relationship with Programme Philosophy and Aims
Demographic changes both in terms of population growth and higher average age, together with
technological advances providing new, but often expensive therapeutic remedies, are just some
of the key challenges facing international healthcare provision. Since economics is about making
decisions in conditions where scarcity exists, it is no surprise therefore that their contribution is
being increasingly recognised in the health sphere. Public policy decision are based not just on
clinical evidence (does the intervention work?) but also on economic analysis (is the intervention
worth doing?).
This module reviews the linkage between public expenditure on healthcare and health
outcomes. The demographic and technological factors behind an increasing public and private
expenditure on healthcare are examined, as are the suggested causes of observed health
inequalities. Organisational structures for healthcare provision in the UK and internationally are
reviewed. Some techniques of economic evaluation are applied to healthcare outcomes,
including cost utility analysis and evidence-based approaches such as Quality Adjusted Life Years
(QUALYS). Analysis is conducted into the use of market and non-market approaches to
healthcare and other types of provision, especially the use of ‘quasi or internal’ markets in
resource allocation. Particular attention is paid throughout to the role of leadership in managing
healthcare organisations and professionals, together with the budgetary, legal and ethical issues
widely encountered by those involved in management within the health sector.
Indicative content
Comparative Healthcare Systems
Demand and Supply Issues in Healthcare Provision
Leadership and Management in Healthcare: Theories and Models
Leadership and Management in Healthcare: Organisational Issues
Leadership, Management and Communications for Healthcare Teams
Delegating, Motivating and Resolving Conflicts for Healthcare Professionals
Decision Making and Change Management for Healthcare Professionals
Budgeting, Staffing and Managing Healthcare Resources
Clinicians, Quality and Risk Management in Healthcare Organisations
Legal Issues and Healthcare Management
Ethical Issues and Healthcare Management
Professional Healthcare Responsibilities: Theory and Practice
Study mode/delivery method(s):
The module will be delivered in 15 Sessions involving a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’
study related engagements and activities. These activities are designed for completion in the
student’s ‘home environment’ as a distance learner and include a presentational overview to
introduce each Session, together with readings, case studies, reflective tasks, self-evaluation and
47
other mechanisms to develop knowledge and understanding of the key issues facing health
related activities across the global spectrum. Time guidance is provided for each activity. The
pedagogic structure and content for delivery of this module makes full use of the Moodle VLE
platform and other interactive VLE features built around a module-specific custom e-Text (with
available hard copy version). Each module follows a uniform structure on the Programme, and
involves a ‘Managing your Studies’ session of 4 hour duration, grounding the student in the
materials and approaches required to complete this module successfully as a distance learning
student. This is followed by 12 Topic-based sessions (see ‘Indicative Content’) above), each with
study time of 14 hours duration, a ‘Module Review’ session with study time of 14 hours duration
and a ‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ session with study time of 14 hours
duration. In total this constitutes a minimum of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’ for this module.
Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are to be achieved and demonstrated.
Learning Outcome Learning and Teaching Methods
On successful completion of the module, a The 200 hours of ‘Time on Task’ learning activities
student will be able to: required if students are to successfully engage with
this module, will involve students in reviewing and
1. Critically examine the various market responding to texts, articles and case materials
and non-market based approaches to using print and multi-media formats, with extensive
healthcare provision in an international questions, applications and analysis of skill related
context managerial contexts, supported by comprehensive
feedback to aid learning.
2. Evaluate the contribution of Students will be expected to enhance their learning
management and leadership experiences based on the Moodle platform, e-texts
theories and models to provision and case materials through further engagement
with the BCU module support materials available
3. Identify and evaluate appropriate on its ICT system and a wider reading of articles and
practical skills for leading and texts available from BCU electronic media.
managing healthcare professionals
in specified situations and contexts Structured individual and groups tasks of a
formative nature are provided, together with
4. Review the key legal and ethical issues extensive feedback but these are not formally
commonly encountered by healthcare assessed. They are presented throughout the
managers and practitioners and apply module for application to the student’s own
these to decision making in specified organisation and circumstances, or to other
circumstances organisations of choice.
Assessment and feedback
Formative Assessment
Students will be able to self-assess their understanding of key concepts by thorough feedback
provided for all questions and activities based on the Moodle virtual learning environments, Pearson
custom e-texts and BCU Digital library. There will also be a forum by which BCU module leaders and
lecturers will respond to module specific enquiries within a reasonable time period.
Other sources of formative assessment and supports will involve ‘In-Country Support Partners’ which
will be accredited by BCU to provide ‘support’ packages to help students individually and as groups,
providing a ‘community’ of engaged individuals on the module and programme in specified locations.
48
Such ‘blended learning’ opportunities are over and above the materials and supports provided on-
line which will itself be sufficient for all students to successfully complete the programme.
Seminars 14 and 15 of each module are expressly directed towards ‘Module Review’ (Session 14) and
‘Module Assessment: Preparation and Practice’ (Session 15) with some 28 hours available for these
purposes.
Summative Assessment
One end of module closed book examination (70%). Participation in discussion forums (15%).
Production of a reflective journal (15%)
Learning Outcomes covered: L1, L2, L3 & L4
Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided to students on an on-going basis throughout the delivery
of the module and its constituent Sessions involving a total of 200 hours ‘Time on Task’. There
will also be opportunity for students to interact with module leaders and lecturers via a ‘Ask
the Tutor’ forum.
Related Modules
Pre-requisite modules: None
Co-requisite modules: None
Excluded modules: None
Learning Resources
Purchase/Essential Reading
Health and Healthcare Management: International Issues and Policies (2015) Pearson Custom
e-Text (Web reference TBC on completion)
Recommended Reading
Allen, J. (2013) Health Law and Medical Ethics for Healthcare Professionals, Harlow: Pearson
Barr,J. and Dowding,L. (2012) Leadership in Healthcare, London: Sage Publications Ltd
Blaber, A.Y. and Harris, G. (2014) Clinical Leadership for Paramedics. Berkshire: McGraw Hill
Education.
Folland, S., Goodman, A. and Stano, M. (2013) The Economics of Health and Healthcare (7th Ed.)
Harlow: Pearson
Ledlow, G.R. and Copploa, M.N. (2014) Leadership for Healthcare Professionals (2nd Ed.)
Burlington: Jones and Bartlett Learning
Porter-O’Grady, T. and Mallock, K. (2013) Leadership in Nursing Practice Changing the
Landscape of Health Care Burlington: Jones and Bartlett Learning
49
Sullivan, E. and Garland, G. (2013) Practical Leadership and Management in Healthcare (2nd Ed.)
Harlow: Pearson
Journals
Health Economics Review (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:2073/publication/2034753 )
Health Services Management Research (Available at;
http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk/login?url=http://hsm.sagepub.com )
Journal of Health Services Research and Policy (Available at; http://ezproxy.bcu.ac.uk:4265/ )
Websites
OECD Health Statisitcs (Available at; www.oecd.org/health/healthdata )
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (Available at;
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/default.aspx )
50
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Course Guide 2016-17 - Online MBA v1.5
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