BA(Hons) Business Management Programme Specification from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (subject to departmental ratification) Version: 2015/6.1 Last updated: August 2015

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BA (Hons) Business Management - Programme Specification

Key Facts

1. Study mode(s) and period of

registration

Full-time or part-time

Minimum 3 years maximum 6 years (full-time)

Minimum 4 years maximum 10 years (part-time)

2. Frequency of intake

Annually in September

3. Awarding body

Liverpool Hope University

4. Teaching location(s)

Hope Park

5. Final award(s), including any

interim awards

BA Business Management Single Honours;

Diploma HE (240 credits, achieved by successfully

completing two full years of study); Certificate HE

(120 credits, achieved by successfully completing

one full year of study)1

6. Relationship with Subject

Benchmark Statement

The benchmark for general business and

management 2007 (the national expectations of

what a good degree in this subject should contain)

has been fully used in the development of this

provision.

7. FHEQ level(s) 4, 5 6 (first, second and third year at University)

8. Date of initial validation 21st March 2003

9. Date of first intake September 2004

10. Date of last Review (if

applicable)

26th March 2009

11. Additional Costs to Students

(£estimate)

£ 5 – 10.00 for Young Enterprise venture

(Voluntary contribution)

12. Professional Statutory or

Regulatory Body (PSRB)(s) (if

applicable) with date/outcome

of last PSRB approval

Not applicable

1 Note that interim awards are only given if for some reason students end their studies after one or two years.

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Aims and Learning Outcomes

PROGRAMME AIMS:

The programme aims to provide student with:

1. A broad based knowledge and understanding of a range of current models, theories, concepts, research

and issues relating to key aspects of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME), Voluntary and

Community Organisations including large organisations, in the private, public and not for profit sectors

within the dynamic context and changing environment in which they operate

2. A capacity for critical analysis through the application of extended knowledge within a business and

management context

3. A capacity for critical evaluation of information in order to plan and investigate strategies in a business

and management environment

4. An understanding of the role and importance of stakeholders of different types of organisations, across a

range of sectors, and provide an understanding of the nature and relevance of ethics in Business.

5. A high quality business degree level programme which develops a range of relevant skills in preparation

for employment or further study

6. The skills and ability to develop as autonomous and lifelong learners

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Note that here and in the Curriculum Diagram the degree is shown in two halves, as Core – what every student of the subject should be able to experience – and Additional, which presents the deepening and enhancement that students taking it as a Single Honours programme will additionally be able to experience.

By the end of this year Students should be able to:

Year One C.1. Examine a range of introductory organisational theories, in relation to both the

internal and external business environment, and be able to apply them to a range of

organisations (Small and Medium sized Enterprises, Voluntary and Community

organisations and large organisations) across different UK sectors (private, public and

not-for-profit)

C.2. Demonstrate, within a theoretical context, an understanding of business and

management principles from both a national and global perspective

C.3. Develop cognitive skills relevant to the study of business management functions

demonstrating an analytical and evaluative approach using written and presentation

formats

C4. Diagnose self and team skills and appreciate a range of study and research skills

including a range of the qualitative and quantitative techniques available to business

Year One additional C.5 Demonstrate a broad understanding of key business functions and their fit with the

general principles of business

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C.6 Understand business in society and develop a more holistic appreciation of the nature

of business and management studies

C.7. Demonstrate and present key ideas on the application of a range of business

management functions

C.8. Apply the self and team diagnostics to a range of situations to potentially increase

business performance

Year Two I.1. Evaluate the impact that the different functions of business management has on

organiastionsal development, and be able to apply them to a range of organisations

across different UK sectors (private, public and not-for-profit) suggesting solutions for

problems arising from that analysis

I.2.Critique and demonstrate the contribution of business and management theories and

practices to the area of business management

I.3. Evaluate, analyse and apply business management theories and practices in the key

areas of business management

I.4. Critique a range of primary and secondary research pertinent to business

management and critically reflect upon it to enhance understanding of the subject and

capacity to think independently

Year Two additional I.5. Evaluate, analyse and apply business management theory to the study of people

management issues within organisations

I.6. Analyse and review the place of business responsibility within business organisations

I.7. Evaluate the impact that business management theories has on performance in the

workplace

I.8. Evaluate a range of contemporary issues that impact upon Business Management

Year Three H.1. Conduct an in-depth critical analysis of organisational theories and critically apply

them to their chosen sector (private, public or not-for-profit) providing rationale for the

recommendations for future developments of that organisation and be able to

communicate this effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences

H.2. Critically analyse a range of Strategic Management issues and apply within an

organisational context

H.3. Conduct an in-depth critical analysis of a range of business management factors from

a global and national perspective.

H.4. Critically review research developments within business management and how they

can inform practice or theory through the completion of an extended Consultancy

Project/dissertation

Year Three additional H.5 Critically evaluate the impact that organisation theories have on different types of

organisations

H.6. Critically evaluate the global/local impact of economics upon social enterprise.

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H.7. Critically analyse the impact globalisation has on social and economic development

H.8 Synthesise the study of business and management through an extended Consultancy

Project/dissertation

Teaching and Delivery

To enable students to learn as effectively as possible, the team has developed a delivery strategy that supports students as they progress through the programme, taking account of their differing needs at each level. Aligned with University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, students will be supported with lectures, attended by all students together, that will map the discipline, providing a general framework in the subject that will enable them to increasingly develop and interrogate, as they grow intellectually. Seminar activities and discussions, in smaller groups, help students to further develop their understanding of the subject and to enhance oral and written communication skills. The seminars also help to develop group cohesion. In weekly, small group tutorials (normally in groups of around ten) students gain the trust they need to try out new skills in a safe and facilitated environment. By working closely with tutors, they will acquire greater confidence in their own abilities.

The normal pattern of teaching is that lectures provide six hours of contact time in the first year, and four in subsequent years; seminars provide four hours per week, and tutorials two separate hours, in all years. In addition tutors are available every week at designated times for one-to-one discussions. Curriculum Diagram - Core

Year Indicative Topics Covered

One Introduction and theoretical underpinning for OB

Individuals in organisations

Human Resource Management (HRM)

Introducing Business ethics and CSR

Decision making in business ethics

Introduction to Strategy

Operations management

Business organisations and the law

Marketing and MIS

Entrepreneurship

Micro economics

Finance

Two Decision Making and Communications

Leadership

Globalisation and markets

Sustainable development and social entrepreneurship

Strategic choice

Project management – planning, costing, cycles and evaluation

Performance and reward management

Knowledge creation

Performance and reward management

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Macro economics

Money theory and social economy

Managing Finance – cash flows, balance sheets and P&Ls

Three Organisational design and change

Performance and reward management

Introduction to Strategic choices

Developments in the third sectors

Strategic Management

Project Management

Enhanced skills development

Portfolio development

Knowledge creation

Management Information Systems (MIS)

Macro economics

Curriculum Diagram - Additional

Year Indicative Topics Covered

One Key OB issues and principles

Intro to organisational strategy

Individuals and groups in organisations

HRM principles and functions

Business in Society

Spatial transformation – the Liverpool story

Strategy & Operations in organisations

Strategy implementation and legal framework

Project Management

Developing and extending skills-set

Marketing

Information systems

Integral economics

Islamic Finance and alternative financial systems

Law

Two Decisions and communications

Leadership development

Organisation culture

Global changes for OB

Global culture

CSR

Entrepreneurship management

Strategic choices at business level

Critical operations management

Young Enterprise skills portfolio and mini research project

Contract Law

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Marketing essentials, strategic and operational

Market structures, factors and failure

Developing Integral Economics

Further analytical skills

Three Decisions and communications

Leadership development

Organisation culture

Global changes for OB

Advanced HRM and HRD

Globalisation and social enterprise

National culture

Inter cultural

Entrepreneurial leadership and global management

Supply and logistics

Management of quality systems; Lean synchronisation

Competitive advantage

Management research and consultancy methods

Developing and enhancing skills

Strategic Marketing

Alternative financial models

Risk analysis

Economic alternatives

Assessment

Assessment tasks have been devised in accordance with the university norms. Examinations are normally

held at the end of each academic year and in addition, students are required to complete a series of

assessment tasks during each year, which are linked to the topics covered in seminars and tutorials. These

typically include Business Reports, Essays, and a portfolio. In their final year, all students are also required

to complete a dissertation.

In addition to this students are provided with multiple opportunities for formative assessment – where

assessments are marked to enable guidance and development, but with opportunities to improve before a

final mark is given. The assessment strategy is designed to develop key business skills in addition to

forming the means of academic progression.

Further Information

Development of Key Generic (transferable) and Subject-specific skills for both core and additional curriculum for students completing an Award in Business Management

Subject Specific Skills:

The range of subject-specific abilities that students would be expected to develop as defined within the QAA

Subject benchmark (2007) and implemented within this programme are:

the inclusion of European, global and international business management principles and practice

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competence in using business management theory, concepts and models of business problems and

phenomena to understand:

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

o customers - customer expectations, service and orientation

o finance - the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other

information systems for managerial applications

o people - the management and development of people within organisations

o operations - the management of resources and operations

o information systems - the development, management and exploitation of information systems and

their impact upon organisations

o communication and information technology - the comprehension and use of relevant

communication and information technologies for application in business

o the changing role and business models of firms, companies and organisations within a rapidly

evolving social and business culture

competence in using cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. This includes the:

o capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence,

o ability to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and

to generalise appropriately

o effective use of problem solving and decision making techniques when using appropriate

quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving business problems.

o ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas

and knowledge to a range of situations

o effective use of communication, oral and in writing, using a range of media which are widely used in

business such as the preparation and presentation of business reports

o numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation

competence in numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and

extrapolation

the ability to analyse, assess and communicate empirical information about business management

the ability to identify and deploy a range of research strategies including qualitative and quantitative methods

and the use of published data sources and to select and apply appropriate strategies for specific research

problems (year two and three).

the ability to examine, interpret and understand the internal workings and external and stakeholder

environment relationships of a business, sufficient to be able to address the organisation’s needs, as a business

consultant (year three).

through the programme of visiting speakers and annual research days, the ability to engage with leading

academics and business management professionals as they reflect on business management policy development

and research and professional practice.

Generic (transferable) skills:

It is expected that students will be able to:

gather, retrieve and synthesise data and information Level

make reasoned arguments and communicate them effectively through presentations, discussions and writing

reflect in critical and constructive ways on their own learning

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become effective at self-management in terms of time, planning and behaviour, motivation

demonstrate knowledge and awareness of information technology and its application

listen and interact with other people and groups taking account of their own and others moral position,

enhancing their ability to negotiate, persuade and present information

increase performance, within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and

project management skills

manage and organise their learning and demonstrate their ability to work autonomously (particularly

year three)

increase their ability to be self-starting, to demonstrate individual initiative and enterprise (particularly

at year two and three)

Special Features of the programme The distinctive nature of the Business Management programme which is holistic in that, in line with the

University Mission, organisation theory and practice is studied within an ethical framework which

recognises that there may be conflicting interests of stakeholders and managerial and/or organisational

concerns and as a result of this, social responsibility of organisations extends beyond the interest of

owners and managers.

This ethical context is further developed and will inform decisions, both personally and professionally,

helping graduates to consider and deal with ethical dilemmas in an increasingly turbulent and complex

environment.

The impact of globalisation is studied and considered, along with the increasing role for social

entrepreneurs in today’s business world, along with the importance of valuing difference, and managing

equality and diversity in organisations and society.

This distinctive and innovative nature is reflected in the fact that the programme has been developed to

meet the demands of undergraduates, employers, employees, voluntary and community workers and

organisations. It is recognised that much of the current management theory focuses upon large

organisations, although management is an activity that is undertaken in a wide range of contexts, so the

design of the programme includes the study of SMEs, VCOs and large organisations in private, public and

not for profit sectors, and where appropriate International Development agencies such as the United

Nations, ensuring students’ knowledge and understanding of Business Management will be holistic in

nature.

No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected, hence, the Business Management programme

contributes to the University’s continuing aim of widening participation.

The team is also of the view that study abroad, in a suitable business environment, is an ideal

enhancement to a student’s degree experience. Hence contacts have been further developed and made

with higher education establishments which include: Berufsakakademie, Karlsruhe, Germany; University in

Lyons, France and Christ College, Bangalore, India, with the aim of facilitating student and staff exchanges.

Inclusive Curriculum Design Statement

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Liverpool Hope University has a ‘… commitment to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity and to

the elimination of discrimination’. http://www.hope.ac.uk/secretarys-office/equalityschemes.html).

The Business Management Single Honours programme is underpinned by an ethical framework (see B1.4

below). The distinctive nature of the Pathway and Programme outlined below (see section b1.4) will focus

students’ attention on issues of gender, race, class and disability. For example, the compulsory HRM &D

course examines equality and difference issues in organisations and society. It is therefore anticipated that

the programme will only have a positive impact in terms of promoting equality and as such, is likely to be

beneficial to a variety of groups of people.

The Business Management Single Honours programme Co-ordinators review statistics of students on their

Programmes relating to gender, race and disability as part of the annual monitoring process

This award recognises that ‘an inclusive curriculum is one where all students’ entitlement to access and

participate in a course is anticipated, acknowledged and taken into account’ (Higher Education Academy,

Inclusive curriculum design in higher education, 2011, p. 7). It seeks to reflect the following principles, as

enunciated by the HEA:

- Anticipatory: Adopting an anticipatory approach reduces the need for reactive and individualised responses that can arise when inclusive issues have not been considered at the design phase;

- Flexible: it is open, versatile and responsive to an evolving student population, and to changes in circumstances that may require adaptations to accommodate student availability;

- Accountable: it encourages staff and students to be responsible for the progress they have made against equality objectives and actions agreed;

- Collaborative: it builds on partnership between students, colleagues and other stakeholders including professional bodies, sector bodies, international partners and employers to enrich the curriculum content and relevance;

This translates into this provision as follows:

- Anticipatory: students are encouraged to think about maintaining a quality experience in the classroom

as a way of widening the interests and aspirations of all students. In this regard the student voice is

heard and acted upon through a number of mechanisms. These include:

o Staff-Student Liaison Committee meetings, the minutes of which are laid before the departmental meeting;

o Monthly meetings between class representatives and the Head of Department; o Student feedback, notably in the small group sessions; o Student representation in the wider framework of Faculty and University Boards and

Committees - Flexibility: Members of the teaching team – often with the support of colleagues in Student

Development and Well Being as well as Student Administration - make every effort, within the framework of University regulations and processes, to meet with individual student needs responsively, creatively and fairly. This approach includes meeting with students in difficulty outside of office hours or, subject to due process, setting alternative assessment forms;

- Accountability: The teaching team and students share a responsibility to uphold inclusivity and fairness for everyone. Through the structure of small teaching groups, in particular, potentially harmful or hurtful behaviour is intercepted and positive relations fostered;

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- Collaborative: To ensure enhanced opportunities for students, the teaching team fosters collaborative relations with a range of professional bodies.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

http://www.hope.ac.uk/undergraduate/howtoapply/entryrequirements gives full details. There are no special requirements.

In certain circumstances the University also permits study that students have already carried out at University level to be taken into account – see http://www.hope.ac.uk/aboutus/governance/qualityassurance/accreditationofpriorlearning/

This specification last updated:

August 2015

Updated by: