Information for Business Module Handbook

School Liaison Manager: Sarah AitkenT: 01865 485714, e: [email protected]

Programme Administrator: Dave AinslieT: 01865 485959, e: [email protected]

Information for BusinessY1 Semester 2

Foundation Degree:Business, Management and

Communication

Module Handbook2012-13

mailto:[email protected]

Business, Management and Communications Foundation Degree © Oxford Brookes University Business School

Information for Business

Module Leader Keith Higgins

Tutor Keith Higgins / Jenny Craig

Start Date – Week 1 21/09/12Reading Week 29/10/12

Please check with your local college for term dates and half term dates.

Contents

Module Description..........................................................................................................2Learning Objectives.........................................................................................................2Module Content................................................................................................................2Teaching and Learning Experiences..............................................................................2Notional Learning Time...................................................................................................2Module Overview:............................................................................................................3

Assignment Brief.........................................................................................................................5Assignment Brief.........................................................................................................................5Assignment Brief.........................................................................................................................6Assignment Brief.........................................................................................................................6Assignment Brief.........................................................................................................................7

General Assignment Information...................................................................................7Learning Outcomes.........................................................................................................9Indicative Reading List:.................................................................................................10Document History..........................................................................................................11Appendix.........................................................................................................................12

Assignment Front Sheet............................................................................................................13Tutor Review Form....................................................................................................................14Student Module Review Form...................................................................................................16Assignment Record...................................................................................................................18


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Module Description

This module gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in how to effectively communicate information within a modern organisation. The focus is on therefore primarily on the internal business environment and how effective information communication relates to business operations and performance.

Learning Objectives

Having completed this module successfully, students will be able to: Explore the range of communication methods that can be used by organisations to share

information internally Demonstrate a practical ability to use and tailor information packages to business

requirements Gain a practical understanding of computer packages such as Microsoft Excel,

PowerPoint, Outlook and the more advanced uses of Word

Module Content

This module is designed to ensure that all students have a good grasp of how to use a variety of business IT packages, and understand the importance of developing and communicating business information. This will involve developing an understanding of underpinning concepts of communication theory and how modern organisations carry this out in term of their networks and business operations.

Teaching and Learning Experiences

Students completing the module will have been given the opportunity to:

Attend interactive lectures and workshops to understand the main aspects of working as part of a group in order to practise and evaluate appropriate skills.

Work in groups to practise relevant skills and exchange feedback on their progress. Reflect on the development of their co-operation skills in their personal journals and

receive tutor’s feedback.

Notional Learning Time

24 hours Lectures, workshops and presentations126 hours Directed study, reading, practical assignments and assessment


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Module Overview:

The objective of this module is for any students not familiar with business to gain a minimum level of understanding and knowledge. For those that have undertaken some form of business studies in their previous learning it will give them an opportunity to review their knowledge and consolidate their learning at graduate level.

Students on this module will undertake a number of practical activities such as video role play and simulations to evaluate their competence in a customer environment. The assessments are designed to be practical in nature to provide opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their capabilities to deal with ‘live’ real time challenging customer service situations.

Date w/c

Due date

Week 1 24/9 Internal business environmentExploring the range of communication methods that can be used by organisations to share information internally

Week 2 1/10 How do organisations communicate effectively?Evaluation of how a particular organisation communicates and how effective this is.

Week 3 8/10 Importance of organisations communicating effectively.What happens if organisations do not communicate effectively? Strategies an organisation could adopt to communicate effectively using business information systems.

Week 4 15/10 Investigate the information economy. Explore a range of ways to compile develop and present business information.Review Hawley Committee and the types of business information, apply to own organisation

Week 5 22/10 Work shopReading week/Half term

Week 6 5/11 Review the Microsoft packages (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and advance uses of Word such as (i.e. formatting and drop down items).

Week 7 12/11 Practical session on Microsoft packageFeatures of Outlook

Assignment 1

Week 8 19/11 Review Word –Advance featuresWeek 9 26/11 Review Excel

Week 10 3/12 Features of PP Week 11 10/12 WorkshopWeek 12 17/12 Presentations

The tutor may need to make minor changes to this delivery plan to accommodate calendar requirements, deadlines and Exam Board dates.

Please check with your college about specific dates as Easter, bank holidays and half terms may affect this schedule.


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Assignment 1 25%

Deadline w/c 12/11/12 Word count 750-1000

Intended Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this part of the Module you will be able to:

Describe the importance of communicating business information effectively in relation to business operations and organisational performance

Select appropriate communication techniques for a range of business information and purposes.

Background:This module will give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in how to effectively communicate information within modern organisations. The focus will primarily be on the internal business environment and how effectively communicating business information relates to business operations and performance.

Assignment 1In a formal report you need to research a chosen organisation and evaluate how the organisation communicates business information. You need to describe the importance of communicating this information effectively in relation to business operations and operational performance. This report should also include recommendations for appropriate communication techniques for a range of business information and purposes.You have the opportunity to use your workplace for this assignment.

General Assignment Information

Please confirm with your tutor exact details of who the assignment should be given to and by what time.

One hard copy of the assignment should be handed in with an Assignment Front Sheet attached. The assignment should be supplied in a format which will be easy to photocopy, such as a report folder, please do not bind. Include two copies of any supporting printed material. The Assignment Front Sheet can be found in the appendix.Take with you one extra copy of the Assignment Front Sheet so that this can be signed and returned to you as a receipt.

One electronic copy should be supplied to your tutor either by e-mail or on CD. This should contain as much of the assignment as possible. If you have referred to documents not available electronically such as corporate literature this may be excluded from the electronic copy.

All work must be word-processed, please use double spacing and number pages. Please provide a word count at the end of each assignment. Your leeway on the word count is +/- 10% (e.g. your 2,000 word assignment should be between 1,800 and 2,200 words). Assignments below or above this range will be marked down accordingly.


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You must use the Harvard Referencing System. Each assignment must also include a bibliography acknowledging the source of the information included in your assignment. You will lose marks if you fail to do either or both of these things.

Your tutor may give you an indication of your grade but a provisional mark can only be obtained following the moderation meeting. The aim is to give each student a grade and written feedback within 2 weeks of the moderation meeting date. The final grade and mark you obtain for this module will be confirmed and published only after the meeting of the Foundation Degree Examinations Committee which will be held in July.


5


Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding Taught Practised Assessed

Describe the importance of communicating business information effectively in relation to business operations and organizational performance

Recognise the most effective communication techniques for given business situations

Demonstrate the key features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Professional Skills Taught Practised Assessed

Select appropriate communication techniques for a range of business information and purposes.

Effectively use the key features if Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Transferable Skills Taught Practised Assessed

Self management Learning skillsCommunication TeamworkProblem solving Information Technology


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Indicative Reading List:

Bessant, A (2004) Learning to pass ECDL syllabus 4.0 using Office XP Oxford: Heinman

Educational

Chaffey, D & Wood, S (2005) Business Information Management: Prentice Hall

Matthews, C (2004) Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Maidenhead: McGraw Hill/Osborne


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Document History

Date Rationale Who by Loc Brief Description of changes made

Resulting Version No

07/09/09 Sally Tait OBU Version 112/10 Sally Tait OBU Amendments made as result of

programme reviewV2

Please update the table when any changes are made to this document. This will ensure all users can confirm they have the latest version and will avoid unnecessary duplication of work.

A change can result from any number of activities such as: References checked Correction of text Change in assessment dates or procedures New names to be added or contact details changed Alterations to the order of delivery

However it is not possible to make any amendments to the course content or coverage without discussions with the School Liaison Manager since content change may invalidate the qualification unless validated by an appropriate body.

The format of the document should not be changed without first contacting the School Liaison Manager (SLM).

All changes should be made by the relevant module leader in association with the SLM and the document saved as a new version number if the master is changed. If the change is to add college specific information please retain the same number but add the college initials after the version number A copy MUST then be forwarded to the Course Administrator for central filing. OBU will then take accountability for distribution to all other relevant parties


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Appendix


9


Assignment Front Sheet

Name (PRINT)

Student Number

Course

Module

Assignment Description/TitleWord Count Is this a

resit? Y / NDue Date

I confirm that the assignment detailed above is my own unaided work.

Signed......................................................................

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please retain ONE signed copy of this document as a receipt for your work.

Received on .....................

by.......................................................................

Signed..............................................................................................

on behalf of ...................................................................... College.


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FD Business, Management and Communications

Tutor Review Form

Please complete and return to the Programme Administrator at least one week before the relevant Moderation Meeting.

ModuleDate Tutor Name Your assessment of the Student Reaction to this Module

What were the key skills and learning gained by the students?

How well do the assignments and the content meet the needs of learners?

What recommendations do you have for changes to this module?

General Points

On the reverse please enter average scores for the group and list any specific recommendations you feel provide valuable feedback, or attach the student sheets.


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I found the module:

Not Very VeryInteresting 1 2 3 4 5Motivating 1 2 3 4 5Informative 1 2 3 4 5Well structured 1 2 3 4 5Relevant 1 2 3 4 5

What recommendations do you have for any changes to this module in the future?

I found the tutor:

Not Very VeryInteresting 1 2 3 4 5Motivating 1 2 3 4 5Informative 1 2 3 4 5Well structured 1 2 3 4 5Helpful 1 2 3 4 5

What advice do you have for any tutor teaching this module in future?

I found the assignment(s):

Not Very VeryInteresting 1 2 3 4 5Motivating 1 2 3 4 5Relevant 1 2 3 4 5Challenging 1 2 3 4 5

What further support would you have liked in your assignments?


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FD Business, Management and Communications

Student Module Review Form

Please complete and return to your tutor or Programme Lead within 2 weeks of completing the module

Module Tutor NameDate Student NameThe most useful topic covered in this module for me was?

The least useful topic covered in this module for me was?

How have I applied what I have learnt in my place of work?

What advice do you have for future students?

What recommendations do you have for future tutors?


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I found the module:

Not Very VeryInteresting 1 2 3 4 5Motivating 1 2 3 4 5Informative 1 2 3 4 5Well structured 1 2 3 4 5Relevant 1 2 3 4 5

What recommendations do you have for any changes to this module in the future?

I found the tutor:

Not Very VeryInteresting 1 2 3 4 5Motivating 1 2 3 4 5Informative 1 2 3 4 5Well structured 1 2 3 4 5Helpful 1 2 3 4 5

What advice do you have for any tutor teaching this module in future?

I found the assignment(s):

Not Very VeryInteresting 1 2 3 4 5Motivating 1 2 3 4 5Relevant 1 2 3 4 5Challenging 1 2 3 4 5

What further support would you have liked in your assignments?


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Oxford Brookes UniversityBusiness, Management and Communications Foundation Degree

Assignment Record

Module Title........................................................................................................

Assignment title/description............................................................................

Module Number......................................... Date Handed in........................

Student name.....................................................................................................

Student number........................................... Received by.............................

Tutor comments

Points for improvement

Use of English is good with few if any errors

Use of English is sound

There are weaknesses in your use of English

Please see your marking tutor about your use of English

Marker’s Signature Date

Moderator’s signature Date

Sent to External Examiner YES/NO Grade/Mark


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Percentage Mark Description – Assignment 1 – Business Information

0-29% (Fail) The student demonstrates very little relevant knowledge and/or understanding of the subject.

30-39% (Refer) Some evidence of knowledge and awareness of the relevant concepts and theories, but the work does not demonstrate a sufficient level of understanding and/or depth of analysis and/or degree of synthesis to achieve a pass standard.

40% (D) The student demonstrates understanding and awareness of both the relevant concepts and literature at a pass level.

41-49% (C) There is some evidence of knowledge and understanding of some concepts and theories introduced during the module which are demonstrated through the construction, design and presentation of the investigation.

50-59% (B) The student demonstrates an understanding of the main issues covered in the area. Theories and/or concepts are introduced during the module which is demonstrated through the construction, design and presentation of the investigation.

60-69% (B+) The student demonstrates a very good understanding of relevant theories/ concepts in the area, and the work is soundly based in its analysis, findings and conclusions.

70% (A) The student demonstrates an unusually deep understanding of an issue. The work is outstanding and draws upon well conducted research and analysis to provide genuine insight.


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Percentage Mark Assessment 2 – 75%0-29% (Fail) Work at this level will contain little or no understanding of the computer packages.

The presentation will show limited PowerPoint features and will be of a poor standard. There will be neither analysis nor justification.It will contain many presentational errors.

30-39% (Refer) Work at this level will contain a very limited practical understanding of the computer packages.The PowerPoint presentation will show few presentation features and will be of a mediocre standard. There will be no justification into why the packages were chosen and no analysis. It may contain many presentational errors.

40% (D) Work at this level will illustrate some competence into the practical understanding of the computer packages.The presentation will show a modest amount of PowerPoint features and will be of a reasonable standard. It will be descriptive and will not introduce independent ideas. It will be informative but not critical. The work will contain some presentational errors.

41-49% (C) Work at this level will demonstrate some creativity and will illustrate a moderate level of competence into the practical understanding of the computer packages.The presentation will show a fair number of PowerPoint features and will be of a reasonable standard. The arguments will be sound and the work will demonstrate clearly the student’s own independent thinking and critical ability. It will be largely descriptive and will not introduce sufficient independent ideas nor justification. It will be informative rather than critical. The work should not contain a large number of presentational errors.

50-59% (B) Work at this level will demonstrate creativity and will illustrate a moderate level of competence into the practical understanding of the computer packages.The presentation will show an appropriate number of PowerPoint features and will be of a good standard. The arguments will be sound and the work will demonstrate clearly the student’s own independent thinking and critical ability. Although largely descriptive, it will demonstrate some critical evaluation. The work may have some presentational errors.

60-69% (B+) Work at this level will demonstrate a good level of creativity and a will illustrate a high level of competence into the practical understanding of the computer packages.The PowerPoint presentation will show a high number of PowerPoint presentation features and will be of a high standard. The arguments will be sound and the work will demonstrate clearly the student’s own independent thinking and critical ability.

70-100% (A) Work at this level will demonstrate a high level of creativity and a will illustrate a high level of competence into the practical understanding of the computer packages.The presentation will show a high number of PowerPoint features and will be of a high standard. The arguments will be sound and the work will demonstrate clearly the student’s own independent thinking and critical ability.


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Documents

Information for Business Module Handbook