BA30032E – Academic Performance Level: 3 Credits: 20 Academic Partner: LSST, UKCBC Academic Year 2020–2021 Module Study Guide Table of contents Key team contact details. 3 1 Module overview.. 3 1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of content 3 1.2 Learning outcomes to be assessed.. 3 1.3 Scheduled contact hours. 3 2 Assessment and feedback. 3 2.1 Summative assessment grid.. 3 2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes. 3 2.3 Learning materials. 3 3 Things you need to know.. 3 3.1 Attendance. 3 3.2 If things don’t go to plan.. 3 3.3 Getting support for your studies. 3 3.4 Student support 3 3.5 Module evaluation – have your say! 3 4 Appendix — Research ethics and integrity. 3 4.1 Research ethics guidance for students. 3 4.1.1 What is research ethics? Why it matters. 3 4.1.2 Surely some types of research raise more ethical issues than others?. 3 4.1.3 How will UWL help me understand and apply research ethics?. 3 4.1.4 Further guidance. 3 4.2 Easy steps to ethical approval 3 4.2.1 How it works. 3 Key team contact details Module LeaderMariet GeldenhuysSubject Area & School/CollegeUKCBCEmailmgeldenhuys@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone LocationUKCBC Academic Support ManagerSobhi D’ CruzEmailsobhi@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone020 8518 4994LocationUKCBC Liverpool street Campus Subject LibrarianLucyEmaillbirch@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone020 8518 4994LocationUKCBC Director QAED & In charge for UWL partnership provisionNaga Sai DinavahiEmailnagasai@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone020 8518 4994LocationUKCBC The Course Coordinator overseeing this module is Ms Mariet Geldenhuys, and can be contacted at mgeldenhuys@ukcbc.ac.uk 1 Module overview 1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of content We have introduced UWLFlex – our new, online, flexible learning platform. UWLFlex has been designed to complement face-to-face learning and build on our reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and student support. We will be able to deliver a University experience that is more collaborative, active, and relevant for an increasingly digital world thus enabling us to provide you with an improved student experience. UWLFlex will provide you with an enhanced range of online tools, to help facilitate your learning whether this takes place primarily on site or online. Welcome to the module. ‘Introduction to Business’. The weekly subjects can be found on the Ulearn and Blackboard VLE. The module aims to provide students with a conceptual understanding of business organisations in relation to their structure, operation, management and environment. The module aims to give students fundamental knowledge and understanding of business organisations and the way they operate. It covers the different types of business organisations and their structure; the main functional areas of an organisation; and includes a glimpse of the business environment. With the aid of learning tools, you will also be exposed to the art of management decision making in realistic business scenarios. Being a level three module, a large part of your training will also incorporate academic skills, such as literature searching, academic writing and referencing. Indeed, some areas of the syllabus will not be taught, so that you can practice researching areas independently. Expectations Specific expectations students can have of tutors: Questions and queries can be emailed to the tutor or use messages on Blackboard and they will respond within 24 hours during the working week. The tutor will respond to each forum discussion in the first 4 weeks after which they will produce a summary response for each week. Learning materials on Blackboard will be available at least two weeks in advance. Formative feedback will be provided on assessments. Specific expectations tutors will have of students: Attendance Active participation in all learning activities Be professional in behaviour and communication Prepare before attending classes If absent, inform the tutor by email in advance as a courtesy Every week will involve preparation activities. These ensure you grasp the subject knowledge and it prepares you for the assessments. You are expected to complete these each week before the webinar. After the webinar there will be activities to help you consolidate the learning for that week. It is expected you participate and complete these before the next week. 1.2 Learning outcomes to be assessed By the end of the module students will be able: LO1: To construct an argument in an academic context LO2: To position yourself within an argument LO3: To apply a range of academic skills and techniques to a real case scenario 1.3 Scheduled contact hours Teaching Contact Hours 48 hoursIndependent Study Hours 152 hoursTotal Learning 200 hours 2 Assessment and feedback 2.1 Summative assessment grid Type of AssessmentWord Count or equivalentThreshold (if Professional Body-PSRB applies)WeightingPass MarkSubmission due-date & timeMethod of Submission & Date of FeedbackCoursework Portfolio1500 (approx.)N/A100%40%Week 14submitted on Turnitin, feedback with 15 working days of due date 2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes There is one summative assessment comprising two parts: • Part A – Academic Skills Reflection (30%) • Part B – Case Study Individual Report (70%) The assessment will take place over weeks 6, 9/10 and week 14 of the module Students will formatively submit the reflection in week 6 (Part A) and there will be an opportunity to obtain feedback on this before final submission in week 14. Part B of the assignment is an individual report based on the case study to be submitted in week 14. In week 14 you will have to submit via Blackboard all parts of the assignment as one portfolio: Reflection – Part A Individual Report – Part B You must achieve a minimum mark of 40% to pass the module and achieve 20 academic credits at Level 3. Your module mark is obtained by aggregating the individual marks for the three parts of the assessment taking into account the weighting for each element. For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at: http://www.uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp Assessment 1 Part A – Reflective Summary You will be asked to formatively submit a written reflective summary of 500 words on the development of your academic skills and what you understand is required to be an effective university student. You should also consider what is required for you to improve the development of academic skills in the form of SMART goals. This reflection should take into account semester one as well as the sessions up to week 6. Opportunities to discuss this and obtain feedback from tutors will be provided in seminars. Weighting: 30% Learning Outcomes Assessed: LO3: To apply a range of academic skills and techniques to a real case scenario Date/time/method of submission: Formative submission in Week 6 via Blackboard. The exact date will be confirmed on Blackboard. Timing and methods of feedback: within 15 working days via Blackboard Word count or equivalent: 500 Assessment criteria: Assessment criteriaMaximum marksAppropriate introduction to text5%Understanding of academic study skills20%Reflection on personal development of study skills20%Assessment of what is required for successful undergraduate studies15%Ability to provide focus for self-improvement15%Ability to organise and structure text10%Ability to use style appropriate language10%Ideas are appropriately concluded5%Total100% Assessment 1 Part B – Case Study Individual Report This assessment will take place in week 14 of the module. You will submit a 1000 word report on the case study you worked on from assessment part B. The report is to be completed individually; you will use the research and feedback from assessment part B and build on that with further research for this part of the assessment. The text must be organised in a report format and all sources used in your report must be correctly cited and referenced using Harvard Referencing conventions; a minimum of 5 sources are required. There will be opportunities to obtain feedback on draft reports before submission in week 14. The report title will be uploaded to Blackboard in week 14. The report should contain: Cover page with name, title of the report, student ID and word count Contents page Main body of text with appropriate headings and subheadings Recommendations References Appendices (optional) Weighting: 70% Learning Outcomes assessed: • LO1: To construct an argument in an academic context • LO2: To position yourself within an argument • LO3: To apply a range of academic skills and techniques to a real case scenario Date/time/method of submission: Submission via Blackboard at the end of week 14. The exact date will be confirmed on Blackboard. Word count or equivalent: 1500 words (plus or minus 10%) Timing and method of feedback: 15 working days after submission on Blackboard Assessment criteria: Assessment criteriaMaximum marksIntroduction 10%Discussion of context20%Critical analysis/evaluation of research30%Organisation of text15%Use of academic writing style / vocabulary and tone of text15%Conclusion / Recommendations10%Total100% The marking scheme for this is assignment will use the following criteria to determine grades: Marking scheme: 100-80%79-70%69-60%59-50%49-40%39-30%29-0%The work produced is exceptional in most/all aspects, substantially exceeding expectations for this level.The work produced is of excellent quality, exceeding expectations for this level in many aspects.The work produced meets all of the intended learning outcomes and exceeds the threshold expectations for this level in several of themThe work produced meets all of the intended learning outcomes and exceeds the threshold expectations for this level in some of them.The work produced meets all of the intended learning outcomes at, but rarely exceeding the threshold expectations for this level.The work produced fails to meet all of the intended learning outcomes and is marginally inadequate for this levelThe work produced fails to meet all of the intended learning outcomes and is inadequate for this level. 2.3 Assessment Support Sessions AssessmentTeaching Weeks in which Assessment Support Takes PlaceOutline of Type and Form of Assessment Support to be providedStudent Preparation Required Prior to or After the Support SessionHow will the support session be deliveredPart A Reflective Academic Writing 500 wordsWeek 3: Review 1st draftFormative feed to be provided on draft Part 1 MS WordStudents to submit their Part 1 draft (MS Word) on Turnitin submission link, and to make necessary adjustment based on any given feedbackFormative feedback given via TurnItIn.Part B: Write a report comparing arguments for and against the use of Child Labour in Supply Chains? (1000 words)Week 5: Advice on how to Practice Group DiscussionStudents explore arguments for/against the use of child labour. Students form 3–4-person debate groupsStudents upload coversheet. Formative feedback provided via email to each debating groupOnline Support SessionWeek 8: Support session on how to structure a reportStudents compare two or three sample reports on a related (but different) topic to their assignment. Assessment Rubric for Part B assignment used to comment on quality structure and coherence of arguments used in the report.Student review Fit To Submit CriteriaOnline Support SessionWeek 12: Review 1st draft Child Labour reportFormative Feedback provided on draft Report (Assessment Part B)Students to submit first draft (MS Word) on Turnitin submission link, and to make necessary adjustment based on any given feedbackSupport offered by via email or TEAMS call based on feedback. 2.4 Reading List Essential Reading Cameron, Sheila. The Business Student’s Handbook : Skills for Study and Employment. Sixth ed. 2016. Print. Cottrell, Stella. Critical Thinking Skills : Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection. Third ed. 2017. Print. Palgrave Study Skills. Recommended McMillan, Kathleen McMillan, Weyers, and Weyers, Jonathan D. B. How to Cite, Reference & Avoid Plagiarism at University. Harlow: Pearson, 2013. Print. Smarter Study Skills. McMillan, Weyers, and Weyers, Jonathan D. B. How to Write Essays & Assignments. 2nd ed. Harlow: Pearson Education, 2011. Print. Smarter Study Skills. Dowson, Paul. Personal & Professional Development for Business Students. First ed. 2015. Print. Lumley, Maryvonne, and James Wilkinson. Developing Employability for Business. 2014. Print. 2.5 Learning materials The reading list for this module is available on Ulearn and Blackboard in the module area and online by searching UKCBC library. You may also access UWL’s uwl.rl.talis.com. This shows real-time availability of books in the library and provides direct links to online resources, recommended by your lecturer. Remember to log into Ulearn and Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available at your module sites! Subject guides (subject–guides–libguides) are also available on Ulearn to help you find relevant information for assignments, with contact details of the Academic Support Librarian for students studying at UKCBC. 3 Things you need to know 3.1 Expectations Specific expectations students can have of tutors: You are expected to attend a live lecture scheduled on a MondayPlease e-mail for an online/phone appointment outside of normal class times for mutually convenient timesRefer to MSG (and all assignment guides/case studies) on BBFormative feedback on their assessments Specific expectations tutors will have of students: Attend all seminars and arrive at classes punctually even if they are online.Practise all the provided materials prior to seminars and prepare answers to questions as per instructions given.Actively participate and engage in class activities.Inform tutor via email when not able to attend any classes.Appointments can be made at mutually convenient times. Please e-mail for an appointment outside of normal class times.Communicate with tutors in a professional manner – Attempt all assessments by the submission deadline unless there are extenuating circumstances (please do contact your tutor and your Module Leader).Behave professionally in classes and not cause any disruption that may affect other students’ learning. It is important that you do at least 152 independent-study hours (referring to the Reading List) on related and relevant topics, which may not be necessarily covered during the lessons, but all will still be assessed. 3.2 Attendance Attendance is crucial for your success as a student. Over the years, it has become clear that there is a very clear link between students’ attendance levels and their module marks, so please make sure you give yourself the best possible chances for success through attending your classes, seminars and tutorials. You are expected to attend all forms of learning activity associated with your course of study regularly, and to engage in your course as required by the University’s Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy. Attendance is monitored using student-card swipe data so please always remember to ‘touch-in’ with your ID card for each class you attend. This may also affect your scholarships, so don’t forget to tap in! International students on a Tier-4 visa have additional requirements in relation to attendance, which are detailed in the Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy. All students should refer to the published Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy – https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/policies-procedures-and-regulations – and if your course is accredited by a professional body, also to specific course requirements. 3.3 If things don’t go to plan The University recognises that there are times when you may encounter difficulties during your course of study and provisions are made to help you. If you are struggling with meeting deadlines please talk to us, whether it’s your course/module leader, personal tutor or any member of staff, speak to them so they can get you the support you need to succeed. You can extend your deadline if you have a good reason why you are not able to submit a piece of coursework on time, apply for an extension before your deadline. A link for late submissions will be available on Blackboard. You have to make an application to your Module Coordinator for any extension requirements. An extension will allow you an extra 10 working days. If an extension is not sufficient and circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from completing your assessment, then you can apply for further extension based on mitigation circumstances and you are required to provide relevant evidence to support such request. Please remember late submission without extension or mitigation will result in penalties depending on how late it is, see University Academic Regulations. You are reminded that the University applies penalties to students who commit an academic offence, in which case the Academic Offences Regulations will be used to deal with any cases of academic misconduct including examination offences, plagiarism and other means of cheating to obtain an advantage. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Student support services offered by UKCBC Administration as well as Academic support teams. Please contact usupport@ukcbc.ac.uk Every class will select their class and course representatives who would coordinate on any of your learning issues and support you in your learning, in addition to the formal and informal support provided by UKCBC and UWL. You are expected to behave in line with UKCBC and UWL expectations, irrespective of whether your interactions with staff and other students are in person or online. As you will be engaging with others online and a range of online materials, it is important to consider how to stay safe online and ensure your communications are secure and appropriate. If you have any questions about how to manage your online UWL activities, please contact your module leader. If you have an issue about the module, you should speak to your Module Leader or Course Leader informally in the first instance. Your Course Representative can also raise your concerns at Course Committees, which take place each semester. If you are unable to resolve it informally, you should refer to the Complaints Procedure which is outlined in the student handbook and consult the Students’ Union about it. The University aims to ensure that issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to have minimum impact on your studies. 3.4 Getting support for your studies Throughout your course of study, you will have access to a wide variety of sources of support depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Your first point of call for getting general academic support is your Personal Tutor. As well as approaching your Module Leader with any questions specifically related to your module and your Course Leader with questions on your Course, do contact your Personal Tutor for academic advice in relation your studies and your academic development. Apart from the University-wide support framework, which encompasses the Module Leaders, Course Leader, the Subject Librarian and your Course Administrator, you will also have at your disposal the UWL Engagement Team. The Engagement Team offers Academic Skills Workshops throughout the year, helping you to develop skills relevant to your degree. Workshops include for instance Essay Planning and Writing; Critical Thinking; Reflective Writing; Group Work and Presentation Skills. Contact the Engagement Team at: Academic.Workshops@uwl.ac.uk Maths Support, English Language support and One-to-one academic support opportunities are also available. For information about all these services go to the Engagement Team’s website – https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/support-services-for-students/engagement-team 3.5 Student support In addition to the support listed in the previous section, there is also more help offered by UWL Student Support Services. These are located in The Street at St Mary’s Road, Ealing campus, but offer drop-in sessions at all UWL sites. They offer a wide range of support and advice services consisting of Student Advice, and Funding & Immigration advice; Careers; Counselling; Disability/Mental Health; Inter-faith Advisor; Placement & Employment; Volunteering; Student Welfare; and Scholarships and Bursaries. Contact Student Services (general) for more information at: Email: studentservices@uwl.ac.uk Tel. 0208 231 2345. 3.6 Module evaluation – have your say! Towards the end of the module you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the Module Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give some direct feedback about the module through a series of questions and free text. Your constructive feedback will help the Module Leader and teaching team to understand the module experience from your perspective and helps inform the development of the module. At the end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be available on Blackboard so that you can see exactly how your voice has been heard.
