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IBS International Business School Lippstadt 

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CONTENTS

Page Number Message from the Dean of the Faculty 4 Message from the Head of Sunderland Business School 5 Message from the Programme Leader 6 THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND 7 Sunderland 7 The University 8 Campuses (Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's and City Campus) 9 Faculties 11 To Contact the University 11 Your University Student Email Account 12 THE STUDY CENTRE 13 Introduction to the Study Centre 13 To Contact the Study Centre 13 Study Centre Teaching and Assessment Schedule 14 Study Centre Student Services 14 Study Centre Resources 15 STUDY SKILLS 17 Preparing for Assessment 20 UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND LIBRARY SERVICES 22 Joining the University of Sunderland Library 22 Electronic Resources 23 Borrowing Books from the University 23 Using your Local Libraries 23 Need Help? 23 Bibliographical Referencing Using ‘Cite Them Right’ 24 PROGRAMME INFORMATION 25 Programme Structure 25 Programme Assessment and Study Hours 25 Programme Aims 25 Programme Objectives 26 Programme Outcomes by Module 26 MODULE INFORMATION 27 Learning Materials 27 Module Descriptors 27 CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES 38 Withdrawal and Leave of Absence 38 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 38 Assessment Distribution 38 Assessment Registration 39 Referred / Deferred Work 39 Extensions 40

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Extenuating Circumstances (Mitigation) 40 Loss of Assignments 41 Assessment Marking and Moderation 41 Results, Transcripts and Feedback 41 UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES 42 Programme Support 42 Registration Period 42 Percentages and the Degree Classification Matrix 42 Equality and Diversity Statement 43 Student Complaints Procedure 43 Academic Appeals Procedure 43 PLAGIARISM: A GUIDANCE NOTE FOR STUDENTS 44 What is Plagiarism? 44 The University’s Policy of Plagiarism 44 How to Avoid Plagiarism 45 What Happens if you’re Suspected of Plagiarism 45 Your Views 47 Appendix 1 Useful Internet Links 48 Appendix 2 Changes to Personal Details Form 49 Appendix 3 Withdrawal Form 50 Appendix 4 Leave of Absence/Return to Study Form 51 Appendix 5 Assessment Request Form 53 Appendix 6 Assignment Coversheet 54 Appendix 7 Mitigation Form 55 Notes 56

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY Welcome to the University of Sunderland. I am delighted that you have chosen to study with the Faculty of Business and Law and I hope that your time on the programme is fulfilling, challenging and fun. The Sunderland brand is continually renewed and expanded through the inclusion of new programmes that add to our international portfolio. The programmes that we offer provide a leading edge in international skills and knowledge from the business world which will prepare you for your future career. You will be joining a worldwide learning community covering four continents from Europe to Africa through the Caribbean to South East Asia. Students on this programme currently study at a range of University approved study centres worldwide and at a distance via our on line study options. The Faculty acknowledges the need for flexibility in terms of the mode and timing of study therefore students can engage in study at times that fit around their personal and professional lives. I wish you every success in your studies and welcome the opportunity to meet many of you during the University visits to your study centre. Prof Bernie Callaghan Dean Faculty of Business and Law

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SUNDERLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL Welcome to the Sunderland Business School, part of the Faculty of Business and Law. The School offers a comprehensive range of study options ranging from Foundation Degrees through to doctoral studies for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas such as business, management, finance/accounting, leadership, marketing, enterprise, human resource management and Tourism. We are home to a truly international campus of more than 2500 students and over 70 academic and associate staff. The School engages with research and organisational training and consultancy for the business community as well as providing high quality academic programmes consistent with the leading Business School’s of the 21st Century. Our mission is to focus on delivering a high quality student learning experience and enhancing the employability options for our students both on and off campus. The School views it’s off campus students as a key part of our strategy going forward. We continue to invest heavily in upgrading our academic materials to support the programmes, our support for partner centres and in providing high quality customer service through our dedicated Academic Support Team. We visit our partners on a regular basis and in so doing look forward to meeting as many of you as possible to share your experiences of becoming a member of the extended Sunderland UK learning community. Mr Chris Marshall Head of Sunderland Business School Faculty of Business and Law

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MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAMME LEADER Welcome to the Undergraduate Distance Learning Programme operated by the Faculty of Business & Law. You will be studying for the University of Sunderland BA (Hons) in Business Management (BABM). In an era where knowledge is highly valued, Distance Learning is playing an increasingly important part in the life of the University and in industry and commerce. The programme allows you to study for a degree using high quality materials, which have been written to accommodate the specific needs of distance learners and supported by the relevant research expertise of the associated staff. To support you in your studies, you will have access to the Library Services here at the University. Ensure that you make full use of this facility. The BABM Top Up degree programme is designed to equip you with the necessary, advanced business related skills and knowledge to enhance and improve upon your previous academic or vocational studies. We pride ourselves on listening to your feedback to permit us to tailor the style and delivery of the programme. Enjoy your studies. What you are able to achieve through the Faculty of Business & Law will help you with your career in the future. Mr Alec Bickerton Programme Leader Faculty of Business and Law

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THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND SUNDERLAND Sunderland has everything you would expect from a major city. Arts, culture, sport, heritage and history are in plenty supply. But the city also has a few extras. Sunderland has the added advantage of being a city by the sea in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, with Newcastle, Northumberland and the North Yorkshire Moors on the doorstep.

Sunderland is one of the UK's most up and coming cities. A vibrant music and club scene, café style culture, premiership football and riverside apartments are making Sunderland a desirable place to live. New industries - not just businesses - are seeing the benefit of having a presence in the city. The bold Sunderland Software City initiative will create a vibrant software industry expected to attract millions of pounds of investment, employ thousands of people and generate considerable wealth for the city. The University is seen as being key to the success of this vision. Sunderland has been an important centre for education since 674 AD, when Benedict Biscop built St Peter's Church and monastery. Among its early students was a seven-year-old boy who became known to history as The Venerable Bede, a renowned scholar and teacher. The broad sweep of river bank surrounding the ancient church of St Peter's is now the setting for our award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. The first stained glass ever made in England was created for St Peter's Church and the modern site is, appropriately, home to the National Glass Centre - a prestigious building in which our glass and ceramics teaching and research are based.

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The National Glass Centre

THE UNIVERSITY The University has been providing higher education in the city since 1901. The key to this longevity is its ability to adapt to change - something that former Education Secretary Estelle Morris highlights: "The University is extremely good at adapting - constantly seizing new agendas and changing with society...when new ideas are announced academia trails in their wake, taking too long to adjust but Sunderland takes its opportunities and leads the field." This approach has led to many awards and we are regularly asked to pilot new Government initiatives and projects. We're proud to be one the best 'new' universities in the UK for the overall quality, quantity and range of research. Our links with business and industry are also strong. We have close working relationships with some of the world's leading blue-chip companies. The University is central to the £300m film academy and studios at Seaham, a coastal town just ten minutes drive from Sunderland City Centre. We are working with local organisations and an international consortium on the Centre of Creative Excellence. The project involves establishing a world class centre for film and media, including a film studio complex, student campus and educational buildings, parkland, hotels and leisure facilities.

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CAMPUSES The University has two perfectly placed campuses - one by the sea, the other in the city centre. More than £60m has been spent on both in the past few years to ensure our facilities match the quality of our courses. Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's

On the banks of the River Wear you'll find the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, which has won numerous design awards and was recently named one of the top five campuses in the UK with a 'wow' factor. The impressive David Goldman Informatics Centre - an extraordinary building which has been described as a 'computing cathedral', is here as well as our Faculty of Business and Law. Faculty of Business and Law Atrium

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Another addition to the Sir Tom Cowie Campus is the Media Centre, which is helping to put Sunderland at the forefront of UK teaching and research in media with cutting edge studios, edit suites and equipment and a 200-seat cinema.

City Campus At our City Campus we have made a multi-million pound investment to create our new Gateway, a 'one stop shop' for student services and information. It enables students to tap in to resources and help - from careers and financial advice to welfare, accommodation and student support. It also provides an attractive open access learning space and catering facilities helping students to get the most out of student life. Our state-of-the-art Sports Science Centre has a range and quality of hi-tech equipment that is normally used only by sports science professionals. We have exciting plans to significantly enhance our sports development provision and are committed to the development of a new Sports and Social Centre. The new centre will incorporate a six badminton court sports hall, spectator gallery, fitness suite, catering and retail outlets, climbing wall, multi-purpose room, sports injuries service, as well as a large social space. Our other excellent facilities include the impressive Murray Library and the science complex, a modern range of laboratories for students undertaking science programmes.

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FACULTIES The University is made up of four academic departments known as Faculties. Our Faculties are responsible for teaching and learning, academic development and research, and working with partners in business and industry. The Faculties are: Faculty of Applied Sciences Faculty of Arts, Design and Media Faculty of Business and Law Faculty of Education and Society The University also has a number of services that provide a variety of support to students. These include: Academic Services International Office International Student Support Learning Development Services Libraries Student and Learning Support Students Union

As a registered student with the University you are entitled to make use of all its Faculties and services. Your main contact with the University will be with the Faculty of Business and Law, which administers your programme, and University Library Services (which includes the library), which will support your study.

TO CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY In order to simplify your dealings with the University, your first point of contact should be to your Study Centre who will either deal with your request for information or ensure you are referred to the correct person or department at the University for a speedy response. However, if you wish to contact someone at the University about any aspect of the course, then please contact the Programme Administrator by letter, telephone, fax or email. The administrator will forward your query to the appropriate person. Contact Details are:- Angela Westhall Programme Administrator Faculty of Business and Law The Reg Vardy Centre St Peter’s Campus St Peter’s Way Sunderland SR6 0DD United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 191 515 2328 Fax: +44 (0) 191 515 2335 email: info@ibs-lippstadt.de

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YOUR UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND STUDENT EMAIL ACCOUNT As a student of the University of Sunderland, you will be provided with a University of Sunderland email address at the time of your first enrolment via your study centre. You will need to check your University email inbox on a regular basis, to ensure that you receive all communications sent to you. This enables us to communicate with you electronically in a reliable and effective way. The University has agreed a policy that all email communication with students will be through the address provided by the University and although students will have the ability to forward their email to another personal email service (such as hotmail or google) the University will always communicate through the email address provided by the institution.

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THE STUDY CENTRE INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY CENTRE

The Centre offers a range of international undergraduate programmes from its secluded location in Lippstadt – Bad Waldliesborn, Germany. The Centre provides undergraduate programmes for students from across Germany.

The Centre offers the IBS Diploma in International Business Administration with special fields of study within the award covering General Management, Media-, Culture- and Event Management, Hospitality- and Tourism – Management, Real Estate Management, Sports Management and Business Psychology.

The Centre offers an MBA Programme and a DBA Programme of the University of Surrey (UK) as well. The Centre has established links for offering the MBA Programme and the DBA Programme with the Surrey Business School, University of Surrey (UK). In addition the Centre has a number of European and overseas links with regard to the compulsory study abroad semester of the IBS Diploma. The building holds a spacious number of rooms. Facilities to support some residential accommodation are to be found in the IBS surroundings and in the picturesque village Bad Waldliesborn.

TO CONTACT THE STUDY CENTRE You, the student, are ultimately responsible for your own learning, for undertaking the work required of you to at least a satisfactory standard and complying with the Study Centre and University rules and regulations. Your Programme Co-ordinator is the person who has overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate learning opportunities are provided for you. They also see to the staffing of the Programme and monitor the effectiveness of the course. Your Programme Tutors are the persons whom you will see on a regular basis. They teach and support you through the course. The method of delivery of the tutorial sessions is designed to offer complete candidate flexibility and can therefore consist of a mix methods (Telephone, Post, E-mail, Fax, Face to face and On-line). The tutorial process is viewed as an essential aspect of development and support for students. It is informally based and designed to encourage two-way communication, either peer-to-peer or student-to-tutor.

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As such it includes the following:

The channelling and dissemination of information. Discussion regarding candidate personal development needs. Counselling where appropriate.

Contact details are as follows: Title Name Email Address Location/Office Telephone

Number

Programme Co-ordinator Dr. Matthias Zünkler

zuenkler.matthias@international-business-school.de

Room 43 +49 (0) 2941 944444

Study Centre Administrator Dr. Matthias Zünkler

zuenkler.matthias@international-business-school.de

Room 43 +49 (0) 2941 944444

Technical Help Nils Bertling info@ibs-lippstadt.de Room 41 +49 (0) 2941 944445

Strategic Management Accounting APC309 Tutor

Dr. Hans-Günther van Allen, MBA

info@ibs-lippstadt.de Room 3 +49 (0) 2941 944478

Strategic Management of Human Resources HRM325 Tutor

Dr. Hans-Günther van Allen, MBA

info@ibs-lippstadt.de  Room 3 +49 (0) 2941 944478

Marketing Strategy MKT306 Tutor

Gernot König MBA

info@ibs-lippstadt.de  Room 2 +49 (0) 2941 944444

Managing Projects SIM335 Tutor

Dr. Hans-Günther van Allen, MBA

info@ibs-lippstadt.de  Room 3 +49 (0) 2941 944478

Strategic Management SIM336 Tutor

Gernot König MBA

info@ibs-lippstadt.de  Room 2 +49 (0) 2941 944444

Contemporary Developments in Business Management SIM337 Tutor

Dr. Bernd Bochmann, MBA

info@ibs-lippstadt.de  Room 3 +49 (0) 2941 944444

STUDY CENTRE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE The BABM modules are taught in the summer semester (March – June). Students shall sign the attendance list. The Centre Administrator checks the attendance lists on a regular basis. STUDY CENTRE STUDENT SERVICES The BABM modules are taught by the approved tutors. Personal Tutor Support is available. Additional tutors can be reached by e-mail and phone. Bachelor student/staff committee meetings are scheduled on a regular basis at least once a semester. Information can be accesses on the Intranet and on notice-boards. News is circulated via e-mail by the Centre Administration. Technical and Library Support is available from Monday to Friday during the opening hours of the office.

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The administrative office is open from 0730 to 1700 on Tuesday and Wednesday and 0730 to 1400 on Monday, Thursday and Friday. The Student support system is accessible via the Intranet with past and sample assessment papers. A Career Centre is operated by the external consultancies MLP and www.ulmato.de. Both companies offer regular single and group coaching sessions in room 40. Career planning is available by appointment. Students with disabilities can only use classrooms on the ground floor. Health, safety and security are guaranteed by an extensive quality and safety internal and assurance system with respect to German law and legislation. The internal quality system is monitored on a yearly basis by an external auditor. The auditor commonly makes proposals to improve the quality standards already established. STUDY CENTRE RESOURCES The Centre has adequate AV equipment to support the programmes.

IT Hardware: 1 PC Lab with 17 Desktop intel i3 SSD Personal Computer with 1 Gbit LAN Network, Network Laser Printer and 64 Mbit Cable Broadband Internet Access plus Wlan Router

1 PC Lab with 1 Gbit LAN Network, Network Laser Printer and 64 Mbit Cable Broadband Internet Access plus Wlan Router

Wireless LAN Access in all class rooms (with the exception of room 31) IT Software: Windows 7 Professional 64 bit MS Office 2010 Professional with Service Packs SAP ERP Enterprise SAPGUI 7.2

Symantec Security Package Several additional software packages

The Centre maintains an IT laboratory with appropriate software and hardware to support the programmes on offer. Both laboratory areas are accessible on a free use basis. Students have free access to email, printers, Internet and WLan from the location.

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Students are provided with the relevant core module text books and study material (workbooks). Moreover, the library gives them access to programme relevant journals and periodicals. The library is equipped with a PC with Internet Access. The Centre maintains multiple copies of BABM core texts and a range of English and German texts in the library to support Diploma, BABM and MBA Teaching.

Via the Centre’s Intranet the students have access to the EBSCO Host Research Databases Business Source Elite, Regional Business News, Communication & Mass Media Complete and Hospitality & Tourism Index.

The students have additionally access to the German University Libraries and Library Catalogues via Internet.

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STUDY SKILLS Using Flexible Learning Effectively Definitions of open or distance or flexible learning vary but commonly they describe a form of learning that has some flexibility. The flexibility can relate to the time, place or speed of learning and usually all these factors are under the control of the learner. Think of flexible learning as being equal to a full-time place at university. Remember all those things you have done and achieved in the past and appreciate that you learnt them by actively practising. You can never be good at driving a car or word-processing if all you do is read the manual! Using the activity-based approach to learning will enhance the way you learn and research indicates that you will remember what you learn for longer. Your Responsibilities You have probably chosen this method of learning because of its flexibility. It allows you to fit your studies with your lifestyle and gives you the freedom to choose when, where and how to study. But along with that freedom comes responsibility. You will invest a lot of time and money into studying by this method and therefore, you must be very clear about why you are doing it. You may find it worthwhile to list those reasons and keep them in a prominent place to remind yourself when your motivation is low. Planning your Time Many people have experience of studying in a formal system of school or college but not many of studying by this flexible method. When your first module arrives you may be a little anxious about starting because you don't know how to begin. The first thing to consider is how to organise your time. You are likely to have other demands on you already and now you need to study. Only you will understand your working habits best and know when you are most alert, so try to identify which time of day is going to be most effective for study. Plan your study carefully. Remember that the average attention span is about 20 minutes and after that time you need to change your activity. This could mean that you read for 20 minutes, write for 20 minutes and think for 20 minutes. You may find that it is more effective for you to study for an hour each day rather than leave everything to the weekend. You are more likely to work without interruption, you are more likely to pay attention and you are more likely to remember information. Hopefully, you will also still find time to see your friends and family and do other things. We have estimated that each 20 credit module requires about 200 hours of learning time. This is not meant to be a precise figure, but a guide. You may find it takes longer than this to complete a module, especially at the beginning when you are out of practice. You may find it takes less time because it relates to a subject that you know about already or one that you find particularly interesting. The flexible learning material that you have received contains all the information that you require to pass the course. This means that you can sit down and start studying the material immediately. Nevertheless, you will find it useful to supplement the module material with further reading and you will need to apply the knowledge that you gain. Finding a Place to Study Not all of us have our own private study. Most of us have to manage with the kitchen table, our bedroom or a local library. Wherever you study you will need somewhere to keep your learning materials safely together and a space where you can spread yourself out. Even if you have your own study it does not mean that you will use it effectively. If you have a computer you might decide to check out a web site or send a few emails. You might also decide that you can't begin studying until all your pencils have been sharpened and your desk is clean and tidy. These are known as avoidance strategies and some of us use them to avoid starting a task, which might be difficult. Remember that you can study in more than one place. If you travel frequently by bus or train, or you can take a break at lunch time, you might try using these ‘bits of time’ to do a little studying. You don't have to carry all your study material around with you but you could try carrying some of it, or a notebook, so you can write down ideas or summarise sections you are studying.

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Studying Actively Perhaps in the past you have sat quietly and read a textbook for a couple of hours and convinced yourself that you were studying hard and yet, you can't remember a lot of what you read. You wasted much of your time because you were studying passively. There are several things that you can do to make your study more active and the material you have been sent is intended to be used in this way. The learning material contains many activities with feedback that you have to look at after you have attempted the activities. It is very tempting to avoid these activities or just go straight to the feedback. Behaving like this will make you a passive learner. Actually doing the activities and writing down your responses will help you to remember what you have learnt. To be successful you must take the activities seriously. At the end of most units there are self-assessment questions (SAQs) to help you to check your progress. Another way to make your learning active is to write down summaries of what you have read either in a notebook or on file cards. This makes them portable and thus a useful tool for revision or refreshing your memory when you have few minutes to spare. Making summaries also helps you to distil the information to a few key points and allows you to identify what is important. Guide to Reading and Making Notes Reading is a core activity for most students. However, the sort of reading we are obliged to engage with at university is very different from the sort of reading we might choose at home, such as reading novels and magazines. When we read academic texts, we are often trying to understand ideas which we have not previously encountered, which may not be very interesting and which may be quite complex. Therefore, as well as being able to read, we also need a way of ‘engaging with’ or ‘getting into’ the text. One recommended method for effective reading is known as SQ3R, developed by Francis P. Robinson (1946). At first this may seem like a very clinical approach to a task, which clearly involves thoughts and feelings and it may not be appropriate for every text. However, if you are able to apply its broad principles you may find it helpful. SQ3R is explained below: S = Survey Q = Question. R1 = Read. R2 = Recall R3 = Review Survey Spend a minute or two, quickly scanning the text you are going to read in order to gain an overall impression. With a textbook you might want to look at the title, date of publication, content’s list, summary and / or introduction. With a journal article there may be an abstract, which summarises the key ideas and the text may be structured using subheadings. This process may prevent you from reading texts which are not relevant or helpful to your studies. Questions Write down some questions which you expect to find answers for in the text. While this does not necessarily make texts interesting, it does give reading a purpose. Do not be afraid to begin with very simple questions and move on to more complex ones as you read more and begin to understand the subject better. For example, you may begin by asking ‘what do x and y mean?’ and then go on to ask, ‘what is the relationship between x and y’ or ‘to what extent does x affect y?’ Read Read the text once without making any notes. If the text is particularly long you may wish to break it into sections or stages. Decide beforehand where the section breaks will be. As you read, keep in mind your questions and also keep asking, is the text relevant? Is the author stating facts or opinions and can I make use of this information?

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Recall Most of us forget what we have read within a few minutes. Therefore it helps to stop reading after a while and try to recall the important points of a text. This activity encourages us to concentrate, helps us to remember and allows us to put ideas into our own words. Note: you must acknowledge your sources in assessed written work, even when you are not using direct quotations. Review Reviewing is about checking your notes against the text to ensure you have either recalled all the main points or recalled them accurately. It is also an opportunity to see if you can now answer any of the questions which you set yourself at the start, and whether any new questions have emerged. While this approach still requires some effort on your part, and it may not always be appropriate or effective, it may encourage you to think more strategically about reading rather than avoiding it altogether or spending lots of time reading with no obvious benefit. Making Notes As with reading, effective note taking is an active process. It is not an active process to copy words from a book onto paper. After all, a bright 7 year old could probably do that with any text but the result would not be a set of good notes. Active note taking means asking yourself, what or who are the notes for? What is the text about? What are the main ideas?

Why Take Notes You might want to take notes for a variety of reasons; to focus concentration, to aid memory and understanding, to summarise texts for revision so you can use the ideas in essays or written assignments or perhaps so that somebody else can use them. Recognising that there are different reasons makes it easier to see why there is no single way of making notes. Main Ideas Good notes should pick out the ‘bones’ of an argument or key ideas in a text, especially those that are relevant to your studies. Often the main idea in a single paragraph will be contained in the first or second sentence. The supporting sentences may clarify the idea for you but you probably don’t need to record those once you have understood the main idea. If you find it difficult to find the ‘main idea’ in a paragraph or series of paragraphs, you could use a procedure (Rubin, 1983), which is helpful. This approach is based on the following text analysis: What is the topic of the paragraph or paragraphs? What is special about the topic? If you can answer these 2 questions you have identified the main idea. Signposts As you read, keep an eye open for words and phrases in the text which signal key ideas such as, ‘The most important...’, ‘Essentially...’, In conclusion...’. ‘The main point is...’ and so on. You may even find it helpful to read an author’s conclusion first so you know in advance where an author is leading. Style of Notes Broadly speaking there are two styles of notes, linear and diagrammatic. It is perfectly acceptable to adopt one style exclusively, alternate styles, or use different styles at different times. Unless you are making them for someone else, notes are your personal record and as long they are meaningful and useful to you it doesn’t matter what they look like. There may be times when you need lots of detail and others when you just need an outline.

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Linear notes are most effective when used with wide margins so comments, questions and ideas can be added subsequently with sub-headings, which will give your notes structure. Other annotations such as circles, arrows, underlines and use of colour can help to highlight themes and show the relationship between two ideas. You may also find using abbreviations for common words or words that occur frequently help you to speed up the process. Review Your Approach If you spend time making notes, then it is important that they serve their purpose. Keep checking that your notes make sense and are useful to you. PREPARING FOR ASSESSMENT Try to think of the assessments as an opportunity to obtain external feedback on your performance. The worst that can happen is that you do not pass, but you will still be able to breathe, the sun will still come up the next day and you can always try the assessment again. If you have prepared yourself adequately and used the materials actively as intended, then it is likely that you are well prepared. Remember also that the assessor does not want to take marks off you, but to award you with marks for the correct information. Preparing for an Assignment If the module is to be assessed by an assignment or a report, at some stage you will have to turn your attention to starting it. The questions will be given to you, along with a date for your work to be handed in. There are two schools of thought about attempting the assignment, the first is based on the information from the module being read and absorbed before you start formulating the answers to the questions; the second allows you to study the module with the questions firmly in your mind and address the answers as you go through the reading material. Whichever way you approach the task, you will have to start writing at some time and it is suggested that you do not leave it too late. Preparing for an Examination One of the advantages of flexible learning is that it is up to you to decide when you are ready to take an examination. Mature students can lack confidence if they have been away from study for a long time. They may even find the thought of taking an examination causes anxiety. If you can answer all the self assessment questions correctly in the module, and you have prepared yourself by studying actively, then learning has taken place. You are ready to take the examination. Each module is assessed four times in any academic year and the exam assessment days are in January, April, July and October, so set yourself a target date and work towards it. If you suffer from nerves during an examination, try to reduce your anxiety by practising good examination technique:

Make sure you are adequately prepared, don't leave your revision until the last minute. In the last 24 hours, ensure that you are well rested and not too tired to work. Ensure that you know where the examination is to be held and that you have everything you need

for it. Arrive in good time, not too early and not too late. Try not to listen to any anxious chatter of other students outside the examination centre, it might

make you nervous. When you see the examination paper, make sure that you read the instructions slowly and carefully

before you begin. When you know how many questions you are required to answer, determine which ones you will

attempt and work out how long you have for each one. Allow 10 minutes at the end of the examination period to check your answers for errors or

ambiguity.

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Read all the questions through slowly and carefully so that you are very clear about what is being asked.

Answer the question you feel most confident about first, this will help you relax into the examination. Take care not to spend more than the allotted time on it.

Always answer as many questions as the instructions tell you. It is much harder to achieve enough marks to pass if you omit questions.

As we tend to write more important information at the beginning of an answer than at the end, take care not to spend too long on one answer, you may miss out a question because you are short of time

If your mind goes blank don't waste time trying to remember; go on to another question and the information may come back

If you feel anxious try and relax by taking long, slow breaths After the examination try not to waste time going over it in your head. There is nothing you can do to

alter the result.

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UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND LIBRARY SERVICES The library is here to support all learners with high quality learning and information services at a time and a place that is best for you. We offer a wide range of services to students who are registered on designated distance learning courses. As a student studying off-campus you are able to access all these services from the comfort of your PC desktop, wherever you are in the world. These services include:

Automatic Registration Help from library staff Access to electronic journals and databases Access to the library’s online catalogue Information Skills support Document Delivery Postal book loans (UK only) Access to other libraries (UK only) Online Support by email, blogs, Live Chat, Facebook or twitter

If you are visiting the University at any time, staff will be happy to meet you help you to find your way around the library. Just send us an email or give us a call to let us know when you will be arriving. Using the Library Off-Campus You may access all library services from the My Sunderland website at: https://mysunderland.ac.uk. There are dedicated web pages for students studying off-campus:

1. Click on the Library Services link and you will be taken to the library website. 2. Click on the ‘Services For’ link and then ‘Students’. 3. Choose the link that best describes you.

The library web pages contain information on all of our services and how you can use them to find the resources you need. JOINING THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND LIBRARY You are automatically registered with the library once you are enrolled on your programme. You will receive an email to your University Email account containing your Athens username and password. This will be sent to you within 1 week of your student registration with the University. Your Athens username and password will enable you to access our great range of electronic resources. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES From the library website you have access to a range of resources, including electronic journals, online databases and electronic books. You will need your Athens username and password to access the library’s electronic resources. Please check your University Email Account to obtain your Athens Account.

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Where to find Electronic Resources All electronic resources can be accesses through the library web pages. Journal Articles: use Journal Search to search for and download full text journal articles – you will need to login to Journal Search with your University User ID and Password. Electronic Books: Use the Library Catalogue to search for electronic books. When an e-book is available a link will be provided on the catalogue record. You will need your Athens username and password.

Online help…...whenever you need it The library website provides a range of online support to help you make the most of library services. We recommend before using the library online that you take some time to work through the Online Library Induction. This includes screencasts, video tutorials, screenshots and self test questions to introduce you to our resources and services. We also provide a range of help guides which you can download from the library web site. Simply Visit the ‘Help’ area of the library web site. Requesting Documents not Available Electronically If you require material that is not available electronically we will try to obtain it for you by either photocopying from our own stock or from the British Library. Check the Library web pages for more information. BORROWING BOOKS FROM THE UNIVERSITY We will send books from University Library stock to UK based distance learners by mail without charge. Requesting books couldn’t be easier - simply go to the Off-campus area of the library website and click on the postal book loans link where you will find an online postal book loans form. You will need your library card number when requesting items from the library. USING YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIES We would encourage you to use your local public or academic library. University libraries often allow students of other institutions to use their library facilities free of charge and we can assist with any permission required. The University of Sunderland is a member of the Sconul Access scheme which allows Sunderland students to access and borrow from over 170 participating University libraries within the UK. You can find out more about the scheme from the Library Website. NEED HELP? Library Blogs – http://uosliboffcampus.tumblr.com/ The Off-Campus Library Blog contains library news, help using library resources, guides, recommendations and more. Subject Blogs are available from the ‘Support for your Subject’ web pages. Check regularly for news, information and advice about using library resources. Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/UoSliboffcampus Follow us on twitter for news, tips, information about resources and more. You can also contact us on twitter.

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Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/UniOfSunLib University Library Services are now on Facebook so you can ‘like us’ and receive library updates to your wall. Contact us – library staff are here to help and support you. There are a number of ways that staff and students can contact the library: Email: Distance Services Officer: Leanne Young, leanne.young@sunderland.ac.uk General Library Email: libraryhelp@sunderland.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 191 515 3391 Live Chat: more information about Live Chat is available on the library web site. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCING USING 'CITE THEM RIGHT' 'Cite them Right' is an excellent guide to the Harvard and British Standard systems of bibliographical referencing and to avoiding plagiarism. Students and staff of the University can access the electronic version of 'Cite them Right' by logging into https://my.sunderland.ac.uk with your User ID and Password then clicking on the 'Learning' tab along the top and then choosing 'Citing and Referencing.' The book can also be purchased from bookshops. Bibliographical details are Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2008) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide . Newcastle upon Tyne: Pear Tree Books.

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PROGRAMME INFORMATION PROGRAMME STRUCTURE The structure that makes up the BA (Hons) Business Management programme is given below. By embarking on the BA (Hons) top-up degree, you will be taking all six stage 3 modules. All six stage three modules are core modules and are not options. Please note that the content of the programme may change as a consequence of the University's Quality Assurance procedures. This is to ensure that the curriculum is constantly kept up to date. PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT AND STUDY HOURS

MODULE CODE

MODULE STUDY HOURS

CREDITS Assessment

APC309 Strategic Management Accounting

200 20 Assignment

HRM325 Strategic Management of Human Resources

200 20 Examination

MKT306 Marketing Strategy 200 20 Assignment

SIM335 Managing Projects 200 20 Assignment

SIM336 Strategic Management 200 20 Assignment

SIM337 Contemporary Developments in

Business Management

200 20 Examination

PROGRAMME AIMS The aims of the BA (Hons) Business Management Top-up Programme are:

To enable students to demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external environment in which they operate and how they are managed

To assist students to develop a range of subject specific and transferable skills which will prepare them for a career in a wide range of commercial and not-for-profit organisations

To develop and maintain an awareness and understanding of business in a regional, national and international context

To develop students’ transferable skills of analysis, judgement, communication and independent learning

To widen access to undergraduate business management courses for students by providing a flexible mode of delivery, with appropriate student support and guidance.

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PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES The objectives of the programme are expressed here in terms of the intended learning outcomes. On completion of the degree the student will be able to: Knowledge K1 Critically evaluate a range of business models and concepts in business and apply them to specific

business situations K2 Appreciate the significance of the global environment on business at regional, national and

international levels K3 Understand how business skills are applied to a range of organisations from small business to large

global enterprises Skills S1 Integrate and critically evaluate a range of conflicting business arguments and evidence S2 Demonstrate an understanding of relevant contemporary theories and concepts across a range of

business areas S3 Apply independent research skills to a range of business and management issues

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES BY MODULE

AP

C30

9

HR

M32

5

MK

T30

6

SIM

335

SIM

336

SIM

337

Integrate and critically evaluate a range of conflicting business arguments

Demonstrate understanding of relevant contemporary theories and concepts across a range of business areas.

Critically evaluate a range of business models and concepts in business and apply to a range of situations.

Appreciate the significance of the global environment on business at regional, national and international levels.

Understand how business skills are applied to a range of organisations from small to global enterprises.

Apply independent research skills to a range of business management issues.

Demonstrate precise skills in the collation and analysis of financial information

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MODULE INFORMATION LEARNING MATERIALS You will be given text-based materials for each module. Above all the materials are an aid to facilitate learning as well as textual theoretical information; they contain practical activities, which have been designed to enable you to apply theoretical principles and frameworks to the practical setting of the working environment. Try to use your own background when completing the activities and draw the best ideas and solutions you can from your work experience. If possible, discuss your ideas with other students or your colleagues; this will make learning much more stimulating. Remember, if in doubt, or you need answers to any questions about the programme or how to study, ask your tutor. MODULE DESCRIPTORS

CODE: APC309 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 3 FACULTY: BUSINESS AND LAW MODULE BOARD: TOP-UP PRE/CO-REQUISITES: NONE LEARNING HOURS: 200 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: Knowledge K1. Critical understanding of a range of key strategic management accounting models and

concepts K2. Critical understanding of local and international level developments within management

accounting K3. Critical understanding of the role and limitations of management accounting theory Skills S1. The ability to apply the key management accounting concepts and methodologies in order to

contribute to successful decision making in an organisation CONTENT SYNOPSIS An introduction to strategic management accounting Relevant costs for decision making Activity based costing Pricing decisions Budgeting Management control systems Variance analysis Performance management Transfer pricing

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TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS Directed and undirected reading plus centre based tutor support. Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Lectures: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks 24 hrs Seminars: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks 12 hrs Surgeries: 1 hour per week for 11 weeks 11 hrs Self-directed study and individual assignment: 12.75 hrs per week for 12 weeks 153 hrs Total 200 hrs ASSESSMENT METHODS Summative assessment The module will be assessed by a single integrative individual assignment and this will test all learning outcomes from the module. This will be based on either a case study or developed scenario that will form a synthesis of all elements of the module together with an academic discussion which focuses on models and concepts developed within the module. Formative assessment Students will be required to complete and submit a selection of activities from the course materials and receive feedback on progress from an allocated Tutor Assessment 001 – assignment

Sequence Assessment Type

Marking Scheme

Weighting %

Qualifying Mark

Pass Mark

001 Assignment UCMS 100 35 40 INDICATIVE READING LIST The following are designed to support the module, to provide a contextual background to the subject area and to provide underpin the topics covered in the learning pack. Main text: Drury, C. (2009) /Management Accounting for Business/, 4th Edition. Cengage Learning. Supporting texts: Proctor, R. (2009) /Managerial Accounting for Business Decisions/, 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall. Atrill, P. and McLaney, E. (2009) /Management Accounting for Decision Makers/, 6th Edition. Prentice Hall. A number of journals are all available on the /Emerald/ system. Students will be encouraged to use the internet as a source of contemporary material for their studies. To facilitate this, students will be given a list of journals and websites where relevant information is not only freely available, but is always up to date.

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TITLE: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES CODE: HRM325 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 3 FACULTY: BUSINESS AND LAW MODULE BOARD: TOP-UP PRE/CO-REQUISITES: NONE LEARNING HOURS: 200 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: Knowledge K1. An understanding of the origins and models of human resource management K2. Critical understanding of the relationship between business strategy and the core human

resource competencies required within organisations. K3. Critical understanding of a range of SHRM policies applied to a range of organisational

contexts K4. Critical understanding of the HRM variables that can support organisational development and

change Skills S1. The ability to demonstrate the cognitive skills of critical thinking and analysis S2. The ability to conduct effective independent research from arrange of theoretical and empirical

research sources S3. The ability to diagnose and formulate relevant HRM policy interventions consistent with

organisational goals CONTENT SYNOPSIS The module begins with a review of the nature of strategy in HRM and evaluates the various models in achieving strategic interventions in a range of business contexts derived from strategic management. The module reviews the relationship of Personnel departments with respect to designing and delivering HRM interventions, the current and historical barriers to Personnel leading on HR and change management. A range of contemporary ideas on redesigning the role of Personnel are reviewed before the module evaluates the range of HR policies that make up a strategy ; recruitment and retention , performance management , human resource development , employee relations, reward. The module concludes by examining HRM interventions in the light of the organisational development literature and practice. The basis of employee attitudes, commitment and cultural change are examined in terms of employee competence development through HRM Amplified Content. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS The Module is being delivered in Tutor supported distance mode at approved study centres. Students receive an extended set of learning materials and a Module guide outlining the main teaching programme. Students are expected to complete self study of the materials which in conjunction with a core text will provide essential course knowledge and formative feedback on progress. Study Centres provide a programme of teaching comprising workshops, lectures and seminars to enable students to underpin their knowledge of the materials and to provide an opportunity to contextualize the learning about HRM in their own country. This will be typically introduced through case studies and will relate to the core principles in the module materials. The module aims to provide a participative learning environment.

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Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Lectures: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks 24 hrs Seminars: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks 12 hrs Surgeries: 1 hour per week for 11 weeks 11 hrs Self-directed study and individual assignment: 12.75 hrs per week for 12 weeks 153 hrs Total 200 hrs ASSESSMENT METHODS Assessment 001 - A three hour open book examination to assess all learning outcomes

Sequence Assessment Type

Marking Scheme

Weighting %

Qualifying Mark

Pass Mark

001 Exam UCMS 100 35 40 INDICATIVE READING LIST Mankin David, Kelliher Clare, Truss Catherine (2011) Strategic Human Resource Management. Oxford University Press Leopald, .J and Harris, L. (2009) The Strategic Management of Human Resources, 2nd Edition. FT Prentice Hall. Boxall, P. and Purcell, J. (2008) Strategy and Human Resource Management, 2nd Edition. Palgrave Macmillan. Bolton, S.C. and Houlihan, M. (2007) Searching for the Human in Human Resource Management: Theory, Practice and Workplace Contexts. Palgrave Macmillan. Millmore, M., Lewis, P., Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Morrow, T. (2007) ‘Strategic Human Resource Management’. Contemporary Issues. FT Prentice Hall. Senior, B. and Fleming, J. (2006) Organisational Change, 3rd Edition. FT Prentice Hall. Cummings, T.G. and Worley, C.G. (2005) Essentials of Organisational Development and Change, 8th

Edition. South Western College. Thomson Learning. A number of journals are all available on the /Emerald/ system. Students will be encouraged to use the internet as a source of contemporary material for their studies. To facilitate this, students will be given a list of journals and websites where relevant information is not only freely available, but is always up to date.

TITLE: MARKETING STRATEGY CODE: MKT306 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 3 FACULTY: BUSINESS AND LAW MODULE BOARD: TOP-UP PRE/CO-REQUISITES: NONE LEARNING HOURS: 200 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: Knowledge K1. Critical understanding of the nature of marketing strategy and its significance for the

organisation K2. Critical understanding of the drivers and factors affecting the choice of marketing strategies K3. Critical understanding of appropriate models and techniques that aid the strategic marketing

process

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K4. Critical understanding of contemporary marketing issues and problems in a strategic context Skills S1. Research skills S2. The ability to interpret advanced information and marketing data handling skills S3. The ability to assess communications skills to develop effective relationship marketing CONTENT SYNOPSIS The module aims to review the nature and scope of marketing strategy and evaluate how strategies are developed given different organisational contexts. The module considers that strategy is a fundamental pattern of present and planned objectives, resource deployments and interactions of an organisation with markets, competitors and other environmental factors. The module lays the foundation by appraising the mechanics of marketing strategy, considering the evolving models and practices that are essential to the development and implementation of strategy. The module examines contemporary issues and problems that dominate the thinking of marketing executives as they establish and execute a range of marketing strategies. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS The module is being delivered in distance learning mode at Tutor supported Centres. A variety of learning methods will be used. Students will be expected to read the module guide and supported text reading and complete a range of self study activities to underpin the students’ knowledge and develop analytical skills in respect to meeting the learning outcomes. All activities have feedback included. Students will have access to an academically qualified tutor who will offer workshop or online support. Students will be able to work with other students either on line or in workshops depending on the nature of the Centre approval. The following outline of the activities students will be engaged with depending on the model of distance support. Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Lectures: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks 24 hrs Seminars: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks 12 hrs Surgeries: 1 hour per week for 11 weeks 11 hrs Self-directed study and individual assignment: 12.75 hrs per week for 12 weeks 153 hrs Total 200 hrs ASSESSMENT METHODS Students will be required to submit one piece of summative assignment which will assess their knowledge of the Marketing syllabus in detail. Students will develop an integrated approach to applying their knowledge and skills. Students will also have an opportunity to develop a range of problem solving, communication and diagnostic skills through a critical evaluation of marketing concepts in contemporary contexts. Students will be invited to submit aspects of their learning activities for local Tutor feedback prior to the final assessment to assist them with preparation for final assessment across the skills range. This assessment will address all learning outcomes.

Sequence Assessment Type

Marking Scheme

Weighting %

Qualifying Mark

Pass Mark

001 Assignment UCMS 100 35 40 INDICATIVE READING LIST Dibb, S. Simkin, L. Pride, M.P. & Ferrell, O.C. (2006) /Marketing: Concepts & Strategies / 5th Euro. Ed. Houghton Mifflin

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Hollensen, S. (2010) /Marketing Management: A Relationship Approach /2nd Ed.Financial Times/ Prentice Hall. Brassinton, F. & Pettitt, S. (2006) /Principles of Marketing/ 4th Ed. Financial Times/ Prentice Hall. Kotler, P. Armstrong, G. Wong, V. & Saunders, J. (2008) /Principles of Marketing/ 5th Euro. Ed. Financial Times/ Prentice Hall. Farrell , O.C. & Hartline, M.D. (2008) / Marketing Strategy 4th Ed./ South Western CENGAGE Learning// Walker, O., Mullins, J. and Harper, B. (2008) /Marketing Strategy: A Decision Focussed Approach/. McGraw Hill Companies. Doyle, P. and Stern, P. (2006) /Marketing Management and Strategy/, 4th Edition. Prentice Hall. Blythe, J. (2009) /Principles & Practice of Marketing /2nd Ed. South Western CENGAGE Learning A number of journals are all available on the /Emerald/ system. Students will be encouraged to use the internet as a source of contemporary material for their studies. To facilitate this, students will be given a list of journals and websites where relevant information is not only freely available, but is always up to date.

TITLE: MANAGING PROJECTS CODE: SIM335 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 3 FACULTY: BUSINESS AND LAW MODULE BOARD: TOP-UP PRE/CO-REQUISITES: NONE LEARNING HOURS: 200 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: Knowledge K1. Critical understanding of a range of models and concepts associated with the management of

projects K2. Critical understanding of projects from a financial, human resource and time related

perspective K3. An appreciation of the requirements for control and the application of control mechanisms K4. Critical understanding of the relationship between time, cost and quality and the alternate

approaches available for managing them Skills S1. Critical thinking and analysis skills S2. The ability to apply and evaluate tools and techniques associated with the management of projects S3. Reporting and diagnostic skills CONTENT SYNOPSIS The module will define the nature of projects and their management. Various aspects will be considered including financial control and management of risk, human resource elements (building and leading a multi disciplinary tem) and the control of time. The module will examine the integration of time, cost and quality aspects of projects through the application of relevant tools and techniques. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS The module is being delivered in distance learning mode at Tutor supported Centres. A variety of learning methods will be used. Students will be expected to read the module guide and supported text reading and

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complete a range of self study activities to underpin their knowledge and develop analytical skills in respect to meeting the learning outcomes. All activities have feedback included Students will have access to an academic Tutor who will offer workshop or online support. Students will be able to work with other students either on line or in workshops depending on the nature of the Centre approval. The following outline is indicative and will vary between Centres and approved resources: Independent use of Distance materials/Text On line / Workshop supported learning Use of Supporting references and University Electronic Library Preparation for assessment (including formative activities) Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Lectures: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks 24 hrs Seminars: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks 12 hrs Surgeries: 1 hour per week for 11 weeks 11 hrs Self-directed study and individual assignment: 12.75 hrs per week for 12 weeks 153 hrs Total 200 hrs ASSESSMENT METHODS Summative assessment The module will be assessed by a two part single integrative individual assignment and this will test all learning outcomes from the module. This will be the production and analysis of a network diagram together with a report on a real scenario that will define how to fully manage a specific project to achieve the goals set out in the assessment. This will allow students to demonstrate their learning in respect of management of resources generally but in particular elements of time, finance and human resource Formative assessment Students will be required to complete and submit a selection of activities from the course materials and receive feedback on progress from an allocated Tutor.

Sequence Assessment Type

Marking Scheme

Weighting %

Qualifying Mark

Pass Mark

001 Assignment UCMS 100 35 40 INDICATIVE READING LIST Key Text Field, M and Keller, R (2007) Project Management. The Open University

Supporting Texts Burke, R. (1999) Project Management; Planning and Control Techniques, 3rd Edition. Wiley, Chichester.

Nicholas, J.M. (2004) Project Management for Business and Engineering – Principles & Practice, 2nd Edition. Elsevier Maylor, H. (2003) Project Management, 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall Financial Times Boddy, D. (2002) Managing Projects – Building and Leading the Team. Prentice Hall Financial Times A number of journals are all available on the /Emerald/ system. Students will be encouraged to use the internet as a source of contemporary material for their studies. To facilitate this, students will be given a list of journals and websites where relevant information is not only freely available, but is always up to date.

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TITLE: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT CODE: SIM336 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 3 FACULTY: BUSINESS & LAW MODULE BOARD: UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENTAND TOPUP PRE-REQUISITES: NONE LEARNING HOURS: 200 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: Knowledge K1. Understanding of the origins and various approaches to strategy K2. Understanding of the complexity of the relationships between the organisation and its

environment K3. Understanding of international/global strategic thinking K4. Understanding of the application of strategy ideas in practice Skill S1. The ability to analyse the complexity of organisations and their environments S2. The ability to synthesise earlier, diverse and possible piecemeal studies of the organisation and

assimilate new theoretical models and offer solutions relative to strategic issues S3. The ability to evaluate existing models and methodologies against observations of the practices

of real organisations CONTENT SYNOPSIS The module aims to be integrative and cumulative in that it draws together the purposes and methodologies of the functional areas of business policy and strategy which are usually studied separately and to show how they contribute to the overall purposes and aims of the organisation. This synthesis is usually considered in relation to the environment in which the organisation exists and with reference to a timescale projected into the future. The challenge for the student is to analyse complex organisations and their environments as well as the relationships between the two and evaluate models and methodologies against observations of the practices of real organisations. The module reflects the process of strategic management and the key schools of strategy in the context of stable or shifting, national and global environments. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS This is taught on campus and off campus as a distance learning module delivered at Tutor supported centres requiring the students to work through a study guide that introduces the subject material and takes the student through a range of activities and case studies. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own work and organisational experiences. Students will be expected to read the module guide and supported text reading and complete a range of self study activities to underpin their knowledge and develop analytical skills in respect to meeting the learning outcomes. All activities have feedback included. Off campus students will have access to a local academic Tutor who will offer workshop or online support. Students will be able to work with other students either on line or in workshops depending on the nature of the Centre approval. The following outline is indicative and will vary on and off campus and between Centres. Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Weekly lectures and seminars 12 weeks @ 3 hours 36 hours Self directed study and individual assignment 12 weeks @ 13.67hours per week 164 hours

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Total 200 hours

ASSESSMENT METHODS The assessment will be by one individual assignment. All learning outcomes will be assessed. The standard University Regulations relating to the Infringement of Assessment Regulations apply. All work must be referenced using the Harvard Referencing System. Sequence Assessment Type Marking

Scheme Weighting

% Qualifying Mark Pass Mark

001 Assignment UCMS 100 35 40 INDICATIVE READING LIST Primary

Johnson, G. Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2008) Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th Edition, Pearson Education Limited.

Additional

De Wit, B. and Meyer, R. (2010) Strategy Process, Content, Context. An International Perspective, 4th Edition, CENGAGE Learning.

Mintzbery H., Ahlstrand B., Lampel J., (2008) Strategy Safari The complete guide through the wilds of strategic management, 2nd Edition, FT Prentice Hall. Stacey, R. D. (2000) Strategic Management & Organisational Dynamics – The Challenge of Complexity, 3rd Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall.

Whittington, R. (2001) What is Strategy and does it matter? Routledge.

A number of journals are all available on the /Emerald/ system. Students will be encouraged to use the internet as a source of contemporary material for their studies. To facilitate this, students will be given a list of journals and websites where relevant information is not only freely available, but is always up to date.

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TITLE: CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS IN BUSINESS AND

MANAGEMENT CODE: SIM337 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 3 FACULTY: BUSINESS AND LAW MODULE BOARD: TOP-UP PRE/CO-REQUISITES: NONE LEARNING HOURS: 200 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: Knowledge K1. Critical understanding of the different frameworks within which organisational decisions are

made K2. Critical understanding of how organisations might respond to external global forces Skills S1. Competence in the analyse of a of range of theoretical concepts and apply them to practical

business problems or issues S2. Competence in assessing the factors affecting business performance in international markets CONTENT SYNOPSIS Evaluation of the political, economic, social, technological and ecological environment as it affects a

range of private and public sector organisations and businesses. Globalisation and its effects on business decision-making. Impact of changing political and economic frameworks on the conduct of organisations (e.g. regulatory

oversight, collaborative partnerships, strategic alliances, etc.). Nature of knowledge management and innovation and their effects on the structure and working

practices of organisations. Development of trading and political blocs and the effect on enterprise in organisations operating

within those blocs. External drivers for change (e.g. growing corporate social responsibility, governance issues, rapidly

changing patterns of innovation, demands for service quality, etc) and their effect on organization performance sustainability.

Nature and patterns of investment decisions and their affect on organisational location, financing and market choice.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS For Distance Learning students: Directed and undirected reading plus centre-based tutor-support. Lecture/workshops will be determined by agreement with each study centre. Breakdown of 200 Learning Hours Lectures: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks 24 hrs Seminars: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks 12 hrs Surgeries: 1 hour per week for 11 weeks 11 hrs Self-directed study and individual assignment: 12.75 hrs per week for 12 weeks 153 hrs Total 200 hrs ASSESSMENT METHODS

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Assessment 001 - An examination based on the student’s own research into the impact of a range of environmental factors on an organisation or industry of their own choice. This assessment will cover all the module learning outcomes.

Sequence Assessment Type

Marking Scheme

Weighting %

Qualifying Mark

Pass Mark

001 Exam UCMS 100 35 40 INDICATIVE READING LIST Main Text: Hamilton L. and Webster P. (2009) /The International Business Environment/, Oxford University Press Supplementary Texts: Brooks, I., Weatherston, J. and Wilkinson, G. (2011) /The International Business Environment: Challenges and Changes/, 2nd edn. Financial Times Press Capon, C. (2009) /Understanding the Business Environment/, 3rd edn. FT Prentice Hall Guy F. (2009) /The Global Environment of Business/, Oxford University Press Harrison A. (2010) /Business Environment in a global context/, Oxford University Press Worthington, I. and Britton, C. (2009). /The Business Environment, /6th edn. FT Prentice Hall A number of journals are all available on the /Emerald/ system. Students will be encouraged to use the internet as a source of contemporary material for their studies. To facilitate this, students will be given a list of journals and websites where relevant information is not only freely available, but is always up to date.

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CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES Any changes to your personal details e.g. name or address should be reported to the programme coordinator on the appropriate form which will then be sent onto the University. A copy of the changes to personal details form can be found in appendix 2. If you change your name, you must submit a copy of legal documentation supporting the change. Please make it clear which address the University is to use as a correspondence address for you. Failure to keep the University informed of your correspondence address will mean that your assessment information letter, results letter, etc., may be sent to the wrong address. The University may impose a charge for re-issuing certificates where students have moved and not notified them correctly. WITHDRAWAL AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE A leave of absence is, when you withdraw from the programme temporarily but intend to return to your studies at some point in the future. If you wish to withdraw or to request a leave of absence from the programme, you must inform your Programme Co-ordinator and complete the relevant form. The completed form will be sent onto the University for processing. The form must be completed in advance and include details of the last day of attendance and expected return date for leave of absences. Before considering taking a Leave of Absence, careful thought should be given to the consequences and future difficulties that this may cause, such as a lack of continuity, or pressure on time at a later stage or the financial and fees implications. When you return from a leave of absence, a return to study form will be required. Please note that students cannot take leave of absence during the first year of study and that the withdrawal policy should be followed. A copy of the Withdrawal form can be found in appendix 3 and the Leave of Absence Request form / Return to Study form can be found in appendix 4. A link to the University Leave of Absence Policy can be found in appendix 1. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES There are four assessment opportunities each year in January, April, July and October. Your Study Centre will provide you with a teaching and assessment schedule during your induction to the programme. Module leaders at the University write assessments papers for all modules at each of the four periods. A breakdown of the assessment methods for each module can be found in the module and programme section of this handbook. Marking and moderation is undertaken at the University. The Assessment of students is conducted in accordance with the Undergraduate Regulations (see appendix 1). A student guide to the regulations is also available to you (see appendix 1). You will have a maximum of four attempts to pass a module. The first assessment and re-assessment of every module is included in your fee; and any other re-assessment (i.e. third and fourth attempt) in a module will cost £75. The maximum mark obtainable if the re-assessment is referred work (at the 2nd, 3rd or 4th attempt) is a pass at 40%. Where the re-assessment is deferred work the mark stands, but this would follow acceptance of mitigation (see below). ASSESSMENT DISTRIBUTION Assignments, pre-seen examination case studies and examination guidelines will be made available to you normally 8 weeks in advance of the hand in/exam date via your study centre.

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ASSESSMENT REGISTRATION Some modules are assessed by assignment and some by examination. You need to judge when you would like to be assessed. There are only certain dates that you can be assessed for the individual modules in January, April, July or October. This gives you the flexibility to design your own timetable and prepare for the assessment it when you are ready. The deadline for applying for assessment is a MINIMUM of six weeks before the official hand in / examination date, using the Assessment Request Form (ARF). Failure to apply for the assessment will mean that you could be excluded from that assessment at that time. If you fail to meet the deadline for submission, you will not be permitted to submit your assignment. Please complete the Assessment Request Form (ARF) at the back of this handbook and ensure it is submitted to your study centre in plenty of time. Please note: All exams are of three hours duration. Unless otherwise specified in the module workbook or individual exam guidelines, students are not permitted to bring any material into the examination with the exception of writing implements and a non-programmable calculator unless otherwise stated. Examinations can only be held at approved study centres. The steps to take to be assessed are:-

1. Apply to your study centre on the Assessment Request Form before the published deadline: applications that arrive after the deadline cannot be accepted.

2. Complete the Assessment Request Form: this means filling in the form properly with all your details including your University of Sunderland registration number. Faxed or photocopied forms will not be accepted. The module code allocated to your module must be completed on the form.

3. You may apply for a maximum of three assessments in any one sitting. You should discuss with your Study Centre an assessment plan for your studies. Please remember that each module requires a minimum of 200 hours study time.

4. If payment is required for the assessment, please include this with the Assessment Request Form. First assessment and re-assessment for each module is free if taken at your Study Centre and third and fourth attempts at a module will be subject to a fee of £75.

5. Check that you have completed each of the forms correctly: if not, your application may not be processed in time for the date you wish.

REFERRED / DEFERRED WORK If you fail a module, please refer to the individual assessment feedback provided by the marker. This will assist you, should you decide to retake the assessment. Re-assessments will only be awarded a ‘pass’ (or fail) grade unless mitigation has been accepted. Your first assessment and first re-assessment are free, however you will be charged a fee of £75 for your third and fourth attempt at a module assessment. If you are referred or deferred in an assessment, you are expected to submit your referred piece of work at a time to be specified by the Assessment Board. (This will generally be at the next available assessment period but plus one). Failure to submit within this timeframe will again mean that a non-submission with a mark of zero will be entered onto your record for that assessment. The Assessment Board may then decide not to allow you to repeat the module with attendance.

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EXTENSIONS You can apply for a brief extension to the hand-in deadline for a piece of work. This extension can be for no more than 72 hours and must be agreed by the Programme Co-ordinator. Only one extension can be given for each module and examinations are exempt from extensions. The maximum time given is (3 days) 72 hours which includes weekends and bank holidays. There must be a ‘good reason’ for you to request an extension, such circumstances that are exceptional and not foreseeable or preventable. Pressure of work, computer breakdown, loss of disk etc. would not be regarded as examples of good reason. EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES (MITIGATION) Mitigation or extenuating circumstances are exceptional circumstances, outside your control, that have prevented you from either demonstrating or acquiring the skills, knowledge, competencies required to meet the learning outcomes associated with an assessment that contributes to the qualification for which you are studying. Examples of extenuating circumstances might include bereavement, serious short term illness or accident (for example, something that in employment would have led to absence on sick leave), evidenced worsening of a long term health condition, or significant adverse family or personal circumstances. Examples of what would not be considered as extenuating circumstances are claims of medical condition without reasonable evidence, or with retrospective medical evidence i.e. a doctor’s note which states that the student was seen (after the illness occurred) and declared they had been ill previously; a long-term health condition for which the student is already receiving reasonable adjustments and which has not changed in severity or impact, minor illness or ailment, which in a work situation would be unlikely to lead to absence from work, poor practice (for example, failing to keep back-ups of documents), holidays and financial issues, or where there is a reasonable case that the circumstances were foreseeable and preventable. Any student who presents themselves at an examination and takes that examination, or who submits a piece of coursework, or attends and takes part in a presentation, practical session, or any other form of assessment cannot then put in a later request for extenuating circumstances. They will be deeming themselves 'Fit to Sit' if they thereby engage in the assessment and no allowance will be made for any difficulties they later wish to claim affected their results. Only in extreme situations where illness occurred during an examination or presentation will any consideration be given and only then if this has been reported at the time to the invigilator or presentation examiner. Applications for Extenuating Circumstances after the relevant assessment board has met will not be considered. You must complete a mitigation form (see appendix 7), making sure to include all modules affected and submit this to your study centre so that it can be forwarded to the University within one week of the examination/assignment hand in date. Mitigation forms must be accompanied by appropriate supporting evidence such as a sick note from a GP. This evidence must be sent to the University along with a completed mitigation form in order for mitigation to be considered. The mitigation panel will meet to discuss all mitigation claims. All mitigation decisions will be included on your transcript of results. A link to the University procedures for Extenuating Circumstances Policy can be found in appendix 1. Note to students on medical and similar evidence: If you wish to submit evidence from a doctor or other professional (e.g. counsellor, physiotherapist etc.) in relation to a claim for extenuating circumstances or extension, you should be aware that this will be given only on the basis of that person’s professional judgement. This means that if the person giving evidence does not believe that he or she can reliably provide this evidence (e.g. a doctor cannot retrospectively certify an illness you had the week before which

41 

has now gone), this judgement must be accepted and the University will not support students claiming that they ‘need’ such evidence to comply with University procedures. LOSS OF ASSIGNMENTS It is your responsibility to retain a duplicate copy of your assignment answer. The University takes all due care and diligence in delivering assignments to markers via secure methods; however, should assignments go astray you will be requested to provide a duplicate copy. ASSESSMENT MARKING AND MODERATION All assignments should be submitted in electronic (disc or CD) form as well as in hard copy with a University assignment cover sheet (see appendix 6). Electronic copies will not be accepted via email; you must submit in hard copy with disc or CD enclosed. The University will submit a sample of work through the Turnitin software for the prevention of plagiarism and collusion therefore failure to submit an electronic copy may result in your work not being accepted for marking. Assessment scripts will be marked and a sample will be internally and externally moderated in accordance with University procedures. All results are then ratified by an Assessment Board. RESULTS, TRANSCRIPTS AND FEEDBACK Once your work has been marked and moderated, your provisional marks will be communicated electronically to your programme co-ordinator. You will also be provided with individual assessment feedback from the marker for each assessment you have submitted. This feedback will be made available to your study centre. Your individual student transcript will also be sent in hard copy once your marks have been ratified by the Assessment Board via recorded delivery to the nominated programme coordinator the week following the Assessment Board. Results are notified to you only – we treat these as confidential. Please contact your study centre for details of your results – please do not contact the University or study centre for your results before the published release dates. Please note that assignments and examination scripts will not be returned by the University. When you successfully complete your studies, you will be issued with a transcript which states that you have been awarded a University of Sunderland award studied at the study centre, and the award parchment that you are also issued with will make reference to that transcript. Your final degree parchment will be issued via your study centre. Please note there is a fee of £35 for a re-print of a parchment. As an off-campus student you will be entitled to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Sunderland in July or November. In some situations regional graduation ceremonies are organised at or near your study centres.

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UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES PROGRAMME SUPPORT Each study centre will have its own rules and regulations, which shall be included within student handbooks, which outline the procedures to be adopted in dealing with breaches of discipline of Study Centre rules. The University reviews these procedures as part of the approval process to ensure that they meet comparable standards with the University. It is a matter for study centres to deal with disciplinary matters. However any disciplinary action taken to a student registered with the University shall be notified for information to the University. REGISTRATION PERIOD Please note that the maximum period of registration for the BA (Hons) Business Management will be three years from the date of initial registration with the University of Sunderland in extreme mitigating circumstances only. This is a one year Top-up programme which we do expect you to complete within 12 to 15 months of your initial registration on the programme. PERCENTAGES AND THE DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MATRIX The University uses a percentage-marking scheme for assessment of each module taken. Assessment Boards award percentage marks in accordance with the following table:

Percentage Equivalent Degree 70% + First Class (1st) 60-69% Upper Second Class (2.1) 50-59% Lower Second Class (2.2) 40-49% Third Class (3rd) < 40% Refer/Fail

The degree classification will be awarded on the basis of a weighted mean average of the marks for the best 100 credits obtained at stage 3. This determines the degree classification. So: using the following example:- Marks profile at stage 3: 74

67 64 60 58 45

The weighted average for the best 100 credits is (74+67+64+60+58=323)/5 modules = 64.6 so the classification would be 2:1.

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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT The University of Sunderland celebrates and values the diversity of all students and staff. We are a multicultural community that values and promotes equality and diversity. We do not tolerate discriminatory practices of any kind. In line with our strategic aims, we work to continue to deliver a positive environment for the conduct of all our activities, where all members of our community treat one another with mutual respect and dignity. Through our policies and practices we work to ensure that all students and staff are welcome in our community and do not face discrimination with regard to any aspect of their identity, such as race, disability, gender, age, religion and belief or sexual orientation. Copies of the University’s position policies on this are available on the University’s Equality and Diversity website: http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/equalityanddiversity/ STUDENT COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE The University of Sunderland is committed to providing high quality services. The University of Sunderland welcomes the opportunity to correct mistakes and misunderstandings and to respond positively and constructively on any occasion when you feel the need to express dissatisfaction with a particular service. If you have a complaint about any aspect of the BA (Hons) Business Management programme please contact your programme co-ordinator in the first instance. If you feel that your problem has not been sorted out properly you can phone the Student Office on +44 (0) 191 515 2941. They can help you take your complaint further through the formal procedure. If things have gone wrong, we will try to put them right. The Complaints Procedure is available on the web please refer to appendix 1 for details. ACADEMIC APPEALS PROCEDURE An Academic Appeal is a request from a student that an academic decision made by an Assessment Board or Research Degree Panel should be reconsidered. A student can only make an Academic Appeal on one of the two grounds listed below. An Appeal cannot be made on the basis of disagreement with academic judgment. Disagreeing with the academic judgment of a marker or an Assessment Board or Research Degree Panel in their decision about the merits of an individual piece of work, or of overall performance does not constitute grounds for an Appeal, and any submissions on this basis will be rejected. Grounds for Appeal are: i) That the student can demonstrate that there has been an administrative error, that proper process

has not been followed, or that the academic decision (including decisions on accreditation of prior learning) was not arrived at in accordance with the regulations of the programme, in a way which is relevant to the outcome of the academic decision. An Appeal will only be considered where any such error has a direct bearing on the outcome of the assessment decision which is the subject of the Appeal

ii) That student performance in assessment was adversely affected by illness or other factors which

the student was unable, or for valid reasons unwilling, to communicate to the Assessment Board or Research Degree Panel through the established procedures for managing extenuating circumstances. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that any extenuating circumstances are properly communicated through these established procedures. If a student submits evidence of such circumstances after the assessment decision has been reached, and there is no good and valid reason for not having submitted them at the right time, then the Appeal will not be considered.

The Academic Appeals Procedure is available on the web please refer to appendix 1 for details.

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PLAGIARISM: A GUIDANCE NOTE FOR STUDENTS WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? The University’s Rules and Procedures Governing Infringement of Assessment Regulations define plagiarism as “the unacknowledged insertion into a student’s work of material taken from the work, published or unpublished, of another person”. It is an offence which, if you don’t take steps to guard against it, can lead to a range of penalties, from being required to resubmit work to being withdrawn from your programme of study. Examples of plagiarism are: a) Including in your work a piece, or pieces, from someone else’s work (e.g. from a lecture, video,

book, journal or website) without indicating - by the use of references in the text or footnotes/ endnotes - where the work is taken from

b) Using someone else’s ideas without identifying that person’s name in your work c) Paraphrasing someone else’s work - i.e. expressing someone else’s ideas in your own words -

without acknowledgement d) Copying, without acknowledgement, the work of someone else, including the work of another

student. Plagiarism isn’t just about written work: it covers other people’s ideas, designs and inventions. Essentially, plagiarism is the act of representing someone else’s work as your own. If academic staff suspect that you have submitted work which is, in whole or in part, not your own, then they will not be able to accurately assess your performance and, therefore, not be able to mark it as your own work. And remember, whether you do this intentionally or accidentally, you are liable to be penalised. Collusion - defined in the same University Rules and Procedures – is another form of plagiarism which can result in your being similarly penalised. Whilst, during your programme of study, you may often be required to work collaboratively with other students - exchanging ideas and submitting work as a team - you must always be clear about the guidelines covering this kind of work. If you write up and submit a team assignment because you’re required to work as a group, that’s fine. If, on the other hand, you submit work which is set as an individual assignment, but which you’ve done in collaboration with another person without acknowledgement - this is not acceptable. THE UNIVERSITY’S POLICY ON PLAGIARISM The University is committed to the universal academic standard which requires that students do not submit work which contains someone else’s words, ideas, observations or conclusions without due acknowledgement. However, we do recognise that, if such standards are to be upheld, then the University has ongoing responsibilities towards its staff and its students to ensure that, for example: a) You are given the fullest information and advice on all aspects of plagiarism, including how to avoid

it and what to do if suspected of it b) Staff are aware of how you were expected to present your work in your previous educational setting

and the extent to which your experience has influenced your practices and understanding of University requirements

c) Staff are aware of anti-plagiarism strategies in the design and setting of assignments d) Electronic plagiarism detection systems are available to assist staff e) The University’s regulatory framework is regularly reviewed with the objectives of

- maximising fairness and consistency of treatment towards those suspected of plagiarism

45 

- seeking to ensure that the most serious penalties are imposed in circumstances in which it is clear that students have sought to gain unfair advantage through acts of plagiarism.

To give effect to the above, the University has issued: a) A policy statement on plagiarism b) Revised Rules and Procedures Governing Infringement of Assessment Regulations c) Guidelines to all staff, including those serving on the newly established Faculty Infringement Panels,

on how to apply the Rules and Procedures all of which you can find on the University’s website. HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM Obviously, when preparing your assignments, you will be making use of someone else’s words, ideas or conclusions. That’s fine providing that, whenever you do so, you make sure that the source of those words, ideas or conclusions is clearly identified and attributed at the points in your work where they are used. Remember that you’re doing this in the body of your text through the use of quotation marks, the citing of authors and the other standard conventions for referencing which will be given to you or which are otherwise available on the University’s website (see Information Services Help and Support which provides notes on plagiarism and on standard referencing systems). It is not sufficient to merely list your sources in a bibliography at the end of your work. Ignorance of the rules is no defence against an accusation of plagiarism. So please do: a) Read, understand and comply with the University’s published policies, rules and procedures b) Make sure that you fully understand the referencing conventions which are used in your subject

area and that you ask for information on these if you have not already received it c) If, before you begin work on an assignment, you feel uncertain about how to apply the rules and

conventions in the subject area in question, always seek guidance from the member of staff setting the assignment and/or the Module Leader. You can expect clear guidelines relating to all coursework requirements and, indeed, early warning, in cases in which you, or a relevant member of the academic staff, believe that you are at risk of breaking plagiarism rules

d) Read the guidance to staff on “Tackling Plagiarism”. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE SUSPECTED OF PLAGIARISM? If you follow the rules and are confident that you fully understand your programme and module referencing requirements, then it won’t happen to you. However, if it does, the Rules and Procedures Governing Infringement of Assessment Regulations are invoked. The Rules provide, as far as possible, for each case of suspected plagiarism to be treated on its merits and for the penalty to reflect the gravity of the offence and, for example, whether you admit or deny an allegation, the stage you have reached on your programme and/or whether you are known to have committed previous offences. So, for example, a minor infringement, committed in your first year of study, will be viewed very differently from say, repeated infringements or a major infringement committed in the course of submitting a dissertation or project which counts towards your final award. Minor infringements will generally be dealt with by the person marking your work. Where a member of staff indicates to you the ways in which you have infringed, and you accept that staff member’s judgement, that staff member is authorised to respond in a manner appropriate to the case. Appropriate responses might include, for example: a) Counselling and/or the provision of additional information about referencing standards and

conventions and a requirement that the work be resubmitted with no further penalty (in effect, a deferral)

46 

b) A deduction of marks commensurate with the extent of the plagiarism committed. In such a case, the deduction will need to be reported to, and agreed by, the Chair of your Faculty Infringements Panel and details of the infringement committed, and the marking adjustment made, will be entered onto assessment board reports (but not onto your formal results transcripts).

You can normally expect that all communications with you – from the invitation to discuss an accusation or suspicion of plagiarism through to notification of an assessment outcome – will be conducted in writing. In cases where either: a) You wish to contest an accusation made about an allegation of minor infringement or b) Whether you admit or deny an accusation of major infringement – the circumstances are such that a

member of staff believes that the infringement is so significant as to warrant, as an absolute minimum penalty, a failure and referral of the work (or, indeed a much more serious response) arrangements will be made for the investigation and evaluation of your case by your Faculty Infringement Panel as set out in the Rules and Procedures Governing Infringement of Assessment Regulations.

Of course, the range and extent of possible offences and penalties for plagiarism is great and you might be concerned about the way in which your case is being handled and about whether the Rules and Procedures are being properly applied. Procedures of this sort can be complex and timeconsuming. Bear in mind that: a) Should an allegation of plagiarism be made against you, you have the right to be presented with all

of the evidence and an explanation, by the member of staff concerned, as to why the allegation is being pursued. When contacted by a member of staff, and notified of a suspicion or an allegation, you will be given the opportunity, should you wish to make use of it, of being accompanied by another member of the University community (for example, a Students’ Union representative) when you are asked - as you will be - to meet with the member of staff to discuss the allegation

b) If you wish to contest an allegation, you will always be given the opportunity to present your case to

the body charged with investigating your case and deciding what recommendation to make to the relevant assessment board: i.e. the Faculty Infringements Panel. You have a right to be accompanied, at a hearing, by another member of the University community of your own choosing

c) When investigating a claim of plagiarism, it is desirable, but not absolutely essential, for an

individual member of staff, or an Infringements Panel, to have to identify the sources used but not acknowledged. After as full an investigation as is possible, a decision may be made on “the balance of probabilities”. This means, for example, that, even if it has not been possible to identify the original works which are believed to have been used, a member of staff, or a Panel, may conclude that the style (expressions, vocabulary etc.) of the work is so different from others submitted by you that it is probably the work of another person or persons

d) When attempting to defend yourself against an accusation of plagiarism, just as ignorance of the

rules is not a defence, neither will “reasons” such as “I was under pressure” or “I ran out of time”, for example, be accepted as mitigating circumstances. Offences of plagiarism are often committed by students who, for whatever reasons, are experiencing difficulties in meeting submission dates. If you are having problems with deadlines, the correct approach is for you to make your circumstances known to the relevant staff member in advance of the deadline date in order that consideration might be given to your circumstances.

e) As pointed out above, a member of staff or a Panel does not have to prove that you intended to

cheat to find you guilty of plagiarism. Intention is only relevant when determining the appropriate penalty.

f) Whether you admit to, or contest, an accusation of plagiarism, you retain the right to request a

review of the decision made by the relevant assessment board(s)

47 

g) There are University services outside of your Faculty which you can approach for advice on any aspect of your case or, indeed, regarding the procedure by which you might wish to lodge an appeal against a penalty already imposed. The Student Service Unit of the Student Office and/or the Academic Affairs Officers of the Students’ Union are your first points of contact in these respects.

The Rules and Procedures set down timescales for these processes. Please refer to them. YOUR VIEWS The University will be seeking to ensure that these guidance notes, together with its related policies and procedures and guidance notes for staff are made as widely available as possible. We are also anxious that we are in an informed position so as to be able to regularly review and develop our approaches to the prevention, as well as the detection, of plagiarism. If you do have views about ways in which we might develop the information - or our policies or practices for preparing and distributing information - which we provide you with, then please do so by contacting either the Student Service Unit or a Students’ Union Academic Affairs Officer. The University Policy Statement on Plagiarism is available on the web please refer to appendix 1 for details.

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APPENDIX 1 USEFUL INTERNET LINKS

University Academic Regulations

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2780

Leave of Absence Policy https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-8036 Programme Specification Available on request from your study centre Regulations Governing Extension of Assessment Deadlines and Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3000/AQH-F7%20Rules%20and%20Procedures%20Governing%20Infringement%20of%20Assessment%20Regulations%20%202011-12%20only.pdf

University of Sunderland Assessment Policy

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-8035

University of Sunderland Generic Assessment Criteria

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7861/AQH-F6-15%20Generic%20Assessment%20Criteria.pdf

Student guide to The Regulations

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6288/AQH-F0%20Student%20guide%20to%20the%20regulations.pdf

University of Sunderland Equal Opportunities Paper

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-160/EqualOps.pdf

University of Sunderland Academic Integrity and Misconduct Regulations

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-8155

University of Sunderland Academic Appeals Procedure

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3077/AQH-H1%20Academic%20Appeals%20Procedure.pdf

University of Sunderland Programme Regulations

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7968/AQH-F1-1%20Undergraduate%20Academic%20Regulations%202012-13.pdf

University of Sunderland Student Complaints Procedure

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3078/AQH-H2%20Student%20Complaints%20Procedure%202012.pdf

University of Sunderland Student Handbook

https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7556/Student%20Handbook%20-%20Regulations%20Policies%20and%20Procedures%202012-13.pdf

University of Sunderland Students Union

http://www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/

University of Sunderland Web Page

http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/

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APPENDIX 2 CHANGES TO PERSONAL DETAILS FORM

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS Please use this form to notify of any change in your home address or of a change of name. Where you have changed your name, please show some form of documentary evidence (e.g. Marriage Certificate etc.). Please note that your registered name will be printed onto your parchment therefore any changes in names must be notified to the University of Sunderland. Failure to do so will incur a charge if the parchment has to be reproduced. STUDENT'S NAME: ....................................................................................................................................... FORMER NAME (If appropriate): ................................................................................................................... STUDENT'S REGISTRATION No: ................................................................................................................. PROGRAMME OF STUDY ............................................................................................................................ STUDY CENTRE: ............................................................................................................................................ NEW HOME ADDRESS: ................................................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... POSTCODE: ................................................................................................................................................... TELEPHONE NO.: .......................................................................................................................................... STUDENT'S SIGNATURE: ............................................................................................................................. DATE: ............................................................................................................................................................

Please return this form to the Faculty of Business and Law (via your Study Centre)

 

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UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

APPENDIX 3 WITHDRAWAL FORM

STUDENT'S NAME (in full): …...................................................................................................................................... STUDENT'S REGISTRATION NO.: .............................................................................................................. STUDENT'S CURRENT PROGRAMME: ....................................................................................................................... STUDY CENTRE: .......................................................................................................................................................... LAST DATE OF ATTENDANCE**: ................................................................................................................................ REASON FOR LEAVING PROGRAMME: .................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................................... HAVE YOU INFORMED YOUR COURSE CO-ORDINATOR/PROGRAMME LEADER OF YOUR WITHDRAWAL? IF NOT YOU MUST DO SO. If you are an international student you must contact your Study Centre for advice regarding your visa status before your withdrawal can be authorised. SIGNATURE OF STUDY CENTRE: .................................................................………. DATE....................... NAME OF PROGRAMME LEADER: .......................................................................................... SIGNATURE OF PROGRAMME LEADER: ..................................................................... DATE....................... NAME OF COURSE CO-ORDINATOR: .................................................................................... SIGNATURE OF COURSE CO-ORDINATOR: ..................................................................... DATE....................... SIGNATURE OF STUDENT: ............................................................................................ DATE: ...................... **It is crucial that the last date of attendance is accurate. This affects the amount of tuition fee due and your entitlement to student support. This date can also affect your entitlement to claim state benefits.

Please return this form to the Faculty of Business and Law (via your Study Centre) For Official Use Only: 

         Actioned in SITs                        Signature: …………………………………..     Date: ………………………… 

         Modules updated 

         Inform FBL Finance Section 

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UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

APPENDIX 4 LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM

This is when a student withdraws temporarily, but intends to return to his/her studies at some point in the future. All leaves of absence must be approved by your Programme Leader. STUDENT'S NAME (in full): ........................................................................................................................................ STUDENT'S REGISTRATION NO. (If known): .............................................................................................................. STUDENT'S CURRENT PROGRAMME: ....................................................................................................................... STUDY CENTRE: .......................................................................................................................................................... LAST DATE OF ATTENDANCE**: ................................................................................................................................ INTENDED RETURN DATE: .......................................................................................................................................... REASON FOR THE LEAVE OF ABSENCE: .................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................................... IF ON MEDICAL GROUND, HAVE SICK NOTES BEEN PROVIDED: YES / NO ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR LEAVE OF ABSENCE? PLEASE GIVE DETAILS. (E.g. repeat period of study/repeat semester of study involved on return to your programme, completion of outstanding work, extended duration etc.). ..................................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................................... HAVE YOU ALREADY SPOKEN TO YOUR COURSE CO-ORDINATOR/PROGRAMME LEADER? IF NOT YOU MUST DO SO AND RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT OFFICE. If you are an international student you must contact your Study Centre for advice regarding your visa status before your leave of absence can be authorised. SIGNATURE OF STUDY CENTRE: ........................................................................ DATE:......................................... NAME OF PROGRAMME LEADER: ....................................................................... SIGNATURE OF PROGRAMME LEADER: ............................................................ DATE:..................................... NAME OF COURSE CO-ORDINATOR: ................................................................. SIGNATURE OF COURSE CO-ORDINATOR: ...................................................... DATE:......................................... SIGNATURE OF STUDENT: .................................................................................. DATE: ........................................ **It is crucial that the last date of attendance is accurate. This affects the amount of tuition fee due and your entitlement to student support. NB. You must complete a Return to Study Form on your return to your studies. NB. If you decide not to take a leave of absence or return to your programme earlier than planned please ensure you notify the Student Office. Please return this to the Faculty of Business and Law (via your Study Centre) For Official Use Only:

Actioned in SITs Signature: ………………………….. Date: ……………………

Modules updated

52 

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

RETURN TO STUDY FORM AFTER A LEAVE OF ABSENCE STUDENT’S SURNAME (FAMILY NAME): ……………………………………………………………………………………. STUDENT’S FIRST NAME: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. STUDENT’S PROGRAMME:…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. STUDENT’S REGISTRATION NUMBER: ………………………………… DATE OF BIRTH: ……………………….….. DATE LEAVE OF ABSENCE BEGAN: ………………………... INITIAL AGREED RETURN DATE: .............................. ACTUAL RETURN DATE: (Cannot be more than 1 year since LOAB began)………………........................................... YEAR OF STUDY (UPON RETURN) ……………………………….................................................................................. SEMESTER OF STUDY (UPON RETURN) ……………………………............................................................................ NEW COURSE END DATE …………………………………….......................................................................................... MODE OF ATTENDANCE FT/PT

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Please ensure the student has fulfilled their responsibilities before returning on the course. Yes No N/A Is there an outstanding debt to the University? Is a fitness to return attached? (Medical LOAB)

International Students ONLY International students MUST meet one of the International Students Adviser at The Gateway at City Campus to discuss the immigration implications of your return to study. An up to date copy of both passport and visa is required. SIGNATURE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISER: ……………………………………………………………….

DECLARATION I, the above named Student agree that any; support needs, medical grounds or financial responsibilities, and any other implications of my leave of absence, have been addressed, discussed and resolved with the appropriate body. I hereby declare that I wish to return to study and I do this with the intent to complete my chosen course of study. SIGNATURE OF STUDENT……………………………….…………………….…………. DATE…………………………………………..……….……..

NAME OF PROGRAMME LEADER: ………………………………………………………………………………………… SIGNATURE OF PROGRAMME LEADER: …………………………………………… DATE: …......................................

Please return this to the Faculty of Business and Law (via your Study Centre)

APPENDIX 5 ASSESSMENT REQUEST FORM

For Official Use Only:

Actioned in SITs Signature: ………………………….. Date: ……………………

Copied to FBL Finance

53 

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

BA (HONS) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Please send this form to your study centre

STUDY CENTRE:

FULL NAME: STUDENT REGISTRATION NUMBER: CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:

Postcode: Telephone: Email: MODULES TO BE ASSESSED: (Enter date of Exam; or Assignment hand in date) APC309 - Strategic Management Accounting (Assignment) HRM325 - Strategic Management of HR (Exam) MKT306 - Marketing Strategy (Assignment) SIM335 - Managing Projects (Assignment) SIM336 - Strategic Management (Assignment) SIM337 - Contemporary Developments in Business and Management (Exam) Exam Venue ________________________________________________

Signature _________________________ Date______________________

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APPENDIX 6 ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

BA (HONS) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Student ID:

Student Name:

Module Code:

Module Name / Title:

Due Date:

Centre / College:

Hand in Date:

Assignment Title:

Students Signature: (you must sign this declaring that it is all your own work and all sources of information have been referenced)

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APPENDIX 7 MITIGATION FORM

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

BA (HONS) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

NAME & REGISTRATION NO: BRIEF EXPLANATION: FORM OF EVIDENCE I.e. Doctors note

MODULES AFFECTED

DATE OF EXAM / ASSIGNMENT AFFECTED

SIGNATURE DATE

(Tear-here)----------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Tear- here)

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND RECEIPT OF MITIGATION FORM NAME/REG NO: AUTHORISED SIGNATURE & DATE:

 

 

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NOTES