Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this degree are described in four areas. The emphasis is on realisable outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds, learning at a distance and who have chosen a broad-based degree which combines the study of business with another discipline.
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:
- the nature and purpose of business organisations; key concepts relating to their functioning, survival and success
- the structure, culture and role of business organisations; the complex dynamics of organisational environments; how organisations understand and interact with their environments
- the nature and development of business functions within organisations; functional perspectives on business problems and issues; the nature and importance of cross-functional integration in business
- business strategy and its development, including the identification of strategic directions and options; the relationships between business organisations and policy institutions, and their impacts on strategy
- key business accounting, finance and investment techniques and issues which underpin business management and preparation of financial and other reports (e.g. double-entry bookkeeping)
- their own learning; its development in the context of their studies; its role and impacts on their work/practice.
Cognitive skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
- critique established ideas, concepts and techniques drawn from your studies and use your knowledge to examine a wide range of business problems and issues, including in your own work/practice* arena with particular reference to accounting and finance
- identify and critically assess different perspectives on and approaches to business, organisational and work-practice issues
- critically reflect on, evaluate and apply your learning in differing work/practice contexts.
* Work/practice refers to the widest possible range of jobs and occupations, incorporating paid employment, self-employment, voluntary work, family caring and domestic work
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
- use and adapt relevant business, accounting and finance knowledge and skills to engage practically with, and think critically about, a range of problems and issues in your work/practice arena
- use specific business knowledge, cognitive and key skills, as a basis for significantly enhancing your work/practice and your future working life.
Key skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
- communicate information, ideas and arguments effectively using appropriate styles and language, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- read and interpret information presented in a variety of forms and perform relevant tasks of analysis and evaluation
- demonstrate practical application of accounting and finance techniques; prepare basic financial reports for a variety of different business entities; and evaluate the effects of different financial decisions
- apply ICT skills to search for, identify and present information appropriate to a variety of business/organisational activities
- plan and manage their learning towards the achievement of established aims and objectives, including the recognition of knowledge limitations
- engage in reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
The key teaching vehicles are supported open learning materials, which comprise a range of compulsory readings as well as other materials such as audio/visual materials, and specially prepared study guides directing your reading and illustrating key teaching points. These vehicles are presented partly in paper format, partly electronically (online) and partly in other formats (such as DVDs). The programme has a significant practice-based learning focus, which allows you to deepen your knowledge and understanding through application to your own practice. Your learning of the materials is supported by a locally-based tutor who maintains contact with you individually, conducts periodic group tutorials and facilitates online learning for your group of around 20 students. This tutor is your first and main point of contact answering your queries, grading and commenting on your work and facilitating group learning.
To support the development of your group-working and ICT skills, you are required to participate in tutor group forums. This also provides you with an additional environment in which to share learning and resolve module-related problems.
Assessment of the knowledge and understanding components of the programme is achieved through a combination of continuous assessment and exams. The continuous assessment element consists of a series of tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) – usually six or seven for each 60-credit module, with each assignment of around 2,000 words. These are also central to the teaching of the module since they enable tutors to identify and comment on your knowledge and understanding. Assessment of practice-based learning in several TMAs allows you to relate module concepts to your own experience and reflect on your learning and practice.
Each compulsory module and all optional modules at Level 2 and 3 include a written examination.
In all modules you are encouraged to develop the skills specified. First, in each module the specified skills – or specific components of the skills – are identified, mapping out where each skill will be developed and practised. Then – as the module progresses – the specified skills are sign-posted and you are offered an opportunity to practise them in association with your work on the study materials. Initially the module Study Guides offer you advice and guidance with these activities, offering sample feedback/answers for example. As you progress through each module the extent of this guidance decreases in order to encourage independent learning.
In the compulsory Level 2 modules, TMAs require you to reflect on your learning and demonstrate progress in skills development as well as your knowledge and understanding. Different TMAs across these modules assess different combinations of skills and knowledge and understanding, including collaborative learning, so that all skills are assessed at some point. This process encourages you to be systematic and self-conscious about your skill development and it also allows the tutor to provide supportive interventions in your skills development.
At Level 3 you are expected to apply skills developed at Level 2 in addition to developing independent research and online group-working skills. You are required to work with fellow students in a virtual group using tutor group forums and identifying, accessing and analysing data from a variety of sites in order to complete a double-weighted, research-based TMA.