ANNUAL ACADEMIC MONITORING

Business and Management

 

Foundation Degree (FdA)  in Public Services Information Management

 

BA(Hons) Degree with Public Service Management

 

Report on student progress:  Academic Year 2004-2005

 

Commentary

 

This is a composite report on the progress of the students enrolled upon the Foundation Degree (FdA) in Public Services Information Management at the University of Winchester for the academic year 2004-05.  In addition, the report includes data on students who had previously been awarded the Certificate in Public Services Information Management and have now completed the additional modules which enable to graduate with a BA(Hons) Degree in Business Management with Public Services Management. The report is written so that the progress of the whole group of students can be indicated and hence individuals are not identified. The median mark is given rather than an average as the median mark reflects the ‘middle’ position once the marks have been arranged in ascending order and gives a value less likely to be affected by extreme values.  The Module Descriptions have been extracted from the Module Description Sheets written as part of the validation process are provided here as they give a more accurate representation of the module contents than is suggested by the module title alone.

 

The results repeated the pattern of previous years in that all students performed particularly well in the modules studied with a median mark in excess of 60 for 13 of the 15 modules.  The academic year is noteworthy in that at the conclusion of the academic year, the following ‘headline’ results have been obtained:

 

  7 students eligible to graduate with a FdA (Foundation Degree):

           

            Susan Bevan

            David Blakemore

            Wendy Crabtree

            Sarah Hughes

            Jeannette Reynolds

            Kim Salter

            Christopher Tee (with Commendation)


  7 students eligible to graduate with a BA(Hons) Degree in Business
      Management with Public Service Management:

 

            Peter Bryne                 (First class Honours)

            Jane Edsell                  2(i)

            Sue Fillmore                2(i)

            Angela Grosvenor       2(i)

            David Harris               2(i)

            Moira Townsend         2(i)

            Sioux Thirtle               2(i)

 

It is worthy of report that Peter Byrne (Winchester City Council) together with Professor M. C. Hart read two papers to the 5th European Conference on E-Government held at Antwerp, Belgium in June 2005.

 

The operation of ‘accelerated progression’

 

When the Foundation Degree was validated, special provisions were written into the course to allow students to make an accelerated progression through the stages of the degree which also shortened the time required to undertake a full Honours degree.

In order to qualify for accelerated progression, students are required to submit a large portfolio in which they can demonstrate they have successfully met at least 80% of the learning objectives associated with six Level 1 modules drawn from the BA(Hons) in Business Management. The preparation of this portfolio has been undertaken during the ‘June to September’ period with support materials being provided for them and made available on an e-learning basis. The results are presented to the AP(E)L Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences each September and subsequently transmitted to the Registry for the compilation of  award calculations (for some students).  In addition, provision is made for students to undertake work-based learning versions of some modules in which considerable use is made of web-based materials, principally during the June-September period.  Some tutorial support is provided but students typically form a cohesive self-teaching group and have achieved results that are comparable with modules studied in the conventional manner.

 

As a result of the successful operation of these policies, seven students successfully completed their accelerated progression in September, 2004 and this has facilitated the award of a Foundation Degree after only two (calendar) years of part-time study. This achievement has been written up as a case study and forms one of two case studies to be presented to the 4th European Conference on e-Learning in Amsterdam (November, 2005).

 

In addition, of the 9 students who enrolled on the first year of the Foundation Degree (which commenced in Semester 2, February 2005), 7 students elected to write an accelerated progression portfolio. All students successfully completed their portfolio by September, 2005 and are now successfully enrolled in the second year of the programme.  This cohort also undertook a work based learning module as described above and are ‘on track’ to complete their Foundation degree in February, 2007 (after two calendar years of study)

 

A summary table of all students upon all years is provided below.

 

Foundation Degree (FdA)  in Public Services Information Management

 

BA(Hons) Degree with Public Service Management

 

 

Summary Table

 

Course

Median Mark

First Year

 

BS1035  Public Services Information Management

67.0

BS1904 Computer Applications for Business

71.0

Successful completion of ‘accelerated progression’  portfolio

 

 

 

Second  and Third Years

 

BS2913 Qualitative Research for Business

62.0

BS2915 Research Methods and Statistics

61.0

BS2910 Local Government- Continuity and Change

66.0

BS2902 Management Accounting

62.0

BS2903 Communication and Organization

61.0

BS2908 Employment Resourcing and Development

58.0

BS3916 Thing about Management

73.0

BS3914 Public Service Delivery

68.0

Successful completion of ‘accelerated progression’  portfolio

 

 

 

Fourth  Year

 

BS3905 European Culture and Institutions

64.0

BS3904 Employee Relations and Employment Law

58.0

BS3915 Strategic Management

62.0

BS3912 Managing e-Business

65.0

BS3002 Final Year Project (double module)

60.0

 

Professor M. C. Hart

October, 2005.


Extracts from the Report of the External Examiner
(Prof. Jennifer Rowley, University of Wales, Bangor)

 

Prof Jenny Rowley took on the rôle of External Examiner this year, making use of her previous experience on the FdA in Management and BA in Business Management in writing her report.  Key points raised are:

Standards: “Many of these modules are either also delivered in the undergraduate programme in Business Management or in parallel with those modules. This established practice provides a benchmark for confirming that standards are comparable with those in other institutions of which I have experience, although sectoral experience of delivery of year 2 of Foundation Degrees is limited. There is an effective internal moderation process that supports the maintenance of standards, and team dialogue regarding standards

Student Performance: “Student performance is good. Most modules have very few failing or borderline students, and the norm is that students are average or better. There were some very interesting analyses produced by some groups on BS2031, E-marketing, and some good examination answers on BS2913, Qualitative research for business.

Assessment: Comments matched those made for the Business Management BA programmes, except that different modules were cited as examples of good practice:
The style of assessment criteria – whilst there are some examples of good assessment criteria (e.g. BS2908 and BS2913) others are  too general and do not always offer students a sufficient insight into the subject specific and level specific criteria to which they are supposed to respond.

Quality: “The standards of marking are appropriate, and the Board of Examiners gave sufficient attention to decisions regarding student progress.

Overview: “Practices here are generally very thorough and well organised. The team are reflective and committed.

 


Foundation Degree (FdA)  in Public Services Information Management

 

 

 

Year One students

 

 

BS1035  Public Services Information Management

 

Module Description

 

We now live in an information age in which the typical ‘worker’ is likely to be the professional worker and the typical ‘product’ the information that he/she processes.  This module indicates the ways in which information is conceptualised before exploring the importance of information strategies at an organisational level.  The module then explores the  ways in which a Management Information System is constructed  with particular reference to public sector examples.  The module examines in depth the progress being made both at international, central government and local authority level to make services available to the citizen electronically with case studies indicating the benefits to be gained and the typical problems encountered in such programmes.

 

BS1035 Public Services Information Management (9 students)

Essay:
Range

Essay:
Median

PDP:
Range

PDP:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

58-67

64

58-71

68

58-68

67

 

BS1904 Computer Applications for Business

 

Module Summary

 

This module conveys a basic understanding of computer hardware and software (including the principle of operating systems) in order to enhance an understanding of the main type of computer based business decision support-support and communication packages e.g.

A word-processor package allows reports to be written and information presented in a variety of formats. 

A spreadsheet allows data to be manipulated and presented as tables or graphically.

A database to allow for large amounts of data to be stored systematically and be easily retrieved.

An Internet browser and how to develop data for display on the internet.

 

BS1904 Computer Applications for Business (9 students)

Project:
Range

Project:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

52-72

65

52-97

88

52-77

71

 

 


 

Year Two/Year Three students

 

 

BS2913 Qualitative Research for Business

 

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of qualitative research. It enables them to develop qualitative research skills (e.g. conducting a focus-group or carrying out contents analysis) particularly important in fields such as marketing and organizational research. The theoretical/conceptual dimension of the module helps students better understand issues such as research ethics and the use of research for business and management purposes. Complementing the module on quantitative research, this module also prepares students for their final year projects.  

 

 

BS2913 Qualitative Research for Business (8 students)

Assignment:
Range

Assignment:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

40-74

61.5

43-67

62

47-70

62

 

 

BS2915 Research Methods and Statistics

 

Module Summary

 

This module is designed for those who have not taken the Level 1 Techniques for Business decisions, (including BAMBA and any other direct entry students).

Exploratory data analysis is the first step in visualising and reducing data to explore underlying patterns and trends. Students are presented with a tool box of methods to analyse data.

The module moves on to examine the importance of research and the methods of collecting primary data.

Questionnaire design and sampling methods are discussed.

The importance and limitations of forecasting for business are discussed, with an examination of the different types of models that can be used.

 

Finally, the main tool of exploratory research, hypothesis testing introduces a range of tests.

 

BS2915 Research Methods and Statistics (7 students)

Questionnaire:
Range

Questionnaire:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

52-71

61

48-65

59

55-67

61

Comparison-  Non-Foundation Degree in Public Services Info. Management students:   65

 

 

BS2910 Local Government: Continuity and Change

 

Module Summary

 

This module details the changing face of local government and the debates over its financing and reform. Students will learn the ways in which local services are managed, delivered and made accountable to local populations.  The unit will explore the differences between national services locally delivered and those services provided, or organised, by local authorities  themselves.  Case studies will be made of local service provision e.g. in social services and education.

 

BS2910 Local Government in Britain (2 students, 1 continuing education student)

Assignment:
Range

Assignment:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

45-67

63

58-69

66

51-67

66

 

 

BS2902 Management Accounting

 

Module Summary

 

This module combines some of the most important accounting concepts and decision making models of the two semester management accounting and financial accounting modules recommended for students majoring in business management. It is a basic review of the value and purpose of accounting for non-accountants. Accounting simply means explaining, and this is what is explained in this abbreviated module – how business managers use accounting information – both qualitative (words) and quantitative (numbers) to help them manage. Managers must know where they have come from, where they are now and what is likely to happen. Both the short and longer strategic run must be considered in order to provide the most effective and efficient leadership. This is not easy. All managers face the unknown future together. In this regard, the main purpose of this module is to learn some basic accounting theory and practice to enable managers to assess financial strength and predict success.

 

 

BS2902 Management Accounting (7 students)

Report:
Range

Report:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

36-68

60

54-80

66

45-74

62

Comparison-  Non-Foundation Degree in Public Services Info. Management students:   66

 


 

BS2903  Communication and Organization

 

Module Summary

 

 

This interdisciplinary module aims to develop an understanding of the key factors that underpin the development of effective communication within an organisational context. It allows students to consider and better understand the inter-relationships between organisational structure; communication and information technologies. Students will study the underlying theoretical principles of both Communication and Organisation and will apply these in simulations and workshop exercises.

Students will work to further develop their communication skills and to effectively use computer media to this end.

 

 

BS2903 Communication and Organization (7 students)

Assignment:
Range

Assignment:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

58-65

60

52-70

60

59-65

61

 

 

BS2908  Employment Resourcing and Development

 

Module Summary

 

This is a Work-Based learning Module (WBL). The module is aimed at providing students with a critical understanding of the framework and concepts that underpin a professional and ethical approach to the employment and development of people. Included in the module will be an exploration of the policies and practices applied in the recruitment, selection, socialisation, and development of employees in order to enhance the performance of the employing organisation.

 

 

BS2908 Employment Resourcing and Development (7 students)

Assignment: Range   50-73

Assignment:  Median  58

Total Mark (median):  58

 

 

 


BS3916 Thinking about Management

 

Module Summary

 

 

This module encourages you to think about the processes of thinking itself  and presents you with different styles of the thinking process, both linear and non-linear, for you to apply in managerial problem solving and in writing a critique of an article in the modern management literature.  The module develops your knowledge of current trends in management thought and philosophy and invites you to subject these to a critical scrutiny.  In the later stages of the module, you will study ways in which  you can think about the ways in modern organisations are managed and controlled and in which organisations, and the individuals within them, can transform themselves into learning organisations.  You will also critically examine the role of values and of ethics in management thinking and understand the ways in which these concerns are reflected in ‘green business’.   Your groupwork skills will be developed by working with others to research and  then present your findings upon a topic of current managerial concern.  In this process, you will also be encouraged to reflect critically upon the ways in which your own thinking processes and learning skills have been developed and applied whilst working with others.

 

 

BS3916 Thinking about Management (1 student)

Assignment:  70

Examination:  75

Total:  73

 

 

BS3914 Public Service Delivery

 

 

Module Summary

 

The module will give business studies students an understanding of the role and workings of public service organisations. The operation of public service has to be located against the background of the UK democratic institutions and processes. The module will specifically focus on the changing nature of public services in the UK and its implications for those who manage within public service organisations.

 

 

BS3914 Public Service Delivery (1 student)

Assignment:  67

Examination:  68

Total:  68

 

 


 

Year Four students

 

BS3905 European Culture and Institutions

 

Module Summary

 

This course aims to make students more fully aware of the historical basis and the current development in the institutions of the European Union and the wider European family of nations.  The institutions of the European Union will receive a detailed analysis as well as the ambivalence displayed by successive UK governments in recent decades.  The module includes the critical study of the European business environment and critically analyses the nexus of cultural issues operational throughout Europe. The course aims to give students the appropriate insights so they can contribute to an informed discussion of the ways in which European institutions will develop in the future, particularly in the light of emerging global trading blocks in the world economy.

 

 

BS3905 European Culture and Institutions (7 students)

Debate:
Range

Debate:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

60-65

60

60-70

67

61-68

64

 

 

 

BS3904 Employee Relations and Employment Law

 

Module Summary

 

 

This module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the many different approaches taken in the UK to the organisation - employee relationship, and its contribution to organisation performance. The roles, rights and obligations of employers and employees whilst initially set by the parties themselves are increasingly subject to UK and EU legal regulation. Students will be provided with a clear understanding of the current framework of employment rights, an ability to analyse problems and a critical awareness of potential future developments in the field.

 

 

BS3904 Employment Relations and Employment Law (7 students)

Assignment:
Range

Assignment:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

48-69

63

47-68

48

48-66

58

 


 

BS3915  Strategic Management

 

Module Summary

 

The module considers the process of Strategic Management in three parts, namely, the Analysis of the external business environment as well as internal competences and cultures; the Choices available to enterprises, given their cultures and stakeholder expectations as well as business opportunities and the Implementation of strategic change within organisations.

 It does so, drawing upon current academic theories and provides a platform for debate for several conflicting approaches to the management of the strategic process.

Through the use of case studies, the student is provided with opportunities to consider strategy both at corporate and operational levels and it is a feature of the module that ‘real-world’ issues are exposed and considered from a variety of business types ( profit and not for profit etc.)

The module also aims to provide the student with a holistic appreciation of business and the parts that Marketing, Finance, HR , IT and Operations play in the formulation and implementation of business strategy

 

 

BS3915 Strategic Management (7 students)

Assignment:
Range

Assignment:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

58-73

70

47-70

60

53-72

62

Comparison-  non-Public Services Info. Management students:                                        61

 

 

BS3912  Managing e-Business

 

Module Summary

 

This module considers how managers can apply new information and communication technologies to enhance the performance of their organisations. The module takes an integrative approach drawing on new and existing perspectives and models from many disciplines such as information systems, strategy, marketing, operations and human resource management.

 

 

BS3912 Managing e-Business (7 students)

Assignment:
Range

Assignment:
Median

Examination:
Range

Examination:
Median

Total Mark:
Range

Total Mark:
Median

64-70

66

58-70

64

61-70

65

Comparison-  non-Public Services Info. Management students:                                        60

 


 

BS3002  Final Year Project

 

Module Summary

 

The final year project gives students the opportunity to select and research a topic of their own choosing under the guidance of a tutor.  The project topic needs to be underpinned by an appropriate area of literature or else make use of such literature in its analysis.  Projects may be written from within one of the disciplines represented in the Business Management degree or may be inter-disciplinary in nature.  Students who have undertaken work-based learning will be encouraged to let a project grow out of a problem or area to which they have been exposed in their placement.  If students undertake some empirical research (e.g. a survey utilizing questionnaires) then the student will need to justify their selection of methods and be aware of the methodological underpinnings underlying their choice of method, and the ethical obligations of collecting data from individuals.

In the case of students taking one of the specialist pathways, the project must be in an area related to that specialism.

 

 

BS3002 Final Year Project (7 students)

Range:  56-72

Median:      60

 

 

 

Professor M. C. Hart

 

Agreed at Course Committee, 26 October 2005.