BA (HONS) INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2013/2014

September 2013

Content

1.0 Introduction1.1 Welcome to the Business School1.2 Welcome from the Framework Leader1.3 Key Contacts1.4 Your contact details

2.0 Background to the Programme2.1 The Business School2.2 Programme Management2.3 The Programme/Framework Management team – role and

responsibilities2.4 The Business School Academic Board

3.0 Programme Philosophy

4.0 The Virtual Learning Environment – myBU and Communications

5.0 Programme Diagram

6.0 Assessment Regulations

7.0 An Explanation of Assessment Methods

8.0 Mitigating Circumstances

9.0 Guidelines for Submitting Assignments

10.0 Plagiarism

11.0 The Importance of the Handbook

12.0 Programme Specification

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Welcome to the Business School

We are a leading provider of innovative business education. The Business School attracts students from the United Kingdom and overseas seeking a challenging, career-oriented, research-informed business education in a friendly, student centred environment. Our students are actively recruited by major employers who value the skills and abilities that they bring, we are justifiably proud of our links with industry and commerce and the reputation that we have for the employability of our students.

The Business School has strong links to both employers and professional bodies and our curriculum reflects the needs of contemporary business. We are focussed on developing students as confident, capable business professionals. Your programme has been designed in this spirit, providing you with an intellectually stimulating, personally challenging and professionally demanding experience. 

As the business environment is becoming increasingly competitive, employers look for self-reliant, creative and flexible graduates who are prepared to take responsibility, work independently and also work effectively with others. You will find that many opportunities await you to develop these essential qualities as you progress through your programme, and you will be expected to actively commit to your own personal development in order to equip yourself for your career having completed your course at the Business School.

This handbook contains essential information about your programme, including an outline of the curriculum, the programme learning outcomes and the assessment regulations and should be regarded as a reference source for details about your course.

I look forward to meeting you at some time during your stay at Bournemouth University. If my colleagues and I can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact us.

Professor Roger PalmerDean, the Business School

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MISSION

To contribute to business and society by the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge within a regional and increasingly national and international context. We achieve this by being a vibrant knowledge exchange community of students, staff and other business and organisational stakeholders.

1.2 Welcome from the Programme Co-ordinator

I want to extend a warm welcome to you and congratulate you on joining the BA (Hons) International Business and Management.

You are about to start a demanding, challenging and hopefully rewarding student journey that will both consolidate your existing knowledge and skills and develop them further.  The online mode of studies requires you to sustain a high level of autonomy and to take charge of your own learning experience. Ultimately, your achievements will reflect your commitment and willingness to study. The extent to which you enjoy the online course relies very much on your motivation and ability to make the most of your learning environment and work well with your peers and staff.

The programme team is here to support you at every step of the way. We will provide you with regular feedback on your performance and information and advice to ensure that you are able to maximise the learning opportunity. We know that the hard work and effort you put into your studies will bring considerable rewards in terms of personal development, as well as the potential financial benefits which can often accrue, following your academic success. We hope that you will also be able to make new friends and will expand your professional network.

I wish you enjoy your studies and look forward to helping you to achieve your academic potential over the next few years and witness your graduation as a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Management.

Dr Milena Bobeva

Business and Management Framework LeaderProgramme Co-ordinator, BA (Hons) International Business & ManagementThe Business School

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Importance of HandbookIt is imperative that you read your Handbook and retain it for reference. Graduates often need a copy of their syllabi in future years and because changes are made to keep the programme up to date, it is both time-consuming and difficult for us to supply copies of the syllabi in years to come. It is therefore your responsibility to keep your own copy. The Business School reserves the right to charge a fee for a replacement copy.

Copyright ComplianceWhen making copies at the University you must comply with copyright law. The Libaray Web page http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library/how-to/academic-offences.html offer guidance on what you can copy, or you can pick up a leaflet in the Library.

InsuranceAll students are covered by the University's public liability insurance for accidental injury or loss or damage to property when they are participating in the usual activities of the University. However, if those activities entail travelling, either abroad or in the UK, students are not covered by the University's policy for travel insurance.

Travel insurance typically covers loss of deposit, personal effects and money. Most importantly it covers medical expenses arising through accidental injury.

Medical insurance is not required when travelling in the UK, as the NHS provides cover. However, it is a University rule that any student travelling abroad must take out personal travel insurance to cover medical expenses. Cover can be arranged with the University's own insurers by contacting the Accounts Department.

Communicating Important InformationIt is very important that you are aware of any changes made, for example, to programme calendar details. This information and other important announcements are communicated to you through myBU. It is your responsibility to ensure that you check this regularly and read any notices posted.

Programme DetailsStudents should note that programme details may be subject to change during the delivery of the programme. Please note that not all option units may be offered or delivered in a given year.

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1.3 Key Contacts

Dean of the Business School

Roger PalmerEmail: rpalmer@bournemouth.ac.ukTel: 01202 968701

Framework Leader Gbola Gbadamosi ggbadamosi@bournemouth.ac.ukTel: 01202 968748

Programme Co-ordinator

Milena BobevaEmail: mbobeva@bournemouth.ac.ukTel: 01202 965193

Programme Administrator

Nikki McConvilleEmail: nmcconville@bournemouth.ac.ukTel: 01202 965373

Learning Technologist

Neil SlawsonEmail: nslawson@bournemouth.ac.ukTel: 01202 965793

Or learningtechnology@bournemouth.ac.uk

Subject Librarian Anne DaveyEmail: adavey@bournemouth.ac.ukTel: 01202 965260

Postal AddressThe Business SchoolBournemouth UniversityChristchurch House (C114)Talbot CampusFern BarrowPoole BH12 5BB

1.4 Your contact details

Please ensure that you advise us promptly of any change in your contact details, whether this be postal address, email or telephone details. You can send these changes to the Programme Administrator.

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2.0 Background to Programme

The BA (Hons) International Business and Management programme has been developed as a flexible programme that is delivered entirely online. Students enrolled on the programme can enjoy all the facilities available for students of Bournemouth University, including extensive library facilities, student support, chaplaincy and student union. For those who live locally, there is also a wide range of sports and social activities available on campus.

Degree programmes at Bournemouth University are delivered within frameworks and this programme sits within the Management framework provided by the Business School. This programme is aligned with the General Business and Management benchmark, the FHEQ Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the Foundation degree aligns with the design principles established at National Level by the Foundation Degrees group. Hence, the programme offers academically robust and vocationally relevant degree qualifications that will allow students to develop both personally and professionally in their careers.

2.1 The Business School

Undergraduate Programmes Over 2000 students study undergraduate programmes in the Business School. A wide portfolio of undergraduate programmes is available including opportunities for part-time and off-campus study. All of these programmes are vocational in nature and are designed to equip graduates with the requisite skills and knowledge base needed for the world of work in the 21st century. Full details are available at: http://business.bournemouth.ac.uk/undergraduate/index.html

Postgraduate Programmes The Business School has around 300 students studying on a range of Masters programmes both full and part-time. Vocational in nature: they offer opportunities to develop competence and expertise in a wide range of fields. Graduates are equipped to make an immediate contribution in a variety of roles, at home and in international organisations.

The Masters programmes attract a diverse population of overseas students and meet the needs of a variety of cultures. They embed curriculum content in a broad cross-cultural approach which is relevant for future graduates launching their careers in the globalised economy of the 21st century. International students are supported through a comprehensive programme which helps them to meet the expectations of postgraduate study at a UK university. This includes language support, as well as the development of study skills. Full details are available at: http://business.bournemouth.ac.uk/postgraduate/index.html

Research in the Business SchoolStaff in the Business School are actively involved in research, training and consultancy. There are a number of research centres which act as catalysts within their fields bringing organisation and government partners together at events and training sessions. The School

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offers supervision to full time MPhil/PhD postgraduate degrees which align with its key research themes. Further details on research in the School are available at:http://business.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/index.html

2.2 Programme Management

Every programme, or group of programmes, has a Programme Management Team/Framework Management Team responsible for the day to day management of the programme. This includes responsibility for aspects such as student recruitment, quality assurance and enhancement of teaching and learning. They will also respond to specific issues that arise throughout the year. On some programmes, the Framework Leader is supported by Programme Co-ordinators or Year Tutors who take specific responsibility for that year group. The team hold a series of meetings throughout the academic year. These provide a formal forum for staff and students to discuss issues related to the programme. The Student Representation process ensures that student views and feedback are formally represented in this forum.

Student RepresentationStudent Representatives are at the core of the student academic representation system run jointly by the University and the Students’ Union (SUBU). Student Representatives are students elected from each year or level of every programme to make sure that there is communication between the University, SUBU and all students. The student representation system is one of the most important mechanisms for ensuring student involvement and feedback in relation to the programme. Student Representatives are trained at the beginning of the year and receive support from SUBU throughout the rest of the year. There are three different types of student representative.

School RepresentativesSchool Representatives are elected in the Autumn Term. School Representatives are invited to attend the School Committee to ensure that student feedback is received. Normally between two and four School Representatives are elected each year.

Programme Representatives Programme Representatives are elected by their fellow students on their programme of study. Programme Representatives are invited to attend Programme Team Meetings to provide feedback on any issues of concern or good practice on their programme of study. There is normally at least one Programme Representative per year/level of each programme.

Seminar Representatives For programmes with very large student numbers, there is the option to elect Seminar Representatives. These representatives will feed back to group tutors on any group related issues, and also to Programme Representatives on any issues affecting the programme as a whole.

In all cases, student representatives are elected to provide the views of the students on their programme rather than their personal opinions.

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2.3 The Programme/Framework Management team – role and responsibilities

All members of the programme team can offer advice and guidance on matters related to the programme or the University. However, students should pay particular attention to the following staff roles.

The Framework Leader (FL)/Programme Co-ordinator responsible for the overall management of the programme and ensuring that regular team meetings are held. The Framework Leader/Programme Co-ordinator is a good source of advice on procedural matters and is also normally the first point of contact for students seeking advice on academic and personal matters.

The Programme Administrator (PA) is responsible for the day to day administration of the programme, including managing coursework submissions and collating marks. The PA is a good source of advice on general and administrative related issues. The PA is normally assisted by a Programme Administrative Assistant (PAA).

2.4 The Business School Academic Board

The Business School has a School Academic Board which has a remit to consider and agree all matters of policy for the School, and constitutes part of the formal management and committee structure of the University as a whole. The School Academic Board will consider areas such as student admissions, assessment and examination procedures and learning and teaching. The SAB is chaired by the Dean and membership includes representatives from staff at all levels, student representatives and representatives from Academic Services. The Committee receives the synoptic student representative report from SUBU to ensure that the student feedback is regularly received. It also receives reports from a number of Sub-Committees on aspects such as the quality of programmes, learning and teaching, research and enterprise.

In accordance with the QAA Quality Code, details of the external examiners appointed to oversee BU programmes are made available to students. These can be accessed via the Business School community tab within myBU at this link https://mybu.bournemouth.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_283_1

This information is provided for transparency only and it is not appropriate for students to contact external examiners directly under any circumstances. External examiners can arrange to meet with students during the year and/or prior to the Assessment Board and students should approach their Framework Leader should they wish to be involved in such meetings.

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3.0 Programme Philosophy

The focus of the programme is on the study of organizations, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate. Global perspectives are drawn out and most subject content is studied in an international context.

This philosophy is reflected in the structure of the programme, which provides students with a breadth of knowledge, flexibility and a wide range of learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on acquisition of knowledge and understanding as well as the development of skills and personal capabilities to act on that knowledge. Work based learning allows students’ learning to be closely matched to their personal and organisational needs, and strengthens the links between education and the application of key skills and knowledge in the work place.

The programme has been designed for students from a diverse range of learning backgrounds to study from anywhere in the world. A collaborative learning approach is at the heart of the programme’s philosophy and is intended to capitalize on diversity amongst the students. Through interactive learning, online discussion forums and virtual group working, students are able to share experiences and ideas with the Tutors and each other.

Flexibility is provided within the programme structure. There are three levels within the programme. The first level (level C) provides a broad underpinning across all major aspects of business: economics, organisation, finance, law, information management, ethics and marketing, all taught within an international context. Students who exit the programme after successfully completing the first level will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education.

The next level (level I) has four mandatory units covering core topics and a range of options allowing specific interests to be developed. Students who have successfully completed the first two levels, including one of the two optional Work-based learning units, and who choose to exit the programme at this point will be awarded the internationally recognised Foundation degree.

Students engaged in the final level (level H) are expected to show a high level of independence in their learning and are encouraged to undertake a project relevant to them. Level H comprises four mandatory units combined with further options. Students who have successfully completed all three levels are awarded the BA (Hons) degree.

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4.0 The Virtual Learning Environment – myBU and Communications

myBU

Bournemouth University is utilising a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where students and staff are able to come together to share Unit Materials, Discussion boards, Community areas, interactive blogs and other electronic means of communication. The Online programmes in the Business School use the VLE - called "myBU" - as the first point of contact with our online students. You can access myBU by following typing the following link into your Internet browser address bar: https://mybu.bournemouth.ac.uk. You will be given a unique username and password so that you can access myBU, and the associated information and unit materials to help and guide you through your studies. As well as specific areas set aside for each individual unit, you will have access to a programme area where you will find important information on your programme, induction materials, points of contact, etc.

Your programme area is available on the Welcome page you view after successfully logging in to myBU. You can find your programme in the area labelled ‘My Communities’.

Within this programme area, you will find important information and resources, as well as the induction materials for your current level of study (Level C is the first level, Level I is the intermediate level, and Level H is final level).

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Email / Webmail

As a student at Bournemouth University, you are automatically given a University email address. It is important you access this regularly as this is the main method of communication used by all staff at the University; Programme Co-ordinator, Administrator, Library, etc. Once you have successfully logged on to myBU (see above) a link to 'Email (Student)' can be found on the left-hand side. Alternatively you can type http://www.outlook.com into your Internet browser to access.

The first time you access the email facility you will need to register; please type your username as ‘[username]@bournemouth.ac.uk’. You will progress through a short registration process (you will be asked country, contact details, etc) which should take no longer than 2 minutes to complete. You will not repeat these steps again. A full video guide on how to register and access your email account is given in the Induction materials.

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5.0 Programme Diagram

The programme diagram is available in the programme specification.

Students should note that programme details may be subject to change during the delivery of the programme.

Please note that not all option units may be offered or delivered in a given year.

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6.0 Assessment Regulations

The standard assessment regulations are available at http://portal.bournemouth.ac.uk/C17/Assessment%20Regulations/default.aspx and on myBU.  You should note the following carefully:-

"Failure to submit a piece of coursework by the required deadline will result in a mark of zero (0)% being recorded".  You should comply with the submission times detailed elsewhere in this handbook and note that these will be strictly adhered to.  Students with genuine reasons for late submission should document their case through submission of the Mitigating Circumstances form available from their Programme Administrator or at http://bournemouth.ac.uk/studentregulations.

Failure by a student to sit any assessment (coursework or exam) at the first time, within each unit they are undertaking, without prior consent, may be deemed to be a non-completion.

Regulations relating to Mitigating Circumstances Code of Practice and the, Appeals and Complaints Procedures are available at:-

http://portal.bournemouth.ac.uk/StudentRegulations

The standard assessment regulations are available at:

www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/assessment-rules

The regulations are printed here as they stand at the time of writing, but please note these are subject to minor changes over the duration of your course.

Standard Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes

1. SCOPE AND PURPOSE1.1 Every Bournemouth University programme which leads to an award of the

University, including the award of credit, is governed by a set of standard assessment regulations. The University has five sets of standard assessment regulations (Higher National, Foundation degree, Undergraduate, Graduate Certificate/Diploma and Postgraduate taught programmes) which form part of the University’s Academic Policies and Regulations.

1.2 The regulations in this document govern Undergraduate programmes and are intended for Bournemouth University staff and students. The regulations must be followed by the Assessment Board1 which is authorised to assess candidates in accordance with the relevant assessment regulations, and to recommend that awards of the University be conferred on those who achieve the standards required for an award.

1 The Standard Assessment Regulations for taught programmes were updated in March 2012 to replace the term ‘Board of Examiners’ with ‘Assessment Board’ and to include links to revised policies and procedures. No other

changes were implemented.

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1.3 The standard regulations are applicable, without modification, unless exceptions have been approved by the University, normally to accommodate the requirements of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs). Where this is the case, the exceptions are recorded in the Framework/ Programme Specification and must be clearly articulated to the Assessment Board at the beginning of the meeting.

1.4 All students sign up at enrolment to accept the assessment regulations prevailing at the time and any subsequent approved modifications during their registration period. The assessment regulations are made available to students on the Portal and are provided on enrolment in their Programme Handbooks. All students are notified of any changes made to the assessment regulations during their studies. The most recent changes to the regulations were introduced for all students from September 2011.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES2.1 Senate: to approve the standard assessment regulations and any

amendments to these.

2.2 Academic Standards Committee: to review the assessment regulations periodically and recommend amendments to Senate.

2.3 Assessment Boards: to implement the assessment regulations. The Assessment Board derives its authority from the University Senate.

3. LINKS TO OTHER BU DOCUMENTS 3.1 These regulations should be read in conjunction with the Assessment Board

Decision-Making, including the Implementation of Assessment Regulations: Procedure which provides information on the application of the assessment regulations and outlines standard practice within the University in dealing with issues that commonly arise at Assessment Boards.

3.2 Functions and operation of Assessment Boards are as detailed in the Assessment Boards: Policy and Procedure.

Regulations

4. PRINCIPLES4.1 These regulations conform to the principles set out in the current version of

the University's Academic Policies and Regulations.

5. PERIOD OF REGISTRATION5.1 The maximum periods which a student may take to complete the programme,

from first registration, are normally as follows:

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Full-time maximum

(years)

Full-time sandwich maximum (years)

Part-time maximum (years)

CertHE 2 2 4

DipHE 4 4 6

BSc/BA/LLB (Hons)

5 6 8

BSc/BA (Hons) – (top up)

2 2 4

CPD As above from first registration to a CPD framework

5.2 Periods of registration may formally be adjusted by the Assessment Board on reasonable grounds. Maximum periods of registration may be set for students who enter with credit.

6. PASS MARK6.1 The pass mark for each unit will be 40%. Where the unit is assessed by a

combination of formally defined separate elements of assessment a pass will be awarded where the total unit mark is at least 40% and the mark in each separate element of the unit assessment is not less than 36.0%.

7. COMPENSATION7.1 When the total mark for a unit is less than 40%, but not normally less than

38.0%, and providing that no formally defined element contributing to the unit assessment has a mark of less than 36.0%, the Assessment Board will normally compensate for up to 40 credits at any one level and award a pass provided that the student to date has obtained a pass mark of 40% in the remaining credits in the same level as the unit or units for which compensation is considered. Such compensation will only apply to the first attempt (including any subsequent attempt taken as a first attempt due to mitigation) and may not normally apply to a unit or units with a total value of more than 40 credits at any one level. Where compensation has taken place the pre-compensation unit mark will be recorded.

7.2 As compensation is based on the appraisal of the student’s performance to date in the level for which compensation is considered, it cannot be applied before the student has attempted a minimum of 60 credits at that level.

8. PROGRESSION

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8.1 To proceed to Level I, students must normally achieve 120 Level C credits and, where appropriate, successfully complete the specified work experience.

8.2 To proceed to Level H, students must normally achieve 120 Level I credits and, where appropriate, successfully complete the specified work experience.

9. SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK9.1 Failure to submit a piece of coursework by the required deadline will result in

a mark of zero (0%) being recorded.

9.2 Extensions, without penalty, may be allowed in cases of illness or genuine mitigating personal circumstances provided that an application is made before the submission deadline, normally before the submission date, and there is good supporting evidence. The application must be made in writing and the signed form submitted to the relevant administrator for authorisation before the deadline. Coursework submitted after the extended deadline will result in a mark of zero (0%) being recorded.

10. AWARDS10.1 All named awards are based on credit. The credits required for each named

award are defined in the Programme Specification for the programme concerned.

10.2 A Certificate of Higher Education will normally be awarded to a student who has been credited with at least 120 credits at Level C, and who does not wish to progress further on the programme, or who fails a subsequent level.

10.3 A Diploma of Higher Education will normally be awarded to a student who has been credited with at least 120 credits at Level C and 120 credits at Level I and who does not wish to progress further on the programme, or who fails a subsequent level.

10.4 A Bachelors degree without Honours will normally be awarded to a student who has been credited with at least 120 credits at Level C, 120 credits at Level I and 80 credits at Level H and who does not wish to progress further on the programme, or who fails to complete Level H. Before such an award is made, the student must have signified that he or she is willing to accept the award.

10.5 A Bachelors degree with Honours will normally be awarded to a student

who has been credited with at least 120 credits at Level C, 120 credits at Level I and 120 credits at Level H.

10.6 An Aegrotat award may replace any of the above awards when the student has not achieved the required number of credits for the level they are considered (see Section 13.3). An Aegrotat award is always unclassified.

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10.7 Candidates who meet the criteria for the award of a degree in sandwich mode, including a satisfactory completion of the specified work experience, will normally receive an award in this mode.

10.8 In the absence of a named award, or eligibility for a named award, the award of credit is given for the successful completion of individual units.

11. CLASSIFICATION11.1 For a Certificate of Higher Education and Diploma of Higher Education

classification will be based on the credit-weighted aggregate mark as follows:

Pass 40 – 59%

Merit 60-69%

Distinction 70% or more

11.2 For a Bachelors degree with Honours, Level H units will normally have a weighting of 70% towards final degree classification, with 30% weighting for Level I units. Honours classification will be based on Level H units only, in the case of candidates with advanced standing admitted directly to Level H. Degree classification will be calculated in whichever of the following is more advantageous to the student:

Credit-weighted aggregate mark related as follows:

First Class 70% or more

Second Class, Upper Division 60-69%

Second Class, Lower Division 50-59%

Third Class 40-49%

Mark profile: Where a student achieves an aggregate mark which is not more than 3 marks below a classification boundary (50, 60 or 70) and has at least 80 credits at Level H in a higher classification than the aggregate mark, the Assessment Board will recommend that the higher classification be awarded.

11.3 A Bachelors degree without Honours is unclassified.

12. PROVISION FOR FAILED CANDIDATES12.1 Normally students will be required to make good a failure prior to the

commencement of the next stage of the programme in one of the following ways.

Failure and reassessment

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12.2 The Assessment Board will permit a student who fails at the first attempt in unit(s) carrying a total of no more than 60 credits at Level C, 40 credits at Level I or 40 credits at Level H to be reassessed, on one occasion only, in one of the following ways:

resit the examination;

resit the examination and resubmit coursework;

resubmit the coursework;

resubmit a piece of work of equal weight and comparable standard as directed by the Assessment Board.

12.3 Where a reassessment has taken place, the unit mark will not exceed 40%.

12.4 Any late resubmission(s) will be regarded as a fail. A mark of zero (0%) will be recorded for coursework resubmitted after the specified resubmission deadline.

Repetition of units12.5 Where a student fails unit(s) at the first attempt carrying a total of more than

60 credits in Level C, 40 credits at Level I or 40 credits at Level H, or where a student fails in a reassessment (12.2), the Assessment Board will normally permit them to repeat the failed unit(s) or, in the case of unit(s) which are no longer current or available, an acceptable alternative, once only, or to withdraw from the programme.

12.6 Where a unit has been repeated, the unit mark will not exceed 40%. The Assessment Board will permit a student who fails at the first attempt in a repeated unit, to be reassessed, on one occasion only, in one of the ways identified in 12.2.

13. PROVISION FOR FAILED CANDIDATES WITH VALID REASONS FOR POOR PERFORMANCE

13.1 If it is established to the satisfaction of the Assessment Board that a student's absence, failure to submit work, or poor performance in all or part of an assessment for an award was due to illness, or other cause found valid on production of acceptable evidence, the Assessment Board will act as follows.

13.2 Where mitigating circumstances are confirmed, a student may be reassessed as if for the first time in any or all of the elements of assessment, as specified by the Assessment Board. If an assessment affected by illness was itself a second attempt, the student will be permitted to be reassessed as if for the

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second time. Where a student has passed a unit at a first attempt but his/her performance has been affected by mitigation, the Assessment Board may allow the student an opportunity to be assessed as for the first time. In such cases the second mark will stand.

13.3 In exceptional cases, where the student’s ability to complete his/her studies is affected by serious circumstances (such as terminal illness of the student), and it is established that the student is likely to be unable to complete/return to complete his/her studies within a reasonable time period, the Assessment Board may act in one of the following ways:

Where the Assessment Board is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence of the student's achievement to determine the classification of an award, the student may be recommended on the basis of the available evidence for the award for which he or she is a candidate, or for an intermediate award specified in the programme specification. The decision of the Assessment Board must be ratified by the Chair of Senate.

An Aegrotat award may be recommended when the Assessment Board does not have enough evidence of the student’s performance to recommend the award for which the student is a candidate, or an intermediate award specified in the programme specification. Before such a recommendation is made, the student must have demonstrated achievement at the level for which an Aegrotat award is considered. The Assessment Board must be satisfied that on the balance of probabilities but for illness or other valid cause the student would have reached the standard required. The decision of the Assessment Board must be ratified by the Chair of Senate. Where appropriate, the student must have signified that he or she is willing to accept the award.

13.4 The above awards in 13.3 may only be considered when the student has not achieved the required number of credits. Although the award title is conferred, the student will only be accredited with the credits achieved.

14. ACADEMIC OFFENCES14.1 Where an assessment offence has been committed, the Academic Offences

Panel/Board will stipulate the mark to be awarded for the affected unit or element of assessment and the Assessment Board should consider whether the student is eligible for reassessment under Section 12 above.

14.2 Where the Academic Offences Panel/Board has stipulated that no opportunity of reassessment shall be permitted, the Assessment Board will withdraw the student from the programme. In such cases, the Academic Offences Panel/Board will stipulate whether the student may or may not be considered for an intermediate award in accordance with the assessment regulations.

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General

15. REFERENCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION 15.1 The Academic Offences Procedure for Taught Awards is available at the

Portal.

15.2 Details of the Appeals Procedure are given in the current version of the University's Academic Policies and Regulations. Further information on appeals, including the Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure for Taught Awards, is available at the Portal.

15.3 The QAA Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) describes the level and achievement represented by all taught and postgraduate research awards (other than honorary degrees and higher doctorates) granted by the University.

15.4 The QAA Higher education credit framework for England: guidance on academic credit arrangements in higher education in England provides guidance and information on the use of credit in programmes leading to a higher education qualification in England.

15.5 The QAA Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education (the Code of practice) Section 6: Assessment of Students guides University principles and process for the assessment of students.

7.0 An Explanation of Assessment Methods specifically for this Online programme

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Assessment on each unit is quite individual and you must read the unit specification, unit schedule and assignment instructions for each unit at the outset. These can be found clearly labelled within the unit area itself on myBU.

If you are uncertain of the assessment arrangements on any unit, please contact the Unit Tutor for clarification.

Some units will have one assessment piece, others two pieces of assessment, or some a collection of ongoing tasks throughout the unit.

Some units are assessed by assignments, some units are assessed by Time Constrained Papers (TCPs), and some a combination of both.

For all forms of assessment we recommend that you:

Always save a copy of your work Ensure your name is clearly placed on your document. Check that you have loaded the correct file/s BEFORE you click to submit Submit early – never wait until the last minute in case of unforeseen problems.

Assignments/Coursework

Details of all in-course assessment will be available from the start of the unit, in the section labelled Assessment.

In-course assessment will vary and can take almost any form, such as a traditional essay, a business report, annotated slides for a presentation or even a video recording of a short presentation. You may be assessed on online contributions to a wiki, facilitating a discussion or entries in a blog. Coursework may be individual or group work.

Details of the in-course assessment will be defined for each unit and deadlines will be clearly shown in the Unit Schedule and the Assessment Brief. All coursework can and should be submitted electronically. You are advised to always keep a copy of what you submit and to check that you have submitted the correct file/s.

If you are unable to complete an in-course assessment within the specified time for reasons that are genuinely outside your control, you may request an extension. You will need to complete a Mitigating Circumstances form and provide written evidence to support the request to the Programme Administrator before the due date. Extensions will not normally be considered once the submission date has passed. Please refer to the Mitigating Circumstances Code of Practice for further information. For your information – reasons for possible extensions include medical circumstances, bereavement, or exceptional circumstances in paid employment. PC failure or other IT issues are NOT usually considered to be an acceptable reason. If you are in any doubt whether your situation qualifies as mitigating circumstances, please do consult us before the due date.

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In all cases of assessment submission, failure to submit by the stated time and date without an agreed extension will result in a mark of 0% being awarded.

Time Constrained Papers (TCPs)

TCPs, as the name suggests, are ‘time constrained’ and on this programme you will have a period of 72 hours to complete each TCP. A TCP is considered to be similar to a conventional examination, albeit an open-book exam.

On this programme each TCP will be made available online at 12 noon (GMT) on a Friday with submission due by 12 noon (GMT) on the Monday.

The TCPs will be loaded into the assessment area of the appropriate unit on myBU and will be released for you to view at 12 noon (GMT). You will then have 72 hours to complete the paper and submit your work online. You are not expected to spend 72 hours working on the paper – we will provide guidance on the amount of time we expect you to spend on each TCP (see below) but, of course, we cannot control the amount of time you actually spend.

For a unit where the assessment is 100% TCP, you should allow approximately 3 hours.

Where the assessment is 50% coursework and 50% TCP, you should allow approximately 2 hours.

Online submission can be made at any time, you do not need to wait until 12 noon. As neither the Internet nor your computer are under our control, it is not advisable to leave submission until the last minute. You should aim to give yourself plenty of time and avoid last minute panic.

You should treat a TCP like an exam. Ensure you are free from other distractions for the recommended period of time and focus your attention on completing the paper. The dates of the TCPs will be clearly shown on your course calendar at the start of the academic year. You should note these very important dates on your own calendar so that you can be certain to have time to complete the task within the time stated.

TCPs are viewed by the University in a similar way to exams. Non-submission of the work by the specified submission date and time equates to non-attendance at an exam.No extensions will be granted for TCPs. If you experience circumstances which prevent you from completing the paper, you will need to submit these circumstances formally in writing including documented evidence, as soon as possible and these will be considered by the Board of Examiners at their next meeting.

Resubmission

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If you receive a fail grade for a piece of coursework or a TCP the Assessment Board may require you to ‘resubmit’ the assignment or ‘resit’ the TCP. (This decision is not automatic as it depends on your grades across all units within a level). Where this occurs, you will be required to complete a specified piece of work, or complete another TCP, within a specified timeframe. You will be given detailed instructions should this be required.

Assessment is often an area of concern, so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require any further information.

Nikki McConville, Programme Administrator+44 (0) 1202 965474nmcconville@bournemouth.ac.uk

Academic staff will mark and return coursework to students on or within 3 weeks of the submission date (excluding periods when the University is closed for vacation ie Christmas and Bank Holidays), although if the 3 week date falls during a vacation the expectation is that it will be returned on the first day of the next term. You are encouraged to plan to submit earlier than the required deadline to prevent last minute problems.

You are required to keep a copy of each element of coursework that you submit.

"Bournemouth University is committed to maintaining high ethical standards in research. All staff and students at BU are responsible for considering the ethical implications of their research. As such, all taught students are required to read and be familiar with the Research Ethics Code of Practice and review ethical consideration at the outset of their research by completing an Ethics Checklist. The Research Ethics Code of Practice can be found here: http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/university-research-ethics-committee.html.

NOTE: BU’s Research Ethics policies and procedures are currently being updated. The new policies and procedures will be implemented on 1 March 2013. Details of the updated policy, to include access to the new Online Ethics Checklist, will be made available on myBU."

8.0 Mitigating Circumstances

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All students on this course are required to use the following formal procedure for the submission of mitigating circumstances.

Evidence of mitigating circumstances may be required in relation to: a request for an extension to a deadline for the submission of a piece of

coursework the meeting of an Assessment Board, in order that mitigating circumstances are

taken into account when results are considered.

Mitigating Circumstances Code of Practice

http://portal.bournemouth.ac.uk/StudentRegulations

If this relates to an extension to a coursework deadline, the request must be made BEFORE the due date. Copies of this form are available on request from the Programme Administrator. The completed form should be sent to your Programme Administrator who will notify your Programme Co-ordinator. The form requires you to indicate which assessment(s) were affected, the dates over which the mitigating circumstances applied, the nature of the circumstances and documentary evidence to support the claim, where applicable.

The submission of the form may result in a recommendation that your assignment deadline be adjusted. In this case the Programme Administrator will enter extension details on to your Assignment Form when you submit your coursework. In other instances the Programme Co-ordinator may consider it appropriate that your circumstances are considered by the Assessment Board.

If you have any queries regarding the operation of the system please contact your Administrator on nmcconville@bournemouth.ac.uk.

9.0 Guidelines for Submitting Assignments

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SUBMISSION DETAILS

An electronic copy of your assignment must be submitted via the Final Submission box in the Assessment section of myBU by 12 noon on the relevant submission date. No hard copy is required.

Your student number(s) must be shown on the first page of the electronic copy of your assignment. This is a number that starts with a 4 or a 9 and not the beginning of your University email address.

Bournemouth University uses Turnitin for submitting assignments. Your assignment may be scanned through Turnitin anti-plagiarism software to ensure good academic practice in terms of referencing sources used in your work. The originality report generated by Turnitin highlights any matches with other sources but does not recognise whether or not these have been referenced appropriately. If there is a high percentage match, the originality report and your assignment will be examined by a member of staff and a decision will be taken on whether an academic offence may have been committed. This could lead to convening an Academic Offences Panel. The BU Student Policies, Procedures and Regulations documents available from the BU web site provide further details on academic offences and the procedures for dealing with these. The plagiarism element of Turnitin is not used for every submission, so your unit tutor will advise you if this is the case.

You can use the Turnitin Try-It- Out area accessed from the Business School tab to obtain an originality report before submitting your assignment. This trial assignment is not connected to any of your units, so no-one else will see the originality report that is generated for the piece of work you submit.You will see an 'originality score' on your work. This relates to any text that is identical to text that exists elsewhere; it does not automatically mean that you have plagiarised something. You need to look and the highlighted sections of text and decide whether you have referenced them adequately, or whether you need to make changes to your work before submitting it. Guidelines on how to interpret the Turnitin originality reports are available through myBU/Academic Skills/Referencing & Plagiarism/Turnitin, and you can also contact your Subject Librarian for support both in interpreting your originality report and advice on improving your referencing skills

The Final Submission box in myBU will close exactly at 12 noon on the relevant deadline date. If your final submission is successful you will receive an acknowledgement email within a few minutes. Please keep the email safe just in case you are required to prove your submission. If you miss this deadline or you are given an extension you submit your assignment in the Late Submissions box in the Assessment section of myBU.

Important information when submitting your assignment:

Your e-submission must consist of only one file. Information on how to create one file from multiple documents can be found on the myBU Help tab, Alternatively you can contact your School Learning Technologists, or email learningtechnology@bournemouth.ac.uk Your e-submission must consist of a Rich Text or PDF file of less than 20MB.

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Please ensure you use one of the following supported internet browsers to submit your work: Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.6+ / Mac – Firefox 3.6+, Safari 4. We would recommend using Firefox for assignment submissions.

Allow enough time for your e-submission to go through – problems with e-submissions are NOT valid mitigating circumstances for late submissions.

Your student number(s) must be shown on the first page of the electronic copy of your assignment.

HELP AND SUPPORT

You must acknowledge your source every time you refer to others’ work, using the Harvard Referencing system (Author Date Method). Failure to do so amounts to plagiarism which is against University regulations. Please refer to www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library for the University’s guide to citation in the Harvard style.

Guidance on report writing is available via the Academic Skills community on myBU (go to: Reading and Writing / Academic Writing / Report Writing). General academic support is also available via the Academic Skills community.

Students with Additional Learning Needs may contact Learning Support on www.bournemouth.ac.uk/disability_support.

If you have any valid mitigating circumstances that mean you cannot meet an assignment submission deadline and you wish to request an extension, you will need to complete and submit the Mitigating Circumstances Form for consideration to your Programme/Framework Administrator together with appropriate supporting evidence (e.g. GP note) normally before the coursework deadline. Further details on the procedure and the mitigating circumstances form can be found at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/mitigating. Please make sure you read these documents carefully before submitting anything for consideration.

If you experience technical problems with the submission system then you must contact BU IT Services immediately. Phone 01202 965515 (support available 24/7) and explain that you have an online submission issue which will ensure that your issue is dealt with as quickly as possible.

In the interests of fairness to all students, drafts of your assignment will not be formally reviewed.

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Citing References

Remember that you must acknowledge your source every time you refer to someone else's work. Failure to do so amounts to plagiarism, which is against the University rules and is a serious offence. Further information about plagiarism can be found on the plagiarism web pages at http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library/citing_references/plagiarism.html

When you are copying or downloading material, you must also ensure that you comply with copyright rules. Further information about copyright can be found on notices next to photocopiers, and on the copyright compliance web pages at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library/using/copyright.html. When including third party material in theses and dissertations it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure the appropriate copyright permission has been obtained.

A version of the Bournemouth University Harvard Style is available for EndNote users from www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library/citing_references/endnote.html.

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10.0 Plagiarism

Contents: What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism means representing someone else's work as your own or using someone else's work without acknowledgement. It is a form of cheating and therefore constitutes a serious breach of University rules. Penalties are severe - at the very least, you are likely to receive 0% for the work.

Examples of plagiarism as defined in the University regulations Section E, Regulations For The Assessment of Students on Taught Programmes of Study

the direct importation into one's work of more than a single phrase from another person's work without the use of quotation marks and identification of the source;

making a copy of all or part of another person's work and presenting it as one's own by failing to disclose the source;

making extensive use of another person's work, either by summarising or paraphrasing it merely by changing a few words or altering the order of presentation, without acknowledgement;

the use of ideas of another person without acknowledgement of the source, or the submission or presentation of work as one's which is substantially the ideas or intellectual data of another.

Where can I find more information?

The University's guide to Citing References tells you how to acknowledge other people's work using the Harvard Referencing System.

The Library's self-guided tutorial, Information Skills, includes a section on citing references, with information about plagiarism.

The Copyright Compliance web page helps you to ensure that you are also working within the copyright regulations.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of staff to frame assessment requirements and procedures in a clear, unambiguous manner in the light of the guidelines.

It is the responsibility of students to acquaint themselves with these guidelines and to act in accordance with them.

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11.0 The Importance of the Handbook

It is imperative that you read your Handbook and retain it for reference. Graduates often need a copy of their syllabi in future years and because changes are made to keep the programme up to date, it is both time-consuming and difficult for us to supply copies of the syllabi in years to come. It is therefore your responsibility to keep your own company. The Business School reserves the right to charge a fee for a replacement copy.

Copyright Compliance

When making copies at the University, you must comply with copyright law. The Copyright Compliance Web pages offer guidance on what you can copy, or you can pick up a leaflet in the Library.

http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library/using/copyright.html

Insurance

All students are covered by the University’s public liability insurance for accidental injury or loss or damage to property when they are participating in the usual activities of the University. However, if those activities entail travelling, either abroad or in the UK, students are not covered by the University’s policy for travel insurance.

Travel insurance typically covers loss of deposit, personal effects and money. Most importantly it covers medical expenses arising through accidental injury.

Medical insurance is not required when travelling in the UK, as the NHS provides cover. However, it is a University rule that any student travelling abroad must take out personal travel insurance to cover medical expenses. Cover can be arranged with the University’s own insurers by contacting the Accounts Department.

Communicating Important Information

It is very important that you are aware of any changes made for example to programme calendar details. This information and other important announcements are communicated to you through myBU. It is your responsibility to ensure that you check this regularly and read any notices posted.

Programme Details

Students should note that programme details may be subject to change during the delivery of the programme. Please note that not all option units may be offered or delivered in a given year.

Student Portal

The student portal at http://studentportal.bournemouth.ac.uk is an excellent resource that brings together a wide range of information and services in a single place and we encourage all students to make use of this on a regular basis. Within the student portal you will find information on current news and events, quick links to the most

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used areas of information, access to log-in services such as myBU and student email, the library resources and the Student’s Union. The askBU link on the portal will take you to sources of useful information, help and advice and if you can’t find what you are looking for you can email them with your query: askbu@bournemouth.ac.uk.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Details for Level H Students:

Alumnus (n), alumni (npl), a graduate of a college or university, from the Latin alere to nourish

Did you know that (exams permitting!) you’ll be a BU alumnus next summer?

As a BU graduate you are automatically a member of the Alumni Association and have access to a wide variety of fantastic services and benefits. You can also use our new alumni website to

stay in touch with your friends see what’s going on at BU find out about reunions look at how we can continue to help you and much more…

You will also receive our free, bi annual magazine, Talbot. It’s a great way to keep in touch and find out what your fellow graduates are up to.

Have a look at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/alumni, click through from the BU homepage, or contact us at alumni@bournemouth.ac.uk for further info.

Alex LiivetAlumni Association Manager

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12.0 Programme Specification

The programme specification follows in a separate file.

Students should note that programme details may be subject to change during the delivery of the programme.

Please note that not all option units may be offered or delivered in a given year.

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