Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
Business Administration
Overview
| Originating Institution(s) | London Examinations Board |
| Awarding Body | TQUK and London Examinations Board |
| Duration | 6 months – 12 months |
| Award to be conferred | Diploma in Business Administration |
This Diploma is designed to provide a broad understanding and application of business administration to equip learners who are keen to take up employment in the business sector. Those who are already working in the business sector can also benefit from enhanced knowledge and skills in addition to a recognized qualification.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to and/or have:
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
- The business environment in which managers operate.
- The application of business concepts and tools to specialist aspects of business.
- The development of business strategy within a European and international context.
B. Application:
- Apply business concepts to a range of specific organisational scenarios.
- Synthesise appropriate solutions to complex business problems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of business activity.
C. The skills necessary to
- Analyse operational situations and devise approaches that may improve performance of the business aspects of an organisation.
- Generate ideas for new business activity and evaluate the feasibility of those ideas.
- Evaluate the business environment and make judgements as to how business activity might be adjusted to respond to those changes.
- Act independently in constructing own learning models, plan and undertake tasks, and accept accountability for own learning decisions.
- Identify accurately those issues which require research, and apply appropriate methodologies using a variety of sources.
D. Deploy the following transferable skills:
- Communicate in writing appropriate for specific academic and professional audiences.
- Reference all source materials consistently and accurately using the Harvard referencing system.
- Present effectively for specific academic and professional audiences.
- Productively use appropriate information and communications technology.
- Work independently.
- Problem solving skills.
- Research skills and the use of modern online electronic sources and databases.
- Manage time and prioritise workloads.
Programme & Curriculum Structure
This degree combines a functional, sector or industry-based specialisation underpinning a generic business management curriculum. It will equip successful students with the requisite knowledge and understanding to conduct modern business and allows them to pursue the demands of a specific industry or topic area within the holistic framework of business administration The Top Up BA (Hons) in Business Administration consist of 4 taught modules each accruing 10 ECTS credits and a Research Project of 20 ECTS credits totalling 60 ECTS credits. The modules are set out as below:
The modules are:
- Business Innovation (10 ECTS)
- Business Planning for New Ventures (10 ECTS)
- International HRM (10 ECTS)
- Strategic Management (10 ECTS)
- Research Project (20 ECTS)
Delivery mode
- Mode A: Blended Learning mode – Each taught module will have a total of 12 hours of face to face lectures and 18 hours of online tutoring and online interactions with the Module/ Module Leader.
- Mode B: Fully Online mode – Each taught module will have a total of 18 hours of Online Learning, tutorials and interactions with the Module Leader.
Assessment
The aim of the assessment strategy is to identify formal practices and procedures for assessing and appraising the performance of the BA (Hons) students to enable judgments and decisions to be reached concerning:
(a) The progression of students through the programme.
(b) How well students have met the programme learning outcomes through the combination of the individual module learning outcomes.
(c) The provision of feedback information to students concerning their performance and how they adhered to the generic assessment criteria and the module-specific assessment criteria.
(d) A Cycle 1 Award based on the European Higher Education Framework.
(e) The granting of the BA (Hons) award.
Below summarises the varied assessment tasks or instruments which will be employed in assessing the different programme learning outcomes.
Assessment Instruments
Work Based Management Reports
Selected modules will contain one work-based management report with word limitations of usually between 3,500 – 4,000. Normally the expected presentation of reports should be structured as outlined below.
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
(i) Sections
(ii) Title Page (including module title, assignment title, name, word count and date)
(iii) Executive summary (one page)
(iv) Contents (page numbers)
(v) Introduction
(vi) Analysis
(vii) Subsections
(viii) Statement or evaluation of alternatives
(ix) Conclusions
(x) Recommendations (justifications and implementations)
(xi) References (Harvard style)
Example: WATSON, T., (2010), Organising and Managing Work, 3rded, Financial Times-Prentice Hall Publishing.
(xii) Appendix A Title
(xiii) Appendix B Title
The purpose of the word limitation is for students to:
(a) Focus on issues.
(b) Be critically concise.
(c) Refrain from writing excessively.
(d) Assist them in their time management throughout the programme.
More specifically and to prevent confusion by students over the word limit, the assessment specifically relates to the section in the report between the introduction and the completion of the recommendations section. It does not include the executive summary, the contents, diagrams, models, tables, references and the appendices. These are, however, expected as part of the presented report. For consistency throughout the programme, students are requested to include the word count on the front of their report.
Articles / Assignments
Written assignments are designed to allow students to demonstrate understanding of the module which students must then apply to an issue concerned with that subject area in their own organisation, or one with which they are familiar. Students are either required to identify a process, task or problem which they must describe, analyse and discuss. The assignments provide a regular assessment process, which tests the following:
(a) Knowledge;
(b) Critical and analytical faculties;
(c) Planning skills;
(d) Organising ability; and
(e) Report writing skills.
Students are requested to adhere to precise written instructions laid out in the Module assessment brief document to produce an academic article/essay on a selected area conforming to standards expected of good academic writing.
Case Studies
Selected case studies may be incorporated into the assessment of modules.
Simulation
Often students will be assessed via scenario and simulation types of tasks related to the intended learning outcomes.
Generic Grading Criteria
| Mark Range | Grade | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70% and above | A | Distinction | An outstanding piece of work incorporating and integrating both original and secondary sources with a high standard of presentation. The work addresses the brief as set in full. A creative response demonstrating a thorough understanding, analysis and judgment of the central issues. There is extensive coverage balanced with careful selection and organisation of material. There is substantial evidence of relevant wider reading, which is accurately referenced following the Harvard Referencing Style. |
| 60% – 69% | B | Merit | A good response to the assignment, well-structured and presented incorporating relevant information. The work addresses the brief as set in full. In-depth understanding of salient issues and evidence of wide reading, which is accurately referenced following the Harvard Referencing Style. Extensive analytical coverage with confident and balanced selection and organisation of material. May however lack synergy in places with some important ideas not being fully explored. |
| 50% – 59% | C | Pass | An acceptable answer that covers the majority of the key issues but may not be sufficiently complete to develop a full understanding of the situation. The brief has been addressed, although some area might not be as fully developed as others. Consideration of the academic underpinning and practical application of material may be limited, perhaps providing only partial consideration of the issues. The analysis is generally adequate but may be overly descriptive in places, lacking critical analysis and displaying limited evidence of the application of wider reading. Material is referenced in an adequate fashion, although some of the detail might be incorrect. |
| < 50% | D | Fail | Work contains errors, omissions or poorly expressed ideas; in some cases these omissions may be fundamental. The assessment brief is not addressed to a material extent, either as a whole or in significant dimensions. Lacks an adequate theoretical and conceptual base thereby failing to identify the key issues and possibly demonstrating a basic misunderstanding of the brief. The structure is not always clear possibly due to the student’s own lack of understanding. There is no clear line of argument, with passages not being adequately linked and explained. There is little or no evidence of wider reading. Sources used are inappropriate or are poorly referenced. |
Final Award Grades, Graded Point Average and Final Award Classifications
Requirements for the BA (Hons) in Business Administration
Students should have completed and successfully passed 4 taught modules plus the Research Project, totaling 60 ECTS.
6.2 Grades and Final Award Classifications
The Table below sets out the classification bands will apply to the BA (Hons) degree.
| Marks | Module Grade Classification |
| 70-100 | Distinction |
| 60-69 | Merit |
| 50-59 | Pass |
| 49-0 | Fail |
BA (Hons) Degree Classfications
| BA (Hons) Degree Classification | Final Grade Classification |
| First Class Honours | 70% or above aggregate |
| Second Class Honours, Upper Division | 60% – 69% aggregate |
| Second Class Honours, Lower Division | 50% – 59% aggregate |
| Fail | Below 50% |
Modules
Students are expected to take ownership of their learning and development and be a more independent learner and develop the ability to search and peruse relevant information and knowledge through non electronic and electronic sources
Online Learning, case analysis and self-directed learning resources will be available to support the delivery and attainment of the intended learning outcomes.
The programme will, therefore, “progress significantly beyond the delivery of subject knowledge” and will incorporate knowledge and learning, discourse and informed dialogue, and self-development. It should be noted that the focus will be on facilitating learning rather than teaching and, in this respect, the strategy is designed to facilitate the “deep learning” attributed to a more active participation and self-exploration and discovery of knowledge by students.
Business Innovation
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the nature, types and sources of innovation and its importance to organisation and national economy
- Examine the innovation processes necessary to create value to customers and the creation of conducive environment to foster creativity and innovation culture within organisations
- Evalute strategies and policies used in managing innovation
- Explore sources of funding for innovation
Indicative Contents
- What is innovation and why is it important
- Types of innovation
- Theories of innovation
- Sources of innovation
- The process of innovation
- Innovation Strategies
- Strategies for fostering innovation culture
- Funding of innovation
- Sustaining and Managing innovation
Assessment
Assessment Weighting: 100% Coursework
Business Planning for New Ventures
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify and investigate the viability of a new business venture opportunity
- Identify and present the key issues and information for a new venture proposal
- Interpret primary and secondary market research for a new business venture
- Assess the commercial feasibility o a new business venture
- Develop a compprehensive business plan for a new venture
Indicative Contents
- Entrepreneurs and New Venture Success
- Feasibility Study and Market Assessment
- New Business Planning
- Legal and Pperational Issues
- Financing A New Business
- Writing A Business Plan
Assessment
Assessment Weighting: 100% Coursework
International HRM
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply HR theories to HR practice with sensitivity to the international context
- Engage with debates of aspects of HR practice in an international context
- Critically analyse HRM rhetoric and practices in an international context
- Formulate appropriate theoretical and practical solutions to organisational problems in the international arena.
Indicative Contents
- Introduction to HRM in a Global Context.
- Institutional and Cultural Perspectives Cross-National Cultures.
- Multinational Corporations.
- Staffing the Multinational Enterprise: Expatriation and Managing Across Borders.
- Internatioal HRM in Practice: Europe and the Americas, Asia.
- Comparative Employee Relations in Asia Europe and UWS.
- The International Division of Labour and Labour Standards.
Assessment
Assessment Weighting: 100% Coursework
Strategic Management
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the strategy process and its implementation in organisations.
- Understand the environment in which business strategy management is undertaken by case study.
- Develop presentation skills and skills of critical analysis and decision making
- Increase awareness and understanding of business strategy managment theories and practices.
- To evaluate the impacts of the external operating environment and the need to adopt organizational strategies to ensure effective business performance.
Indicative Contents
- What is Strategic Management
- Strategies in Action
- The Business Mission
- The External Assessment
- The Internal Assessment
- Strategy Analsysis and Choice
- Impelementing Strategies Management Issues
- Implementing Strategies: Marketing, Finance, Accounting, R&D and CIS issues
- Strategy Review, Evaluation and Control
Assessment
Assessment Weighting: 100% Coursework
Research Project
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate, and make recommendations for organisational development relating to a theme/issue impacting the participant’s organization or any other organisation that the student is familiar with.
- Design, develop, apply and evaluate practically sound business research skills and techniques, taking into consideration appropriate ethical, commercial confidentiality and data protection issues.
- Critically evaluate the theme/issue impacting on business organisation or business models drawing upon and developing concepts, models and theories to provide feasible solutions to problems and issues identified in the said organization.
- Present findings through written presentations appropriate to both management and academic audiences.
Indicative Contents
- Choosing a topic and designing the project
- Analysing the literature and writing a critical literature review
- Developing conceptual theoretical framework and research methodology frameworks
- Collecting and analysing research material
- Interpreting research material and drawing conclusions
- Forming arguments and writing up the project
Assessment
Assessment Weighting: 100% Coursework
Word count of 7,000 – 8,000 words
Entry Requirements
An applicant may be admitted based on evidence to suggest that he/she will be able to fulfil and benefit from the objectives of the programme and achieve the standard required for the award. Criteria used in considering admissions to the programme include, candidates’ language proficiency, working experience, academic and professional qualifications.
The minimum entry requirements
- Applicants for Direct Entry to this Final Year Top Up programme will be expected to have 120 ECTS credits or equivalent gained in a related programme to their chosen specialisation and accepted by Brittany Université; OR
- No specific syllabus mapping is required but successful applicants should have covered key functional areas of business (i.e. Operations, Management, Finance, HRM & Marketing); OR
- Mature students without formal qualifications, but with appropriate experience may be admitted to the course in-line with the policy and provision for Accreditation of Prior Learning and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning.
Applicants are expected to have attained a minimum age of 23 at the time of application for admission and must have a minimum of 5 years of working experience.
AND
- Demonstrate English Language proficiency in order to participate in the programme taught in English.
Proficiency can be recognised based on completion of any programme with a minimum duration of 6 months and taught and assessed in the English Language or IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
