Management Practice (Developing Leaders in Agri-Food)
AdvCert

About this course

About

The cost of the course is £2,572 which includes all teaching, registration/awards fees and residential industry best practice visits.

Applicants should normally have experience of working in a farming or agri-food production business.

Attendance

The course consists of 3 modules delivered over 6 days in total. Each module is taught in two day blocks so you can fit your study easily around your work commitments.

The modules you will study as part of this course are:

BMG419 - The Future of Work (The Future of Food)
BMG491 - Management Practice Visit (Agri-Food Study Visit)
BMG340 - Leadership Practice (Effective Leadership in Agri-Food)

Start dates

• November 2021

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment is 100% coursework. Each module will be assessed through a short, practically focused work-based assignment aimed towards your own unique business scenarios.

Each module is taught in two day blocks so you can fit your study easily around your work commitments.

Get taught by a highly experienced teaching team and industry guest lecturers with established networks in the agri-food industry.

Learn first hand from industry experts from Mash Direct and Devenish Nutrition.

Get practical insights and network with other students in the industry.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Finance

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Organisations need to obtain, manage and plan for the resources required to achieve their objectives. Accounting is a system which assists them in doing this and is seen in the context of a financial representation of the organisation; an economic model. This module enables participants to critically evaluate and appraise the performance of the organisation as it attempts to achieve its objectives. It also considers and reviews the accounting approaches to decision-making and planning and control.

The module is theory based but practitioner focused and utilises a blend of participative learning strategies and methods.

Leadership Practice

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge of the leadership literature to enable them to assess their leadership skills and attributes. To assist with this process, students will be introduced to self-assessment and reflective practice to provide them with a holistic and objective view of their leadership abilities and practice which will inform a personal leadership development strategy.

Personal Effectiveness and Resiliency

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The aim of this module is to provide the skills and capabilities required to undertake effective self-management and to understand and develop resiliency. It focuses on developing personal and interpersonal skills and resiliency. Subjects covered include achieving objectives through self-management, team working, effective communication skills, personal development, managing time and self, gratitude and resiliency.

Improving Organisational Performance

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module covers the range of planning and quality systems available to organisations to ensure that they maintain and sustain competitive advantage. Or in the case of not for profit organisations, it covers the need to demonstrate high levels of efficiency and fitness for purpose.

Management Project

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Managers are often required to solve complex, non-recurring problems and to do this
effectively they require high-level research skills and an ability to effectively project manage. The Module will develop high-level research and project management skills through application to organisational challenge.

Strategy

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Strategy consists of the analysis and decisions an organisation undertakes in order to create and sustain competitive advantage in the 21st Century. Understanding these interrelated processes is crucial for creating and developing organisations. This module explores these decisions areas from a range of contemporary perspectives and contexts.

Managing in the 21st Century

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Companies are more global and employee groups more diverse than ever before. Organisational structures are less hierarchical and more collaborative. As companies become less hierarchical, the effective use of online networks will be crucial to success. Web 2.0 technologies present a vast array of opportunities for companies which can make use of the Web 2.0 technology as a smart way to manage client and employee relations, marketing and finances in cost effective ways, improve productivity and project management and foster their creativity and innovation.

Communications

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Effective managers regularly revise personal, interpersonal and organisational communications strategies. The 21st century manager needs to be aware of and use appropriate web-based communications tools and techniques. Evaluating and selecting communication mechanisms with best fit enhances organisational performance. Managing virtual teams is increasing. This module provides the underpinning academic frameworks and paradigms to support improvement by means of effective communications.

Change Management

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Change is always with us. People, not organisations, bring about change. The people element of change management is core. Managing people effectively through change is critical to success. This module examines some tools and techniques, models, frameworks and concepts related to change management. Resistance to change is common. Sources of resistance and ways to address resistance are examined. The ultimate goal of the module is to enhance personal, professional and organisational change management.

The Future of Work

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The Future of Work module will allow students to gain new insight into the changes that are taking place for individuals, organisations and the wider world. This module will allow students to explore and understand those changes as well as the implications to businesses. They will also learn about the skills needed to navigate the future of work. Students will understand the importance of sustainability and being a socially minded organisation as well as being a global citizen. Students will have the opportunity to understand the future of work and how they can take advantage of the opportunities it presents to individuals and organisations.

Management Practice Visit

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module enables students to gain an increased and practical understanding of best practice in a range of organisations that are acknowledged as leaders in their field. It is designed to supplement the knowledge and understanding provided in complementary programme modules.

Business Coaching and Mentoring

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module will provide the student with the opportunity to learn the importance of the business coaching process, develop their practical coaching skills and to evidence their reflective practice. The student will be able to evidence and present a reflective, ethical and professional approach to the coaching relationship in a business improvement context.

Business Model Design

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This Module is designed to support business growth. It supports the development of scaleable business models for smaller businesses and business model innovation and transformation for more established larger businesses.

Participants will be supported to better understand their context, understand what differentiates them and to 'expand possibilities' through looking creatively at new ways of addressing value and new ways of supplying services.

Big Data Analytics

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module will introduce you to Big Data, covering the sources and lifecycle of data, along with legislation and other issues. Over the course of this module you will learn how to process conventional data (relational) and non-relational data. You will also analyse data and document your finding in reports.

Contemporary Marketing

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module:
1. Introduces the concepts, theories and techniques of marketing, and examines their practical application to organisations
2. Introduces students to Digital Business Skills concepts to enable students to study and develop digital literacy skills in order to collect, analyse and report on data from a variety of digital sources.

Customer Service Management

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module enables students to understand principles for analysing customer needs for the services provided by their organisation and to make recommendations for improvement

Digital Marketing

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module introduces students to Digital Marketing. It investigates both hardware and software tools, e-communications mix, ethics and legalities in digital marketing and metrics. It will give students an insight into how digital marketing is used in a 'real' world context and gives them an opportunity to develop a personal brand through social media.

Year two

People Development

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

Managing and developing people is an important part of all managers' jobs. Successful management and leadership can make a significant difference to the performance of teams and individuals and to the achievement of organisational objectives. This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to people management strategies which can help achieve high performance within the hotel industry.

Business Development

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module presents a professional learning and development opportunity for emerging leaders in hotel/hospitality organisations to gain a greater understanding of how business development will contribute to the profitability and competitiveness of individual properties and the overall portfolio. The module introduces the key concepts, techniques, tactics and tools of business development, and examines their practical application to the business.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

A Levels are not a requirement of this course.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Do you own a farm or work in an agri-food business and want to develop your management and leadership skills? Have you an innovative idea for your farm or business and want to learn how to put it into action through effective leadership? Then this course is for you.

This course is aimed at current and aspiring leaders, managers and business owners working within the agri-food industry, either in farming or in agri-food production, with a keen interest in developing their leadership and management capabilities to achieve business growth. No academic background in business needed.

Learn how changes in the external environment can be managed to provide future opportunities and make practical changes to your farm or food business.

• Get a business qualification relevant to the agri-food sector.
• Graduate with the opportunity to progress to a higher-level qualification (diploma/degree).
• Learn how to access and use market intelligence to inform decision-making.​

Apply

Start dates

• November 2021

Contact

If you would like more information about the course please contact:

Barry Quinn (Course Director)
b.quinn@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Ulster University Business School
• Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.