Management Practice Business Skills
BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

This programme of study is about learning for business. It is intended that participants will use their learning to enhance not just their own personal and professional development but to stimulate business improvement in their own organisation.

The programme begins with an induction, which acts as an excellent icebreaker and affords participants the opportunity to get to know each other quicker than a more formal workshop session would allow. The building of rapport is critical at this early stage as heavy emphasis is placed on peer group learning and practical examples drawn from participants’ experiences. Work-based assignments capture the immediate application of theory to practice. There are NO exams.

Tailored for anyone . . .

• who would like to reflect on their leadership and management effectiveness and take steps to develop further as a leader and manager, or

• wants an academic management qualification, or
• who wants to develop existing business skills

• with experience in a management or leadership role, possibly involving leading teams, managing projects, bringing about change and managing individuals, or

• where the requirement to lead and influence people is becoming increasingly significant in determining success.

Attendance

Based at the Ulster University’s Jordanstown campus, participants will undertake several learning modules, each will be delivered over two full days.

Start dates

• September 2022

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

A primary degree is comprised of modules amounting to 360 credit points. It will be made up of modules from different levels, i.e. at levels 4, 5 and 6. The BSc Hons Management Practice comprises levels 4, 5 and 6 modules. Those who have completed the AdvDiploma in Management Practice will "cash in" their qualification for the higher award. Where no level 4 modules have been studied, a portfolio of evidence may be submitted and used. Students must undertake modules amounting to 120 credit points at level 6, ie, there are no exemptions in the final year.

The course is structured into modules and typically there are 6 x 20 credit point modules at each level.

Year 1 includes topics such as managing effectively, managing resources and project management.

Year 2 includes modules relating to leadership, marketing, change management, the future of work and improving organisational performance. Participants may also undertake a study visit.

Year 3 focuses on entrepreneurship in practice, management in practice, accounting for non-accountants and human resource management. The final year includes a research dissertation.

Accreditation of Prior Learning may be used to meet the learning outcomes of level 4 and level 5 modules.

All modules are assessed by coursework only.

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

Managing Effectively

Year: 1

Status: C

This module enables students to identify, develop and apply personal, team and organisational management knowledge and skills and to present evidence of how they can apply this to their own working experience.

Managing Resources

Year: 1

Status: C

This module enables students to understand principles for managing resources within their own sphere of influence and to make recommendations for improvement.

Management Project

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides students with the underpinning knowledge and skills to undertake an independent investigation of a management issue or opportunity within an organisational context. Students are required to plan and implement the research under the support of a supervisor and write a report on the results of the investigation.

Introduction to Finance

Year: 1

Status: C

Business Accounting provides an introduction to financial and management accounting. The background to the requirement to produce, and the purpose of preparing accounting statements is examined. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting as it impacts on business and economic activity. In particular it considers the preparation of basic financial statements for sole-traders, and non-profit making entities, and cost determination and pricing.

Business Environment

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will enable students to understand the business environment by developing and integrated perspective of the political, legal, social-cultural, technological and ethical environments. An overall picture of the organisations and their relationships with these environments will be formed. The ethical aspects of the module will address ethics as a concept; professional ethics; conflict of loyalty and `whistleblowing'; corporate social responsibility; social responsible investment; sustainability; social and environmental reporting.

Organisations in Context

Year: 1

Status: C

The module has the overall aim of introducing students to the study of organisations and their role in the work environment. It also introduces the concept of organisational behaviour and provides students with an overview of the role of management practice and the impact of individual differences and individual behaviour on organisational performance.

Year two

People Development

Year: 2

Status: C

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

Year: 2

Status: C

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.

Finance

Status: O

Year: 2

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.

Leadership Practice

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity for managers and leaders to develop their understanding of, and practice in, effective leadership and teamm working through building up an in-depth knowledge of the needs of people they will encounter within their organisation. It provides a conceptual underpinning for individuals whose duties and roles involve supporting and guiding the leadership development of others.

Personal Effectiveness

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

In an ever changing business environment locally, natiionally and internationally, professionals at all levels and across all sectors need to be mindful of their skill-sets and continued employability.

With reference to the underpinning literature, and utilising a range of perspectives, academically valid self-assessment approaches and respected instruments, this module encourages students to identify, reflect on, and plan to address their current and future development needs to enhance their personal effectiveness.

Improving Organisational Performance

Status: O

Year: 2

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: 2

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: 2

This module is optional

This module places particular emphasis on achieving a balanced understanding of strategic management theory and practice, introducing the concept of Business Strategy. It aims to develop students' awareness and understanding of the means by which viable business strategies can be developed and implemented in a complex and challenging competitive climate that is today's complex and fast changing environment.

Organisational Development Project

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

The Organisational Development Project will be work focused - a problem to be investigated; a model to be tested; an issue to be addressed; an improvement to be championed; or questions that need to be answered. Individuals/Groups have the opportunity to produce a unique piece of work and to develop their investigative skills, create new networks, increase their visibility, enhance their professional reputations and work collaboratively with peers.

Managing in the 21st Century

Status: O

Year: 2

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: 2

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: 2

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: 2

This module is optional

This module examines the nature of change in the workplace and enables students to explore key factors to which they will need to respond as they plan and manage their career development

Management Practice Visit

Status: O

Year: 2

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 in Practice

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This introductory module in business coaching and mentoring in practice affords participants the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of coaching and mentoring principles as well as practical tools and techniques for managers in a coaching/ mentoring role. Participants will also be guided in a process of exploring themselves and their motivations and in creating a personal development agenda to assist them to become reflective coach/mentor practitioners.

Marketing

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module introduces the principal concepts, theories and techniques of marketing, and examines their practical application to organisations.

Customer Service Management

Status: O

Year: 2

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

Year three

Management in Practice Dissertation

Year: 3

Status: C

The Dissertation module provides an opportunity to assimilate the knowledge and learning through their supervised study. The study will result in a bespoke piece of individualised research to add to their overall body of knowledge. The process involved will include investigation, analysis of an identified area and recommendations for identified stakeholders.

Managing in Practice

Year: 3

Status: C

As a rule of thumb, training is formal and linear, it's to do with learning how to do something specific, relating to skill and competence. Training can be as simple as using a PC application and as complex as learning how to be a pilot.

Development however is often less structured and has a wider application, giving the individual the tools to do a range of things that relate to capability and competency, in this case across the range of management practices. It involves progression to a more advanced, mature or complex understanding, establishing a process that helps a student manage their development on an ongoing basis.

Accounting For Non-Accountants

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module will introduce non-accounting students to the basic concept of both financial and management accounting and give them an overview of the role played by accountants. Having passed this module they will have a greater understanding of the both the importance of accounting information and financial management to an organisation. As well as learning the theory behind the main financial statements they will also be taught how to apply some basic computational techniques. They will also be able to carry out some fundamental accounting practices such as budgeting and project appraisal.

Entrepreneurial Practice

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This is a dynamic module which develops professional practice through examination of what it means to 'be entrepreneurial' including an examination of its application in practice to a range of contexts.

Research Methods for Management Practice

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module is presented as preparation for the final module of the BSc Hons Management Practice, the Dissertation. It provides an introduction to research methods in preparation for undertaking the research journey. As an outcome of this module, students will have conceptualised their research idea in the form of a research proposal and action plan, commenced their literature review and outlined the context for the research.

Human Resource Management in Practice

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

The world of work is changing dramtically. New organisational structures and the imapct of technology have changed the way Human Capital is managed and developed. Changes in the workforce also creates new challenges in engaging staff and ensuring they contribute to organisational objectives. This introductory module in Human Resource Management will develop knowledge and understanding of the new approaches to Human Resource Management and the changing role of the HR practitioner and the line manager. Relevant literature and case studies will be used to support group discussions leading to recommendations for sustaining and improving individual, group and organisational performance.

Managing Across Cultures

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module enables students to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of cultural issues in management in the workplace by developing critical understanding of the impact of increased internationalisation of business on the theory and practice of management

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

There is no A Level requirement for this course. Please refer to the additional entry requirements for further information.

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

Additional Entry Requirements

Applications must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements or demonstrate their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. In addition, all applicants must:

(a) be in employment and be working in, or aspiring to work in, a supervisory/ management role;

or

(b) if unemployed, have previously been employed in a supervisory/management role normally within the last three years

and

(c) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent - this requirement may be met within (a);

or, as an alternative to (a) and/or (c);

(d) provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.

Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of an approved programme provided that they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level. There are no exemptions in the final year.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Graduates of the programme will be equipped to progress to more advanced programmes of study. In addition, they will be in a better position to progress within their organisation, or indeed, within another organisation/sector. Academic progression may largely depend on the individual’s previous experience as well as their accumulated studies. Future study may include programmes such as the MSc in Business Improvement or MSc in Executive Leadership.

Students who exit with the award of Associate Bachelor’s Degree will have a secure platform from which to further their careers by pursuing appropriate academic or professional qualifications and/or by developing their skills within the context of their current role, their organisation or another organisation/sector.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2022

Contact

For further information on this programme, please contact:

Course Director: Dr Joy Taylor

T: +44 (0)28 9036 8317

M: +44 (0)77 0297 1441

E: j.taylor@ulster.ac.uk

Or

Ms Janette Sheerman

T: 07793539280

E: ja.sheerman@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.

Testimonials

“Partaking on the BSc programme has given me the rare opportunity to learn on subject matters relating to my work and future work, guiding me on my way to a degree which I can obtain while still being able to work full time” Conall McQuaid, Class of 2018/19

“A few months after commencing the BSc Programme I was promoted to General Manager of our company and the skills and knowledge I have gained on this course has come a long way in supporting me in this new position”. Shari Wilson, Class of 2018