Programme Specificationfor BA International Business Administration

1. Programme title International Business AdministrationInternational Business Administration (Finance)International Business Administration (Human Resource Management)International Business Administration (Management)International Business Administration (Marketing)International Business Administration (Logistics)

2. Awarding institution Middlesex University3. Teaching institution Middlesex University4. Programme accredited by N/A5. Final qualification Bachelor of Arts6. Academic year 2012/20137. Language of study English8. Mode of study Full time/ Part time/ thick sandwich

9. Criteria for admission to the programmeThe programme has been designed so that, for final year entry, students should have a Business related HND with a Merit profile, foundation degree or two years of successful degree level study in a Business Management related degree. In addition at least half of their prior study should be in Business and Management areas and specifically they must have a minimum of 15 credits in each business discipline (Accounting, Economics, Business Statistics, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Management) somewhere in their programmes. For those that do not meet the entry criteria for final year entry , i.e. for Business HND students with a pass profile or those that do not meet the level 3 curriculum requirement, a 2 year version has been designed to address any gaps in knowledge before progress onto the final year.Students from other suitable disciplines with quantitative elements (e.g. engineering and computing) may enter at Year 2 of the programme to convert from their studies

using the two year version. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to achieve 6.0 in IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or have an equivalent qualification recognised by Middlesex University.The equivalence of qualifications from outside the UK will be determined according to NARIC guidance.

10. Aims of the programmeThis programme aims to enable students to develop effective business skills, realise the interrelationship of business functions, build essential business skills, and be proficient in addressing current international business issues and situations. This programme also aims to develop knowledge and skills needed by those students wishing to follow an international business career encompassing different cultures.

The programme has been designed to allow students to follow a subject specific pathway enabling students to tailor their programme to meet their interests, needs and aspirations.

Specifically, it aims: to provide broad access educational opportunities which enables students from

diverse backgrounds to develop knowledge, intellectual opportunities and po-tential;

to offer students a comprehensive and effective range of learning support and guidance mechanisms;

to develop the capacity to communicate effectively in written, oral and other forms of presentation;

to establish a learning experience through the programme that encourages the development of those personal qualities and skills appropriate and sought after by employers;

to develop subject specific skills appropriate to the pathways.

Subject specific aims relating to the subject pathways are:

FinanceTo provide students with the opportunity to study finance in a global context and lay the foundation for a successful career.

Human Resource ManagementTo develop an understanding of key concepts and ideas that underpin human resource management practice.To provide an opportunity to develop interpersonal and employability skills.

ManagementTo endow students with the practical aspects of planning, organisation, leading and controlling an enterprise.To develop an understanding of key management tools and techniques.

MarketingTo develop an understanding of fundamental marketing processes and current trends in the international business and marketing environment.

LogisticsTo develop an understanding of key tools and techniques used in logistics management for analysing and optimising the structure of a business supply chain.To develop an understanding of the problems and opportunities faced by logistics and supply chain managers in business.

11. Programme outcomesA. Knowledge and understandingOn completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of :1. Stakeholders of organisations, es-

pecially in an international con-text: their expectations and beha-viour;

2. the environment of international business and its impact on strategy;

3. business resources: acquisition, application and control;

4. organisations: their functions, structure and management;

5. local and international business

Teaching/learning methodsStudents gain knowledge and understanding through guided reading of textbooks, journals and course notes; on-line and in-class exercises; lectures, workshops and seminars.

Assessment MethodStudents’ knowledge and understanding is assessed by in-class and on-line objective tests, examinations and written assignments.

processes: planning, improve-ment and control;

6. international business manage-ment practice.

Students following the general BA (Hons) International Business Admin-istration programme will have their programmes enhanced and enriched by the wide option choices available to them. Students studying a particu-lar pathway will have restricted op-tions to ensure they achieve the ap-propriate pathway specific programme outcomes below.For the Finance pathway7. The key concepts and techniques

of contemporary corporate fin-ance, within a global context.

For the Marketing pathway8. The main theoretical perspectives

and practices on international mar-keting.

For the HRM pathway9. The principal approaches and

frameworks for managing people on an international basis.

For the Management pathway10. The theory, principles and meth-

odology of selected areas of Man-agement.

For the Logistics pathway

11. The key methods and tech-niques used in solving logistical problems.

12. The design and structure of sup-ply chains and of the integration and managerial issues associ-

ated with them.

B. Cognitive (thinking) skillsOn completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:1. evaluate, explain and apply mod-

els, concepts and theories relevant to the operation and practice of in-ternational business;

2. identify, evaluate and construct ar-guments;

3. demonstrate self awareness and sensitivity to others;

4. take and defend a decision or pos-ition on a given issue, considering commercial, ethical and other factors;

create and evaluate solutions to given problems.

Teaching/learning methodsStudents learn cognitive skills through individual and group exercises and case; tutor-led seminars and class discussions. Feedback on assessments.

Assessment MethodStudents’ cognitive skills are assessed by essays, oral presentations and written examinations, sometimes based on case analysis.

C. Practical skillsOn completion of the programme the successful student will be able to:1. locate, categorise, prioritise, and

synthesise information necessary for business purposes;

2. interpret business reports and evaluate performance within a global context;

3. set objectives for business change & plan implementation;

4. identify and demonstrate interper-sonal skills appropriate to a given international business situation;

5. apply skills of cultural sensitivity in relation to international business practice.

Teaching/learning methodsStudents learn practical skills through workshops, simulations, role-plays, individual and group case analysis and problem solving.

Assessment MethodStudents’ practical skills are assessed by individual and group exercises, individual assignments and examinations.

D. Graduate SkillsOn completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:1. clarify career objectives & develop

plans to achieve them;2. learn flexibly and effectively from

Teaching/learning methodsStudents acquire graduate skills through on-line exercises and embedded class activities embedded in modules. Subsequently, tutorial guidance and feedback on assessment is deployed.

diverse opportunities;3. communicate persuasively using

a range of media to international business contexts;

4. contribute positively to team per-formance;

5. make effective use of ICT;6. use qualitative and quantitative

techniques to explore the chal-lenges and practice in interna-tional business

Assessment methodStudents’ graduate skills are assessed by highlighting graduate skills within assessments for relevant modules. Career plans are developed as part of an on-line PDP, but given their idiosyncratic nature are not subject to summative assessment.

12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)12. 1 Overall structure of the programme

See page 14

12.2 Levels and modules

Starting in academic year 2012/13 the University is changing the way it references modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed below.Level 5 (2)COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTSStudents must take all of the following:

ACC2211HRM2015MKT2225

Students must also choose at least ONE from the following:

BIS2200MGT2220

Pass 180 credit points(as per university guide and regulations)

Optional PlacementStudent electing a placement must take ALL of the following:

MBS3331MBS3332

Level 6 (3)COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTSStudents must take all of the following:

MGT3201MGT3203

Students must also choose at least TWO from the following:

ECS3122 ACC3133 MKT3132 MKT3151MGT3155MGT3553 MGT3194MGT3450HRM3120 HRM3125MBS3012 STX3450

12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)Module level Module codeN/A

13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modulesSee Curriculum Map attached

14. Information about assessment regulationsMiddlesex University Assessment Regulations apply to this programme, without exception.

15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)All students who join in year 2 on this programme are encouraged to take an optional one-year placement. Middlesex University Business School has a dedicated Placement Unit, offering help in choosing placements and supporting students through the application, experience and assessment stages. The placement is assessed by a 30 credit point project. This contributes to honours

classification, as an addition to the normal 360 credit points required for an honours degree. Evidence shows that those Middlesex University Business School students who successfully complete a placement generally obtain better academic results and earlier career success than those who do not.

16. Future careers Middlesex University Business School graduates experience higher average rates of employment than Middlesex University graduates as a whole.The University provides a Careers Service, and this programme includes scheduled career planning sessions. Graduates from this programme enter a wide range of general business positions; some go on to study post-graduate programmes.

17. Particular support for learning In addition to Middlesex University’s campus student achievement advisers, learning resources staff and counsellors, there are some forms of support particularly relevant to this programme: programme induction; English language and numeracy support; exam technique classes; programme web-site and on-line discussion board.Tailored English language and learning support classes will be provided to support the students during their studies on this programme. Support will be provided to develop both written and spoken English for International students, and help develop confidence in essay writing and study skills. Self-access materials and the ELLS interactive learning support will be directly linked on the ‘My Learning’ myUniHub page. Middlesex University is committed to breaking down any barriers which might prevent a disabled person from actively participating in the academic life. This extends to the provision of learning support and support in relation to assessment for people with disabilities.

18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) BA International Business Admin-

istration (Top Up) 135N10BBA International Business Admin-istration (Finance) (Top Up)135N10FBA International Business Admin-istration (Marketing) (Top Up)135N10KBA International Business Admin-

istration (Management) (Top Up)135N10GBA International Business Admin-istration (HRM) (Top Up)135N10HBA International Business Admin-istration (Logistics) (Top Up)135N10*

19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s)

General Business & Management, 2008

20. Reference pointsQAA Guidelines for Programme SpecificationsQAA Subject Benchmark: General Business & ManagementMiddlesex University RegulationsMiddlesex University Learning Framework – Programme Design Guidance, 2007Middlesex University Learning & Quality Enhancement Handbook, 2006/07Middlesex University Business School Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategy

Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.