critically evaluate information

apply logic and reasoning

pursue independent enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across modules and between stages. A combination of teaching methods are used to enhance these skills. Students are encouraged to evaluate information and think independently throughout their course, in lectures, small group tutorials, and interactive learning sessions. Self-assessment and reflection are developed particularly in the placement module.

Methods of Assessment

A combination of assessment methods including assignments, presentations, class tests and examinations are used to evaluate cognitive skills. Students are awarded marks for their ability to demonstrate critical thinking and originality

communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms
use ICT software effectively

work both independently and in groups

manage their own time and workloads effectively

engage with employers and practitioners

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development permeates teaching and learning throughout the degree programme. The teaching and learning environment is supportive of the need to assist students in developing and enhancing their communication, IT, team working and employability skills.

Methods of Assessment

Students are asked to prepare and deliver presentations, and structure and write assignments, which encourages them to improve their oral and written communication skills. These formats also give students experience of using a range of software, and allows them to advance their technical abilities. Some assessments are group based, which helps develop an awareness of how to work as a team, whilst others are individual based, which promotes time management skills.

appreciate the importance of internationalisation

engage with issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability

Understand organisations, the external environment in which they operate and how they are managed:

organisations – encompassing the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, governance,

external environment – encompassing a wide range of factors, including economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological and technological, together with their effects at local, national and international levels upon the strategy, behaviour, management and sustainability of organisations

management – encompassing the various processes, procedures and practices for effective management of organisations. It includes theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles of management together with rational analysis of other processes of decision making within organisations and in relation to the external environment.

a detailed knowledge of oral and written forms of German, and understanding of the business environment of German speaking countries.
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Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The degree programme follows a semi-structured curriculum based upon modules in business management, economics, and accounting, and languages. Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study. A placement of a minimum of nine months offers practical experience of studying or working abroad and equips students with appropriate business and cultural understanding for working in an international business environment. The international dimension to various issues are included in modules throughout the course, and concerns around ethics, responsibility and sustainability are embedded when discussing topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-term examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, along with individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning. The placement component is assessed by way of tutor/placement officer visits to the work place, a mentor report, student reflective reports, a 'portfolio of evidence' and student presentation in German. Relevant discussion of the international and ethical aspects to any subject is also regarded as a positive.

Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulation and solving business problems

Ability to conduct research into business and management issues, either individually or as part of a team for projects/presentations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

As this degree is strongly related to practice there is a strong link between the development of skills and employability. Thus, business and managerial skills are further extended to incorporate competency in the language being studied along with an understanding of the business and culture of international business.

Business and managerial skills are grounded in problem solving and decision making emanating from a broad, analytical and integrative understanding of the subject area. Core elements of each level nurture this ability in students to create, evaluate and assess a range of options as well as the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations. In addition, across all modules where appropriate up-to-date literature, case examples and empirical evidence is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Second, weekly homework is undertaken in many of the quantitative, numerical and computer package-based modules aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Third, as part of the placement process the academic tutor, the mentor from the employing firm, along with the student assess the development of key skills developed during the placement period.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, (i) practical computer based work in the statistical/accounting modules (ii) a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays.