INTO University of East Anglia:
(Norwich)
Module and Final Assessment Board:
Academic Year 2013/14 (September start)
International Foundation Certificates in
Business and Economics with Society and Culture; Business and Economics
with Accounting; Humanities and Law
International Diploma in Business Management and Economics
International Graduate Diploma in Business;
Economics; Political, Social and International Studies; International
Development
Minutes of the meeting of the board of examiners on
Friday 30th May 2014 at 14:00 in room 2.06
Present:
Dr Matthew Perry (Chair), MP
Dr Bruce Cronin (External Examiner Business), BC
Dr Michael Henry (External Examiner Economics), MH
Dr Abel Polese (External Examiner Social Science), AP
Ms Clare Cunningham (External Examiner English Language), CC
Dr James Watson (UEA Economics Lecturer), JW
Dr James Cornford (UEA Business Senior Lecturer), JC
Dr David Girling (UEA Development Studies Lecturer), DG
Mr Paul Thompson (PM for Foundation Business and Humanities), PT
Mr James Armes (PM for Diploma Business and Economics), JA
Dr Stuart Graham (PM for Graduate Diploma), SG
Mr Paul Hullock (Director of Studies English Language), PH
With:
Mr Hannah Jackson (UEA Partnerships Office), HJ
Mrs Natalia Ponomareva (Academic Support Manager), NP
Mr Alexander Rose (Academic Support Officer), AR
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1.0
Statement of Purpose of Meeting
Members were reminded that the purpose of the meeting of the Module and
Assessment Board was to determine whether students on INTO UEA
programmes have satisfactorily completed sufficient credits to the value of the
award for which they are registered.
The Board would operate according to the following documents:
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Regulations for the INTO UEA International Foundation Certificate,
International Diploma and International Graduate Diploma.
INTO UEA Instructions to Examiners.
MP welcomed CC and AP as new External Examiners. MP explained that
Maths results were signed off in exam board on 29th May 2014, and board
had been happy with all of these results and modules.
MP added that in response to previous comments from External Examiners
regarding students passing the module overall but failing to achieve a pass
mark in the final exam, INTO UEA regulations have been updated for 201314. In line with UEA’s new academic model, students no longer have the right
to automatic reassessment and must achieve pass mark in final exam to
avoid reassessment.
2.0
Conflict of Interest
No conflicts of interest in relation to the consideration of the assessment
outcomes of a particular student or set of students were declared.
3.0
Confidentiality
Members were reminded that the proceedings and discussions of the Board
are confidential. The notification to students of awards would be determined
and confirmed by the Board and issued in writing to the students by a date set
by the Board.
4.0
Module Assessment for Foundation Certificate in Business and
Economics with Society and Culture; Business and Economics with
Accounting; Humanities and Law - Consideration of Results by Module
4.1
Matters affecting student assessment
WU Zelong had been assessed as a likely case of Asperger’s Syndrome by
GP during the course following several behavioural incidents and general
tardiness regarding exams and deadlines. Medical certificate stated to treat
student as Asperger’s case for remainder of course, so was given more
flexible deadlines and reminded to attend exams and assessments.
4.2
Module results.
The results for all assessments of modules for the International Foundation
Certificate in Business and Economics with Society and Culture; Business
and Economics with Accounting; Humanities and Law were received.
4.2.1 Module results for International Foundation Certificate in Business and
Economics with Society and Culture; Business and Economics with
Accounting; Humanities and Law
4.2.2
4.2.3
Comments of External Examiners specific to modules
Comments of Internal Examiners specific to modules
BF07 – Skills for Business and Economics
 PT explained that UEA had requested INTO decrease the content
taught on the Business and Economics modules and increase the
skills taught instead. Skills included questionnaires, presentations and
group work.
 New module will be called Professional Communication Skills from
2014/15, but implemented in 2013/14 by splitting the final module
mark half and half between the existing Business and Economics
modules.
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PT noted that Academic Engagement mark worth 10% of the module
had some very high marks, but was assessed non-academically so
agree with marks.
MH raised concern about essay writing content of module. PT
explained that students complete group plan in Term 1, individual
marketing plan in Term 2, and presentation in Term 3. Essay in Term2
is first essay students prepare so marks may be lower, but necessary
as no essays in Business or Economics modules any more.
BF01 – Introduction to Business
 MP noted marks made up of Business module and Skills module.
 BC said that marks were appropriate and second marking of a good
standard. Essays in exam were quite weak, but had been explained in
relation to Skills mark inclusion.
 PT noted that Test 1 results were high as limited amount of content
now covered means easier to memorise material.
 MA Shuai and LIN Tian caught cheating in final exam and marks
pending decision from UEA.
BF02 – Introduction to Accounting
 BC stated that there was systematic second marking and coursework
task was good.
 MP noted that WU Zelong had got 0% in final exam.
BF03 – Economics
 MH stated that some students struggled with the module, but taught
clearly and marking scheme excellent. Clear guidance and
explanation provided for external examiner.
 PT added that students would be getting more support in this module
next year.
BF04 – Society and Culture
 AP stated that poster presentation was very good as was module
overall. Noted that 1 question in final exam may have been difficult for
some international students to answer.
BF05 – Law
 AP said module was taught very well and application of practical
cases was excellent.
BF06 – International and Development Studies
 AP stated that marking very organised and good overall. Noted 1
weak assignment had used Wikipedia as a reference, but EW
confirmed that students told not to use Wikipedia.
English Language and Study Skills
 CC noted that course about value added and improvement generally
demonstrated throughout. Stated that given that exams written in
house to roughly mirror IELTs skills, the English modules across all
programmes showed authenticity and clear focus on what students
needed to learn to do well at university.
 CC said that Foundation English module had good moderation
throughout, although some paper work to officially demonstrate this on
some work was not present.
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Would be nice to hear the Listening exam material next time, and
suggested recording Speaking assessments in future in case of
appeals from students. MP stated that can offer alternative forms or
reassessment or IELTs in centre.
PH noted large amount of assessment and stated that looking at
reviewing overall process in future. CC requested copy of overall
assessment calendar so could see when majority of work occurred.
JC noted decrease in mean average in some components. PH
explained that test can depend on student performance on the day
and that some students get good marks in Term 1 and then become
demotivated in English by Term 3. Conversely, some students show a
drastic improvement as course goes on.
CC noted that Science English was assessed very well. Final essay
well researched and poster presentations very high level overall,
although Found Maths and Actuarial students were not to same
standard.
MP noted that Found Computing English marks also signed off.
5.0
Module Assessment for International Diploma in Business Management
and Economics - Consideration of Results by Module
5.1
Matters affecting student assessment
No extenuating circumstances affecting students were required to be reported
in accordance with Regulation 12.
5.2
Module results.
The results for all assessments of modules for the International Diploma in
Business Management and Economics were received.
5.2.1 Module results for International Diploma in Business Management and
Economics
5.2.2
5.2.3
Comments of External Examiners specific to modules.
Comments of Internal Examiners specific to modules.
BD01 – Introduction to Business
 BC stated this was a good module with systematic second marking.
Marking scheme clear and student feedback very good. Presentations
good idea, but would be good to see a clear reconciliation with the
marking sheets.
 JA explained that two students missed their presentation initially so
did it later, but were awarded 0% as missed for no good reason.
 JA also noted that more resits than normal due to requirement to pass
final exam. Good as ensures students fully prepared for university.
BD03 – Organisational Behaviour
 BC satisfied with adjusted marks in initial test as remarking detailed
and appropriate. Final exams marked very well.
 JA explained that no seminar mark due to a confidential staff matter
which was part of an on-going investigation. No students had been
disadvantaged by this.
BD06 – Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting
 BC noted the expected disparity between numerically able students
and those that found these modules difficult.
 JA explained that added more discursive questions into assessments
which had led to some lower marks than normal for the module.
However, high number of HK students with previous Accounting
knowledge meant marks good overall.
BD07 – Microeconomics
 MH said good module overall with fair marking. Noted the expected
disparity between numerically able students and those that found
these modules difficult.
BD08 – Macroeconomics
 MH said good module overall with fair marking. Noted the expected
disparity between numerically able students and those that found
these modules difficult.
 JA noted that more students were planning to progress to Economics
than in previous years. JW suggested that Economics getting more
media coverage nowadays so was more appealing subject.
BD09 – Quantitative Methods
 MH noted the expected disparity between numerically able students
and those that found these modules difficult.
 JA explained that Term 1 and Term 2 test used to be equally
weighted, but following recommendation by exam board the final
exam was increased in weighting. This had led to more failures in the
final exam as some students struggled to apply the theory they had
learnt in Term 1 test.
 JA added that Guy Anderson was putting extra support online for
students to work through in own time, but looking to provide workshop
style Maths support in future as well. JC noted that having this
material available on Blackboard when progressed to UEA would
benefit them.
English Language and Study Skills
 CC noted that paperwork provided was very useful. Course structure
very good, especially tutorial support.
 Writing component marked a little generously in Term 1, but
consistent between all teachers so okay. Term 3 writing was of good
standard and students used other sources very well.
 Format of speaking assessment changed each term, but assessed
well each time. Noted that letting students talk individually before
group discussions was important as allowed less confident students to
express themselves.
 Recording speaking tests would be good idea for future. JA stated that
English teacher assesses Business presentations as well which are
recorded.
 CC suggested giving longer than 1 minute for students to prepare
themselves when given a topic to discuss in individual interviews.
 TH stated desire to move towards more structured speaking in future.
CC noted that makes marking easier, but gives more scope for
students to memorise particular answers.
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Term 1 listening had 3 students who did not have time to transfer their
answers to answer sheet. TH explained that paper looked at as a
whole in these cases so not penalised.
Moderation forms very useful, with Term 3 marking very detailed and
clearly discussed by several teachers.
CC suggested that listening be based on more realistic experience of
university lecture in future.
Modern Britain module excellent for students who excel in Term 1
tests. Suggested pushing students beyond limited newspaper sources
in future though.
JA added that larger number of linguistically high level students than
normal, but many had struggled on numerical modules.
6.0
Module Assessment for International Graduate Diploma in Business;
Economics; Political, Social and International Studies; International
Development - Consideration of Results by Module
6.1
Matters affecting student assessment
Bogdan MERZLYY had been affected by Ukrainian crisis just prior to final
exam period and teachers had noted that he had become withdrawn.
Subsequently got poor mark in GD03 final exam and explained personal
circumstances to INTO.
6.2
Module results.
The results for all assessments of modules for the International Graduate
Diploma in Business; Economics; Political, Social and International Studies;
International Development were received.
6.2.1 Module results for International Graduate Diploma in Business;
Economics; Political, Social and International Studies; International
Development
6.2.2
6.2.3
Comments of External Examiners specific to modules.
Comments of Internal Examiners specific to modules.
GD02 – Applied Research Skills
 MH stated that good module with consistent marking throughout if
perhaps a little high overall. Wide subject areas covered. Perhaps too
UK-centric in outlook, but probably due to greater number of sources
available.
 BC also noted high marks at top end but agreed that marking
consistent throughout.
 AP liked module, but suggested that students explicitly state which
parts of group project they undertook individually to ensure all
students contribute.
 SG stated that had standardised marks so top end was fair reflection
of ability. Only one failing student in this module.
GD03 – Foundation in Business
 BC stated that standard results which had been marked well
throughout.
GD04 – Foundation in Economics
 MH stated questions and assessment very good. Noted that some
students thought 2 hours was not sufficient for Test 1. SG stated that
students fully informed of exam length, but always struggle in
Economics module.
 MH noted in final exam the that some short answer questions with low
number of marks required time consuming graphs to be drawn. SG
stated that would look at reviewing.
GD09 – Contemporary World Issues
 AP pleased overall, but not sure about use of short answers in
exams. Unsure if gave right message to students who were planning
to progress onto quite discursive Masters courses.
GD11 – Statistics for Quantitative Methods
 MH noted that some students very good level with high marks, but
marks and questions fair and marking standard good throughout.
GD12 – Political Economy
 AP pleased overall, but not sure about use of short answers in
exams. Unsure if gave right message to students who were planning
to progress onto quite discursive Masters courses.
 SG stated that GD12 and GD13 under review after first year of
teaching.
GD13 – Social and Cultural Studies
 AP pleased overall, but noted one question in final exam required a
definition that only half the student provided. SG explained that
students not specifically prepared for Section B of paper, but are
regularly reminded on essay writing format and to provide definitions.
 SG stated that GD12 and GD13 under review after first year of
teaching.
English Language and Study Skills
 CC stated that well moderated throughout, but suggested providing
more feedback to students regarding mark breakdown.
 Also suggested open book exam to assess writing abilities and
referencing skills. This would help stretch top end students.
 Cover of reading assessment should perhaps be made clearer
regarding questions that should be answered in paper. Had not
caused confusion for students in this intake, but may be good idea to
clarify for future. Overall reading marks showed good value added
with increase in marks.
 CC suggested that listening be based on more realistic experience of
university lecture in future.
7.0
Final Assessment Board for the International Foundation Certificate in
Business and Economics with Society and Culture; Business and
Economics with Accounting; Humanities and Law; Computing with
Business; Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences – Assessment of results
by student
7.1
Matters affecting student assessment
WU Zelong had been assessed as a likely case of Asperger’s Syndrome by
GP during the course following several behavioural incidents and general
tardiness regarding exams and deadlines. Medical certificate stated to treat
student as Asperger’s case for remainder of course, so was given more
flexible deadlines and reminded to attend exams and assessments. DW
stated that will be given reassessment opportunity, but unlikely to attend as
returned to China.
7.2
Student results
7.2.1
7.2.2
Comments of External Examiners
Comments of Internal Examiners
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PT pleased that average mark in new module of BF07 was similar to
other modules. Larger number of resits as expected due to
requirement to pass final exam.
8.0
Final Assessment Board for the International Diploma in Business
Management and Economics – Assessment of results by student
8.1
Matters affecting student assessment
No extenuating circumstances affecting students were required to be reported
in accordance with Regulation 12.
8.2
Student results
8.2.1
8.2.2
Comments of External Examiners
Comments of Internal Examiners
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MH noted larger number of resits as expected due to requirement
to pass final exam. MP explained that resit in final exam would
replace previous final exam mark, so encouraged attendance as
may increase overall module mark. Also, if failed to attend resit
based on failing final exam then failed programme overall.
JA raised the fact that some students had failed one module, often
just on the final exam, and would therefore not be accepted at
UEA as they required a resit exam. However, these students were
often very able in certain skills and would excel on particular
degree courses. The cases on Fortune AMADI, CHAN Lok Tin,
ZHU Cheng Cheng and Kate PHILIP were mentioned.
MP suggested that JW, JC and DG discuss this matter with UEA
Admissions.
9.0
Final Assessment Board for the International Graduate Diploma in
Business; Economics; Political, Social and International Studies; International
Development – Assessment of results by student
9.1
Matters affecting student assessment
Bogdan MERZLYY had been affected by Ukrainian crisis just prior to final
exam period and teachers had noted that he had become withdrawn.
Subsequently got poor mark in GD03 final exam and explained personal
circumstances to INTO. SG had discussed with BC and agreed to moderate
to same level as his Test 1 plus 3% increase as per average Test 1 to Final
Exam of other students. Exam board signed off this updated mark.
9.2
Student results
9.2.1
9.2.2
Comments of External Examiners
Comments of Internal Examiners
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10.0
SG happy overall with excellent intake of students. Only one resit
on whole programme for failure in final Research Project. Pleased
that three students progressing to EDU for first time.
Arrangements for Referred/Deferred Students
Proposed re-assessment date; week commencing 9thJune 2014.
Additional support will be available for students requiring re-assessment.
11.0
Arrangements for Notification of Results
Proposed notification date of results; 10th June 2014.
12.0
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 18th June 2014; Reassessment Exam Board
13.0
Signature Sheets
All members of board signed to show agreement with the decisions made
during the meeting.