THE SENATE PATHWAY APPROVAL REPORT (Core and/or Franchised Provision) A confirmed report of the event held on 26th November 2008 to consider the approval of the following pathways: BA (Hons) Marketing Ashcroft International Business School Delivery of Pathways at University Centre Peterborough Quality Assurance Division SECTION A – OUTCOME SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The purpose of the event was to consider the approval of the delivery of the BA (Hons) Marketing at University Centre Peterborough. 1.2 The pathway will be located Ashcroft International Business School. 2. CONCLUSIONS 2.1 The Panel recommends to the Senate the approval of delivery of the following pathway: in the Chelmsford Department in the BA (Hons) Marketing. Approval, once confirmed, will be for an indefinite period, subject to Anglia Ruskin’s continuing quality assurance procedures. Delivery at University Centre Peterborough will be both full-time and part-time with a minimum cohort size of ten students and a maximum cohort size of thirty students. 2.2 The Panel recommends to the Senate the approval of no new modules for delivery. 2.3 The Panel congratulated the team for the vision and enthusiasm demonstrated in establishing a higher education strategy for Peterborough in Peterborough. 2.4 Conditions Approval is subject to the following conditions which were set by the Panel. A copy of the response must be lodged with the Executive Officer by the date(s) detailed below: 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 Details of Condition Deadline Response to be considered by Submit an electronic version of the revised Pathway Specification Form (PSF) detailing the modules to be delivered at the University Centre (paragraph 9.1 & Appendix 1); Review the Student Handbook to reflect the vibrant environment at Peterborough and emphasise students’ status as Anglia Ruskin students (paragraphs 6.7, 6.9, 8.1 & 9.2); Provide a pathway structure diagram within the Student Handbook to reflect accurately the sequencing of modules both for part-time and full-time students (paragraphs 4.3-4); Provide a strategy and resource plan for the appropriate and timely development of resources, in particular those with regard to the library and staffing, to reduce the vulnerability of individual tutors and deliver successfully the specialist marketing modules, e.g. Retail Marketing (paragraphs 6.1-5). 17th December 2008 All Panel members 17th December 2008 Panel Chair & Executive Chair 17th December 2008 All Panel members 17th December 2008 All Panel members Quality Assurance Division 2 Confirmed 2.5 Recommendations The following recommendations for quality enhancement were made by the Panel. A copy of the responses to the recommendations listed below must be lodged with the Executive Officer. The Faculty Board for the Ashcroft International Business School will consider the responses at its meeting of 25th February 2009: 2.5.1 2.6 Details of Recommendation Develop a plan to effectively market the pathway (paragraph 3.4). Deadline 19th January 2009 Issues Referred to the Senate (or appropriate standing committee) 2.6.1 The Panel did not identify any following institution-wide issues as requiring the attention of the Senate or the appropriate standing committee of the Senate. Quality Assurance Division 3 Confirmed SECTION B – DETAIL OF DISCUSSION AND PANEL CONCLUSIONS 3 RATIONALE 3.1 The Proposal Team explained that there had been rapid growth over the past year with regard to the development of University Centre Peterborough. Paul McDermott had been appointed in September 2008 by Anglia Ruskin University to lead the development of curriculum at the Centre. The Centre’s broad vision for their curriculum was based upon three student profiles: i. the traditional ‘A’ Level student; ii. applicants from the increasing developments in Further Education in local colleges; and iii. adult learners on release from employment or returning to education through the Widening Participation route. 3.2 The Proposal Team confirmed that HEFCE had identified Peterborough as an HE ‘cold spot’. 800,000 people live within the greater Peterborough region with fifteen different colleges feeding into Level 3 qualifications. 10,000 to 15,000 individuals complete Level 3 awards annually. Together with the area’s high immigration and migrant working population a strong market was anticipated for local HE provision. 3.3 The Proposal Team continued by explaining that it was intention to develop a third University campus at Peterborough with satellite centres around the City providing a whole suite of HE curriculum. Lynchwood Park is scheduled to provide business and management pathways from February 2009; a site for health and social care pathways was being identified, as was a sustainable institute for science and technology; discussions were continuing with our University’s Faculty of Arts, Law & Social Sciences to deliver art and drama pathways; and discussions were opening with our University’s Faculty of Education. A new building is anticipated by December 2009 on the Park Crescent site for HE delivery solely. 3.4 The Centre was also in the process of negotiating Learning Pledges with various stakeholders and businesses in the area. A 14-19 Director was expected to be appointed. Delivery of ‘A’ Levels had been discontinued in 2008 by Peterborough Regional College to focus upon vocational provision instead. Train to Gain opportunities were also being pursued with a contract with a local supplier through the Learning & Skills Council. The Centre was working with McCain foods to provide management training. Corporate programmes were also being delivered in-house to forty students supported by BGL Insurance. The partnership was beginning to develop with several of these students continuing onto the postgraduate management pathways at University Centre Peterborough. The Centre is working with 3,000 local businesses each employing more than one hundred staff within the Peterborough area and is receiving pledges of student numbers from these businesses currently. The Proposal Team confirmed that their target intake would be sixty students but that twenty-five had been pledged to date with a mix of employer-funded and self-funded applicants. HEFCE Higher Skills grants were available. 4 CURRICULUM DESIGN, CONTENT AND DELIVERY 4.1 The Proposal Team confirmed that the first intake to the pathway was anticipated in February 2009. The Panel returned to the three anticipated student profiles [c.f. paragraph 3.1]. The Panel explained that each profile identified would have different skills sets and appropriately different skills requirements. The Panel queried the Proposal Team’s ability to meet each profile’s requirements adequately within such a mixed-profile cohort. The Proposal Team felt that cohorts would not be large, i.e. no greater than twenty students, and so managing students’ differing needs would be achievable. It was also the view of the Proposal Team that the initial cohorts would come from adult learners who would be released from employment [c.f. paragraph 3.1, iii]. Quality Assurance Division 4 Confirmed 4.2 The Proposal Team confirmed that the Ashcroft International Business School (AIBS) was committed to seeing Peterborough as an HE campus and an area for HE delivery. The pathway and module design was undertaken centrally by AIBS, in liaison with its collaborative partners. The setting of assessments and their approval by external examiners was also undertaken by AIBS and disseminated to its collaborative partners. 4.3 The Panel queried whether full- and part-time students would be co-taught. The Proposal Team confirmed that full- and part-time students on the Business Management are not cotaught currently. Cohort numbers would determine whether Marketing and Business Management students were co-taught on common modules. Availability of teaching space would also be a criterion. 4.4 The Panel then queried the difference between the pathway structures. The Proposal Team explained that five modules across Levels 2 and 3 were different between the two pathways but that this should have been discussed within the Project 15/30 approval. The Panel queried the viability of the designate module choices sought for delivery. The Proposal Team confirmed that the minimum module enrolment would be six students for both a quality learning experience and a financially-viable one. A module choice would be provided where possible and students registered upon the Business Management would be included also, where the pathway structures allowed. The Panel recommended that the Proposal Team map the modules against the content of the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Certificate in Marketing to maximise the registration of students seeking professional exemption. The Proposal Team thanked the Panel for this recommendation and noted that the Chartered Institute of Marketing were considering using Lynchwood Park bringing access to their digital library with them. 4.5 The Panel noted that the Proposal Team sought to deliver modules from the Anglia Language Programme and sought to explore the necessity for this. The Proposal Team confirmed that the majority of migrant workers are employed within the agricultural industry and are unlikely to be enrolled upon this pathway. The English of many of the Poles living and working in the area is generally very strong. 4.6 The Panel explored where Personal Development Planning (PDP) was addressed within the pathway. The Proposal Team confirmed that PDP was embedded within Learning & Skills Development in Business, Research Methods and Undergraduate Major Project. Many Professional, Statutory & Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) have their own requirements also. Subject to the future development of Anglia Ruskin’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), the Proposal Team noted that the use of Blackboard also provides PDP opportunities. 4.7 The Panel noted that our University’s Vice-Chancellor was advocating the introduction of entrepreneurship within all pathways across all Faculties. The Proposal Team asserted that entrepreneurship was implicit within the pathway and its inclusion was being considered by AIBS within its forthcoming curriculum review. 5 ASSESSMENT STRATEGY 5.1 The Panel noted that formative assessment was not identified for the constituent modules. The Proposal Team confirmed that they would encourage the use of comparative websites with tests available. Students’ responses would be e-mailed to tutors. The delivery team would also structure the delivery around case studies. Students are encouraged to draft their assessments by Week 7 which are discussed by tutors with the student. The Panel drew the Proposal Team’s attention to our University’s guidance that tutors should not consider more than 20% of a student’s assessment before the submission date. Quality Assurance Division 5 Confirmed 5.2 The Panel queried where students’ presentation skills were assessed, which the Panel felt were important for marketeers. The Proposal Team explained that students were required to research a topic and present their findings to their peers. Additionally, Learning & Skills Development in Business required class groupwork and a presentation. The Practice of Marketing also provides students with an opportunity to present a case study. 6 STAFFING, LEARNING RESOURCES AND STUDENT SUPPORT 6.1 The Proposal Team tabled a statement upon the staffing resources in response to the Panel’s queries raised on the Checklist of Issues. Updated CVs were also provided. The Panel noted that teaching qualifications were not held by all members of the delivery team. The Proposal Team confirmed that all team members either have a postgraduate teaching qualification or are working towards the completion of one. 6.2 The Proposal Team confirmed that Chris Pursehouse had been appointed on a full-time contract with teaching HE marketing modules prioritised. A CIMA- and ACCA-qualified accountant had also been appointed. Another part-time tutor was still to be appointed. All staff on the delivery team hold an MBA or Masters qualification. 6.3 The Proposal Team confirmed that Peterborough Regional College had given a commitment to the University Centre to fill gaps in teaching teams. A letter from the Principal of Peterborough Regional College to our University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) was tabled underwriting the provision of tutors for the Centre’s pathways. 6.4 The Panel raised the potential workload for Pathway Leaders and Module Leaders, especially if two registration periods per academic year were to be pursued together with the anticipated varied student profile, and that the Pathway Leader also fulfils the role of Personal Tutor to all students registered on the pathway. It was calculated that the Pathway Leader could therefore be acting as Personal Tutor to up to 180 students on the proposed BA (Hons) Marketing in addition to students on other pathways they may lead. The Panel recommended that this practice be reviewed as a matter of urgency to ensure that individuals were not overloaded in their responsibilities and that the quality of student experience could be assured. 6.5 The Panel noted that many tutors delivering on the pathway were on variable hours contracts. While their commitment to the Centre had been evidenced in their record to date the Panel suggested that variable hours lecturers have restricted opportunities for student access and colleague interaction. The Proposal Team assured the Panel that the Centre, and previously Peterborough Regional College, had a track history of delivering to part-time students and with variable hours tutors. Local Programme Committees are held monthly providing an interface between tutors and student representatives. Tutors’ e-mail addresses are published to students and the Management & Professional Advanced Curriculum Manager meets with students regularly. Peterborough Regional College is committed to staffing curriculum adequately and if more tutors were required the College would be approached to appoint suitable individuals. 6.6 The Proposal Team confirmed that University staff development activities were extended to colleagues at Peterborough in addition to those organised locally. The HE Academy also provide many subject-specific activities. 6.7 The Proposal Team confirmed that a Student Adviser had been appointed to support students through various issues including module choice, assessment extensions and mitigating circumstances. Careers advice was also available on site. The Proposal Team acknowledged that part-time students’ needs were often greater than those of full-time students. The Centre’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) was quite well-established on a Citrus platform. Module materials are uploaded onto the VLE so that the teaching Quality Assurance Division 6 Confirmed method could be almost blended, supported through flexible distributive learning. Students would also have access to Anglia Ruskin’s WebCT resources. Tutors are also developing DVDs of their teaching and support materials. The VLE is introduced to students during induction week and through the module Learning & Skills Development in Business. The new build at Peterborough will adopt Anglia Ruskin’s VLE platform. Students have electronic contact with tutors to enable ongoing correspondence beyond teaching hours. E-mail is used widely by students to contact variable hours lecturers. A direct line of Widening Participation monies had been provided to Peterborough Regional College to support students in greater need. A dedicated learning support team is available. The Panel strongly recommended that all these facilities are emphasised within the Student Handbook. 6.8 The Proposal Team confirmed that administrative support was available 24/7. The new building will have a one-stop student query shop and will be open throughout the hours that the building is open. Links between Anglia Ruskin’s Students’ Union and Peterborough’s Students’ Union were being facilitated to ensure an embedding of similar opportunities and activities. 6.9 The Panel felt that the library within Peterborough Regional College was small for the specialist nature of this pathway. Basic texts were available but not in great number and the specialist texts were not available. The Proposal Team confirmed that a budget was allocated annually for University Centre Peterborough and that, in the first instance, this would be used to pump-prime new curriculum provision. All students have access to Anglia Ruskin’s e-library, including journals, which may be more appropriate for marketeers. The Proposal Team confirmed that texts were either on 7-day loan or for reference and between two and three copies were available of each text. The Panel strongly recommended that the e-library be explained clearly in the Student Handbook. 6.10 The Panel noted that the College library was open until 7.30 pm each day and closed over the weekend, when part-time students may have greater time to access it. The Proposal Team agreed that the library facility needed to grow. The Panel felt that key and recommended texts should be more clearly defined in documentation published to students both as a marketing tool and to ensure that students do not incur unnecessary expense. The Proposal Team explained that AIBS’ Module Leaders send reading lists regularly which further informs purchasing. The Proposal Team confirmed that the number of copies of texts would be increased in alignment with an increase in student numbers. 7 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ENHANCEMENT 7.1 The Proposal Team confirmed that the pathway would be subject to our University’s quality assurance processes under the auspices of AIBS, including external moderation, assessment regulations, module evaluation and annual monitoring. Students at Peterborough were invited to attend the campus-based Programme Committees as well as to the local Programme Committees. Tutors were invited to the Faculty’s Business & Management Discipline Network Group which had met the previous day and provides a forum to discuss various issues regarding module delivery as well as operational matters. 7.2 An HE Programme Leader was due to be appointed with 0.5 remission to support curriculum management. Local committees were being established which would provide another interface between Peterborough Regional College, University Centre Peterborough and Anglia Ruskin University. An annual report will be introduced for the Centre’s pathways to address issues, monitor trends and disseminate good practice. This would create a clear audit trail to report to the appropriate Faculty Board within our University. 7.3 Furthermore, the Proposal Team noted that our University’s Head of UK Partnerships & Progression visits UK collaborative partners on a semesterly basis to meet with a range of Quality Assurance Division 7 Confirmed students across disciplines and academic years to hear the student voice on a number of academic and operational management issues on an institutional basis. He was scheduled to meet with Peterborough students on the following day. Partnership Liaison Group meetings are also held annually with representatives of appropriate University Faculties and Heads from Peterborough to discuss institutional matters. 8 NATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND STATUTORY BODY REQUIREMENTS 8.1 The pathway is not subject to any national professional and statutory body requirements. However, the Panel recommended that students be encouraged to join the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) early in their studies. CIM membership bring access to their library and journal articles and access to branch meetings with guest lectures from a variety of leading academics and practitioners. The CIM can also support career progression. The Proposal Team were recommended to include this within the Student Handbook. 9 DOCUMENTATION 9.1 The Panel noted that the Pathway Specification Form (PSF) submitted was not the latest version. The Proposal Team should source the most up-to-date version to ensure that students pursue the approved pathway structure. 9.2 The Panel considered the draft Student Handbook submitted. The Panel felt that the Student Handbook undersold the friendly reception at Peterborough. While basing the Handbook upon the Faculty’s own was advised the Panel strongly recommended that the Proposal Team review the Handbook for typographical areas and to include more local information and tone. 10 MISCELLANEOUS 10.1 The Proposal Team thanked the Faculty for its support, which has been very good, providing timely advice and guidance. 11 CONFIRMATION OF STANDARDS OF AWARDS 11.1 The Panel confirmed that the proposed delivery of BA (Hons) Marketing at University Centre Peterborough satisfied the University’s Academic Regulations with regard to the definitions and academic standards of Anglia Ruskin awards and, hence, the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. DRAFT UNCONFIRMED CONFIRMED FILE REF OFFICE FILE REF Quality Assurance Division 8 28th November 2008 1st December 2008 12th January 2009 J:\Administration\Academic Office\Quality Assurance Division\Events\2008-09\AIBS\BU06 BA (Hons) Marketing at University Centre Peterborough\Reports\BA (Hons) Marketing @ UCP report.doc AIBS/UG/89/BA (Hons) Marketing at University Centre Peterborough Confirmed SECTION C – DETAILS OF PANEL MEMBERSHIP AND PROPOSAL TEAM Internal Panel Members: Anne Trotter (Chair) Head of Child & Family Health Department Faculty of Health & Social Care Martin Roots Admissions Tutor and Schools & Colleges Liaison & Recruitment Department of Digital Sciences & Technology Faculty of Science & Technology External Panel Members: Ian Bathgate Strategy Operations Marketing & Management Field Leader Business School University of East London Dr Jackie Stephens Programme Area Manager (Accounting, Economics & HRM) Staffordshire Business School Staffordshire University Executive Officer: Claire Moorey Faculty Quality Assurance Officer (Ashcroft International Business School) Quality Assurance Division, Academic Office Technical Officer: Helen Sismey Academic Regulations Assistant Quality Assurance Division, Academic Office Members of Proposal Team: Adam Mee Advanced Curriculum Manager Peterborough Regional College Dave Bimson PG Cert, PG Dip Management University Centre Peterborough Paul McDermott Academic Director University Centre Peterborough Chris Pursehouse Lecturer (Marketing) University Centre Peterborough John Rayment Joint Venture Co-ordinator Ashcroft International Business School Sandhya Sastry BA (Hons) Business Management Pathway Leader & BA (Hons) Marketing Pathway Leader [designate] University Centre, Peterborough Quality Assurance Division 9 Confirmed SECTION D – OUTCOME DATA Programme Department Faculty Collaborative Partner New/amended Awards Approved (nb intended awards Chelmsford Chelmsford Ashcroft International Business School University Centre Peterborough Title(s) of Named Pathway(s) Attendance mode and duration only, not intermediate awards) BA (Hons) Marketing Part-time/Full-time Validating body (if not Anglia Ruskin University) Professional body accreditation Proposal Team Leader Month and Year of the first intake Standard intake points Maximum and minimum student numbers Date of first Conferment of Award(s) Any additional/specialised wording to appear on transcript and/or award certificate Date of next scheduled Periodic Review Awards and Titles to be deleted (with month/year of last regular conferment) Not applicable Not applicable Adam Mee February 2009 September & February 10 min.;30 max. January 2012 Not applicable To be confirmed None NEW MODULES APPROVED None Quality Assurance Division 10 Confirmed FOR FRANCHISE APPROVALS ONLY: LIST OF MODULE TUTORS AND MODULE CODES & TITLES (FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF TEACHING STAFF) BC115001S Analysis of Business Anglia Language Programme BD215018S Marketing Communications BC315001S Advanced Strategic Management BD315015S Retail Marketing Dave Bimson† BC130001S Business Environment; BC115002S Business in Focus, BC315017S Strategic Management; BD315017S The Practice of Marketing; BD315016S Strategic Marketing: A Contemporary Review Graham Bowes BC115004S Learning & Skills Development in Business; BD130002S Managing People, Finance & Marketing S Donnachie BC115004S Learning & Skills Development in Business Peter Gardner† BD130002S Managing People, Finance & Marketing; BC230001S International Business; BD215011S Marketing Management; BD315010S International Marketing; BD315019S Business-to-Business Marketing; BD315016S Strategic Marketing: A Contemporary Review Peter Gray† BB215005S Information Systems; BC230001S International Business; BC215010S Research Methods Peter Hopgood† BB215005S Information Systems; BD315017S The Practice of Marketing David Hopkins† BB115002S Introduction to Business Law Chris Jakeman BB115004S Web Design for Business; BC215010S Research Methods Chris Pursehouse BD215011S Marketing Management; BD215012S Marketing Research; BD315010S International Marketing; BD315014S Marketing Financial Services; BD315019S Business-to-Business Marketing; BD315011S Internet Marketing & e-Commerce Sandhya Sastry BC130001S Business Environment; BD215010S Consumer Behaviour; BC230001S International Business; BD215012S Marketing Research; BC315006S Ethics & Governance; BC315017S Strategic Management; BD315016S Strategic Marketing: A Contemporary Review Michael Walton BD130002S Managing People, Finance & Marketing Jacqueline Wilkinson BB115002S Introduction to Business Law Various team members BC330998S Undergraduate Major Project Quality Assurance Division 11 Confirmed Appendix 1 Pathway Specification Form (PSF) Award Pathway Title Required amendments BA (Hons) Marketing Ensure use of the latest version of the PSF. 2. Add University Centre, Peterborough; 7. Add the local Pathway Leader; 26. Insert local structure diagram. Helen Sismey, Technical Officer & Claire Moorey, Executive Officer Quality Assurance Division, Academic Office 27 November 2008 Quality Assurance Division Appendix 2 Module Definition Forms (MDF) Check that all existing modules meet the requirements of the pathway e.g. delivery pattern, assessment pattern. If not, please liaise with the appropriate department. Level 1 Ensure use of the latest version of MDFs available on Anglia Ruskin’s J:\ New/Existing Approved Module Code Module Title Required Amendments BC130001S Business Environment Existing 2b and 6a updated 4/11/07. BC115001S Analysis of Business Existing 2a, b and 6a updated 4/11/07. BB115004S Web Design for Business Existing BB115002S Introduction to Business Law Existing BC115004S Learning and Skills Development in Business Existing 2b and 6a updated 4/11/07. BC115002S Business in Focus Existing 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? BD130002S Managing People, Finance and Marketing Existing 2a, 6a, b and c updated 4/11/07. BB115002S Introduction to Business Law Existing Y/N Level 2 Ensure use of the latest version of MDFs available on Anglia Ruskin’s J:\ New/Existing Approved Module Code Module Title Y/N BC230001S International Business Existing BB215005S Information Systems Existing BC215001S Business Economics Existing BD215010S Consumer Behaviour Existing BD215018S Marketing Communications Existing BD215011S Marketing Management Existing BD215012S Marketing Research Existing BC215010S Research Skills Existing Required Amendments 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? 6c. Anglia Ruskin Journals – J Drive is correct. 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? MDF re-formatted on J drive. Should assessment be set up as PF (SITS has it as fine-graded)? 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? Level 3 Ensure use of the latest version of MDFs available on Anglia Ruskin’s J:\ New/Existing Approved Module Code Module Title Y/N BC330998D Undergraduate Major Project Existing BC315017S Strategic Management Existing BC315006S Ethics and Governance Existing BD315010S International Marketing Existing BD315017S The Practice of Marketing Existing Quality Assurance Division Required Amendments Insert correct module code BC330998D 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? 2b. Dept title International Business & Strategy? MDF re-formatted on J drive and Cambridge library amended to Anglia Technical Report – BA (Hons) Marketing – (Peterborough) Ruskin. BD315014S Marketing Financial Services Existing BD315019S Business-to-Business Marketing Existing BD315011S Internet Marketing and E commerce Existing BD315013S Marketing Consultancy Existing BD315016S Strategic Marketing: A contemporary review Existing Helen Sismey, Technical Officer & Claire Moorey, Executive Officer Quality Assurance Division, Academic Office 27 November 2008 Page 14 of 14