UNIVERSITY OF KENT Programme Specification MSc Business Analytics 1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent 2. Teaching Institution University of Kent 3. School responsible for management of the programme Kent Business School 4. Teaching Site Canterbury 5. Mode of Delivery Full-time 6. Programme accredited by N/A 7. Final Award MSc; PGDip; PGCert 8. Programme Business Analytics 9. UCAS Code (or other code) N/A 10. Credits/ECTS value 180/90 ECTs 11. Study Level M 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s) Masters in Business and Management 2007 13. Date of creation/revision (note that dates are necessary for version control) September 2011/revised Feb2013/ revised 14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this Programme From September 2014 Jan 2014 15. Educational Aims of the Programme The programme aims to: The programme aims to: Educate individuals as business analytics specialists, and thus improve the quality of business analytics as a profession. (SB 2.1) Prepare students to be operationally effective in the area of business analytics and/or prepare them for an academic career in business analytics. (SB2.7) Provide in-depth study in business analytics including ancillary subjects relevant to business analytics. The content of the programme has a strong theoretical base but it also provides a range of skills relevant to practice (SB 2.8). Add value to first degrees by offering students a theoretical and practical exposure to problem solving techniques for effective decision making in a variety of complex strategic, operational and managerial situations (SB 2.1). Provide career development opportunities by enhancing analytical modelling knowledge and understanding and professional competence in individuals who are already experienced managers and who wish to enhance their competence through a structured course of study (SB 2.1). Foster enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development so as to be able to 1 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to business and society at large. (SB2.1, 2.5) Develop an appropriate range of cognitive, critical and intellectual skills, research skills and relevant personal and interpersonal skills (SB 3.3). Develop the ability to conduct research into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, data collection, analysis, synthesis, and reporting. Develop effective two-way communication skills: effective oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports and professional presentations. Develop effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and use individuals’ contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others. Provide teaching and learning opportunities that are informed by high quality research and scholarship, from within the Kent Business School and elsewhere. Develop new areas and methods of teaching in response to the advance of knowledge, changes in technology and the needs of students (SB 2.1, 2.3). Meet the growing market demand for highly skilled analytics workers. 16 Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for A. Knowledge and Understanding of: (i.e. subject-specific knowledge and understanding) 1. A systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed. (SB5.1) 2. Application of Business Analytics knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationship and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation. (SB5.1) 3. A critical awareness of current issues in Business Analytics which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field. (SB5.1) Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/Learning Lead lectures; tutor-led seminars; student-led seminars; self-directed learning facilitated by study guides and web-based material; computer-based learning; computer workshops; problem-based learning scenarios; example classes; role playing exercised; individual and group presentations, student-centred mentoring; individual and group research and project work. Assessment Written examination papers (time-constrained); coursework essays, reports and computational questions; computer-based assignments; dissertations/ reports; presentations Skills and Other Attributes 2 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT B. Intellectual Skills: (i.e. subject-specific intellectual skills) 1. Creativity in the application of Business Analytics knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in business and management. (SB5.1) 2. Business Analytics understanding that enables the student to: Evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations. Extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice. (SB5.1) 3. Be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations. (SB5.2) 4. Evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations. (SB5.2) 5. Take responsibility for continuing to develop their own knowledge and skills. (SB5.2) Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/Learning Lead lectures; tutor-led seminars; student-led seminars; self-directed learning facilitated by study guides and web-based material; computer-based learning; computer workshops; problem-based learning scenarios; examples classes; role playing exercises; individual and group presentations, student-centred mentoring, individual and group research and project. Assessment Written examination papers (time-constrained); coursework essays, reports and computational questions; computer-based assignments; dissertations/reports; presentations C. Subject-specific Skills: (These will include practise and professional skills) 1. An understanding of appropriate techniques sufficient to allow detailed investigation into relevant business and management issues. (SB5.1) 2. Ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations. (SB5.1) 3. Ability to conduct research into business analytics issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process. (SB5.1) Once they are in professional practice, master's graduates should be able to: 4. Consistently apply their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills. (SB5.2) 5. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences. (SB5.2) Be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations. (SB5.2) 6. 3 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/Learning Lead lectures; tutor-led seminars; student-led seminars; self-directed learning facilitated by study guides and web-based material; computer-based learning; computer workshops; problem-based learning scenarios; examples classes; role playing exercises; individual and group presentations, student-centred mentoring, individual and group research and project. Assessment Written examination papers (time-constrained); coursework essays, reports and computational questions; computer-based assignments; dissertations/reports; presentations D. Transferable Skills: (Non-subject specific key skills) 1. Creativity in the application of Business Analytics knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in business and management. (SB5.1) 2. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a range of media. (SB5.1) 3. Operate effectively in a variety of team roles and take leadership roles, where appropriate. (SB5.1) Once they are in professional practice, master's graduates should be able to: 4. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences. (SB5.2) 5. Be proactive in recognising the need for change and have the ability to manage change. (SB5.2) 6. Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. (SB5.2) 7. Be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels. (SB5.2) Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated For information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping 17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards This programme is studied over one year full-time. The programme is divided into two stages. Stage 1 comprises modules to a total of 135 credits and Stage 2 comprises a 45 credit dissertation module. Students must successfully complete each module in order to be awarded the specified number of credits for that module. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (including all classes and all private study and research). Thus obtaining 180 credits in an academic year requires 1,800 hours of 4 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT overall learning time. For further information on modules and credits refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html Each module is designed to be at a specific level. For the descriptors of each of these levels, refer to Annex 2 of the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/creditframework/creditinfoannex2.html. To be eligible for the award of a masters degree students must obtain 180 credits, at least 150 of which must be Level M. Students who obtain 120 credits, but excluding the dissertation, will be eligible for the award of diploma. Compulsory modules are core to the programme and must be taken by all students studying the programme. Optional modules provide a choice of subject areas, from which students will select a stated number of modules. Where a student fails a module(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure may be condoned, subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html. Where a student fails a module(s), but has marks for such modules within 10 percentage points of the pass mark, the Board of Examiners may nevertheless award the credits for the module(s), subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework. The modules marked with an asterisk (*) below cannot be compensated. CB8005 cannot be compensated for by those students who aim to proceed to the MSc dissertation Alternatively, any other optional module (with the appropriate credit volume) from the range of School modules may be selected, with the agreement of the programme director. Code Title Level Credits Term(s) Stage 1 Compulsory Modules CB997* Management Science Modelling M 15/7.5 1 CB969* Statistics for Management M 15/7.5 1 CB932 Management of Operations M 15/7.5 1 CB9035* Applied Business Modelling M 15/7.5 2 CB9040* Data Mining and Forecasting M 15/7.5 2 CB8005* Consultancy and Research Skills M 15/7.5 2 Optional Modules Students must select 3 from the following: CB936 Business in an International Perspective M 15/7.5 1 CB937 Financial and Management Accounting M 15/7.5 1 CB996 Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management M 15/7.5 1 CB927 Heuristics and Optimization M 15/7.5 2 CB966 Simulation and Optimization Software M 15/7.5 2 CB968 Performance Management M 15/7.5 2 CB9058 Warehousing and Transport Management M 15/7.5 2 Other recommended options 5 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT CB859 Managing the Multi-National Enterprise M 15/7.5 2 CB904 Structure and organization of the ecommerce enterprise M 15/7.5 2 CB934 Strategy M 15/7.5 2 M 45/22.5 3 Stage 2 Compulsory Modules CB986* Dissertation 18 Work-Based Learning Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part of this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line with legal requirements. Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning element, inclusive of employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students. There is no work-based learning element which constitutes a formal part of this programme 19 Support for Students and their Learning School and University induction programme Graduate School (Provision of (i) skills training (workshops and online courses) (ii) institutional level induction and (iii) student-led initiatives such as social events, conferences and workshops) www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/index.html Information Services (computing and library services) www.kent.ac.uk/is/ Programme/module handbooks Student Support and Wellbeing www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport/ Student Learning Advisory Service http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/about/slas.html Counselling Service www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/ Kent Union www.kentunion.co.uk/ Graduate Student Association (GSA) www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/community/woolf.html Postgraduate student representation at School, Faculty and Institutional levels Centre for English and World Languages www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/index.html Careers and Employability Services www.kent.ac.uk/ces/ International Office www.kent.ac.uk/international/ Medical Centre www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/menu/Medical-Centre.html Library services, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/library/ PASS system, see https://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/quality/code2001/annexg.html Insert any additional School-specific information about the support available 6 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 20 Entry Profile The minimum age to study a degree programme at the university is normally at least 17 years old by 20 September in the year the course begins. There is no upper age limit. 20.1 Entry Route For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus UK Students Normally an upper second class degree from a university in the United Kingdom or at another approved University in a numerate discipline. Accreditation of Prior Learning We will consider any evidence of previous study and ability to follow the proposed programme. In particular, those who do not meet the requirements above may be admitted subject to interview and may be required to take a GMAT test. International students In order to enter directly onto a degree programme you also need to demonstrate your proficiency in English, and we ask for one of the following: Applicants must normally achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in both Reading and Writing) or equivalent. Applicants who do not meet the required IELTS score can apply to undertake a presessional programme (19, 12 or 6 week) in order to reach the required 6.5 IELTS score or equivalent. Applicants who do not meet the entry criteria for a MSc/MBA programme will be offered the Graduate Diploma in International Management with Management English, providing they hold a minimum honours degree and IELTS score of 5.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all components) and meet any programme specific entry requirements. TOEFL score: iBT – 100 (including 22 in reading and writing, 21 listening and 23 speaking) Grade A in Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English. Pearson Test of English (PTE) 68 (including 65 in all four subjects) (Note: students from the School of International Business (SIB) of the Beijing Foreign Studies University who successfully complete the programme of study of SIB as described in the Memorandum of Understanding and Programme Specification agreed by SIB and Kent Business School will be deemed to have satisfied the academic requirements above for admission to this MSc programme of the University of Kent. They will also need to satisfy the English language requirement specified above). (Note: students from LIUC Carlo Cattaneo University of Castellanza who successfully complete the programme of study of LIUC as described in the Memorandum of Understanding agreed by LIUC and Kent Business School will be deemed to have satisfied the academic requirements above for admission to this MSc programme of the University of Kent. Furthermore they will be able to claim APCL from module CB969 (Statistics for Management). They will also need to satisfy the standard English language requirement specified by the University of Kent). 20.2 What does this programme have to offer? An excellent grounding in business analytics techniques including the general management and decision making context within which such techniques are used The development of a broad range of skills that are highly sought after by employers and which open up a wide range of business and management careers to graduates. 20.3 Personal Profile Understanding of business A strong interest in a career in management 7 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT A strong interest in the application of quantitative methods to business. A willingness to develop knowledge across all aspects of business and management. A commitment to develop the knowledge and skills required to analyse management and business problems. Suitable levels of numeracy. A willingness to acquire IT skills. 21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning 21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards Quality Assurance Framework http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html Periodic Programme Review http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html External Examiners system http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html QAA Higher Education Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-ofreview/higher-education-review/Pages/default.aspx Annual programme and module monitoring reports http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html Student module evaluations Annual staff appraisal Peer observation 21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards Board of Examiners School Graduate Studies Committee Faculty Graduate Studies Committee Faculty Board Graduate School Board Staff/Student Liaison Committee 21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience Staff-Student Liaison Committee Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) Student module evaluations Postgraduate Student Representation System (School, Faculty and Institutional level) 21.4 Staff Development priorities include: Annual Appraisals Institutional Level Staff Development Programme Study Leave Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities) PGCHE requirements HEA (associate) fellowship membership 8 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Professional body membership and requirements Programme team meetings Research seminars Conferences 22 Indicators of Quality and Standards Annual External Examiner reports Results of periodic programme review (April 2011) Annual programme and module monitoring reports Graduate Destinations Survey Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) results QAA Institutional Audit 2008 22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications: QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education QAA Benchmarking statement/s for Masters in Business and Management 2007 School and Faculty plan University Plan/Learning and Teaching Strategy Staff research activities Template last updated January 2014 9 Revised January 2014 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Mapping of Compulsory Modules MSc Business Analytics Knowledge and Understanding Programme Outcomes CB997 CB969 A1 A2 A3 Skills and Other Attributes Programme Outcomes CB997 CB969 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 Subject-Specific Skills Programme Outcomes CB997 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 Transferable Skills Programme Outcomes CB997 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 CB969 CB932 CB932 CB9040 CB932 CB9035 CB969 CB932 CB9035 10 Revised January 2014 CB9040 CB9035 CB9035 CB986 CB8005 CB986 CB8005 CB9040 CB986 CB8005 CB9040 CB986 CB8005