Institute of Commercial Management & Dublin Business School Awards Part Time Student Handbook 2011/2012 1. ICM/DBS PROGRAMME 1.1 Courses Offered The following are the part-time programmes offered: ICM ICM Diploma in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations ICM Advanced Diploma in Marketing ICM Diploma in Business Studies ICM Diploma in International Business Studies ICM Diploma in Management Studies ICM Diploma in Human Resource Management ICM Diploma in Tourism Management & Marketing ICM Diploma in Legal Studies ICM Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies ICM Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies DBS DBS Advanced Diploma in Investment & Capital Markets DBS Advanced Diploma in Project Management DBS Advanced Diploma in Taxation DBS Advanced Diploma in Web Design DBS Diploma in Accounting & Finance DBS Diploma in Addiction Studies DBS Diploma in Alternative Dispute Resolutions DBS Diploma in Child Psychology DBS Diploma in Cloud Computing DBS Diploma in Coaching for Performance DBS Diploma in Company Law DBS Diploma in Counselling Studies DBS Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation DBS Diploma in Criminology DBS Diploma in Digital Video Production & Post Production DBS Diploma in Employment Law DBS Diploma in European & World Cinema DBS Diploma in Event Management & PR DBS Diploma in Family Law DBS Diploma in Health and Safety Law DBS Diploma in Internet Marketing DBS Diploma in Introduction to Psychology DBS Diploma in Investment & Capital Markets DBS Diploma in Media Law DBS Diploma in Office Management & Administration DBS Diploma in Online Marketing & Digital Strategy DBS Diploma in Popular Forensic Psychology DBS Diploma in Project Management DBS Diploma in Psychoanalytical Studies DBS Diploma in Psychology DBS Diploma in Selling & Sales Management DBS Diploma in Social Science DBS Diploma in Sports Journalism DBS Diploma in Sports Psychology DBS Diploma in Taxation DBS Diploma in Web Design DBS Diploma in Wealth Management 2 DBS Executive Diploma in Project Management DBS Microsoft Office 2007 Application EDI /JEB Teacher’s Diploma in Information Technology 3 1.2 Course Aims The ICM/DBS Programme is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the theory and techniques used in various disciplines of business. The programme emphasises practical skills, theoretical knowledge and management skills so that the student is equipped for a wide variety of business related careers. 1.3 Course Structure and Organisation Each programme has been specifically designed for the emerging business environment and is focused to provide the students with a broad foundation in the functional areas of business. Teaching methods during the year are based on a combination of lectures, tutorials and computer assisted study. In addition to formal contact hours, students are required to undertake private study, including preparatory reading, preparation for tutorials and preparation of coursework assignments. This private study time is not structured, and as such is an important element in the development of each individual student and in the process of preparation for a career in business. 2. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL 2.1 Objective The objective of the course management and control system is to ensure that: The organisation and delivery of courses measures up to the highest academic standards; The courses conform to the requirements specified by the external validating body. 2.2 Professional School The ICM programmes are part of the Professional School of the College. The Professional School is located on the ground floor of the building. Students should deal directly with the Professional School regarding registration, graduation and all regulatory information, examination queries, etc. Staff: Head of Professional School ICM Course Co-Ordinator DBS Course Co-Ordinator Niamh O’Neill Gosia Jankowska 2.3 Louise Devlin Niamh O’Neill Gosia Jankowska Email: niamh.oneill@dbs.ie Email: gosia.jankowska@dbs.ie Ph No: 01 4177511 Ph No: 01 4177531 Faculties For any academic issues, please discuss with the relevant lecturer either before the lecture or during break-time. Any difficulty in any aspect of a course should always be raised immediately so that the issue can be addressed at the earliest possible time. 2.4 Class Representative Each class is asked to appoint a class representative. The function of the class representative is to liaise between students and the Course Co-ordinator and to co-ordinate student feedback and student input to the course review process. 2.5 Student Feedback Questionnaire Questionnaires will be distributed to students during the Diploma to provide the opportunity for each individual to contribute directly to the course review process. 4 3. STUDENT ASSESSMENT 3.1 Aims The main aims of the assessment system are: (i) to ensure that the final award is a fair reflection of each student’s ability and efforts throughout the course; (ii) to provide the means to monitor the students progress for each subject on the course for the information of staff and students. 3.2 Assessment Weightings Assessment is based on a combination of continuous assessment and/or an end of year examination. The allocation of marks as between coursework and examinations for each subject is usually as follows: Continuous Assessment 30% End of Year Exams 70% Please note that these weightings may vary with some modules. Refer to course outline for further details. Continuous assessment is based on coursework assignments, projects and performance at tutorials. Coursework must be submitted on the appropriate date (which will be confirmed by individual lecturers). Students must complete the assignment submission form (which is available at reception), and retain a copy of the form for reference purposes. In exceptional circumstances an extension may be given on an assignment. This must be agreed in advance of the submission date with the lecturer in that module. Supporting documentation must be provided (including medical or state documentation). 3.3 General Rules of Assessment The basis of assessment on all programmes will be as follows: a) The pass mark for each module will be 40% except for Advanced Diploma in Project Management which will be 50%. b) A student is exempt from further examinations in each module in which a pass has been awarded. c) Deferral of examinations will only be considered if state or medical documentation is forwarded directly to the Professional School before the commencement of the examinations/assessment in question. d) When submitting assignments students must retain a copy for themselves as once it is submitted it is retained in the college as college property. Under no circumstances will it be given back to a student. d) Classification of award, subject to completing all requirements is as follows: Fail: 0% - 39% A fail answer demonstrates no grasp of the issues involved. Factual knowledge may be missing, insubstantial or incorrect. The presentation is confused or very erratic. Much or all of the answer is irrelevant or illogical. 5 Pass: 40% - 60% A pass answer shows a strong awareness of the issue involved and the main lines of interpretation. The work contains inaccuracies, irrelevance or poorly substantiated claims. It also shows that organisation of materials is erratic or inconsistent. While a strong response, it is weaker in terms of general discussion, knowledge sources and factual information than higher grades. Merit: 61% - 70% A merit answer shows a very good grasp of the main issues and a sound understanding of the relevant material and debates. There may not be as much originality of interpretation as in a Distinction answer, but the material is presented clearly and logically and provides evidence of intelligent reading. Distinction: 71% and over A distinction answer shows an excellent understanding of the question and the complexity of issues involved a very good command of relevant factual material, and an ability to analyze and interpret material and to handle concepts. There should be evidence of an original approach and signs that the student has read widely and carefully and can present a reasoned argument. 3.4 Academic Impropriety Academic impropriety and cheating includes plagiarism, forgery, collusion and any attempt, successful or not, to gain unfair advantage in the examination or assessment process. Please refer to your Student Assessment Regulations handbook for further details. 4. COLLEGE SERVICES 4.1 Car Parking DBS has a subsidised car parking arrangement with Drury Street Car Park. The entrance to this car park is opposite the Brooks Hotel. An evening rate is €1.50 for vehicles entering after 4.30 pm to 1.00 am. An hourly rate is €2.00 per hour up to €10.00 per day and is valid 7 days a week. 4.2 Study Facilities DBS recognises that a structured environment can be more conducive to learning than the home or workplace. Accordingly, the library and / or designated rooms will be available for personal study. 4.3 Library and Information Services Please visit our website or refer to the Library’s guide for further information. Please see link for the Library site: http://library.dbs.ie/AboutLibrary/Quick-Guides.htm 4.4 IT Facilities Computing Facilities All registered students and staff of DBS may use the computer facilities during the scheduled opening times. Wireless Internet Access (WiFi): Wireless Internet Access is available in Aungier St., Dame St. and Castle House buildings. There is no passphrase for the wireless internet, just select the relevant network and press connect. Technical Support During the term technical support services are available in all buildings from 8am to 8pm and in open access labs until 9.00pm. If you require Technical Support please contact the IT department on 01 4177573. 6 4.5 DBS Careers & Appointments Service Please visit our website or refer to the Careers Service’s guide for further information. Please see useful links: http://www.dbs-students.com/PDF/StudentServices/Quick-Guide-DBS-Careers-Service.pdf www.dbs-students.com/PDF/StudentServices/student-services-quick-guide.PDF 5. 5.1 CODE OF DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY Attendance Regular and punctual attendance is essential to successful academic achievement. Each student is responsible for all work from the first day of class and must make satisfactory arrangements with lecturers regarding any anticipated absences. Attendance records are kept for all classes. 5.2 Offences If an officer of the College or other authorized person is of the opinion that a student is in breach of the Code of Discipline or of College regulations, he or she shall identify the student concerned by means of the student’s identity card (which must be produced on demand), inform him or her of the alleged offence, and give the student’s name and number to the Head of the Professional School with a request to initiate the appropriate procedure in accordance with the Code of Discipline. If a student, having been advised of his or her alleged offence, refuses to identify him or herself, this shall be added to the charge laid against the student, who shall be so notified at the earliest opportunity. Any person charged with an offence which is referred or appealed to the Disciplinary Committee shall either be given in person, or sent by registered post to his/her residence address, a written copy of each charge and the name of the person who made it at least three days before the initial hearing. He/she shall also be informed in writing of the time and venue of the hearing. Any charge, which is not proceeded with within 25 academic working days of notice being given, shall lapse and shall not be prosecuted further. During any work experience programme the normal regulations of the employing company/organization will apply to students taken on by the company/organization concerned. Breaches of these regulations, which are communicated to the college, shall be considered to be breaches of the College’s Code of discipline, whose provisions shall apply. When a student is outside the campus on an academic exercise, or representing the College, the provisions of this Code shall apply. In cases where a student has been found guilty in the courts of a criminal offence, the College reserves the right to deal with the student in accordance with this Code. Once a student has been found guilty of such an offence, the Disciplinary Committee may act as if the case had been referred to it on the day the verdict was delivered, and the provisions of the Code in regard to identification and warning will be considered to have been complied with. 5.3 Safety Fire Drill Fire and emergency drills will be held in the College so that students and staff will be familiar with procedures in the event of an emergency. When these are arranged all students must leave the buildings at the time of the drill and cooperate with instructions received from College staff. 7 Non-observance of drill warnings and instructions is a serious disciplinary matter, as failure to practice the evacuations of buildings could lead to loss of life in a real fire. It is also important to go to your assembly point and not to stand close to the buildings. The following instructions should be observed in the event of a fire alarm: i) ii) iii) iv) v) vii) viii) Report fire immediately to reception or the Security personnel. Evacuate the building by using your nearest Fire Exit. Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself. On hearing the fire alarm bell leave the building as quickly as possible. Follow instructions given by DSB staff and Security Personnel. If you are in class at the time the lecturer will advise you which exit to use. Each lecturer should take responsibility for their class and its evacuation to safety. Students must not delay to collect bags, books, etc. but must leave the classroom the moment the fire alarm sounds. Do not return for anything until given the all clear by DBS staff Assembly Points When any of the College buildings are being evacuated all students should meet their lecturers at the area specified. Details of Assembly points are displayed prominently in corridors of the College. 8