Bristol
Business School
Research Degree Programme
Faculty Handbook
2009-2010
University of the West of England, Bristol
Contents
Welcome
4
New Students: The Faculty Handbook and what you need to do
5
Key Dates
6
Finding your way around the Business School
6
Car Parking
6
Frenchay Campus Map
7
Fees
8
Guidance and Support
9
Staff/Student Courtesy
9
The Research Degree in the Business School
Background
10
10
Bristol Business School Research Centres of Excellence
10-11
BBS Faculty Research Degrees Committee (FRDC)
11
Academic Research Management
11
Supervisory Structure
11
Responsibilities of the Research Student
12
UWE Doctoral Descriptor (PhD or DPhil)
13
Timetable
13-14
Research Governance and Ethical Approval
15
BBS Faculty Research Ethics Sub-committee (FRESC)
15
NHS Research Ethics Approval Process
15
Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
15
Doctoral Symposium
15
Training Needs
16
Accredited Learning
17
RBI Skills Workshops and Support
18
Conference Support
18
Health and Safety
18
Changes to Registration
19
Progress Reports
20
Problems with Supervision
20
Essential Academic Information
Assessment Matters for Taught Modules
Assessed Work
Appeals (Applications for Review)
21
21
21
2
Assessment Offences and Plagiarism
21
“Write Right” online learning unit
21
Taught Research Training Modules
21
Examinations
The Progression Examination
22
22-24
Extenuating Circumstances
25
Final Examination
Submission and Examination of Theses
26
26-27
Research Degrees Examining Board
27
Information Technology
Overview
28
28
Rules
28
Times
28
PC Usage
29
Technical
29
Software
29
IT Guides
29
Electronic Mail
29
Help
30
Intranet
30
Saving Your Work
30
Library
31
Disability Service
32
BBS Leader of Student Support and Guidance
32
UWE Complaints Procedure
33
Trouble Shooting
33
Appendices
Appendix A – Academic Regulations. Extract from Regulatory
Framework 2008/09: Section K ‘Research Degree Regulations’
(Pages 1-35)
Appendix B – Health and Safety Policy (Pages 1-3)
Appendix C – Safety Guidance Note (Pages 1-7)
3
Welcome
Dear Colleague
We are very pleased to welcome you as a postgraduate research student to Bristol
Business School.
Bristol Business School at the University of the West of England has a substantial
and growing research reputation and our postgraduate research students constitute a
key part of our research community.
Our well-organised research degree programmes have been created to meet a
variety of individual needs: you may be someone intending to pursue a professional
career in research (in a university or elsewhere); a senior manager in the public or
private sector seeking to enhance your skills; or an individual motivated by sheer
curiosity. Whatever your background, we seek to offer excellence in supervision and
the opportunity to participate in a vibrant research culture.
We expect that, in addition to pursuing your research successfully, you will contribute
actively to the lively community of academics within the School. During your time
here there will be plenty of opportunity to work alongside staff and fellow students
from a wide range of backgrounds, research perspectives and disciplines. We hope
that you find such contacts stimulating and rewarding.
This booklet sets out the basic necessary information that you may need to guide you
through your research work with us. However, please also feel free to approach the
Research, Consultancy & Executive Development Manager or the Research
Administrators should you have any further queries (see page 9 for contact details).
We both very much look forward to meeting you and working with you.
Best wishes
Professor Andrew Danford, BSc (Hons) PhD
Director of Research and Doctoral Programmes
Bristol Business School
Professor Mairi Maclean, MA, PhD, MBA
Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes
Bristol Business School
4
New Students: The Faculty Handbook and what you need to do
This handbook should be read in conjunction with the UWE Diary and Info 2009/10
for students, see also www.uwe.ac.uk/studentservices/UWE-diary-info or
www.uwe.ac.uk/studentservices/uwe-diary-info/mobile (mobile phone version). The
UWE Diary includes information applicable to students from any faculty in the
University and includes a section on academic matters (official procedures and
policies). The Faculty Handbook gives specific information on the Business School’s
procedures and practices, together with Appendix (A) extract from Regulatory
Framework 2008/9, Section K, Research Degree Regulations, Appendix (B), Health
and Safety Policy and Appendix (C) Safety of Social Science Researchers. These
sources and the appendices should explain everything you need to know about life
on your new course.
You must keep both the UWE Diary & Info 2009/10 and the Faculty Handbook in a
safe place so that you can refer to them as necessary. You will receive updates each
year when you re-enrol.
You will also be issued with a copy of the UWE Postgraduate Research Degrees
Programmes, Code of Practice (v.1.2, revised September 2008).
There are various things you need to do:
1. Look at the information provided for you on the BBS Website.
2. Remember the most important things to do now are:

fill in and sign the Application for a Student ID card; and

attach a total of 3 photos to the form with your name on the back of
each picture; and

return all of the above to the Business School at the address below.
Bristol Business School Research Office
Room 4B001
UWE Bristol
Frenchay Campus
Coldharbour Lane
Bristol BS16 1QY
When collecting your ID card you will need to produce photo ID, i.e. passport, driving
licence.
If you have any queries about what you need to do before you arrive, please contact
the Business School Research Office on 0117 32 82600 (International Dial +44 117
32 82600).
5
Key Dates
As a research student you will continue with your studies throughout the year.
However it is important that you note the official term dates of the University, as listed
below. Facilities and access to academics may be limited during the vacation
periods.
Autumn Term
Monday 28 September 2009 – Friday 18 December 2009
Assessment Weeks
Monday 11 January 2010 – Friday 22 January 2010
Spring Term
Monday 11 January 2010 – Friday 26 March 2010
Assessment Weeks
Monday 10 May 2010 – Friday 21 May 2010
Summer Term
Monday 19 April 2010 – Friday 25 June 2010
Term Ends
Friday 25 June 2010
Finding your way around the Business School
Please see the Faculty Map on the next page for a comprehensive layout of the
rooms within the Business School corridor on level two. This includes the location of
the reception. You should note that research students have access to special
facilities in the BBS Doctoral Students Centre located on the 4th Floor of B Block in
Room 4C007/008, alongside the Research Office staff in 4B001 and 4B002.
The research notice board is by the CRIBS coffee shop on level 2, block B.
Rooms in the University are numbered by level and block. For example room 2B001
is on level 2 in B block; room 4E13 is on level 4 in E block. Academic staff have
offices within the south and west wings of Felixstowe Court from room FC1 to room
FC95. The BBS reception has details of where each academic member of staff can
be located.
This should help you find your way to all rooms on the Frenchay campus, but if in
doubt please ask!
Car Parking
Please consult the UWE website for information on car parking at the university
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/hsv/transport/cp.shtml. Please note that the Research Office
does not handle applications for parking permits.
6
Frenchay Campus Map
7
Fees
It is University policy that on the day of registration or on the first day of term,
whichever is the earlier, students must:


complete a registration form (both for new and re-enrolling students), and
complete a form FD1 which specifies the method by which and by whom the
fees will be paid.
Permitted methods of payment depend upon who is paying:
Student Contribution
Home, EU and Offshore students – permitted to pay:
 in full, before or at registration/re-enrolment
 in part, before or at registration/re-enrolment, plus the balance by direct
debit
 in full by direct debit
Overseas students – permitted to pay:
 in full, before or at registration/re-enrolment (less deposit paid in
acceptance)
 at least one-third of the tuition fee before or at registration/re-enrolment,
(please note that this will be one third of remaining balance after deposit)
plus the balance by direct debit
Commercial sponsor – invoice for one payment
Payment methods for students
Full or part payment at or before registration can be made by any of the following
methods:
 Direct Debit (from a UK bank account only)
 Credit Card (not American Express or Diners Club)
 Debit Card
 Sterling Cheque (drawn on a UK bank), made payable to UWE Bristol
(Euro-cheques cannot be accepted)
 Banker’s draft in sterling, drawn on a UK bank
 Cash (but only if you are unable to pay by another method)
 Bank Transfer (in exceptional circumstances)
You will have already been advised of the fees for 2009/10 but if you need further
clarification please contact the Research Office.
Withdrawal
If withdrawal should become necessary, you must inform the Research Office in
writing and your Supervisor at the earliest possible time. Date of withdrawal will be
deemed to be the date of the letter sent to the Research Office.
Please see the UWE Diary & Info 2009/10 for information about your fee liability on
early withdrawal. You may possibly be eligible for a reduction in fee liability.
8
Guidance & Support
Administrative Staff
There is a team of staff dedicated to the administration of research student
information. As well as managing all your data including storing personal information
like your name and address, collecting your fees, and maintaining manual and
computer records, they are also a very useful source of information and advice.
Pastoral care, including one-to-one discussions around any issues or problems, is
available from the research team. In cases where matters cannot be resolved within
the Research, Consultancy & Executive Development Manager’s remit, issues are
referred to the appropriate person. Where academic intervention is required, these
would be referred to either the Director of Research or Programme Leader: Doctoral
Programmes.
The Research Office staff can be found in the BBS Doctoral Students Centre on the
4th Floor of B Block (Rooms 4B001 and 4B002). Occasionally you may need to make
an appointment to see someone, but generally there will be someone who can help
right away. Please note that staff in the Research Office can be very busy so it
would be helpful if you could give at least 3 working days notice if you require
documentation to be produced i.e. status letters.
Your administrative support team are:
Research, Consultancy & Executive
Development Manager
Fiona is responsible for the overall management
of the research degree programme and provides
specialist support and advice to students and
staff.
Fiona Watt
Email: Fiona.watt@uwe.ac.uk
In addition, she manages support for the
Research & KE Centres and the CPD/Executive
Education portfolio.
Tel: ext 81374, Room 4B002
Research Administrators
Kay and Linda are the first point of call for
research student queries. They deal with the
administration of the research degree programme
(e.g. liaising with supervisors; input of student
data; fee queries) and provide all day-to-day
support for research students. This includes:
arranging Progression and Final Examinations;
servicing the BBS Faculty Research Degrees
Committee and BBS Faculty Research Ethics
Sub-Committee.
Kay Cook
Email: Kay.Cook@uwe.ac.uk
(Full-time)
Tel: ext 82600, Room 4B001
Linda Millward
Email: linda.millward@uwe.ac.uk
(Part-time: Tues, Wed & Thurs am)
Tel: ext 81374, Room 4B002
Staff/Student Courtesy
Please remember that all staff in the Business School are here to help you with your
studies. Do treat all staff with respect – they will all try their best to help you achieve.
Remember to conduct yourself professionally and be aware that some types of
behaviour are not acceptable to others. Think carefully about your conduct:
behaviour you may consider to be assertive may be seen by others to be bullying or
harassment. Please bear this in mind in all your dealings, particularly when
requesting information from our very busy reception area. Unacceptable behaviour
will not be tolerated and in exceptional circumstances sanctions may be taken
against any student found responsible.
9
The Research Degree in the Business School
Background
The Business School consists of six discipline based Departments, each with its own
Head of Department. The Departments are as follows: Accounting and Finance,
Economics, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Organisation Studies, and
Strategy and Operations Management. Within the Departments there are also
research groups designed to promote research activity among academic staff in the
Bristol Business School with an interest in specific areas of study. In addition, there
are Research Centres of Excellence. Research Students are encouraged to interact
with research staff within the most appropriate centre for their topic and attend their
seminars and events where possible.
Bristol Business School Research Centres of Excellence are:

The Bristol Centre for Leadership and Organisational Ethics (BCLOE) is a
vibrant, international centre providing a forum for the exchange of ideas on
leadership and ethics. It seeks to serve stakeholder communities in the
Southwest and beyond, helping individuals and organisations to reflect on
experience, to question theory and practice and to facilitate positive change. The
Centre embraces a spectrum of inter-related activities: conceptual development
of leadership & organisational ethics; academic and applied research;
CPD/Executive Education; coaching, mentoring and consultation. The Director of
BCLOE is Professor Peter Case.

The Bristol Centre for Management Accounting Research (BRICMAR) is a
joint venture with Bristol University and aims to promote research and debate
amongst management accounting researchers, students and practitioners,
through the organisation of seminars and conferences. The Bristol Business
School contacts for the centre are Professor Robert Luther and Professor Colwyn
Jones.

The Bristol Social Marketing Centre (BSMC) aims to contribute to the
improvement of health, the environment and overall quality of life across all
sectors of the population via the study and dissemination of world-class social
marketing research. As one example, researchers are currently exploring ways
in which social marketing can increase physical activity through psycho-sociocultural insights. The joint Directors of BSMC are Professor Lynne Eagle and
Professor Alan Tapp.

The Centre for Global Finance (CGF) aims to produce high quality research
outputs, research dissemination, knowledge exchange, and education in the area
of financial markets, corporate finance, financial economics, banking and
international monetary systems, and international corporate financial reporting for
an international audience of academics, practitioners, students and other
interested parties. The Director of CGF is Professor Jon Tucker.
10

The Centre for Employment Studies Research (CESR) is an interdisciplinary
UWE Research Centre with a strong core of internationally recognised
researchers in the field of Employment Studies. The Centre is physically based
in the School of Human Resource Management, but draws on a wide
membership of employment studies researchers throughout the Business School
and from other faculties of the University. Research being undertaken by
members covers employer and employee perspectives of the employment
relationship, the changing nature of work and production methods, the structure
and functioning of labour markets, in particular the changing graduate labour
market and its impact on the wider occupational structure. The Director of CESR
is Professor Stephanie Tailby.
Bristol Business School Faculty Research Degrees Committee (FRDC)
All research matters in the Business School are dealt with by the Faculty Research
Degrees Committee which reports to the UWE Research Degrees Committee. The
FRDC has overall responsibility for administrative affairs relating to research
students, including supervision arrangements and monitoring. In addition, all
decisions regarding the administration of postgraduate research degrees are made
by the Faculty Research Degrees Committee in consultation with the BBS Faculty
Research Committee.
It is important for you to note when the FRDC meets, to ensure that any requests to
changes in the administration of your registration can be dealt with quickly and
efficiently. The first meeting of the Committee is: Tuesday 6 October 2009. The
FRDC will meet again in December 2009, late January/early February 2010, late
March/early April 2010 and June 2010 (exact dates to be confirmed).
Academic Research Management
Two members of the research staff are responsible for the overall management and
co-ordination of the research programme, the Director of Research and Doctoral
Programmes, and the Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes.
Professor Andrew Danford is the Director of Research and Doctoral Programmes for
the Bristol Business School, with overall responsibility for all research matters and
research degrees. He is also the Chair of the Faculty Research Ethics SubCommittee and Deputy Chair of the Faculty Research Committee.
Professor Mairi Maclean is the Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes. She has
day-to-day responsibility for the administration of research degrees. She is also
Chair of the Faculty Research Degrees Committee.
Both report to the Executive of the Faculty, via Warwick Jones, Executive Dean and
Head of PG Studies, Research & Knowledge Exchange.
Supervisory Structure
All research students in the Business School are allocated a supervisory team, which
collectively has substantive supervisory experience. Each team consists of a
Director of Studies, who has overall responsibility, and normally one more supervisor,
although there may sometimes be additional members of the team. The Director of
11
Studies is in turn responsible to the Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes.
A supervisor’s principal professional responsibility is to help his/her research
students to develop into individuals who think and behave as academic researchers
in the field of study concerned. It is very important for you to arrange to meet with
your supervisory team on a regular basis. A full-time student can expect to have a
minimum of six meetings per year with a member of his/her supervisory team
(normally the Director of Studies); at least two of these meetings shall be with the full
supervisory team. A part-time student can expect to have a minimum of four
meetings per year with a member of his/her supervisory team (normally the Director
of Studies); at least two meetings shall be with the full supervisory team.
In their first year of study students often need a great deal of guidance in developing
their research topic, defining the research questions and very concrete teaching in
investigation techniques. Supervisors should arrange to hold a preliminary meeting
with their student within the first week of registration. After this, full-time students
might typically require monthly meetings in their first year - most of these may be with
the Director of Studies only. Part-time students might typically require meetings
every two months. It should always be remembered that it is up to you to take the
initiative in contacting your supervisory team.
Students may typically require less close supervision in subsequent years. Contact
is still essential however, for stimulation, guidance and administrative help, and to
prevent the student’s concerns from becoming too narrow. Supervisors should
continue to make face to face contact on a regular basis, supplemented by letters,
emails and telephone calls. Supervision in final months might require more frequent
assistance when the student is writing up his/her thesis.
Responsibilities of the Research Student
Students need to retain a record of what takes place during the meetings with
supervisors. The record should reflect not just the topics discussed, advice given
and objectives set, but also the degree of conviction behind them. Accordingly,
students are required to maintain a research diary log summarising the issues and
objectives discussed during each supervisory session. When completed, each diary
log will be signed by the Director of Studies and a copy provided to the Director of
Studies and Research Office. The diary log will also record the student’s attendance
at the research training programme, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.
Students are required to ensure that satisfactory progress is made at all times, with
respect to the research project, research training and any programme of work agreed
with the supervisory team. They are also required to:





submit written work at an agreed time before meetings with their supervisory
team
ensure that any problems with the project are drawn to the attention of the
supervisory team; they should provide adequate explanation for any failure to
attend meetings or to meet commitments, such as writing targets, so that
appropriate guidance may be offered
ensure that they are familiar with the relevant aspects of the health and safety
framework and the Academic Regulations and Handbook of Academic
Procedures of the University
make appropriate use of the teaching and learning facilities of the University
prepare annual progress reports and diary records as specified
12

be prepared to communicate research findings both orally and in writing to others
in the academic community
successfully complete a research training programme
ensure that any circumstance that might require the mode of study to be varied,
or period of registration to be extended, suspended or withdrawn, are brought to
the attention of their supervisory team


UWE Doctoral Descriptor (PhD or DPhil)
The UWE Doctoral Descriptor provides points of reference and describes what
outcomes a research student will be measured against to achieve the qualification.
This adheres to the main outcomes of qualifications at each level within the QAA’s
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
The award of a Doctorate of the University (other than a Higher Doctorate) requires
that a candidate should demonstrate that he/she:
i.
has conducted enquiry leading to the creation and interpretation of new
knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship, shown
by satisfying scholarly review by accomplished and recognised scholars in the
field
ii.
can demonstrate a critical understanding of the current state of knowledge in
that field of theory and/or practice
iii.
shows the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the
generation of new knowledge at the forefront of the discipline or field of
practice including the capacity to adjust the project design in the light of
emergent issues and understandings
iv.
can demonstrate a critical understanding of the methodology of enquiry
v.
has developed independent judgement of issues and ideas in the field of
research and/or practice and is able to communicate and justify that
judgement to appropriate audiences
vi.
can critically reflect on his/her work and evaluate its strengths and
weaknesses including understanding validation procedures.
Timetable
The following timetable gives an overview of your registration period and highlights
events that you need to be aware of.
13
Timetable for BBS research students
Time elapse- FT
Time elapse - PT
Milestone to be achieved by that time
During period of
registration
During period of
registration
After every supervision
meeting
Annually
After every supervision
meeting
Annually
Annually
Annually
12 months from
registration
18 months from
registration
Throughout period of
registration
Throughout period of
registration
Approximately 36 months
from registration
Approximately 60 months
from registration
9-12 months before
intended thesis
submission date
9-12 months before
intended thesis
submission date
Before submission
Before submission
6 weeks before the Viva
6 weeks before the Viva
After the Viva
After the Viva
Complete and pass a minimum of 60M
level credits of research training (students
registered since March 2002).
Supervisors will conduct an initial Training
Needs Analysis with you and regularly
review progress.
Complete Diary Log forms and send to
Kay Cook and supervisor.
Each student is required to return the
annual Progress Report (PR2) as a
condition of re-enrolment each academic
year.
Students are required to present their
developing work for peer and experienced
researcher review at the Doctoral Student
Symposium.
Progression Viva. This is a real hurdle and
one that you need to take seriously. There
are stringent requirements for the reports
that you have to submit.
Important to keep a record of events
attended (e.g. seminars, conferences) and
papers presented to form part of your
Personal Development Plan (PDP).
Submission of thesis. Applications for
periods of extension must be submitted in
good time to the Faculty Research
Degrees Committee and are granted at
the Committee’s discretion.
Internal and external examiners must be
appointed. You should be consulted about
the choice. The forms must then go to the
Faculty Research Degrees Committee and
then the relevant University committee.
This can take some time.
The final proof-checking and general
tidying-up of a thesis takes much longer
than most people think. Factor this into
timings and give your supervisors
adequate time for a final approving read.
Meet with your supervisory team to
discuss strategy for preparing for the viva.
You should be aware that it can take a
considerable length of time for examiners
to set up a Viva – an early examination is
often neither practical nor desirable. You
should also be aware that, at UWE, it is
possible for examiners to postpone the
Viva for 12 months if they feel that the
thesis does not yet merit examination.
Remember that you may need to factor in
time for making minor or major revisions to
your thesis after the Viva. Any requirement
for amendments must be arranged via the
Academic Registry.
14
15
Research Governance and Ethical Approval
BBS Faculty Research Ethics Sub-committee (FRESC)
All research students will be asked to complete an ethics approval form as part of
their induction process. Please discuss with your Director of Studies in the first
instance, as he/she will need to indicate support. Professor Andy Danford can
provide further advice on ethical issues. Any queries on the approval process should
be directed to Linda Millward in the first instance. All research student forms will be
reviewed at FRESC.
NHS Research Ethics Approval Process
Following the implementation of the Department of Health Research Governance
Framework from 1 April 2004, it is a requirement that all research that takes place in
an NHS setting is subject to ethical approval. If you are planning to conduct primary
research relating to the NHS in any way you will need to apply for ethical clearance
from the appropriate NHS Research Ethics Committee. This is a time consuming
process so if you think that you may be affected please contact your Director of
Studies immediately or contact BBS Research Office, 4B001/2, for information.
Guidelines for completing NHS approval forms can be found on the UWE website at
the following address on the Research, Business & Innovation web pages:
http://rbi.uwe.ac.uk/internet/Research/ResGov/HSCres.asp . Please note that you
must inform the BBS Research Office before submitting an application to the
NHS Research Ethics Committee.
Applications to NHS REC’s usually require a sponsor letter and insurance
information, provided by UWE. In order for this documentation to be issued, your
supervisor and Professor Andy Danford will need to approve/sign your IRAS form.
The completed form should be forwarded to the Research Office (Linda Millward)
with all associated documentation that is being submitted.
For information about the NHS ethical approval process please visit the NHS NRES
website at http://www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk/.
Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
Please see the UWE Student Diary & Info 2009/10, Section K.9 of the Regulatory
Framework 2008/09 and the UWE Code of Practice for further information.
Doctoral Symposium
Annually there is a highly successful Student Symposium at which students are
required to present their developing work for peer and experienced researcher
review. This also provides an opportunity for both part-time and full-time students,
based in the UK and internationally, to meet and discuss ideas, as well as socialise
together. The 2010 Doctoral Student Symposium will take place on Wednesday
16 June 2010 at UWE. Please put this date in your diary.
16
Training Needs
Your Director of Studies will discuss with you, your research training needs when you
register to start your research degree. The Business School offers a suite of
research training modules, some in conjunction with other faculties in the University.
These can be taken individually or as part of an MA in Applied Social Research
(Business and Management). Fees for modules taken as part of your research
training are included in the overall fees paid for your research degree.
The modules are Masters level and are regulated under the University’s Modular
Assessment Regulations (MAR). If you have any queries on the MAR regulations for
postgraduate taught modules you should consult the BBS Student Advice Centre.
Examples of appropriate Masters level modules are:
Ways of Knowing: research methodologies (30 credits) - a course introducing
students to a wide range of advanced social theories and epistemologies used in a
business and management context. This module is run in conjunction with other
faculties in the University, offering students a cross-disciplinary learning environment.
Research Practice (30 credits) - a course dealing with issues of research conception,
design, execution and management (Part of the MA ASR delivered centrally)
Discovery: Research Methods (30 credits) - a course covering the collection and
analysis of quantitative and qualitative data (Block Delivery planned for 15, 17 & 18
June 2010)
Principles and Practice of Business Management Research (30 credits) - a course
which aims to give an understanding of the relationships between particular research
methods and the role and function of research both within and outside academia.
Case Based Organisational Research (30 credits) - a course which introduces the
aims, purposes and methods of organisational case writing and interpretation,
leading to an understanding of the origins and history of ideas, concepts and theories
that have shaped our view of modern organisations.
Not all of these modules run on an annual basis, therefore you may be advised to
take alternative research training modules. Modules from other faculties and other
relevant BBS modules will be considered on an individual basis. Where necessary
the Research, Consultancy & Executive Development Manager will work with your
Director of Studies to suggest a tailored research training programme.
Full-time and part-time doctoral students must successfully complete a minimum of
60 credits from within these modules (or designated alternatives). It is also the
normal expectation that at least 20 of these credits would be based on a research
methods module which would be completed successfully before the Progression
Examination is held.
Where it is felt that the research student would benefit from subject specific or
additional research training above the minimum credit requirement (i.e.
econometrics, academic writing skills), these are agreed between the Director of
Studies and the Research, Consultancy & Executive Development Manager.
Specialist courses may incur charges outside of the research degree fees.
17
Accredited Learning (AL)
Accredited Learning can be given for modules that you have completed with this or
another institution, where the learning you have already achieved can be ‘accredited’
against the new programme that you intend to study.
There are a few things to remember:



AL can only be given on a Masters programme for learning achieved at Masters
level. This means you cannot, for example, be given credit for similar modules
that you have achieved at undergraduate level.
If you have already used your credits for an award then you cannot use them
again for an award at the same level. So, for instance, if you have used your
credits to achieve an MA you cannot use the same credits towards another MA.
The credits have already been ‘cashed in’ so you cannot use them again for an
award at the same level.
To be eligible for AL against a module, you will have to demonstrate that you
have achieved all the learning outcomes for that module.
To apply for AL
If you think you are eligible to apply for AL, you must contact your Director of Studies
and discuss it with them. If the Director of Studies supports your claim, you will need
to fill in a University AL form and get them to sign it for you. You will also need to
provide evidence that you have met the learning outcomes of the module against
which you are claiming credit, so will need to get module outlines or a syllabus for the
course you have achieved.
Once you have applied for AL, an AL panel will decide whether you can be
accredited. This panel meets three times a year and you will be advised shortly after
a panel has met, whether your application has been successful.
Interim Awards
If you have taken an interim award but have decided to return to your studies you will
have to apply for AL for the learning that you have already achieved. This is
because, under University regulations, you can only have one certificate for each
registration. If, for example, you have previously taken a certificate, you cannot
continue your registration and get another certificate. Students generally only take
interim awards if they cannot continue with their studies.
If you are in this position, you will need to apply for AL as outlined above.
Important things to note
If you do apply for AL for any reason, you will not be able to take any previous marks
forward onto your new registration. You will only be able to take credit. This means
that it is unlikely you will be able to gain a merit or distinction for your award overall,
as you will not be showing sufficient distinguishing marks on your record for this to be
calculated.
Research, Business & Innovation (RBI) Skills Workshops and Support
18
A programme of further optional workshops, training sessions and university-wide
events for research students are organised by Dr Paul Spencer, Researcher Skills
Development Officer in the Research & Development Division of RBI. Paul can be
contacted via email on: paul.spencer@uwe.ac.uk or by telephone on: 0117 32
83974.
As well as the opportunity to participate in further training, these events enable
research students from across all Faculties within the University to share their
concerns and experiences of working on a doctoral degree.
At the start of each academic year, you will receive details of the programme of
workshops and can make your own bookings for any of these events online.
Attendance at any RBI events should be noted on your diary log as these form part of
your Personal Development Plan (PDP).
Conference Support
BBS Faculty policy is that all Departments/Research Centres should support both
full-time and part-time doctoral students to attend 1 national conference per
academic year, if they are presenting a paper related to their doctoral research
topic, covering conference fees and, where applicable, travel costs. Additional
support over and above this minimum is at the discretion of Departments/Research
Centres, depending on available resources.
Please discuss the eligibility of the conference with your Director of Studies before
requesting funding.
In addition, there is the Peter Taylor Memorial Fund which has a small sum of
money available for additional support to PhD students, i.e. travel costs for research
purposes, where other funding is unavailable. Any requests should be submitted to
the Research, Consultancy & Executive Development Manager in writing and these
will be reviewed by the BBS Research Director and the appropriate supervisor.
Health and Safety
Please see the ‘Health and Safety Policy’, Appendix B and the guidance note ‘’The
Safety of Social Researchers’, Appendix C.
19
Changes to Registration
All changes to your registration need to be approved by the BBS Faculty Research
Degrees Committee. All changes are to be noted on the appropriate forms as
follows. The forms are available from the Business School Research Office, and
should be submitted there in the first instance.

Form RD2B: Progression Examination Report Form.
Submitted by your
supervisory team after the Progression Examination has taken place.

Form RD3: Application for Extension of Period of Registration. This form should
be submitted if you require an extension to your period of study.

Form

Form RD5: Application for Change in Approved Arrangements for Supervision.
This form should be used to detail any changes to your supervisory team. (See
also, Problems with Supervision, below).

Form RD6: Application for Change in Approved Mode of Study. This form should
be submitted should you wish to change from full-time to part-time or part-time to
full-time study.

Form RD7: Application for Change in Programme of Research. This form should
be submitted should you wish to change the nature and methodology of your
research.

Form RD8: Notification of Withdrawal of Registration. If you decide to withdraw
this form must be submitted, otherwise the University will assume that you are
continuing with your registration and will continue to charge fees.

Form RDC EX1: Application for Approval of Examination Arrangements. This
form is to be completed by your Director of Studies, at least 6 months before the
intended date of your Viva and at least 2 months before you are ready to submit
your thesis to the Academic Registry.

Form RD14: Candidate’s Declaration Form. This form is issued by the Academic
Registry after your Viva and is submitted with your final thesis.

Form RD20: Application for Approval to Submit Part/All of Thesis in Other Format
(CD-Rom etc.). This form should be used if you wish to submit your thesis in an
alternative format.

Form PR1: Research Student Progress Report – Report by Supervisor. This
form is issued by the Research Office and submitted by your supervisory team to
report on your progress as you continue with your studies.

Form PR2: Research Student Progress Report – Report by Student. This form is
issued by the Research Office for your completion annually in the years after
passing the Progression Examination. Submission of this report is a requirement
of the University.
RD4:
Application
for
Suspension
20
of
Period
of
Registration.
Progress Reports
Both supervisors and students are required to complete annual progress report forms
[for supervisors, a PR1; for students, a PR2] and submit these to the Research Office
during the summer period. The PR2 will be sent to you in good time and it is your
responsibility to ensure that this form is completed (with all relevant signatures) and
returned by the date requested. The Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes and
appropriate Head of Department will consider both reports to ensure that satisfactory
progress is being made.
Where progress is deemed to be satisfactory, you will be allowed to continue with
your registration. Where potential difficulties are identified, discussions will be held
between you and your supervisory team. The results of these discussions will be
submitted to the Faculty Research Degrees Committee for approval. The BBS
FRDC will consider all decisions regarding progress reports and will make the final
decision. All decisions will be mailed to your home address.
Information from all progress reports also form part of the BBS Annual Research
Degrees Report and will be submitted to the University Research Degrees
Committee to ensure that you and your supervisory team are making satisfactory
progress. The completion of reports therefore is a requirement of the University, and
failure to submit a report may result in the withdrawal of your registration.
Problems with Supervision
Whilst most research students will encounter no problems during their course of
study, it is important to know what to do if you have a problem with your supervisory
arrangements. It is very important to ensure that the Research Office is made aware
of any problems as soon as possible in order that they can be addressed.
As soon as you are aware of a problem, you should discuss the matter with your
supervisors in the first instance. If this is not possible, or not satisfactory, you will be
able to appeal to the Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes. This should
normally be in writing.
If the end result of your discussions is a need to make amendments to your
supervisory arrangements, you will need to submit form RD5, Application for Change
in Approved Arrangements for Supervision to the Faculty Research Degrees
Committee (via the Research Administrator), which will then make the final decision.
21
Essential Academic Information
Assessment Matters for Taught Modules
Assessed Work
It is essential for students to keep copies (hard copy or disk) of all assessed work
submitted for marking. Very occasionally a piece of work is mislaid and it is essential
for you to be able to provide a copy.
Appeals (Applications for Review)
You are not permitted to appeal against academic judgement properly exercised,
although under certain circumstances students can appeal against the decisions of
Examining Boards. Detailed information about the grounds for appeal and the
procedures to be followed are in the UWE Diary & Info 2009/10. Please note that
you have 10 working days from the publication of your results (via MyUWE student
portal) to lodge an appeal. Requests submitted out of time will not be considered.
All appeals should be addressed to the Assistant Academic Secretary, Academic
Secretariat and should not be sent to the Faculty.
Assessment Offences and Plagiarism
Assessment offences, including plagiarism are an offence under University
regulations and where suspected will be investigated under official procedures. The
Faculty takes allegations of assessment offences very seriously. You must always
ensure that your work is your own and that any work done in conjunction with others
or using other people’s material is appropriately referenced. Penalties vary
depending on the severity of the offence but can be very severe including expulsion
from the University.
“Write Right” online learning unit
If you need more guidance on academic writing, the online learning unit "Write
Right" (which takes about 30 minutes to complete), is available via the Postgraduate
Community Pages on the MyUWE portal. This aims to raise students’ awareness of
academic honesty and shows clearly what is good and poor practice, by giving clear,
concise explanations and opportunities to test understanding with short interactive
quizzes. It links into the Library's detailed explanation of the mechanics of correct
referencing.
Taught Research Training Modules
The research training modules are regulated under the University’s Modular
Assessment Regulations (MAR). You should familiarise yourself with the MAR
regulations whilst you are undertaking taught modules. These regulations do not
allow extensions to the submission of work.
Regulations have changed significantly for 2009/10 and further guidance can
be
obtained
via
the
BBS
Student
Advice
Centre
webpages
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/bbs/students/sac/index.shtml (see Information Sheet
002). Students can download a ‘Notification of Post Field Board Marks and Grades’
with details of modules awarded from the MyUWE portal. A print-out should be kept
in a safe place as it will be required as evidence of completion of research training.
Further advice on the procedures for taught modules can be obtained via the PG
Administrative Team.
22
Examinations
The Progression Examination

For full-time PhD students the Progression Examination will be held no later than
the end of the first 12 months of a registration period, or no later than 9 months in
the case of full-time MPhil registration.

For part-time students the Progression Examination will be held no later than the
end of 18 months after initial registration, or no later than 15 months in the case
of MPhil registration.

The Progression Examination has two components: a two part written report
followed by a viva voce.
Written Report
Part One: This should be a report written especially for the exam and normally be
between 3,000 and 6,000 words and must not exceed 6000 words without the prior
permission of the BBS Research Degrees Committee (FRDC).
The progression report shall make it clear to the satisfaction of the examiners that the
work has scope for a sufficient contribution to knowledge to justify consideration for
the relevant degree and shall include the following:
i
ii
iii
iv
the provisional title of the thesis;
a concisely worded statement of the aim of the research;
reference to work already completed and planned future work, and how this
fulfils the aim of the research;
where the proposed research forms part of a group project, a statement
identifying the separate and distinctive nature of the candidate’s research.
Where the candidate wishes to request permission to:
i) present the thesis accompanied by material in other than written form
and/or;
ii) present the thesis in a language other than English and/or;
iii) retain the thesis on restricted access for a period of time
and has not previously done so, the request shall accompany the report and shall be
submitted following the Progression Examination to the BBS Research Degrees
Committee (FRDC) with the recommendation of the examiners. The faculty
committee shall submit such requests for approval by the UWE Research Degrees
Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee).
Part Two:
Part 2 of the progression report shall consist of work which may have been written by
the candidate for other purposes and which he or she wishes to present to the
progression examiners.
There is no word limit for items submitted as Part 2 of the progression report.
Candidates should include in Part 2 a significant critical review of relevant related
research work where this has been prepared for inclusion in the final thesis;
bibliographic references and copies of any public output. However there shall be no
requirement to produce these items specifically for the progression report.
23
Both documents should be submitted to the Research Office at least 2 weeks prior to
the viva voce taking place and they will arrange for its distribution to the examiners.
All examiners shall submit a written preliminary report to the Programme Leader:
Doctoral Programmes. If the examiners are satisfied with the progression report, the
viva voce examination may proceed.
Viva Voce
The viva voce will take place before a panel of two people: the Director of Studies
and at least one other examiner, who shall be a member of the faculty not associated
with the research project or the supervisory team, appointed by the BBS FRDC. With
the consent of the candidate, other members of the supervisory team may be present
at the examination but shall not participate in the discussion unless invited to do so
by the examiners.
The Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes may attend the viva voce as an exofficio member of the panel, in order to ensure the maintenance of comparable
academic standards across all Progression Examinations and assist the Director of
Studies/ Examiners with interpretation of the regulations/guidelines.
The independent examiner shall be nominated by the Director of Studies and
appointed by the appropriate faculty committee. The independent examiner shall be
responsible for assessing the extent to which the candidate has made appropriate
progress on the research project. He or she shall be an experienced researcher with
a general understanding of the field of the candidate’s research project but need not
necessarily be a leading subject expert in that field. It is not required that the
independent examiner will be a member of the faculty in which the candidate is
studying, but this will normally be the case.
NB: anyone who has acted as an examiner for a Progression Examination
cannot subsequently act as the internal examiner for the final viva voce.
The purpose of the Progression Examination is to ensure that the project is viable
and will allow the candidate to achieve the research degree for which he or she is
registered and that the student, supported by the supervisory team, has:
i
ii
defined the objectives and scope of the research project adequately;
been actively engaged in working on the research project and has made
progress commensurate with the time spent;
made an appropriate survey of the relevant research literature and
demonstrated an ability to make a critical evaluation of published work;
acquired an appropriate knowledge of research methods applicable to the
area of research, and can explain and justify his or her choice of research
methods;
developed an adequately detailed plan of work to enable the research degree
to be completed within the expected time period.
iii
iv
v
Summary of the Progression Examination Procedure

The Research Office will contact students whose Progression Examination is
due and then their Director of Studies to identify an independent examiner
24
and suitable date. Approval of the examiners must be obtained from the BBS
FRDC before the examination can proceed.

Students should submit their report and written work to the Research Office at
least 2 weeks before the Progression Examination is due to take place, who
shall arrange for its distribution to the Director of Studies and other
examiners. The examiners will then make a preliminary report and
communicate this to the Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes.

If the examiners are satisfied with the progression report, the viva voce
examination may proceed.

If one or more examiners are not satisfied that any useful purpose will be
served by holding the viva voce examination, the Programme Leader:
Doctoral Programmes and his/her nominee shall make the decision as to
whether the Progression Examination shall go ahead as planned or whether
to give the candidate a specified period of time, not normally more than 2
months pro rata, in which to resubmit a revised progression report before the
viva voce examination.

If, after the viva voce examination both examiners are satisfied as to the
candidate’s progress and achievement to date and plans for the continuation
of the project, the student may be permitted to progress. The Director of
Studies shall notify the BBS FRDC of the outcome. Notification of
progression shall be made to the student in writing by the Research Office.

If the examiners are agreed that the student shall not proceed, they shall
prepare a written report to be submitted to the Programme Leader: Doctoral
Programmes, who will decide whether to confirm the decision or require a
second viva voce examination.

When the examiners are unable to agree on a recommendation a second viva
voce examination will be held.

Where a second viva voce is held it shall be conducted by a third examiner
nominated by the Programme Leader: Doctoral Programmes. That examiner
shall not be informed of the recommendations of the other examiners. On
receipt of the recommendation of the third examiner the Programme Leader:
Doctoral Programmes shall decide whether to permit the progress of the
candidate.

The candidate shall have the right to apply for a review of progression
decisions in accordance with the Regulatory Framework K12.2.20 (PhD and
DPhil).
The provisions above shall apply to the thesis stage of the professional practice
doctorate, the professional doctorate and the taught (‘new route’) PhD. However, the
timescale may be adjusted according to the nature and structure of the programme.
Directors of Studies shall ensure that all research students are made aware when
they register for the awards of the time scale for the Progression Examination.
25
Extenuating Circumstances
If you have extenuating circumstances which have affected your performance,
whether or not you have discussed it with an academic member of staff, you must
submit information to your Director of Studies, in writing, for the consideration of the
Examining Panel. All information will remain confidential to members of the
Examining Panel. Please make sure that you fully detail your circumstances using
the Extenuating Circumstances form. The severity of the extenuating circumstance/s
and whether they have had an adverse affect on your performance will be decided by
the Examining Panel, which will re-convene should you submit extenuating
circumstances.
The panel will submit its recommendation to the UWE Research Degrees Examining
Board, which will make the final decision.
Extenuating Circumstances forms can be obtained from the Business School
Research Office or the BBS reception desk.
Extenuating circumstances must always be reported using the extenuating
circumstances form and must be submitted not later than 7 days after your viva; the
form should be submitted to your Director of Studies and copied to the Research
Office. You must also keep a copy for your own records. The envelope containing
the extenuating circumstances form must be marked ‘confidential - extenuating
circumstances’. Please ensure you send by recorded delivery or deliver in person to
BBS reception; make sure you ask for a receipt if delivered by hand.
You should use this process if your extenuating circumstances may have affected the
quality of your work over a prolonged period or during your viva.
Please see the notes below when using the extenuating circumstances procedure.

A student should only submit details if he/she feels that his/her preparation for or
ability to complete work or perform in a viva has been seriously affected by
factors beyond his/her control. This does not include problems with transport,
computers, alarm clocks, weather, or pressures of work.

Medical problems which would warrant consideration, usually need to be
sufficiently serious to require professional attention and thus would involve a
doctor’s certificate, which you must submit with any request for consideration of
your circumstances.

If a student has been a victim of crime and/or is involved in court proceedings
which has affected his/her work, then some documentation from the police (e.g. a
‘crime number’) will be necessary.

If a student has suffered severe personal problems or hardship which have
affected his/her work, a request from the student for this to be considered should
normally have been discussed with the Director of Studies.

If a work-based problem has arisen, (e.g. preventing attendance at a viva) then a
letter of evidence, on headed paper, will be necessary from the student’s
employer. Please note that general employment pressures or heavy workload
will not normally be considered an acceptable reason.
26
Final Examination
Please refer to the Regulatory Framework 2008/9, Section K.13.8 (See Appendix A –
attached).
Submission and Examination of Theses
The examination for the MPhil and PhD has two stages:

The candidate’s submission of the thesis and the examiner’s independent
preliminary assessment of it

The defence of the thesis by the candidate by viva voce or approved alternative
examination
Not less than 6 months prior to the expected date of the examination, the Director of
Studies is responsible for the completion of form RDC EX1 (UWE RDC needs to be
notified 3 months before the date of the exam). The Research Office liaises with the
examiners and independent chair to obtain the necessary information to complete the
RDC EX1. Each proposed examiner is required to provide a short CV, using form
RDC EXCV. The appointment of proposed examiners will be approved by the Chair
of the UWE RDC or their designated officer.
It is a UWE requirement that an Independent Chair is appointed to attend the viva
voce. The Independent Chair has a non examining role and is present to ensure
consistency between viva voci.
If the candidate is a member of staff at the University, a Research and Teaching
Associate or has undertaken a teaching contract as a HPL for more than 12 months,
then two external examiners will be appointed.
The candidate will play no part in the arrangements of the examination, and will have
no communication with the external examiner until the viva voce examination.
Submission




The thesis will be submitted to the Academic Registry within the period of
registration and with the candidate’s declaration confirming that it has not been
submitted for a comparable award.
Sufficient soft-bound copies must be submitted to enable each examiner and the
independent chair to receive separate copies.
There should be at least two months between the submission of the thesis and
the date of the viva voce, to allow the examiners sufficient time to look at it.
If the examiners decide that any further work is necessary before the viva voce,
the candidate and Director of Studies will receive the examiner’s
recommendations.
See Regulatory Framework 2008/9, Section K13.6 (PhD) or K13.7 (DPhil) for
submission and format guidelines. (Appendix A – attached).
27
Viva Voce



The Research Office makes the arrangements for the viva date and confirms the
arrangements for the examination to the student and examiners. Academic
Registry will notify the faculty of confirmation that the viva can proceed.
With the candidate’s consent, the Director of Studies (or member of supervisory
team) may attend and participate in the discussion (Regulatory Framework
2008/9, Section K13.10).
Supervisors must leave while the examiners discuss the outcome of the
examination.
Possible Outcomes
There are several possible results to the examination, as follows:





The PhD or MPhil is awarded immediately.
The PhD or MPhil is awarded, subject to certain corrections and minor
amendments. In this situation full-time students have 3 months, and part-time
students 6 months, to complete the corrections. (This is the most common
outcome of a PhD viva voce.)
The thesis has weaknesses that must be addressed. In this situation, the
candidate will be asked to revise the thesis and then resubmit it, within an agreed
deadline.
The thesis has not reached the required standard and the examiners cannot see
how it can be brought up to the required standard. In the case of a PhD, the
examiners might award an MPhil.
The thesis does not satisfy the examiners, and the standard is such that the
candidate will not be permitted to re-submit. In this case the candidate will fail.
Research Degrees Examining Board
All research degree awards are confirmed by the Research Degrees Examining
Board. They review the research training credits achieved over the period of
registration, together with the outcome of the viva voce.
All applications for extenuating circumstances will be considered by the Research
Degrees Examining Board. (Regulatory Framework 2008/9, Section K13.4, see
Appendix A - attached).
28
Information Technology
Overview
The University has made a major financial commitment over the last few years aimed at
ensuring that a wide range of up to date computing facilities are available for students.
The current trend in business, moving away from centralised processing towards the
use of networks of powerful microcomputers, is reflected in the current provision of
student computers. This move towards networked computing has resulted in the
purchase of upwards of 4500 machines which makes the University one of the major
computer users in the South West.
In addition to the dedicated PCs in the Doctoral Students Centre, on 4th floor, room
4C7/8, there is a Postgrad PC Lab (room 4C27), accessible by swipe card. There are
also 4 Undergrad PC labs on level 2 that are available for use when teaching is not
taking place.
You will be issued with your own unique User ID and Password by the Research Office
once your registration is completed.
Rules
There are rules regarding the use of the University computer facilities. Smoking, eating
and drinking are not permitted in the PC labs
Unauthorised use of another person's computer account is prohibited. It should also be
noted that the e-mail and Internet facilities available to students are for academic and
research purposes only - no commercial use is permitted.
For more information about the University’s acceptable use policy look at:
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/its/corporate/ourpolicies/it-services-rules-and-code-of-conduct-apolicy-for-students.shtml
Times
From Monday to Friday during term time, Business School computer rooms are
normally available from around 8.30 am until 8.00 pm when the rooms are locked by our
security staff. At night and at weekends a 24-hour lab is available to students who have
registered with IT Services. It should be noted that this 24-hour access room is not
available on Christmas day or on any other day when the University is completely
closed. The Doctoral Students Centre, (4C007/8) are usually open from 7.00 am until
9.00pm, during term time.
For weekend access or extended evening use, “Out of Hours” passes need to be
obtained – please apply for a pass via the Research Office.
29
PC Usage
When using a PC for long periods of time, please remember:





Place the keyboard where you can reach it easily and can key with either hand
Try to arrange your work so that you achieve a mix of sitting still and moving
around
Do not sit for long periods. Stand and stretch every 20 minutes or so. Take
breaks before you get tired
Do try to keep your elbows at right angles when using the keyboard
Do not lean forward more than you have too. Your head weighs about 6Kgs. Try
to keep the body's natural curve when sitting.
Technical
For the technically minded, our latest PCs are Intel® Core™2 Duo processor based
from Hewlett Packard. Printing is available via the networked printer in the Research
Centre in 4C7/8.
Software
A wide range of software is available and all is of the same standard as currently found
in the business world. Microsoft Office Professional will be available on the network.
Word - the word processor, Excel - the spreadsheet, PowerPoint - for presentation
graphics and Access - the database.
In addition there is a wide range of specialist packages. Statistics is well covered with
SPSS and Minitab. Stata, LIMDEP and MicroFit are the choice of econometric software.
Questionnaire analysis can be carried out with Qualtrics or SNAP (available only in level
2 PC labs). Requests for access to other specialist software should be made via
LARTU.
IT guides for first year students and returning students
If you are a new or returning student, there are specific IT guides available on the
following web page:
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/its/corporate/services/survivalguides.shtml
Electronic Mail
The student mail system, UWE Live Mail, is based on Microsoft’s Windows Live system,
enabling access to a range of online communication facilities including e-mail. You will
receive your e-mail address once you have registered as a student.
Your e-mail address is of the form:
john.smith@live.uwe.ac.uk
Your UWE Live Mail account can be kept beyond your time at the university and
along with the account comes access to a SkyDrive where students can store files up
to a limit of 25Gb.
30
Help
If you need help when you are using the computers the following may be useful.
IT Services has an IT Support Centre which is staffed on weekdays. This is located in
the Bolland Library on level 3 at the Block, Frenchay Campus.
Or email:
its.helpdesk@uwe.ac.uk
Or tel:
University extension 83612; 0117 32 83612 from outside.
For online support and alternatives see also: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/its/contact.shtml
LARTU (Learning & Resources Technical Unit), managed by the Faculty’s Senior
Technical Officer, Charmaine Samuels, is based in 2B051 and they are happy to advise
and assist.
Intranet
Information about the individual modules that you are studying will be available on
Blackboard, the University's virtual learning environment (or VLE).
Further
information regarding Blackboard will be available during your induction period.
Saving your work
It is vital that you save your work to the H:\ drive on any of these PCs, not to an
individual computer’s desktop or hard disk drive. Your personal User ID and log-in
will then access your personal profile each time you log-in and display the saved files
on your own area of the H:\ drive.
If you need more space on the H:\ drive, you can make an individual request to IT
Services in Room 1E007 to increase capacity - please take your user ID and log-in
details with you and specify that you are a research student.
It is also advisable to make a back-up copy of important work onto a CD-R or your
own USB flash-drive. If you need advice, please contact LARTU (Room 2B051,
x82370 or 82288) or ITS (Library level 3, x83612).
.
31
Library
As part of your induction programme, you will receive a library session to guide you
through the various resources available to BBS research students.
There is an extensive collection of material relevant to business and management. The
Library subscribes to a wide range of electronic databases in CD-ROM, online and web
formats which enable students to undertake in-depth research. The major business and
management journals, market surveys and company annual reports are available in
either print or electronic format, allowing both site and off site access. Numerous other
resources are available via the Library web pages: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library. There
are also web pages which specifically relate to business topics. These can be viewed
at: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library/resources/bus/
The Library holds a large collection of business texts and the computerised catalogue,
which is available via the Internet http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library/catalogue/ , allows you to
search the collections of all of the campus libraries. All materials including books,
journals, videos, market surveys, company annual reports, official publications, working
papers and Internet resources are listed on the catalogue.
Students are permitted to borrow up to 13 items at any one time. There are a variety
of loan periods with the most common period being for 4 weeks. Material can be
borrowed from any of the campus libraries and there is an inter campus borrowing
and photocopy service. If the Library does not hold the material required, it can be
obtained through an inter library loan request.
All students can get help from the Library’s Information Point and the Enquiry Desk
and there is an electronic enquiry service with a frequently asked questions list
available via the Library web pages. The Business Faculty Librarian provides
training on the use of the Library and is willing to provide support and advice on
sources of business and management information. The Business Faculty Librarian
can be contacted via the Library web pages:
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library/resources/bus/
The Library offers a service to help part-time students with studies which includes
assistance in getting hold of material, photocopies of library materials and other
queries relating to their use of the library. Further details can be found on the library
web pages:
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library/info/library_support_services/offcampus.htm
Please note that all visitors to the Library are required to use the turnstiles or gates
for both entering and exiting the Library. This means that you need to have your
UWE ID card with you, otherwise you will be asked to sign into and out of the Library.
If you are unable to use turnstiles and need access to the gates on a regular basis,
please let Library staff at the entrance know, or contact our Faculty Librarian (email:
Library.Bbs@uwe.ac.uk) who can ask the Customer Services team to action this for
you.
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Disability Service
The Disability Service is situated in Room 1E22, on the Frenchay campus. The
centre is part of Student Services and offers advice to disabled students and
students with specific learning difficulties. Information is available on assistive
technology, Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) applications and local and
national organisations. The centre also has a range of equipment, including a CCTV
and a videophone.
The centre provides:
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support for students with specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia)
support for students with visual impairments
support for students who are deaf or hearing impaired
support for students with mobility/physical impairments
support for students – mental health issues
The Disability Service can be contacted on:
Telephone:
Minicom:
Fax:
E-mail:
0117 32 82564
0117 32 83644
0117 32 82935
disability@uwe.ac.uk
Full details of the facilities and support available from the DRC is available from the
website: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/advice/disability/contact.shtml
BBS Leader of Student Support and Guidance
Debbie Sturge is the BBS Leader of Student Support and Guidance. Students requiring
additional help and support with their studies can arrange to meet with Debbie early in
their registration for advice and guidance. It may be possible to make adjustments to
accommodate specific needs, depending on funding for such services being available.
Please contact the Research Office to arrange an appointment with Debbie.
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UWE Complaints Procedure (effective 1 September 2007)
There is now a university-wide complaints procedure. If you would like a copy please
request one from the Research Office.
Full documentation is available shortly: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/complaints.
Trouble Shooting
Where to go for help:
 Find the relevant section in the University Diary & Info 2009/10
 Use the information on the web site
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/studentservices/
 Find the relevant section in the Faculty Handbook (this book!)
 Use the information on the BBS web site
 Contact the support staff in the Research Office.
And remember someone has been in your situation before. If you are stuck there will
be someone to help.
And Finally ...
... we would like to wish you every success during your time with Bristol
Business School.
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