Assignment Booklet WBE

UK COLLEGE BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

Module Booklet
Course: EDEXCEL BTEC (HND) BUSINESS
Group: Edexcel Level 5
Module: Unit 49 – Work Based Experience
Module type: Optional
Module Code: D/601/0998
Module Credit: 15
Teaching Period: (15+ 6weeks)
Level: 5 (QCF)
Contact Hours: (21*3 = 63)
Lecturers: 15 weeks
Assignment support: 3 week
Feedback and assignment: 3 weeks
Lecturer: Emmanuel Ofori
Start date: 27/09/2014
Day:
Time: 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00
Room: WH/RM/902/901
Term: Sept –Feb 2015

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2. MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS

3. READING AND COURSE PREPRATION

4. LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES

5. ASSESSMENT DETAILS

1. INTRODUCTION

Work-based learning has increasingly become an area of interest for the higher education (HE) sector. It is seen as means by which to support the personal and professional development of students who are already in work or about to work and the focus of the learning and development tends to be on the student’s workplace activities (Brennan and Little, 2006).
Knowledge creation and the deployment of new knowledge in the workplace have given rise to the workplace itself being recognised as a site of learning and knowledge production. This concept is an integral feature of the ‘knowledge economy’ and the growing intellectual capital of businesses has the potential to erode awarding bodies as being the dominant force in knowledge creation. If HE is to continue to make a contribution to the knowledge economy, collaborative activities based in and around the workplace should be considered (Brennan, 2005).
The challenge for global businesses is to compete on the basis of unique value. This will necessitate investments in new products, processes or services and in new ways of doing business. Measures to develop the enterprise skills and creativity of the workforce are likely to be a prerequisite. The speed of technological change and market responses demand a continuous drive to innovate. Work based has a key role to play in supporting businesses to innovate.

Aim:
A significant amount of learning can be achieved by carrying out practical activities in a workplace. Learning may be enhanced by taking a more formal approach to work-based activities – by planning, carrying out the activities and reflecting on the benefits of the activities to the business and to the learner.
This unit is designed to allow flexibility of study for part-time and full-time students. It is expected that learners will be supervised in the workplace in addition to their academic supervisor.
Learners will have the opportunity, supported by their supervisors, to negotiate and perform activities which will allow them to fulfil the assessment criteria for this unit. They will recognise the scope of what they have achieved by recording evidence from carrying out the activities. They will also gain maximum benefit by reflection on and evaluation of the work they undertake

Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria:
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
1 Be able to negotiate industry experience
2 Understand the specific requirements of the placement
3 Be able to undertake work experience as identified
4 Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning

Indicative content:

1. Be able to negotiate industry experience
Suitable organisation and location: types of establishments for placement eg industry-related work for a client brief at college, existing work environment, and different department within current employer’s business
Negotiation: methods of contacting organisations; methods of undertaking negotiations
Nature of duties: type of undertaking eg routine duties and tasks, project work, development of new procedures/protocol
Supervisors: roles and responsibilities of academic and industrial mentors
Expectations of learning: aims eg proficiency in new tasks and procedures, time management and problem-solving skills, reflection, discuss progress with others, teamwork
Business constraints: consideration of possible limitations eg need to be fully trained, adherence to quality systems, health and safety considerations, supervision time, workload, customer satisfaction, limited staffing, cost of materials

2. Understand the specific requirements of the placement
Tasks: details of activities eg specific hourly, daily, weekly routine and non-routine tasks; breakdown of a project into stages; new procedures/protocol
Prioritise: reasons for rationalisation of the order of tasks; methods of prioritising work
Plan for the work experience: methods used to develop detailed plan with schedule of tasks, proposed dates for reviews, expected input from supervisors
Benefits to organisation and learner: advantages to business eg allowing more routine tasks to be carried out, allowing procedures/techniques to be developed, increasing responsiveness, identifying cost saving measures; advantages to learner eg understanding how a business operates, understanding importance of teamwork, learning new techniques, development of problem-solving and time-management skills

3 Be able to undertake work experience as identified
Carry out the planned activities: realisation eg carrying out tasks and project work according to relevant legislation, training and codes of practice; developing new procedures or protocol
Record activities in the appropriate manner: systematic and appropriate recording of relevant activities eg logbook, diary, portfolio, spreadsheets, databases; list of resources
Revise the initial plan as required: methods used to review activities at the appropriate time to see if they meet requirements, make alterations as needed

4 Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning
Evaluation of the quality of the work undertaken: meeting industry standards and evaluating own performance against original proposal; comments/testimony from supervisors
Account of learning during the work experience: details of experience gained eg new procedures, interpersonal skills, time management, problem solving, teamwork; details of evidence eg portfolio of evidence, scientific report, management report
Recommendations on how the learning experience could have been enhanced: alternative ideas eg different location, different brief, different time period, more/less support, better time management, better preparation

Programme Specification
Accrediting Body: EDEXCEL
Course: BTEC HND IN BUSINESS
Unit: 49 WORK BASED EXPERIENCE
Wk
Lecture Schedule
Outcome of session
Activity/seminar and formative assessment
Resources
1

Introduction to the module. Importance of understanding the challenges expected by today’s employers and reflection of the learning outcomes with special importance to work based learning Introduction to the module, mode of assessment, awareness of the awarding body, assessment criteria and the mode of assessment

Background of the expectations of the awarding body

Module handbook.
2

Be able to negotiate industry experience either focusing to a specific job or a business plan.
Advise how to choose a suitable organization and location, negotiation, nature of duties, supervisors, expectations of learning and business constraints.

Case study and addressing the learning outcome 1.1

Power point slides from:
Organizational behavior
3

Do
Negotiate with work experience and supervision towards work experience; recognise the business constraints on the work experience offered.
Case study and addressing the learning outcome 1.2
Power point slides understanding the organizational behaviour and individual and group behaviour.
4

Understand the specific requirements of the placement
Awareness to tasks and responsibilities involved in the relevant work experience, produce a plan for the work experience.
Case study and addressing the learning outcome 2.1, 2.2 PowerPoint slides from HR
5

Do
Analyse the benefits of the proposed activities to the business and the learner

Case study and addressing the learning outcome 2.3

Power point slides from managing change
6
Review of learning outcome 2.
A review of learning outcome three. Lecturer is expected to revise the whole AC 2.1 TO 2.3

Learner will be required to present their formative assignment to the tutor

Feedback and one-to-one support
7
Field Trip to the London Stock Exchange (LSE)

The trip forms part of learners criteria towards Industrial Based Experience
Learner will be required to write about the trip the following week
There will be lectures and tour around the main building including the Trading Room. PowerPoint presentation
8

Be able to undertake work experience as identified
Addressing the LO and case study. Fulfil specified requirements of placement confirming to all related codes of practices.
Advise how to produce systematic records of work undertaken.

Case study and addressing the learning outcome 3.1, 3.2.

PowerPoint slides on code of practices Assignment case study and workshop on the case study.

9
Do
Revise the plan as required, make suggestions for improvement and review these with a proper feedback

Case study and addressing the learning outcome3.3, 3.4. Feedback and one to one support.
10
A review of learning outcome three, that is, AC 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4
A review of learning outcome three. Lecturer is expected to revise the whole AC 3.1 TO 3.4.

Learner will be required to present their formative assignment to the tutor
Feedback and group support.

11

Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning
Monitor progress against original proposal, evaluate the quality of own performance.
Case study and addressing the learning outcome 4.1,4.2
Power point slides covering performance management and self appraisal.
12

Do
Analyse the learning which has taken place during the work experience using suitable reflections.
Make recommendations on how the experience could have been enhanced
Case study and addressing the learning outcome 4.3,4.4
Feedback session and addressing the case study and reflective practices.
13

Group discussion: Address all challenges faced by learners regarding completing of work experience plan and proposal sheet
Monitor the performance of learners. There will be group discussion and support for individual learners
Compare the individual work experience to the visit and additional reflections with a feedback.
Flip chart, WBE progress template and PowerPoint presentation

14

Address the relevant learning outcomes and individual feedback
Review of learning outcome 4. That is, AC 4.1 TO 4.4
Case study and addressing all the learning outcome Group support and question to answer session addressing learner’s needs
15

Revision. Summarising all the tasks

A review of all learning outcomes. The structure of learner and the policies regarding the assignment submission.

PowerPoint, Feedback

Recommended text and links:
Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers; Carol Costley , Paul Gibbs , Sage publications.
The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook ; Palgrave Study Skills; Dr Ruth Helyer
Work-Based Learning: Bridging Knowledge and Action in the Workplace; Joseph A. Raelin Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author name
Are you an Author? Learn about Author Central

Wk
Session Update
Date
Signature
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Lecturer: Mr Emmanuel Ofori
Campus: Wentworth house
Contact details:
Assessment:
The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Ed Excel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Outline Details: Individual report approx 3500 – 4000 words. Details enclosed in the assignment brief.
Teaching and Learning Activities
The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand the course material through case study and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local business environment.
2.3 Teaching Ethos
The college’s approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The main aim of UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising their potential by ensuring that they are taught clearly and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and promote success in both their academic studies and subsequent career.
2.3.1 Methods of Delivery:
LECTURES:
These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and explain key aspects of the subject so that learners can utilise their private study time more effectively.
SEMINARS:
These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the opportunity to test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and private study with the help of reference books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified in advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the learners. This method of study gives the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any points of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral communication skills.
CASE STUDIES: An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists in the assessment of the learner’s ability to apply to the real world the tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through the course work.
Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)
ASSESSEMENT
Unit 42: WORK BASED EXPERIENCE
Learning Hours: 60 Hours. Self-learning hours: 90 hours.
Course: HND Business – Level 5 CREDIT VALUE: 15 CREDITS
Term:
Lecturer: Mr Emmanuel Ofori
Verifier:

Learners Name

Registration Number

Learners Declaration: I certify that the work submitted for this unit is my own:
Signed:
Hand out Date: Submission Date:

The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:
Center Name:
UKCBC
Center Number:

Please note that the assessors signature below denotes conformation that he/she has in no way influenced the outcome of the assessment:
Assessors Name:

Assessors Signature:

Has the unit been Internally Verified? Y/N
Date of verification:
Internal verifiers signature:
Internal verifiers assignment brief:

Due Dates

Issue Date
27/09/2014

Due Task- 1
28/10/2014

Due Task- 2
12/11/2014
Final Due date
16/02/2015
Due Task- 3
22/11/2014

Due Task - 4
10/12/2014

Unit Outcomes
Outcome
Evidence for the criteria to pass.
Assessors decision
Internal verification decision. (agree, disagree)

TASK 1 You can either choose a job description of your passion where you want to pursue it as your career, or a Job of your choice where you are experienced and want to upgrade your work experience, or a business plan that you want to start and this will help you build up the required work experience and answer the following (approx 1000 words) Note: make sure your Individual work plan is included, covering all the LO and signed by your supervisor
LO1.
The student should be able to negotiate industry experience in the business of the chosen business or job and address the following.

P1.1- research and evaluate suitable organisations that could provide industry experience
P1.1
(P,M,D)

P1.1
(P,M,D)

P1.2- negotiates with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience.
P1.2
(P,M,D)

P1.2
(P,M,D)

P1.3- recognise the business constraints on the work experience
P1.3
(P,M,D)

P1.3
(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 1(reflecting 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Pass merit and distinction.)

IV comments towards
Task 1

TASK 2 Address the job or business plan for the purpose and answer the following (approx 1000 words). Note these have to be reflected on the ILWP
LO2. Understand the specific requirements of the placement.
P2.1- agree and prioritise the tasks and responsibilities involved in the work experience

P2.1
(P,M,D)

P2.1
(P,M,D)

P2.2- Produce a plan for the work experience
P2.2
(P,M,D)

P2.2
(P,M,D)

P2.3 – Analyse the benefits of the proposed activities to the business and the learner
P2.3
(P,M,D)

P2.3
(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 2(reflecting 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, Pass merit and distinction.)

IV comments towards
Task 2

TASK 3 Address the work experience for the purpose and answer the following (approx. 1000 words)
TASK 3
LO3. Be able to undertake work experience as identified
P3.1- Fulfil specified requirements of placement conforming to all related codes of practice
P3.1
(P,M,D)

P3.1
(P,M,D)

P3.2- produces systematic records of challenges work experience undertaken
P3.2
(P,M,D)

P3.2
(P,M,D)

P3.3- - Revise the initial plan if required
P3.3
(P,M,D)

P3.3
(P,M,D)

P3.4 make suggestions for improvement and review these with the supervisor
P3.4
(P,M,D)

P3.4
(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 3(reflecting 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, Pass merit and distinction.)

IV comments towards
Task 3

TASK 4 Address your desired job or business plan towards work experience for the purpose and answer the following (approx 1000 words)
TASK 4
LO4. Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning
P4.1 Monitor progress against original proposal P4.1
(P,M,D)

P4.1
(P,M,D)

P4.2 Evaluate the quality of own performance
P4.2
(P,M,D)

P4.2
(P,M,D)

P4.3. analyse the learning which has taken place during the work experience using suitable reflections
P4.3
(P,M,D)

P4.3
(P,M,D)

P4.4 make recommendations on how the experience could have been enhanced
P4.4
(P,M,D)

P4.4
(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 4(reflecting 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 Pass merit and distinction.)

IV comments towards
Task 4

Merit grades awarded
M1

M2

M3

P1

P2

P3

P4

Distinction grades awarded
D1

D2

D3

Resubmit :
Any other comments

Grade given by the Assessor:
Pass Merit Distinction
Assessors Signature: Date:
IV Grading Check: Comments if any:
Agree
Disagree Modify grade to
IV signature:
Date:
Students feedback:

Student Signature: Date:
Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

ASSIGNMENT

SCENARIO:

You can either choose a job description of your passion where you want to pursue it as your career, or a Job of your choice where you are experienced and want to upgrade your work experience, or a business plan that you want to start and this will help you build up the required work experience and answer the following. Note: Make sure your Individual work plan is included, covering all the LO and signed by your supervisor.

Task:
Choose an organization of your choice which supports your business plan or your chosen job description and gain the knowledge by addressing the instructions below towards gaining work experience and answer the following as specified.
This can be gained on the job off the job analysis discussion research observation practical awareness practice gained and its evaluation.
You are required to follow the instructions as specified towards each task and support with a research by using supportive materials like books websites etc. and give a feedback on the findings by relating your arguments to the relevant case study as specified towards each task:

Task 1: The objective of this task is to negotiate with your supervisor towards work experience by reflecting it on to the ILWP and address the Learning outcomes as specified.

You can either choose a job description of your passion where you want to pursue it as your career, or a Job of your choice where you are experienced and want to upgrade your work experience, or a business plan that you want to start and this will help you build up the required work experience and answer the following (approx. 1000 words)

Note: make sure your Individual work plan is included, covering all the LO and signed by your supervisor

Address the specified for the purpose and answer the following (approx. 1000 words).

LO 1. The student should be able to negotiate industry experience in the business of the chosen case study and address the following.

P1.1 – Learner is required to research and evaluate suitable organisations that could provide industry experience

P1.2 – Learner is required to negotiate with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience

P1.3 – Learner is required to recognise the business constraints on the work experience offered

Task 2
Address the work experience for the purpose and answer the following (approx. 1000 words)

LO 2. Understand the specific requirements of the placement.

P2.1 – Learner is required to agree and prioritise the tasks and responsibilities involved in the work experience

P2.2- Learner is required to produce a plan for the work experience

P2.3- Learner is required to analyse the benefits of the proposed activities to the business and the learner

TASK 3

Address the work experience for the purpose and answer the following (approx. 1000 words)

LO 3. Be able to undertake work experience as identified

P3.1- Learner is required to fulfil the specified requirements of placement conforming to all related codes of practice

P3.2- Learner is required to produces systematic records of the work undertaken

P3.3- Learner is required to revise the initial plan as required

P3.4 – Learner is required to make suggestions for improvement and review these with the supervisor

TASK 4

Address the work experience for the purpose and answer the following (approx. 1000 words)

LO 4. Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning.

P4.1 – Learner is required to monitor progress against original proposal

P4.2 – Learner is required to evaluate the quality of own performance

P4.3 – Learner is required to analyse the learning which has taken place during the work experience using suitable reflections

P 4.4- Learner is required to make recommendations on how the experience could have been enhanced

Assignment Guidelines:
Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use Normal script of a proper font size 12.
Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with a word limit of 3500 to 4000 words. Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.
The Assignment sheet should be attached in the front.
Submit the document in a folder in the form of a file as well as a soft copy on the submission date.
It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline and submitted to -------- and sign the submission form of the college.
Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless mitigating and may be entitled for a late fee.
Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.
Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight each question clearly.
Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the Harvard referencing system.
All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources must be fully acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites (include the date of visit), etc.
Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication
In order to pass you need to address all the LO
In order to get a merit you need to address the characteristics of M1, M2,M3
In order to get a Distinction you need to address the characteristics of D1, D2 and D3. Use a common format for the questions, for example:
Introduction (analyze the question.)
Underpinning Knowledge (write about the relevant theory/points)
Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)
Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole scenario keeping in view pass, merit, distinction criteria.)

Student feedback form with the Assessment Grid indicating their pass, merit and distinction:
Name: Registration Number:
Unit: Work Experience

Outcomes/criteria:
Indicative characteristics
Possible evidence
Feedback
LO1. Be able to negotiate industry experience

LO2 Understand the specific requirements of the placement

LO3. Be able to undertake work experience as identified

LO4. Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning

As per the assessment criteria specified for pass

Do

Do

Do
Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Task 4

Merit Description:

M. Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions.
. Relevant theories and techniques have been applied.

. Effective judgments have been made.

. Complex problems with more than one variable have been explored.

. An effective approach to study and research has been used.

M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate methods/ techniques.
. A range of methods and techniques has been applied.

. A range of sources of information used.

. The selection of methods and techniques justified.

. Complex information/data have been synthesized and processed.

.Appropriate learning methods/ techniques applied.

M3. Present and communicate appropriate findings.
. Appropriate structure and approach has been used.

. Logical and coherent arguments have been presented

. Technical language accurately used.

. A range of methods of presentation has been used.

. Familiar and unfamiliar contexts have been used.

. It is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences.

Distinction Description:

D1. Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusion.
. Synthesis has been used to generate and justify valid conclusions

. The validity of results has been judged

. Self-criticism of approach has taken place.

. Evaluation has taken place using defined criteria

. Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success.

D2. Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities.
Autonomy/independence demonstrated

Substantial activities/projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organized.

The unforeseen has been accommodated.

The importance of interdependence has been recognized.

D3. Demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking
Ideas generate and decisions taken

Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied

Capacity for innovation and creative thought has been used.

Receptiveness to new ideas has demonstrated.

Unfamiliar contexts have been applied.