Imperial Institute of Higher Education, Colombo, Sri

Lanka in collaboration with the Business School,

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

MBA
(Master of Business Administration)

PROGRAMME OF STUDY HANDBOOK

LEVEL 7

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT

2018-2019
CONTENTS PAGE
Page No

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 1

FEEDBACK ............................................................................................................... 1

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE ....................................... 2

PROGRAMMES OF STUDY AND PROGRAMME DIRECTORS .... Error! Bookmark

not defined.

PASTORAL SUPPORT ............................................................................................. 2

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 2

EXTERNAL EXAMINERS ......................................................................................... 4

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/2019 ................................................................................... 5

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) – ENHANCED..... Error! Bookmark

not defined.

MODULAR TERMINOLOGY ..................................................................................... 6

ASSESSMENT.......................................................................................................... 6
Extenuating Circumstances ................................................................................... 6
Additional needs in terms of assessment............................................................... 7
Academic Appeals................................................................................................. 7
Assessment Regulations ....................................................................................... 7
Responsibilities of students in relation to the assessment process ........................ 7

VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (VLE) ........................................................... 8

PROGRAMMES OF STUDY ..................................................................................... 9

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENT TAKING THE MODULE THROUGH

DISTANCE LEARNING ........................................................................................... 44

ASSESSMENT OF PART I ..................................................................................... 44

COURSEWORK DEADLINES................................................................................. 45

DISSERTATION/PORTFOLIO PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT..................... 45

DISSERTATION...................................................................................................... 46

UNIVERSITY ATTENDANCE POLICY .................................................................... 50

SCHOOL AND FACULTY POLICIES ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

ABOUT UNFAIR PRACTICE AND PLAGIARISM .................................................... 52

Plagiarism: Regulations, Procedure and Penalties .............................................. 18
Avoiding Plagiarism ............................................................................................. 53
Other types of Unfair Practice.............................................................................. 53

LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES .............................................................. 54

STUDENT SERVICES ............................................................................................ 54

STUDY SKILLS ....................................................................................................... 55

GRADUATE SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT ............................................................. 21

COMPLAINTS ......................................................................................................... 55
INTRODUCTION

This handbook provides you with detailed information about your course, or
Programme of Study, in the academic year 2018-2019. Module descriptors are
presented in the accompanying Module Directory document.

The University has made every effort to make the information as full and as accurate
as possible, but you should note that minor changes in the organisation of modules
between the planning stage and the actual teaching are inevitable. We shall try to
keep any such changes to a minimum, and you will receive plenty of advance
warning in the event of any alteration. We would also be grateful if you would let us
know about any changes that you think might be helpful if introduced into future
handbooks.

FEEDBACK

Feedback on your programme of study and modules is welcome and important and
will help us to improve and enhance your learning experience. You can give
feedback in a number of ways: through the student representative for your
programme of study, through module evaluation questionnaires, through informal
meetings with your personal tutor, teaching staff, or Head of School, through focus
groups set up by Schools to gain feedback from students on particular issues, or
through the Students’ Union. If there are issues, then it is important that you share
these with us so that we can address them. Your opinion is valued.

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Let me extend you a warm welcome to the Imperial Institute of Higher Education, the
validated center of the University of Wales Saint David, U.K. By enrolling on this
programme you have ensured your career progression towards the position of CEO.
The MBAs in general are designed to convert specialists from various disciplines to
generalists. However, the MBA at Imperial is designed to achieve this general
objective as well as another important objective. This overarching objective is to
convert middle and senior level managers to become “change agents‟ or
Intrapreneurs within their organizations. Such Intrapreneurs will have the knowledge
and skills to review the Missions and Visions of their organizations in the context of
the turbulent global environments and reposition the organization to achieve their
deserving position among the competition. However, the experience also enables
you as an Entrepreneur. Let me identify some special features of the IIHE MBA
which facilitates the achievement of the overarching objective;
(i) A carefully selected faculty with the right balance of experience and academic
excellence.
(ii) A programme structure with essential compulsory (Core) subjects and electives
specially designed to cater for varying industrial sectors.
(iii) A dissertation which counts for 60 credits. This research focused exercise is
what in essence develops the knowledge and skills to make a Manager, an
Entrepreneur, an Intrapreneur, a Strategist and a Visionary.
(iv) Appropriate teaching and learning methods to facilitate experiential learning
rather than rote learning.
(v) Multidisciplinary cohort of students of varying knowledge and skills facilitating a
group learning environment.Therefore, I sincerely hope that you will realize your
maximum potential by total involvement in the programme. Your colleagues will
come with varying backgrounds, knowledge, skills and they will be of different age
groups. Such diversity should be considered as strength and as an asset. You can
learn from each other whilst being guided by the lecturer. The lecturer too will be
learning from you, as it should be. Be positive, be participative and raise questions.
Do not be passive recipients of knowledge. Hope, your time at IIHE will be an
enjoyable and rewarding experience. I am sure your experience will result in your
ability to improve the productivity of your organizations and to enhance the corporate
social responsibilities that you are guardians of.

Dr.Thilaka Weerakoon-Director Education

PASTORAL SUPPORT

A member of academic staff will be identified at the beginning of the academic year
to act as a point of first contact for all pastoral support issues. Details of the
arrangements for Pastoral Support are contained in the University Regulations –
Postgraduate Student Guide which is published on the Academic Office section on
the University’s website:
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/university-regulations-student-guide/

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Details of the administrative procedures are contained in the University Regulations –

Postgraduate Student Guide.

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All relevant forms (e.g. essay submission form, dissertation form, extension request
form) can be found in the postgraduate student section on the University’s VLE and /
or on the University’s intranet.

Contact details for the office administrative lead for the programme of study:

Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE)

Postal Address : Imperial Institute of Higher Education 25 1/2, Tower Building,

Station Road Colombo 04 Sri Lanka
Telephone : 011-2598772, 011 2598774
Fax : 011- 2597907
E-mail : [email protected]

Mr. Bradley Emerson

Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]

Executive Director / CEO is the Partnership Team Leader of IIHE for the UWTSD
Programmes. All matters pertaining to the policies and procedures of the programme
will be overlooked by the Executive Director / CEO. He would also guide and assist
students who may require any support or clarifications with regards to their ongoing
programme.

Dr. T.S. Weerakoon

Director Education
[email protected]
Director Education is responsible to guide and advice students in terms of their
academic requirements, from registration until their graduation. Director Education
will examine and approve students’ assignments as well as managing the
Examination Board Meetings. This position also requires close liaison with the
Partner University, to ensure that all the rules and regulations pertaining to the
academic agreements are followed.

Mr. Methsiri Weerakkody

Academic Registrar
[email protected]
The Academic Registrar with the cooperation of the Marketing Division, Programme
Manager – MBA and Accountant is responsible for the registration of students,
organizing the Examination Board Meetings and liaises with the Partner University, to
ensure that all rules and regulations pertaining to the programme are conformed with.
Once the students are registered, it will be the responsibility of the Academic
Registrar with the assistance of the Programme Manager - MBA to ensure that all
students progress in their studies until graduation.

Ms. Sakunthala Ellepola

Programme Manager - MBA
[email protected]
Programme Manager – MBA is responsible for the overall management of the academic
programme, which includes the administration and coordination of all aspects such as,
planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling the programme activities. It is the
responsibility of this individual to ensure that, the students derive the maximum benefit from
the course while the programme is delivered successfully, meeting the highest standards.

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Ms. Vidyadini Gunathilaka
Programme Officer
[email protected]
Programme Officer assists the Programme Manager – MBA by managing all daily operations
and services provided to students, coordination, administration and support for all aspects of
the ongoing programme. The role holder is also responsible for ensuring the smooth running
and continued development of the MBA programme while providing the highest professional
service standards to the students.

Ms. Harshani Prematilleke

Head of Sales – MBA Programmes
[email protected]
Head of Sales – MBA Programmes performs duties aimed at developing and implementing
the long and short-term sales and marketing strategies pertaining to the Company. The
individual is also responsible for executing strategic marketing plans that align with the
business strategy. Coordination of sales activities, developing sales and marketing
campaigns to identify and attract potential customers as well as retain the existing ones, are
some of the key functions of this position.

Ms. Sayuri Sriwarnasinghe

Student Payments/Fees
[email protected]
The Assistant Accountant is responsible to invoice students accordingly and forward the
respective invoices, issue receipts for payments and reminders sent for due payments are
handled by this individual. Furthermore, student queries pertaining to payments are clarified
by the Assistant Accountant.

CURRENT MEMBERS OF FACULTY

Subject Tutor (Module Lecturers/ Subject tutorials/ Group Discussions)

Marketing
Management Mr.Michael Ranasinghe, Ms. Preethi Gunarathne

HRM Mr. Sanjeewa Perera, Mr. Sanjeewa Perera, Mr. Ranjeeva Kulathunga

Financial Management Mr. Ravi Edirisinghe, Mr. Hussain Moosaji , Dr. Chalaka Subasinghe, Dr. Ramzia Begum

Entrepreneurship Dr. Sarath Buddhadasa, Mr. Ravi Edirisinghe

Strategic Management Mr. Lasantha Wickramasooriya, Mr. Bradley Emerson

Corporate Finance Mr. Hussain Musaji, Mr. Ravi Edirisinghe, Dr. Chalaka Subasinghe, Dr. Ramzia Begum

International
Marketing Mr. Michael Ranasinghe, Ms. Preethi Gunarathne

International Business Ms. Preethi Gunarathna

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EXTERNAL EXAMINERS

All taught Programmes of Study which lead to an award of the University have at
least one External Examiner. The principal purposes of the University’s external
examiner system are to ensure that:

• the standard of each award is maintained at the appropriate level;

• the standards of student performance are comparable with standards on
similar programmes or subjects in other UK institutions with which they
are familiar;
• the processes for assessment and the determination of awards are sound
and fairly conducted.

Students may request a copy of the previous year’s External Examiner’s Report for
their programme of study by contacting the Programme Director.

Please note that students are not permitted to make direct contact with the External
Examiners.

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/2019

Timetables will be provided separately via e-mail and will be published in the IIHE
VLE .

Examination Boards: normally November, March and June annually

INFORMATION ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PROGRAMME OF STUDY

Information about you and your programme of study is held by the University and
IIHE on a central Student Record System managed by the University and
IIHERegistry. It is essential that the University and IIHE Registry has an accurate
record of your personal details at all times. It is equally important to ensure that you
are enrolled on the correct Programme of Study and on the correct modules. Failure
to register properly or to inform the Registry of any changes to your personal details
is likely to cause some or all of the following problems:
• failure to keep you generally informed;
• not being able to borrow materials from the Library and Learning Resources;
• not being able to use the Information Technology services;
• failure to contact you in an emergency;
• delay in progressing from Part I to Part II, where applicable;
• delay in graduation as a result of not completing sufficient credits at the correct
level;
• General inefficiencies in administrative processes resulting in delays for other
students.

Please take time to check the enrolment information provided by the University
Registry and be sure to notify the Registry of any errors or changes.

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MODULAR TERMINOLOGY

Programme of Study (Course)

A Programme of Study or course is the collection of modules leading to a award.

Module
A module is an academically coherent unit of learning activity with defined
aims/learning outcomes, content and assessment scheme.

Module Credit Rating

Every module has a credit rating. Credit is an award made to a learner in recognition
of the verified achievement of designated learning outcomes at a specified level.

Level of Study
A level is assigned to each module to define the standard of its academic demand.
The basic characteristics of study at Master’s level, which is called Level 7 in the
National Qualifications Framework. The basic characteristics of the relevant levels of
study are outlined in section 6.1.5 of Chapter 6 of the University’s Academic Quality
Handbook, a copy of which is available on the Academic Office section of the
website: http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/academic-quality-handbook/

Students should note that the expectations and demands of work at Level 7 is higher
than those at undergraduate Levels 4-6, and that this will be reflected in the
assessment and marking of the module assessments.

ASSESSMENT

At the start of each module, tutors will provide on Moodle full details of the means by
which you will be assessed in that module. This will include a full assessment brief
and guidelines on the criteria that will be used for marking your work as well as clear
information about when the assessments are due and the turn-around feedback time
for the assessments. It will also detail how you will be able to discuss the feedback
on your work and your performance and what to do if you have any questions.

All assessed written coursework needs to be submitted in electronic copy via

Turnitin; alternative instructions will be provided by the Programme Director for any
forms of coursework that cannot be submitted via Turnitin.

You will receive confirmation of your assessment marks at the end of each year. Any
marks released prior to formal approval by the Progression / Award Examining Board
are provisional.

Extenuating Circumstances
If you believe that there are extenuating circumstances which may have adversely
affected your ability to complete coursework or examinations, you should follow the
University’s procedures for Extenuating Circumstances for Taught Provision, which
can be found on the Academic Office section on the University’s website:
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/procedures-for-academic-appeals-
complaints-and-other-student-cases/

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Additional needs in terms of assessment
If you have any additional needs in terms of assessment, it is your responsibility to
liaise with programme manager regarding those needs at the start of the academic
year, so that a Statement of Compensatory Measures can be drafted in line with the
University’s procedures for assessment of students with additional needs.

Note that the period between the end of the summer examinations and the end of the
summer term is an independent study period, which should be used to prepare for
your next year of study. Further details will be provided by your Programme Director.

Academic Appeals
Information about how to appeal is provided in the ‘Academic Appeal Procedure’ in
Chapter 13 of the Academic Quality Handbook, and in supporting documentation
published on the Academic Office section on the University’s website:
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/procedures-for-academic-appeals-
complaints-and-other-student-cases/

Additional advice is available from the Students’ Union. It is very important that you
note carefully the grounds on which appeals may be made and submit your appeal on
the appropriate form because incomplete or ineligible appeals cannot be processed.

Assessment Regulations
The rules and regulations that govern the assessment of your Programme of Study
are available in Chapters 6 and 7 of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook, a
copy of which is available on the Academic Office section of the website:
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/academic-quality-handbook/

Responsibilities of students in relation to the assessment process

As noted in section 7.3(5) of Chapter 7 of the Academic Quality Handbook, students
are responsible for ensuring that:

i) They read and understand the information provided about how they will be
assessed, how their final award will be determined, and the action to take in the
event that they experience difficulties relating to assessment.
ii) They attempt every assessment component of a module.
iii) They attend examinations and other assessment events, including re-
examination and re-assessment events, as required; and that they are
available to attend oral examinations if required to do so within the published
dates of terms or semesters, or other date notified to them in advance.
iv) They submit work for assessment as required and in accordance with the
required format and deadline.
v) They inform their School or Student Services of any disability or long-term
impairment which might require special provisions for assessment.
vi) They familiarise themselves with the University’s definition of unfair practice
and undertake assessments in a manner that does not attempt to gain unfair
advantage.
vii) They follow the prescribed procedures in the event that they experience
extenuating circumstances or wish to appeal against the decision of an
Examining Board.
viii) They keep a copy of work presented for assessment wherever feasible.
ix) They make their work available for sampling for external examining purposes
and for archiving.

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VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (VLE)

Moodle is the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE is used to
support learning and teaching. It can be accessed by enrolled students from
anywhere in the world using the internet and a web browser.

Some of Moodle’s features allow students to:

• Access course materials
• Facilitate communication between students and tutors
• Support group tasks
• Submission of assignments electronically

PROGRAMME OF STUDY - MBA

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Aims

The overall aim of the MBA General Management is to educate individuals as

managers and business specialists, and thus to improve the quality of management
as a profession. MBA degrees add value, for example to first (or bachelor's) degrees
by developing in individuals an integrated and critically aware understanding of
management and organisations in a global context, and assist them to take effective
roles within them. The aims of this degree are:
1. To provide an advanced study of organizations, their management and the
changing external context in which they operate.
2. To prepare for and/or develop a career in business administration by
developing skills at a professional level, or as preparation for research or
further study in the area. This involves development of a range of business
knowledge and skills, together with the self-awareness and personal
development appropriate to postgraduate/management careers in business.
This includes the development of positive and critical attitudes towards
leadership, change and enterprise, so as to reflect the dynamism and
vibrancy of the business and management environment.
3. To develop the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business
administration to complex or difficult issues, both systematically and
creatively, to improve business and management practice, including within an
international context. This includes the ability to convert theory into practice
from a critical and informed perspective so as to advance the effectiveness of
employees and competitiveness of employing organisations.
4. To develop and enhance a range of general transferable skills and attributes,
which, while being highly appropriate to a career in business, are not
restricted to this.
5. To develop lifelong learning skills, including engendering an enthusiasm for
business and for learning more generally as part of continuing personal and
professional development.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The following level 7 MBA General Management programme learning outcomes
conform in full to the expectations of the QAA FHEQ (2014) and QAA master’s
degree in business and management subject benchmark (2015). They have been

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developed in accord withthe QAA Master’s Degree Characteristics Statement
September 2015. The learning outcomes are categorised as follows: knowledge and
understanding skills, cognitive/intellectual skills (CS), practical skills (PS) and key
skills (KS).

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)Skills

Graduates of the program will be able to demonstrate a systematic understanding of
knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much
of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the business administration and
management discipline. This includes the following:

KU1 The development, access and operation of markets for resources, goods and
services.
KU2 Marketing approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning generating
sales and the need for innovation in product and service design.
KU3 Management of customer expectations, service and orientation.
KU4 The sources, uses and management of finance and the use of accounting
and other information systems for managerial applications.
KU5 Strategic and operational HRM, meeting future organisational requirements,
people development, HR systems.
KU6 The management of operations and resources.
KU7 The development, management, application and implementation of
information systems for business intelligence and their impact upon
organisations.
KU8 The comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in
business and management, including the use of digital tools.
KU9 The development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an
environment where digital technology has reshaped traditional revenue and
business models.
KU10 Business innovation, creativity, intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial behaviour
and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of
intellectual property.
KU11 The development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a
changing environment, with consideration to globalisation and inter-cultural
perspectives.
KU12 Leadership and management of people within organisations - leadership,
organisational behaviour and motivation.
Each of the above PLOs is covered by at least 2 modules at the appropriate
level (taking into account individual patterns of study).

Cognitive(intellectual) Skills(CS)
Graduates will be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills
together with techniques specific to business administration and management.
Graduates will be able to:
CS1 Think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and
others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This
includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms
of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define
terms adequately and generalise appropriately.

CS2 Solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using
appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and
solving business problems; the ability to create, identify and evaluate options;
the ability to implement and review decisions.

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CS3 Evaluate critically current research, methodologies and advanced scholarship,
conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues through
research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative
data, synthesis and reporting.

CS4 Selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting

objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring.

Each of the above PLOs is covered by at least 2 modules at the appropriate

level (taking into account individual patterns of study).

Practical Skills(PS)
Graduates will be able to:
PS1 Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a
practical understanding of how established techniques of research and
enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the business discipline.

PS2 Use information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from
information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills.

PS3 Recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change.

PS4 Recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and
sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations
and choices.

Each of the above PLOs is covered by at least 2 modules at the appropriate

level (taking into account individual patterns of study)

Key Skills(KS)
Graduates will be able to demonstrate a range of qualities and transferable skills
necessary for employment. These include:
KS1 Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written
communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media,
including the preparation of business reports.
KS2 High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-
management; time management; conflict resolution, displaying commercial
acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and
experience.
KS3 Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them;
sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations.
KS4 Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise
and use individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and
persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and
management.
Each of the above PLOs is covered by at least 2 modules at the appropriate
level (taking into account individual patterns of study).

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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Block mode Study: To complete Part I, students study one module at a time
(sequentially) across one calendar year. It is anticipated that the block mode will be
conducted on week-ends (2 weekends and one weekday).The delivery of each
module represents an intake point so there are six intakes per year. Each cohort
joins the previous cohort to study the modules; they simply study the modules in a
different order. If the cohort is large, the classes will be separated but the timings
remain consistent. Students usually complete Part II in a further three semesters.
The block mode is designed particularly for foreign students from neighbouring
countries as well as local students. IIHE will comply with UWTSD entry and language
requirements for students whose first language is not English.

The table below shows the current composition of the programme

Code Title Credits

PART I
Compulsory Modules
IIBM7003 Marketing Management 20

IIBM7001 Human Resource Management 20

IIBM7000 Financial Management 20

IIBM7004 Marketing Management Strategic Management 20

IIBM7002 Entrepreneurship 20

Optional Modules (choose one)

IIBM7005 Corporate Finance 20

IIBM7006 International Business 20

IIBM7007 International Marketing 20

PART II
PART II. STUDENTS MUST SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MODULES
IIBM7008 Dissertation 60

IIBM7009 Business Development Proposal 60

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ASSESSMENT OF PART I

Each module will be assessed independently in ways which reflect the objectives and
learning outcomes of the module and the programme of study as a whole and the
learning and teaching strategies employed within the module.

Details of assignments, guidance on the objectives of the assessment and criteria

applied in marking will be provided at the beginning of each module.

Full information about the classification of results and regulations for progression can
be found in Chapter 6 of the Academic Quality Handbook.

Details of what constitutes ‘satisfactory progress’ can be found in Chapter 6 of the

Academic Quality Handbook. For further information on ‘progress’ see the University
Regulations – Postgraduate Student Guide.

All work in Part I will normally be marked within the University’s agreed 20 clear term-
time working days turn-around time for assessed coursework. You will be contacted
by the module co-ordinator if this is not possible.

COURSEWORK DEADLINES

Coursework deadlines will be provided separately.

Please note that for modules with multiple assessment deadlines and / or
examinations, coursework deadlines and full information about examinations is given
in the module information booklet handed to students at the start of the module.

All assessed written coursework needs to be submitted in electronic copy via

Turnitin; alternative instructions will be provided by the Programme Director for any
forms of coursework that cannot be submitted via Turnitin.

DISSERTATION/PORTFOLIO PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT

Each candidate accepted into Part II will be required to submit a dissertation/portfolio

not exceeding 15,000 words or the equivalent. The word limit does not include
appendices (if any), essential footnotes, the formal declarations and statements or
the bibliography and index. The appendices can act as a repository of raw data. It
should be noted that examiners are not obliged to read the appendices when
examining a piece of work.

If a piece of work is clearly above the indicated word limit, then the student should
discuss editorial action with his/her supervisors before submission.

The module codes for Part II modules are;

Dissertation : IIBM7008
Business Development Proposal : IIBM7009

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DISSERTATION

It is expected that students reaching the dissertation stage of a Master’s Programme

of Study will have acquired and practised research skills relevant to the modules
studied. Students will be allocated a supervisor who will advise them on the issues
arising at various stages in the research project.

Dissertations must be submitted in accordance with the University’s requirements as

set out in the Guide to Postgraduate Taught Dissertations (Appendix GA29).
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/appendices-and-forms/

Students are advised that the dissertation will then be "open access", i.e. freely
available to be used in accordance with copyright and end-user permissions.
Students wishing to request a bar on access should refer to section 7.16.1 (2) of
Chapter 7 of the Academic Quality Handbook.

Please note that if you would like to graduate in July, you should hand in your
dissertation no later than 1 April in order to make sure that all the marking and
examination procedures are completed in good time. Master’s dissertations will
normally be marked within the University’s agreed 30 clear working days turn-around
time.

Details of the responsibilities of the student and dissertation support entitlement can
be found in the Supervision Policy for Taught Master’s Students (Appendix GA30).
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/appendices-and-forms/

Nature and demands of tutorial supervision for this Programme of Study

Knowledge and Understanding

Students are expected to critically reflect on and learn from their own contexts and
experiences and be able to integrate new knowledge with past experience and apply
it to new situations. Throughout, students are encouraged to undertake independent
study and research involving engagement with cohort peers in study groups;
additional reading and research; contributing to the development of the learning
group; undertaking assessment writing and reflecting on theory and practice in their
own context. This independent study will both supplement what is being learnt and to
broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Cognitive Skills

Students are expected to apply theoretical concepts and principles to practical

contexts. Students will critically engage with differing philosophical perspectives and
concepts that underpin approaches to the subject area. They will achieve this
through interrogation of arguments from a variety of academic, intellectual and social
sources. Students, reflecting on their own context, will construct their own arguments,
drawing on appropriately selected evidence and after critical engagement with their
fellow learners. Learners will be engaged in re-construction of ideas in different
media both as individuals and in collaboration with fellow learners in sub-groups.

Practical Skills

Students will form a learning community and will be engaged in negotiation and
management of learning tasks. They will gain practical experience of key
management activities, many of which will relate to authentic, real-world problems

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and cases. They will be engaged in managing learning activities for themselves and
co-coordinating activity to meet deadlines. They will experience how to handle
different perspectives and make the most of the different cultural beliefs and values
that a learning community can bring to learning. The diversity of the student
population from within Sri Lanka and the neighbor countries will facilitate this. The
diversity of the student experiences from various sectors and job roles will further
enhance the interactive learning. Through their participation students will critically
examine and reflect upon the professional and ethical standards relevant to their
context. Transferable (key) Skills Students will gain transferable skills that use
technology for learning as well as academic, professional and literacy skills involved
in study at this level. Students will engage with a range of technology using written
and spoken communication. Different media will engage learners in different genres
of communication, dynamic and interactive as well as reflective and considered, in
their interactions with each other and the tutor.

The main learning and teaching formats that are used within the programme are:

• Lectures
• Seminars (for group discussion, negotiations)
• Presentations by the students
• Study visits and field trips
• Independent research.

Assessment

The key purpose of the assessment scheme is to enable students to demonstrate

individually that they have met the aims of the programmes and achieved the
learning outcomes at the standard required for the level of study. Assessment will
also be used to provide feedback to students so as to assist in subsequent learning.
Thus the assessment requirements will be to support the fulfillment of the programme
aims and learning outcomes. In particular, the assessment should enable theory to
inform practice, with students demonstrating intellectual rigour and reflecting critically
on their own experiences, where relevant. The overall assessment package will
develop an independent learning culture and ensure that all the learning outcomes
have been addressed individually.

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The strategy aims to reflect the varied backgrounds of the participants and the
characteristics of each module.
The assessment strategy follows the ethos of the programme aims, learning
outcomes and learning/teaching strategy. All assessment seeks to test knowledge
and application of generic and specialist concepts. The applied nature of the
programme requires extensive use of contextual material for learning and
assessment during their engagement in the programme. The student skills needed
for such applications will be developed early in the programme.
Each module will be assessed summative through a range of individual assessment
tasks. but formative methods are also used. Formative assessment is carried out
through practical exercises that are undertaken and discussed in class, role-plays,
negotiations, presentations by students and the sessions devoted to reviewing
exams after these have been marked. A range of summative assessment methods
will be employed, i.e. assessment expressed in marks that count towards the
calculation of the final mark. Examinations are used primarily to test knowledge and
understanding. The MBA focus is n examinations Coursework and practical
assessments tend to focus on the development of cognitive, practical and key skills.
Such methods are highly appropriate to the nature of the business discipline as they
facilitate authentic, workplace relevant assessment and practice. Coursework and
practical will be set in a variety of formats.
These include:
• Essays/assignments
• Business reports and planning documents
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Role play

In summary, in order to create competent reflective practitioners, the programme will:

• encourage students to undertake independent reading and research to
broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject;
• employ assessment methods that place an emphasis on critical analysis,
evaluation and reflective practice;
• test the knowledge base through assessed coursework, practical exercises.

At the commencement of the programme, students will receive information about

their programme, including assessment requirements and learning outcome
statements against which to judge student performance and academic standards and
submission deadlines. It is envisaged that the programme will attract students from a
range of backgrounds, . In many cases assessments provide flexibility for the student
to use their background and experience to make learning relevant to their
aspirations. In the case of the dissertation, students will be encouraged to develop
proposals that are relevant to their aspirations in professional practice.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

IIHE is committed to providing an appropriate infrastructure to enable a supportive
technology-enhanced environment for all students through investment in physical
and technological resources. Learning technologists are employed by us to support
technology enhanced learning provision both on and off campus. Learners will
benefit from the learning enhancement and flexibility offered by the VLE.
Consultation with students the design of the curricula was influenced by student
consultation. Student feedback questionnaires are usually administered every

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semester. These generally address issues regarding delivery and structure of the
modules. Staff student meetings take place during every semester. The feedback
from these have clearly pointed out that current programmes (as validated by the
University of Wales (UW)) are not effective in terms of assessment and content.
Students have complained of the type and quantity of assessments. There are thirty-
two 10-credit modules and a dissertation in the current UW programmes. These lead
to excessive assessments and overlapping content among modules. Therefore, the
proposed programme structure and assessment is based on student feedback and
should satisfy student needs.

UNIVERSITY ATTENDANCE POLICY

All students are required to attend all scheduled classes and tutorials. The students
are required to place the signature on the attendance sheet provided by IIHE MBA
programme office on daily basis. At the end of each module, the details of
attendance will be shared with the University.

Contact points will be specified for each programme, taking into account the structure
of the programme and the scheduled timetable. Disciplinary action will be taken for
any sustained periods of unauthorised absence. Students who have a legitimate
reason for unexpected absences (including the instance of illness or injury) must
provide evidence to their program Office, as appropriate, immediately following their
return, to ensure that it is noted as authorised leave.

Wherever possible, students should request permission through their program Office
in advance of any absence, completing the appropriate forms to explain the
circumstances that require this. Although short authorised absences are not normally
counted against the student, these are taken into consideration in the annual review
of each student’s cumulative attendance. Confirmation of authorised absence will be
lodged on each student’s record.

Each student’s cumulative attendance (%) will be reviewed during and at the end of
each academic Term. The required level of attendance will be defined by the
Faculty/campus taking into account the level of study, structure of the programme,
and scheduled timetable. Initial and Final Warning letters will be issued for low levels
of attendance to advise her/him that attendance is below the level expected by the
University and that, if poor attendance continues, this may lead to the individual
being withdrawn from the programme. Very low levels of attendance for an academic
Term will lead to immediate withdrawal.

Appeal against withdrawal due to poor attendance – Information on how to

appeal against withdrawal is provided on the University’s website
(http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/procedures-for-academic-appeals-
complaints-and-other-student-cases/ ).

It is very important that you note carefully the grounds on which appeals may be
made and submit your appeal on the appropriate form because incomplete or
ineligible appeals cannot be processed (http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-
office/other-forms-and-policies/).

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If travelling within or outside of the UK during term-time or vacation periods, students
should provide contact details and/or a travel itinerary to the Faculty Office or London
Student Services to assure immediate contact in the case of an emergency.

Students must always request permission from the University prior to their departure,
for authorisation to travel away from their campus during term-time. They must also
inform their Tutor, London Student Services or Faculty Office of the date on which
they plan to leave the University at the end of each Term, once all teaching and
examination requirements have been completed.

It is a requirement of UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) and a condition of all Tier 4

visas thatmissing10 consecutive contact points without any form of authorisation will
result in the student being reported to Registry. Registry will then withdraw the
student from their programme and inform the UKVI that their Tier 4 visa sponsorship
is withdrawn.

All international students holding a Tier 4 visa are also required to attend one (for the
London campus) or three (for the Wales-based campuses) compulsory, University re-
registration events in each academic year. Students will receive a notification of the
timing and location of each event. If an international student fails to attend a re-
registration event the student will be reported to Registry. Registry will then withdraw
that student from their programme and inform the UKVI that their Tier 4 visa
sponsorship is withdrawn.

Students who have a legitimate reason for absence (including the instance of illness
or injury while in the UK preventing attendance) must provide evidence to their Tutor,
London Student Services or Faculty Office immediately following their return, to
request that it be noted as authorised leave. If approved, the confirmation of
authorised absence will be lodged on the student’s record.

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ABOUT UNFAIR PRACTICE AND PLAGIARISM

The University defines unfair practice as ‘any act, intentional or otherwise, whereby a
person may obtain for himself/herself or for another, an unpermitted advantage…’.
Committing unfair practice in assessment is one of the most serious offences in
academic life, and its consequences can be severe. It undermines the integrity of
scholarship, research, and of the examination and assessment process.

It is very important to understand that it is no defence to claim that unfair practice has
been committed unintentionally, accidentally, due to extenuating circumstances or a
long-term impairment (irrespective of whether or not these circumstances or long-
term impairment have been acknowledged by the University).

Plagiarism is one type of unfair practice. Plagiarism is passing off, or attempting to

pass off, another’s work as your own. It includes copying the words, ideas, images
or research results of another without acknowledgement, whether those words etc.
are published or unpublished. It is plagiarism, for example, to copy the work of
another student, of a member of staff or a published article without crediting the
author. Persons who allow their work to be plagiarised are also guilty.

It should be noted that re-submitting work that has already been submitted for a
different assessment task without noting that this is the case is also regarded as
plagiarism (and is called self-plagiarism) and will be treated as such.

Plagiarism is one of the worst offences in academic life, and its consequences can
be severe. It undermines the integrity of scholarship, research, and of the
examination and assessment process. The guidance that follows explains what is
meant by plagiarism, describes the University’s regulations for dealing with it, and
provides help in avoiding it.

When enrolling as a student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David you have
consented to your work being scrutinised both electronically and in person to check
for cases of plagiarism. In many Schools your work will be submitted electronically
via Moodle.

For submissions outside of the Moodle platform, it is equally important that you
reference your sources accurately. In some cases, you will be expected to submit
both hard and electronic copies, which can be checked against the database of the
UK Higher Education Plagiarism Detection Service. For handwritten, portfolio and
process workbook submissions check with your module tutor if you are in any doubt
about whether you have infringed the regulations. They are here to assist you;
ensure that you take advantage of their expertise.

Plagiarism: Regulations, Procedure and Penalties

Full details of the University’s procedures and penalties for dealing with issues of
plagiarism can be found in Chapter 13 of the Academic Quality Handbook, which can
be seen on the University website or obtained from the Faculty Offices. These details
are also summarised in the University Regulations – Postgraduate Student Guide
which is published on the Academic Office section on the University’s website:
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/university-regulations-student-guide/

Avoiding Plagiarism
Coursework, dissertations, or creative work are meant to be your own original work.
Obviously, you will use the work of others. Not only is this inevitable, it is expected.

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All scholarship builds on the work of others. The important thing to remember is
always to acknowledge your sources. Your School will provide sessions on
referencing and plagiarism but as a general rule of thumb observe the following
guidelines:

• Anything that is copied or quoted from another source, including electronic

sources such as the internet, must be in quotation marks and attributed to the
original author. This may be in the body of the text or as a footnote. Full details of
a source should be contained in a bibliography. Whatever method is used, always
acknowledge your source and give full details of it (i.e. author, date, page
number).

• Synthesising the work of others involves putting their ideas into your words. This
is fine, but again, acknowledge your source. This can be done in a number of
ways depending on the context. For example: 'Hart (2003, 52) maintains that...’
'Hart (2003, 52) provides evidence for..’: 'It is argued, or submitted by Hart (2003,
52) that...’ Then give the source of the original work.

• Where you are generally indebted for your ideas to one or two main sources, this
can be a bit trickier. If the ideas or the way they are presented come from one or
two sources, make this clear. Do the same if they come from lectures. It is
important not to claim originality where it does not exist but to indicate in general
where the information comes from.

• Full citations in timed unseen examinations are obviously not expected, but you
should indicate general indebtedness and always credit any quotations you have
managed to remember.

The golden rule is; `if in doubt, provide references'. Consult your tutors if you have
any problems, in particular with the method of citing books and articles, which may
differ from subject to subject. There are no penalties for asking for advice and
guidance; there are severe penalties for plagiarism and failure to reference means
your work could be considered to be plagiarised.

Other types of Unfair Practice

There are other types of unfair practice, including, but not limited to producing work
as a group where it is an individual task (called collusion), fabricating data or making
false claims to have carried out research, using the service of an essay bank/essay
mill, having an unauthorised source of information in an examination, prohibited
communication during an examination. The same regulations, procedures and
penalties apply to all types of unfair practice.

LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES

IIHE Library Facilities:

All students enrolled on the IIHE study programs gain access to the spacious well
equipped library. Each Student is entitled to two membership cards for borrowing up
to two weeks and they can borrow 2 books at a time. The library has over 2500
pieces of literature and nearly 500 copies of dissertations for reference. All academic
text books and reference books are constantly updated to support the students with
these studies.

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Further, students have access to the following links, in addition to internet enabled
computers being provided for online.

1 .H.B.R. (online) [email protected]

2.refseek—http://www.reseek.com/

3.citeseerX—http://citeseerxist.psu.edu/index

The library is kept open form 8.30 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday, on Saturdays
till 7 pm and on Sundays till 5 pm.

IIHE also facilitates and financially support a student society for student to engage in
extracurricular and socially responsible activities

Services for Researchers

IIHE provides progressive support through moderated supervision for researches and
business cases. Students are provided Microsoft Notebook to enable the students to
manage their research and save reference notes. The researchers also have access
to refer over 500 completed research publications that are available in the IIHE
library. IIHE also facilitate connection to companies selected by students to carry out
their case studies. The entire premises is connected with Wifi to enable students to
access learning resources online.

STUDENT SERVICES

IIHE program management is now extended for support progress, counselling and
education guidance. We have online study circles lead by the top scorers of each
module to help students. We are using Microsoft Teams to connect faculty and the
class of students for interactive learning and module and assignment support.
Further, the entire premises including classrooms are connected with WiFi to provide
web access to our students.

STUDY SKILLS

All the students are gone through an extended induction programme to assist them in
their studies before the module delivery is commenced.

Topics covered include:

Familiarization of the course and brief introduction to modules

Developing effective study strategies
Planning and writing assignments
Preparing presentations
Communication Skills
Team building
NLP

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GRADUATE SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Students are encouraged to use the Careers Service from the first year so that they
can begin to plan their professional development in preparation for future
employment.

Time at University should be seen as preparing for the world of work, which is
increasingly a world that lays a premium on flexibility and ability to adapt to changing
situations. Within this context Personal Transferable Skills (PTS) and Professional
Development Planning (PDP) have come to feature very prominently as important
graduate attributes. PTS are skills acquired in the course of academic study which
might be independent of the discipline in question and, therefore, transferable and
usable in other contexts, including the world of work. PDP is the planning process
through which one is able to reflect upon and analyse, personal strengths and
identify areas for future development. Four main categories of such skills have been
identified: problem solving, managing/organising, team work and communication.
Each Programme of Study has been designed to include opportunities to acquire and
develop personal skills and plan professional development in readiness for
graduation. Further details are available from your Programme Director.

COMPLAINTS

You have a right to make a complaint about any specific concern about the provision
of your Programme of Study or a related academic service. Full details of the
complaints process can be found in the ‘Procedure for Student Complaints’ in
Chapter 13of the Academic Quality Handbook and in supporting documentation
published on the Academic Office section on the University’s website:
http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/procedures-for-academic-appeals-
complaints-and-other-student-cases/

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