Location:

Christchurch, New Zealand

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Graduate Certificate

Specialty:

Business Administration & Management

Program Overview

Program Description:

The BA (Hons) Business Management degree is a work-based, distance learning degree and aims to break down the barriers between learning at work and learning at university. The programme takes into account the high levels of skills and learning that are demonstrated every day in the workplace and provides a degree framework to support and accredit this learning. The programme is open to all suitably qualified candidates and offers an opportunity to transfer your academic qualifications and work experience to achieve a degree in Business Management. The programme includes modules in Study Skills for Distance Learning, Reflection and Reflective Practice, Change Management and Applied Problem Solving in the Business Workplace. The BA (Hons) Business Management degree is a 'top-up' course. The first one and two years of the degree are accredited through previous academic qualifications and/or relevant professional experience. This distance learning degree can take between 13 months and 2 years to complete, depending on your individual circumstances and work commitments. Level 1 (Typically the First Year of the Degree) Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) General credit of 120 CATS points is awarded to students who meet the minimum entry criteria of an HND, Foundation Degree or equivalent. Level 2 (Typically the Second Year of the Degree) Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) General credit of 120 CATS points is awarded to students who meet the minimum entry criteria of an HND, Foundation Degree or equivalent and have proof of relevant or current professional work experience. Level 3 Study Skills for Distance Learners The module provides students with a structured framework within which to develop the essential skills for distance learning. You will be encouraged to take personal control of your learning and to balance the freedoms and disciplines inherent in a distance learning environment. Using models of theory and practice embellished by your personal experience, you will develop your ability to self-motivate, manage your own studies and reflect on how you learn. You will evaluate theories and practical models to challenge and to expand on received wisdoms to support both your academic and practical development. Integrating Professional Business Experience Reflection as a technique for aiding and reinforcing learning is a powerful tool in professional development and a wide range of learning environments. Reflective practice is about learning and developing, through examining what we think happened on any occasion and how we think others perceived the event. The manager must open their professional practice to the scrutiny of others, becoming a more effective manager as a result. At an organisational level critical reflection is the basis for maintaining the appropriate alignment of an organisation and forms the basis for strategic planning and organisational change. This module will provide you with a structured framework within which to reflect on experiences during previous formal managerial training or within past and present Business working environments. You will be encouraged to develop your own abilities to practice reflection in the practical arena by critically evaluating your own ideas against academic theories and models, challenging and expanding your own individual management skills. You will facilitate this process through the production of a personal Learning Log, individual reading and study, and face-to-face or online discussion with your tutor. Management of Change This module aims to enable you to develop your workplace skills in the management of change by investigating your own organisation in relation to change management from a number of perspectives. You will consider your organisation’s business and market position— how it is structured and how it operates—to understand the context within which change happens. You will consider how organisational structure and culture may support or inhibit change as well as evaluating management of change theoretical models. You will also explore the impact of change on people and the skills needed by effective change agents and organisations. Upon completion of the module, you will be able to use your learning to inform a study of change management in your organisation and to make recommendations about change strategies for the future. Applied Problem Solving in the Business Workplace You will look at some more unusual approaches to the solving of complex problems and at techniques used outside your own organisation and experience in this module. At an early stage you select a complex problem in your workplace to study throughout the unit and you will be expected to develop, integrate and apply your learning, ideas and techniques in a real practical context.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

N/A

Financial Aid:

No

Requirements:

Admission to the WBDL undergraduate programme is dependent on several criteria; however, your ability to complete the programme satisfactorily and benefit from it will be the main factor taken into consideration. The programme requires a high level of personal commitment and students will need to be well motivated. Entry with Advanced Standing, APL: Students will be accepted onto the course with advanced standing through credit awarded for prior certificated learning (APL). Credit for certificated learning will be awarded according to agreed tariffs for qualifications such as HND, Diploma of Higher Education, NEBS etc.