UNIVERSITY OF

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
BSc (Hons)
BUSINESS
COMPUTING AND
INFORMATION
SYSTEMS
School of Psychology
and Computer Science
in association with
NCC Education Ltd

STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2022/23
Modification History

Release Revision Description

2013 Issue
2014 (a01) Update links to online documentation
May 2015 Update to include External Examiner details
March 2017 Update to include employability skills
September 2017 Update to External Examiner details
January 2018 Update to remove Campus and replace with CN
January 2019 Update to footer
January 2020 Updated links
April 2020 Updated to amend ‘CN’ to ‘VLE’
Remove eBusiness Module Leader details
Amended external examiner details
May 2020 Added new eBusiness Module Leader details
November 2020 Update Examination to Time Constrained assignment
Updated logo
Updated school name
Updated external examiner details
Removed screenshots of the CN
Amended page numbers
January 2021 Added new CCSM Module Leader details
November 2021 Updated logo and school name on front cover
Updated broken links

© NCC Education Limited, 2021

All Rights Reserved

The copyright in this document is vested in NCC Education Limited. The document must not
be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, or used for manufacturing purposes, except
with the prior written permission of NCC Education Limited and then only on condition that this
notice is included in any such reproduction.

Published by: NCC Education Limited The Towers Towers Business Park Wilmslow
Road Didsbury Manchester M20 2EZ UK

Tel: +44 (0) 161 438 6200 Fax: +44 (0) 161 438 6240 Email: [email protected]
http://www.nccedu.com

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 Student Handbook

BSc (Hons) Business Computing and

Information Systems

School of Psychology & Computer Science

(offered in association with NCC Education Ltd)

All course materials, including lecture notes and other additional materials related to your
course and provided to you, whether electronically or in hard copy, as part of your study, are
the property of (or licensed to) NCC Education and MUST not be distributed, sold, published,
made available to others or copied other than for your personal study use unless you have
gained written permission to do so from the Dean. This applies to the materials in their entirety
and to any part of the materials.

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UCLan Mission statement

WE PROMOTE ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE ENABLING YOU TO

DEVELOP YOUR POTENTIAL

We value and practise equality of opportunity, transparency and tolerance.

We strive for excellence in all we do: locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
We work in partnership with business, the community and other educators.
We encourage and promote research innovation and creativity.

Student Charter
The Student Charter has been developed by the University and the Students’ Union so that
students gain the maximum from their UCLan experience. It is a two-way commitment or
‘contract’ between the University and each individual student. It acts as a means of establishing
in black and white what students can expect from the University and the Union in terms of support,
and in return what we expect from our students. Read the full Student Charter.

Supporting Diversity at UCLan

UCLan recognises and values individual difference and has a public duty to promote equality and
remove discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation
and age. During your time at UCLan we expect you to be able to:

• experience ‘an integrated community based on mutual respect and tolerance where all
staff and students can feel safe, valued and supported’;
• contribute to creating a positive environment where discriminatory practices and
discrimination no longer happen.

Please review the UCLan Equality and Diversity Policy for further information.

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Contents Table
1. Introduction to the Course .............................................................................................. 6
1.1 Welcome to the Course .......................................................................................... 6
1.1.1 About NCC Education ...................................................................................... 6
1.1.2 NCC Education VLE ........................................................................................ 6
1.1.3 Entry Requirements ......................................................................................... 7
1.1.4 Registration Deadlines ..................................................................................... 7
1.1.5 Programme Fees – Payment ........................................................................... 7
1.2 Rationale, Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Course .......................................... 7
1.3 Course Team .......................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Project Supervisor................................................................................................... 8
1.5 School Office Administration Details ....................................................................... 8
1.6 Communication ....................................................................................................... 8
1.7 External Examiner................................................................................................... 9
2. Structure of the Course ................................................................................................ 10
2.1 Overall Structure ................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Modules Available ................................................................................................. 12
2.3 Study Time ........................................................................................................... 14
2.3.1 Weekly Timetable .......................................................................................... 14
2.3.2 Expected Hours of Study ............................................................................... 16
2.3.3 Attendance Requirements.............................................................................. 21
2.4 Data Protection ..................................................................................................... 21
3. Approaches to Teaching and Learning .......................................................................... 22
3.1 Expertise of Staff .................................................................................................. 22
3.2 Learning and Teaching Methods ........................................................................... 23
3.2.1 NCC Education VLE ...................................................................................... 23
3.3 Study Skills ........................................................................................................... 23
3.4 Learning Resources .............................................................................................. 23
3.5 Employability Skills ............................................................................................... 24
3.7 Preparing for Your Future ..................................................................................... 24
4. Student Support, Guidance and Conduct ..................................................................... 26
4.1 The Role of the Accredited Partner Centre ........................................................... 26
4.2 Conduct ................................................................................................................ 26
5. Assessment Strategy ................................................................................................... 27
5.1 Time Constrained Assignment .............................................................................. 27
5.2 Coursework........................................................................................................... 27
5.3 Project .................................................................................................................. 27

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 5.4 Formative Assessment ......................................................................................... 27
5.5 Notification of Assignment Arrangements ............................................................. 28
5.5.1 Assignments .................................................................................................. 28
5.5.2 Time Constrained Assignment ....................................................................... 28
5.6 Referencing .......................................................................................................... 28
5.7 Dealing with Difficulties in Meeting Assessment Deadlines .................................. 28
5.7.1 Requesting an Assignment Extension ............................................................ 28
5.7.2 Late Submission of Assignments ................................................................... 29
5.7.3 Late Submission of Time Constrained Assignments ...................................... 29
5.7.4 Resitting a Time Constrained Assignment or Re-submitting an Assignment .. 29
5.7.5 Condonement Guidelines .............................................................................. 30
5.8 Feedback Following Assessments ........................................................................ 30
5.9 Cheating, Plagiarism, Collusion or Re-presentation .............................................. 30
5.10 Appeals Against Assessment Board Decisions ........................................................ 30
6. Course Regulations .................................................................................................. 31
6.1 Course Requirements ........................................................................................... 31
6.1.2 Notification of Final Marks .............................................................................. 31
6.1.3 Issuing of Certificates..................................................................................... 31
6.1.4 Withdrawing from a Module ........................................................................... 31
6.1.5 Withdrawing from the Programme.................................................................. 31
6.1.6 Suspending Studies ....................................................................................... 31
6.2 Classification of Awards ........................................................................................ 32
6.2.1 Exit Award ........................................................................................................... 32
7. Student Voice ........................................................................................................... 33
7.1 Student Feedback ................................................................................................. 33
7.2 Staff/Student Committee ....................................................................................... 33
7.3 Complaints Procedure .......................................................................................... 33

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1. Introduction to the Course
1.1 Welcome to the Course

Congratulations on being accepted onto the BSc (Hons) Business Computing and Information
Systems programme, offered by NCC Education and validated and awarded by the University of
Central Lancashire.

NCC Education is pleased to offer this programme online by distance learning. There will be a
variety of teaching and learning methods involved and each of these is described in this
handbook. Although you will still be in contact with the Accredited Partner Centre where you
studied for your NCC Education Level 4 and 5 Diplomas, the teaching for this degree programme
is provided fully by UK-based academics working for NCC Education – a Module Leader for each
subject, and a Supervisor for your final project. Remember, your Module Leaders, Supervisors,
Accredited Partner Centres and the Student Services Team at NCC Education are all here to
help and support you.

Before you begin your studies, it is very important to complete the Orientation week on the NCC
Education Virtual Learning Environment, the VLE. This orientation aims to prepare you for the
commencement of your programme and for studying online, which may be completely new to
you. It is designed to familiarise you with the VLE and all aspects of your learning experience.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at NCC Education and UCLan, we wish you the very best of luck
with your studies.

1.1.1 About NCC Education

NCC Education was originally the training division of the National Computing Centre, which was
set up by the UK Government in 1966 to support and promote the use of computing technology
within industry. NCC Education became a separate company in April 1997 and was recognised
by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority as a regulated awarding body in the UK in
December 2003.

NCC Education’s specialist Information Technology and Business qualifications are either taught
online by our own faculty or offered in face-to-face mode through an international network of
Accredited Partner Centres. NCC Education is not only a respected awarding body both in the
UK and overseas but also provides a complete learning package for our Accredited Partner
Centres; this includes detailed bespoke teaching and learning materials, marketing support and
professional development for teaching staff.

1.1.2 NCC Education VLE

This programme is delivered online through the NCC Education Virtual Learning Environment,
You will be provided with a login and password to access it when you have enrolled on the
programme.

Through the VLE, you will have access to all of the learning materials for this programme,
including tutorial notes and videos. You will also interact with the tutor for each module and
participate in discussion forums and live chat sessions.

Please read the Policies and Procedures documents in conjunction with this handbook, so that
you are aware of the policies relating to your studies. For example, it is essential that you are
aware of the Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism Policy and that you are familiar with the advice
on referencing and bibliographies. You will find further information on these on the VLE.

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1.1.3 Entry Requirements

All students who have met the entry requirements must enrol for this programme through their
local NCC Education Accredited Partner Centre.

On entry a student must have one the following:

• The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing (RQF) (L5DC)

• The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business Information Technology (RQF)
(L5DBIT)
• The NCC Education International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IADCS)
• The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computer Studies (NQF) (L5DCS)

1.1.4 Registration Deadlines

The Accredited Partner Centre will provide full details of registration deadlines to students. Each
student will be notified by once their registration onto the programme has been successful. Full
details about the programme, including the start dates of the semester, and usernames and
passwords will be made available to students once their enrolment has been confirmed.

1.1.5 Programme Fees – Payment

Accredited Partner Centres will be responsible for communicating directly with students regarding
payment/outstanding payment issues.

All fees and payments will be dealt with directly by your Accredited Partner Centre; NCC
Education is not liable for any financial arrangements or refunds that have been agreed between
students and the Accredited Partner Centre. If you have any questions regarding fees and
payments you should contact your Accredited Partner Centre directly.

1.2 Rationale, Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Course

The main purpose of this programme is to provide an education that will equip graduates with
the knowledge, technical and interpersonal skills necessary for taking part in the design,
implementation and management of information systems and to produce professionally-
minded computer practitioners able to meet the responsibilities and challenges demanded by
the computing industry.

The aims of the programme are to:

• Develop students’ knowledge of information systems in the areas of system

specification, development, maintenance and management
• Develop students’ knowledge of computer networks and the technical and managerial
issues associated with them.
• Develop students’ knowledge of modern database systems including their design,
implementation and management.
• Develop students’ knowledge of business information systems aimed at supporting
management functions.

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1.3 Course Team

Important contacts for this programme are:

NCC Education Student Services – [email protected]

The Student Services team are available to assist you with any queries you have about your
registration on the programme.

Course Director

The course director is the contact for academic related issues or programme-wide issues. Please
note, if the issue relates to a particular module, you should contact the Module Leader for that
module in the first instance.

Module Leaders

You will be expected to be committed to the programme and follow each module as directed by
the Module Leaders. You should contact the Module Leader regarding any specific module
queries. This can be done via email, in the module Discussion Forum or during the Live Chat
session. A full list of the Module Leaders is available in Section 3.1.

1.4 Project Supervisor

You will be assigned a Project Supervisor for the Information Systems Project module. Their
contact details will be provided once you begin you begin your second semester.

You can also contact your Accredited Partner Centre for additional support regarding pastoral
care.

1.5 School Office Administration Details

The NCC Education course team can be contacted at:

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 161 438 6200

NCC Education Head Office

The Towers, Towers Business Park
Wilmslow Road
Didsbury
Manchester
M20 2EZ
United Kingdom

1.6 Communication

NCC Education expects you to check regularly for messages from staff by email/ the VLE pages
and participate regularly in the discussion forums, and online chat sessions.

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1.7 External Examiner

The University of Central Lancashire has appointed an External Examiner to your course. The
External Examiner helps ensure the standards of your course are comparable to those provided
at other higher education institutions in the UK.

The External Examiner for the programme is Joseph Williams from Hertfordshire University’s
Department of Computer Science.

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2. Structure of the Course
2.1 Overall Structure

Module Title Credits

Advanced Database Management Systems 20
Corporate Communications Systems Management 20
eBusiness 20
Managing Information Systems Projects 20
Information Systems Project 40
TOTAL 120

Modules taught in the March semester (beginning March, ending June):

• Advanced Database Systems Management

• Corporate Communication Systems Management

Modules taught in the September semester (beginning September, ending December):

• Managing Information Systems Projects

• eBusiness

Please note that the credit ratings given above use the UK-standard Credit Accumulation and
Transfer System (CATS). For enquiries about conversion into the European Credit Transfer
System (ECTS) or other national and international credit rating frameworks, please contact NCC
Education student services who will put you in touch with the Quality Assurance unit for
assistance.

Students also study the Information Systems Project. Full-time students begin this in their first
semester and complete it in their second semester. Part-time students begin the Information
Systems Project in their third semester and complete it in their fourth semester.

Full-time students complete the programme as above but can begin studying in either the
September or March semester.

The following page illustrates the student journey as part of a full-time programme.

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 Learning Journey March Start Learning Journey September Start

Orientation Week Orientation Week

March Semester (weeks 1-7) September Semester (weeks 1-7)

1. Advanced Database Management Systems 1. Managing Information Systems Projects

2. Corporate Communications Systems 2. eBusiness
Management 3. Information Systems Project (1)
3. Information Systems Project (1)

Week 8 – Reading Week Week 8 – Reading Week

Week 1 – Week 6

March Semester (weeks 8-13) September Semester (weeks 8-13)

SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS (Week 8) SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS (Week 8)
1. Advanced Database Management Systems 1. Managing Information System Projects
2. Corporate Communications Systems 2. eBusiness
Management 3. Information Systems Project (1)
3. Information Systems Project (1)

Time Constrained Assignment Time Constrained Assignment

September Semester (weeks 1-7) March Semester (weeks 1-7)

1. Managing Information Systems Projects 1. Advanced Database Management Systems

2. eBusiness 2. Corporate Communications Systems
3. Information Systems Project (2) Management
3. Information Systems Project (2)

Week
Week 1 – WeekWeek
8 – Reading 6 Week 8 – Reading Week
Week 1 – Week 6
September Semester (weeks 8-13) March Semester (weeks 8-13)
SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT (WEEK 8) SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT (WEEK 8)
1. Managing Information Systems Projects 1. Advanced Database Management Systems
2. eBusiness 2. Corporate Communications Systems
3. Information Systems Project (2) Management
3. Information Systems Project (2)

Time Constrained Assignment Time Constrained Assignment

Graduation Graduation

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Part-time students complete the programme over four semesters in the following way:

Semester September Start March Start

Managing Information Systems Advanced Database

1
Projects Management Systems

Advanced Database Managing Information

2
Management Systems Systems Projects

Information Systems Project

Information Systems Project
(Semester 1)
3 (Semester 1)
Corporate Communications
eBusiness
Systems Management

Information Systems Project

Information Systems Project
(Semester 2)
4 (Semester 2)
Corporate Communications
eBusiness
Systems Management

2.2 Modules Available

Module Title Module Aims

Code

CO3902 Advanced Database This module aims to build upon the student's general
Management understanding of database systems, ensuring that the
Systems student develops significant knowledge of the major
topics (both theoretical and practical) pertinent to the
development and management of modern database
systems. The module also introduces current
perspectives in database management systems, thereby
increasing the student’s understanding of future trends
and the latest developments in the field.

CO3904 Corporate This module aims to build upon the student's general
Communications understanding of networking, ensuring that the student
Systems develops significant knowledge of the major topics
Management pertinent to the management of telecommunications and
computer networks for corporate systems. This includes
network management, communications media and
services, global availability and reliability, eCommerce
and Internet services.

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CO3905 eBusiness This module aims to build upon the student's general
understanding of the Internet, ensuring that the student
develops significant knowledge of the major topics (both
commercial and technical) pertinent to the use of the
Internet to conduct business elecronically. This includes
evaluating eBusiness projects for return on investment,
the business environment and strategy for the formulation
of eBusiness.

CO3903 Managing This module aims to build upon the student's general
Information Systems understanding of project management, ensuring that the
Projects student develops significant understanding and
theoretical underpinning of different approaches to project
management and the development of a rigorous attitude
to quality in information systems development. The
module also introduces current perspectives in the
management of information systems projects, thereby
increasing the student’s understanding of future trends
and the latest developments in the field.

CO3906 Information Systems This module provides the opportunity for individual in-
Project depth study in a specialised area of information systems.
It aims to develop in the student the ability to tackle,
individually, a selected problem of suitable scale and
complexity, and to develop the ability to present ideas in
a series of written reports.

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2.3 Study Time

2.3.1 Weekly Timetable

Each semester lasts for 16 weeks including the time constrained assignment period. Learning
materials are delivered through NCC Education’s Virtual Learning Environment. Each week you
will be provided with a video lecture and online tutorial for each active module.

These video lectures are downloadable through the VLE. The lecture videos will be made
available at 00:00 (UK time) on the Saturday before the teaching week. As these video lectures
become available, they will form part of a useful collection which will remain with you for the
duration of your course.

Below is an example of a typical student week:

• Watch video lecture

• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week1 Topic 1
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session

Students should begin each week by watching the video lecture and making appropriate notes
on the topics discussed before working through the corresponding tutorial, which will test the
student’s knowledge of the topic and also encourage further reading. During the tutorial, students
will be made aware of a topic, scenario or question to discuss through that week’s Discussion
Forum, in which students critique and review answers from other members of the cohort as well
as contribute their own thoughts and opinions on the set question or topic. Finally, knowledge is
consolidated and reinforced during the chat session with the Module Leader and other members
of the cohort. This routine should be adhered to for each teaching week.

Below is an example of a student timetable for each 16 week semester:

Week Topic Activities for students to complete during the week

Week 0 Orientation Undertake online orientation (compulsory for new students)
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week1 Topic 1
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 2 Topic 2
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 3 Topic 3
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session

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 • Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 4 Topic 4
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 5 Topic 5
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 6 Topic 6
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 7 Topic 7 • Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session

Assignment There is no teaching this week. You should use this time to
Week 8
Week finalise your assignments, which are submitted this week.
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 9 Topic 8
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 10 Topic9
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 11 Topic 10
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 12 Topic 11
• Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session
• Watch video lecture
• Work through tutorial and undertake tasks
Week 13 Topic 12 • Contribute to Discussion Forums
• Take part in Live Chat session

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 Week 14 Revision Revision
Time
Weeks 15
Constrained Time constrained assignment to be taken
and 16
Assignment

2.3.2 Expected Hours of Study

Advanced Database Management Systems:

Direct Contact Hours No of
hours

Watching Video Lectures (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching 12
semester)

Participating in text-based live chat sessions (one hour per week over a 12 12
week teaching semester)

Participating in discussion forums (one hour per week over a 12 week 12

teaching semester)

Email support (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching semester) 12

Total Contact Hours 48

No of
Independent Learning Hours
hours

Library work for weekly online tutorials 24

Directed reading for weekly online tutorials 36

Reflection on discussion forums, chat sessions and other feedback 36

Preparation for assessments 56

Total Independent Learning hours 152

Total Student Learning Hours 200

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Corporate Communications Systems Management:
Direct Contact Hours No of
hours

Watching Video Lectures (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching 12
semester)

Participating in text-based live chat sessions (one hour per week over a 12 12
week teaching semester)

Participating in discussion forums (one hour per week over a 12 week 12

teaching semester)

Email support (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching semester) 12

Total Contact Hours 48

No of
Independent Learning Hours
hours

Library work for weekly online tutorials 24

Directed reading for weekly online tutorials 36

Reflection on discussion forums, chat sessions and other feedback 36

Preparation for assessments 56

Total Independent Learning hours 152

Total Student Learning Hours 200

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eBusiness:
Direct Contact Hours No of
hours

Watching Video Lectures (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching 12
semester)

Participating in text-based live chat sessions (one hour per week over a 12 12
week teaching semester)

Participating in discussion forums (one hour per week over a 12 week 12

teaching semester)

Email support (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching semester) 12

Total Contact Hours 48

No of
Independent Learning Hours
hours

Library work for weekly online tutorials 24

Directed reading for weekly online tutorials 36

Reflection on discussion forums, chat sessions and other feedback 36

Preparation for assessments 56

Total Independent Learning hours 152

Total Student Learning Hours 200

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Managing of Information Systems Projects:
Direct Contact Hours No of
hours

Watching Video Lectures (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching 12
semester)

Participating in text-based live chat sessions (one hour per week over a 12 12
week teaching semester)

Participating in discussion forums (one hour per week over a 12 week 12

teaching semester)

Email support (one hour per week over a 12 week teaching semester) 12

Total Contact Hours 48

No of
Independent Learning Hours
hours

Library work for weekly online tutorials 24

Directed reading for weekly online tutorials 36

Reflection on discussion forums, chat sessions and other feedback 36

Preparation for assessments 56

Total Independent Learning hours 152

Total Student Learning Hours 200

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Information Systems Project:
Direct Contact Hours No of
hours

Watching Video Lectures (one hour per week over a 6 week teaching 6
period).

Participating in text-based live chat sessions (one hour per week over a 6 6
week teaching period) These chat sessions will take place in the first six
teaching weeks of the semester.

Participating in discussion forums (one hour per week over a 6 week 6

teaching period) These discussion forums will take place in the first six
teaching weeks of the semester.

Email support (one hour per week over a 18 week teaching period) 18

Total Contact Hours 36

No of
Independent Learning Hours
hours

Library research for either the project literature review or project 54

background

Directed reading associated with the project 50

Reflection on discussion forums, chat sessions and other feedback 40

Progress Meetings with Project Supervisor 10

Carrying out the analysis, design, development and evaluation 110

Writing up the project proposal, interim report and project report 100

Total Independent Learning hours 364

Total Student Learning Hours 400

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2.3.3 Attendance Requirements

Students must post on the Discussion Forum for each module each week. The Module Leader
will set Discussion Forum tasks and questions in each weekly tutorial and these should be
answered and discussed in the Discussion Forum.

Students must also attend a one hour Live Chat session per module per week. The times of these
sessions will be set by the Module Leader and details will be posted in the ‘Semester Information’
tab of each module on the VLE. During these sessions, students will discuss the week’s topic
with the Module Leader. This time should also be used to ask questions about areas of study that
students are finding difficult or areas where clarification is needed.

Notifications of illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made to the NCC
Education Student Services team, who will inform the Course Director and relevant colleagues.

If you have not gained the required authorisation for leave of absence and do not respond to
communications from NCC Education for four weeks or more, you may be deemed to have
withdrawn from the course. If this is the case, then the date of withdrawal will be recorded as the
last day of communication with NCC Education staff.

2.4 Data Protection

All the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection with your
studies with NCC Education will be held securely and will be used by NCC Education, both
during your course and after you have completed the course, for a variety of purposes. If you
would like a more detailed explanation of NCC Education’s policy on the use and disclosure
of personal information, or would like to contact NCC Education regarding data protection
matters, please visit http://www.nccedu.com/privacy-policy/.

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3. Approaches to Teaching and Learning
3.1 Expertise of Staff

Steve Wade (Module Leader for Information Systems Project)

After his first degree in Computing, Steve worked for a year as a COBOL programmer with
British Steel before returning to Sheffield University to study for an MSc Information Systems
which led to a PhD in IR (Information Retrieval). His research was in the implementation and
evaluation of novel algorithms for text-based retrieval, which are at the heart of Internet
search engines such as Google. He completed his PhD in 1989 and after this, took up a
teaching position at the University of Sheffield in the Department of Information Studies. He
left Sheffield to take up his current position at the University of Huddersfield in 1993.

Shane McMordie (Module Leader for Managing Information Systems Projects)

Shane has over 10 years’ experience designing and delivering online learning at university
level in the UK. After completing an MBA at the University of Durham, Shane has developed
his career with the University of Liverpool, the London School of Business and Finance and
the University of Essex Online (formerly Kaplan Open Learning).

Gary Budgen (Module Leader for Advanced Database Management Systems)

Gary has considerable experience in a number of computing areas, especially databases and
system security. He has previously held a senior lectureship at London Metropolitan University,
and is currently an IT lecturer at Redbridge College.

Chitra Balakrishna (Module Leader for Corporate Communications Systems Management)

Chitra Balakrishna, Ph.D. MBCS, SFHEA ,CEH is an academic and author with over 20
years of experience spanning across academia and industry in the areas of cyber security,
data networking, mobile communications, technologies and applications. She is currently,
senior lecturer and program lead for cyber security at the Open University.

Maxine Shaverin (Module Leader for eBusiness)

Following 20 years business improvement experience gained within manufacturing, public,

commercial & education sectors and completing an MBA at the University of Bolton, Maxine
has since 2010 developed her career designing and delivering online learning at university
level in the UK with the University of Liverpool, the University of Derby and the University of
Essex Online (formerly Kaplan Open Learning).

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3.2 Learning and Teaching Methods

3.2.1 NCC Education VLE

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), is the area where you will work through the module
materials created by the Module Leader, participate in the module discussion forums with other
students, and discuss the content of the course through live chat sessions.

Each week, you are expected to undertake the following tasks for each module you are studying:

• Watch the video lecture for the topic, usually at the beginning of the teaching week
• Work through the topic tutorial, undertaking tasks as directed
• Contribute to discussion forums, answering questions and tasks set out by the Module
Leader in the tutorial
• Take part in a live chat session with the Module Leader and a group of other students,
discussing the week’s topic (times to be set by the Module Leader)
• Carry out private study, reading around the topics and additional tasks as directed by
your Module Leader

3.3 Study Skills

You will have already covered modules in your NCC Education Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas
which will help you to study at Higher Education (HE) levels.

Your orientation week, at the start of this programme, will augment these study skills with a key
focus on adapting to online distance learning. Participation in the orientation week is mandatory
for new students, and vital to your success on this programme.

You should aim to make full use of the reference materials available to you, in order to support
the development of your study skills as you continue your learning.

3.4 Learning Resources

Your Accredited Partner Centre will have a library which contains relevant supporting texts,
periodicals and electronic resources.

You will also have access to a wide range of online resources and you are encouraged to make
full use of this online provision.

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3.5 Employability Skills

The experience of undertaking this course through NCC Education and the University of
Central Lancashire develops a range of skills which are desired by employers in the IT
industry. These skills include: self-management, numeracy, working to deadlines, the ability
to communicate ideas in writing, remote collaboration, initiative and organisation.

Employability Skills

Advanced Corporate eBusiness Managing Information

Database Communications Information Systems
Management Systems Systems Projects
Systems Management Projects

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
1. Communication

2. Problem ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Solving
3. Self-
management
(time, planning,
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
motivation and
initiative)
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
4. Organisation

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
5. Collaboration

✔ ✔ ✔
6. Numeracy

3.7 Preparing for Your Future

There are a number of advantages to a degree which is both vocational and academic. This
particular pathway equips students with a blend of technical IT skills and business expertise that
will enable them to enter a number of varied senior roles in the following areas:

• Organisational Management

• Mobile Applications Development

• Web Development

• Databases

• Systems Analysis

• Systems Design

Graduates of the programme are also eligible for entry onto the Level 7 Diploma in Business
Management (L7DBM) awarded by NCC Education. Upon successful completion of the L7DBM,
students are able to progress onto a number of MSc qualifications. Alternatively, graduates of the

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University of Central Lancashire BSc (Hons) in Business Computing and Information Systems
programme can continue their studies with the University of Central Lancashire by entering onto
a number of related MSc programmes with a 20% discount on the full overseas tuition fee.

Your Accredited Partner Centre is your contact for all pastoral care. They will be able to support
and guide you in any queries you may have relating to careers and progression after completion
of the course.

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4. Student Support, Guidance and Conduct
4.1 The Role of the Accredited Partner Centre

Your Accredited Partner Centre can provide the following during the semester:

• Access to IT equipment to allow you to study online; this includes a functioning

internet connection at broadband speed or equivalent.
• Sufficient access to library resources.
• A dedicated Centre Facilitator who will:
- register all students with NCC Education;
- provide pastoral care to all students;
- ensure availability of a sufficient standard and range of facilities;
- download video lectures and make them available to you;
- ensure any issues you have with the delivery of the programme at centre level
are brought to the attention of NCC Education;
- advise NCC Education of any withdrawals;
- advise you, where necessary, of NCC Education’s policies and procedures
relating to appeals, extensions, late submissions and special circumstances;

4.2 Conduct

You are expected to adhere to the NCC Education Code of Conduct for students, contained in
Section 6 of the NCC Education Academic Regulations.

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5. Assessment Strategy
You are expected to attempt all required assessments for each module for which you are
registered, and to do so at the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special
arrangements or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

Assessment and Progression

Time Learning
Assessment Methods Constrained Assignment Outcomes
Assignment
Advanced Database Management 60% 40% All
Systems
Corporate Communication Systems 60% 40% All
Management
eBusiness 60% 40% All
Managing Information Systems Projects 60% 40% All
Information Systems Project 100% All

The overall module mark is computed from the weighted mean of its components. The pass
mark for a module is 40%. In addition, a minimum mark of 30% must be achieved in both the
Time constrained assignment and the Assignment elements.

5.1 Time Constrained Assignment

Time constrained assignments are 48 hours in duration and are open book (i.e. you will be
permitted to use learning materials during the assignment).

5.2 Coursework

Assignments must be submitted during Week 8 of the relevant semester.

5.3 Project

You will be expected to produce a bachelor’s degree level project during your studies on this
programme. This requires the production of a Project Proposal (first semester, Week 6, 10% of
overall mark); an Interim Report (Week 10, 25% of overall mark); and a Final Report (end of
second semester, 65% of overall mark). The Final Project report will consist of a written report, a
zip/archive file containing all of your source code or database files and a voice over
presentation/demonstration of your application.

5.4 Formative Assessment

As you progress through each module, you will also be able to test your skills and knowledge
using the mini review features provided in your VLE tutorials. These may include multiple choice
questions, gap fill exercises, quizzes and matching activities and are provided by your Module
Leader. You are encouraged to use your performance here to assess how well you have learned
the topic material and to decide what further revision (and preparation for discussions with your
Module Leader and fellow students) to undertake.

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5.5 Notification of Assignment Arrangements

5.5.1 Assignments

Assignment specifications will be made available to you via the VLE in Week 3 of each semester.
You should read and fully understand the Assignment Guidance given at the front of the question
paper. Completed assignments should be uploaded electronically by the assignment deadline
date (usually 12pm UK time on the Friday of Week 8 of the semester).

It is also important for you to present your assignment submissions in a way that makes it easy
for the marker to read and follow. All submissions should adhere to the NCC Education
Assignment Presentation and Requirements. You must submit your assignment with the correct
file name (see Assignment Presentation Requirements document available in the ‘Additional
Materials’ section of the VLE). Failure to do this may result in assignments not being recognised
and therefore not being marked.

Each assignment will be run through anti-plagiarism software, Turnitin. This software will
generate a similarity match which will help NCC Education determine if any penalties are to be
applied to the submitted work. In the event of an investigation into your submission, you will
receive from NCC Education confirmation that an investigation is ongoing as well as your Turnitin
plagiarism report. Only in the event of an investigation will you receive your Turnitin plagiarism
report.

5.5.2 Time Constrained Assignment

Time constrained assignments will be taken in Weeks 15 and 16 of each semester. Accredited
Partner Centres will be provided with a time constrained assignment timetable by Week 7 of the
semester.

5.6 Referencing

You should ensure that all sources used in your assignment are fully referenced using the
Harvard Referencing method. Failure to reference correctly in the Harvard style may result in
penalties being incurred for plagiarism, whether it is intentional or not. It is therefore vital that you
familiarise yourself with UCLan’s Misconduct Policy available in Section 6 of the University’s
Assessment Handbook.

5.7 Dealing with Difficulties in Meeting Assessment Deadlines

5.7.1 Requesting an Assignment Extension

If you request an extension to the official submission date, this must be given in writing to NCC
Education at least five full UK working days before the official submission date. The request
must be made directly to the Student Services team at NCC Education and accompanied by
supporting documentary evidence.

Requests for assignment extensions will be evaluated in accordance with Section 3 of the
University’s Assessment Handbook. If outside events are affecting your ability to submit your
work on time, you are strongly advised to consult this document for guidance at the earliest
opportunity.

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5.7.2 Late Submission of Assignments

If you submit work late and this is unauthorised, a universal penalty will be applied in relation to
your work. Please note the following:

• If you submit work within 5 working days following the published submission date you
will obtain a maximum of the minimum pass mark (40%) for that element of
assessment.
• Work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date will be
awarded a mark of 0%.
• Unauthorised late submission at resubmission will automatically be awarded a mark
of 0%.

5.7.3 Late Submission of Time Constrained Assignments

If you fail to submit a time constrained assignment, without prior approval, you will be awarded
0%.

5.7.4 Resitting a Time Constrained Assignment or Re-submitting an

Assignment

If you achieve an overall fail mark for a module i.e. less than 40%, you will be given one
opportunity to be reassessed in one or both failed component(s) for that module during the
following semester. The first assessment plus the re-assessment together are deemed to be an
‘attempt’ at the module. If you have still not passed the module after this first attempt, you will be
required to retake the module in the following academic year. This is deemed to be an ‘additional
attempt’. Retaken modules must be studied and completed in full; marks from the first attempt
cannot be carried over to the second attempt. Module marks for a retaken module cannot exceed
the minimum Pass mark (40%).

During your programme of study, you will be limited to a maximum of SIX (6) additional module
attempts in total. This means you will be allowed up to six resits during the programme. Multiple
attempts at any particular module can be included in the total of six. For example, you may
request to resit the CCSM module six times. Doing so, however, would disqualify you from
pursuing a resit for any other module.

The maximum mark which can be awarded for a reassessed component is 40 unless you have
been allowed to ‘sit as if for the first time’ as a result of a successful extenuating circumstances
claim. You will not be permitted to repeat any item of assessment previously completed
successfully in order to improve your mark for a module.

If you wish and are eligible for reassessment or to retake a module, you must register with your
Accredited Partner Centre before the start of the semester in which you will undertake the
reassessment or retake. You must also pay a module reassessment fee. For further details of
this, contact your Accredited Partner Centre. This reassessment fee includes the use of online
facilities and costs associated with the marking of reassessment submissions.

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5.7.5 Condonement Guidelines

Condonement is the process followed when a student does not pass all assessment
components, but is still considered for an award by the Examination Board because the failure is
marginal or is offset by good performance in other components of his/her study programme.
Condonement is always at the discretion of the Examination Board.

Students may only be granted a condonement in one module, and this can only happen when
their Average Percentage Mark (APM) for the programme is at 40 or above. Condonement
regulations do not apply to the Information Systems Project, which is a core module.

5.8 Feedback Following Assessments

You will normally receive individual feedback on your assignments before the time constrained
assignment period. This will take the form of an individual mark sheet. Please note that any mark
provided is subject to change following the relevant assessment board. Any mark provided during
feedback is not, therefore, a final or definitive mark. Alternatively, the Module Leader may provide
a more general feedback on the assignment in some circumstances.

5.9 Cheating, Plagiarism, Collusion or Re-presentation

You must be familiar with Section 5 of the University’s Assessment Handbook, which explains
practices which are classified as unfair means for students on this programme. Students found
to have used unfair means to enhance their performance or influence the outcome of their award
will be subject to penalties including the setting of a module or component mark to zero.

5.10 Appeals Against Assessment Board Decisions

Appeals against the decisions of the Assessment Board for this award will be adjudicated under
the University of Central Lancashire’s regulations, as set out in Section 6 of the University’s
Assessment Handbook.

The particular process for appealing with respect to distance learning students is paraphrased
below:

It is recognised that attendance at a hearing in the University of Central Lancashire in Preston

(UK) will be problematic for students on distance learning awards. A written appeal application
should therefore be made in the normal way using the application form designed for this
purpose. A form can be obtained from NCC Education’s Student Services team
([email protected]).

Students wishing to appeal will be given the opportunity to:

• undertake the appeal by correspondence with the nominated appeals officer in the
University facilitating the process. It is expected that this will be the procedure used in
most cases; or
• exceptionally, attend a hearing or interview in the University.

In all such cases, the timescales for replying to students and requiring replies from students
will need to be adjusted. However, both the student and the University will be expected to fulfil
their respective responsibilities within a reasonable timeframe.

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6. Course Regulations
6.1 Course Requirements

You will be awarded a percentage mark for each module which will be computed from the
weighted average of the time constrained assignment and coursework assignment marks.

If you pass a module after reassessment, the module result will be awarded as 40%, irrespective
of the individual assessment marks you have achieved.

6.1.2 Notification of Final Marks

Transcripts of final marks will be released to Accredited Partner Centres after the External
Examination Board has taken place. This usually takes place within two months of the end of the
semester.

6.1.3 Issuing of Certificates

Certificates will be issued by the University of Central Lancashire upon successful completion of
the programme and the confirmation of final marks by the Examination Board. Certificates will be
sent to your Accredited Partner Centre for distribution.

6.1.4 Withdrawing from a Module

Once a module has commenced, you are not permitted to withdraw from it. Should you wish to
withdraw from a module before it has started, NCC Education must be informed in writing, either
via your Accredited Partner Centre or by email to [email protected].

Each module, other than the project module, is offered only once per year. Consequently, if you
withdraw from a module, the next time it will be available will be in the following year.

You should be aware that this may impact on your completion of the programme and it is
therefore advisable that you discuss your intentions with your Accredited Partner Centre and/or
Module Leaders/Course Director before making a decision to withdraw.

6.1.5 Withdrawing from the Programme

If you intend to withdraw from the programme, you must put this in writing via letter or email to
the Student Services team ([email protected]) as soon as you know you wish to do this.

If you are contemplating withdrawing from a programme, you are strongly advised to discuss your
reasons with your Module Leaders or the Course Director.

6.1.6 Suspending Studies

As an alternative to withdrawing from the programme, you could opt to suspend your studies.
This means that you can cease your study on the programme and re-join at a later date.

As all of the modules, apart from the project, are offered only once every 12 months, it will only
be feasible to re-join your studies at the start of the relevant semester. You are advised to discuss
this option with your Accredited Partner Centre so that any necessary information can be
obtained.

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The following issues may be a factor in you wishing to suspend your studies: disability; prolonged
ill-health; pregnancy; bereavement; family problems; exceptional financial difficulties; or a
traumatic experience.

If you wish to submit a request, then you must contact the Student Services team at the earliest
possible opportunity. Formal notification will be sent to you once the request has been processed
and approved by NCC Education.

6.2 Classification of Awards

The University of Central Lancashire publishes the principles underpinning the way in which
awards and results are decided in Section H of the University’s Academic Regulations. Decisions
about the overall classification of awards are made by Examination Boards through the
application of the academic and relevant course regulations. In operating discretion for profiling,
Course Examination Boards will use academic judgement and may refer to ‘exit velocity’
(improved performance towards the end of the programme), project performance, or other
appropriate factors.

An undergraduate honours degree classification is based on your Average Percentage Mark

(APM) for this programme. Please note that results from your NCC Education Level 4 and 5
Diplomas do not count towards your degree classification.

The award of an Honours degree requires all modules on this programme to be passed, except
for where a candidate qualifies for module compensation (see Section 5.7.5, above, for
compensation guidelines).

Honours degrees are classified according to the following scale:

APM Classification
70-100% First Class Honours (1)
60-69% Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)
50-59% Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)
40-49% Third Class Honours (3)

6.2.1 Exit Award

Candidates who have completed the programme but have not met the requirements for an
Honours degree may be offered the opportunity to exit the programme with a Non-Honours
Degree (or ‘Pass Degree’), providing they have passed 80 Credits.

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7. Student Voice
7.1 Student Feedback

You will be asked to complete a Student Feedback Form at the end of each semester. You will
be able to comment on all modules separately, rating the teaching, accompanying materials, live
chats and discussion forums. You also have the chance to comment on the support you received
from your centre as well as the way the programme has been administered.

We also welcome feedback on any aspect of your NCC Education experience. Whether your
feedback is positive or negative, we promise that we will listen to you and make every effort to
offer you the best service that we can. Please feel free to email us your feedback to
[email protected].

7.2 Staff/Student Committee

A staff/student feedback live chat session, in which you can raise any issues you have had on
the programme, is held on the VLE during every semester. We encourage at least one
representative from each centre to attend this session. The session is run by staff at NCC
Education with input from the Course Director, and minutes from this meeting will be reported to
the Joint Board of Studies for this programme.

7.3 Complaints Procedure

NCC Education always welcomes feedback, whether it is good or bad. Complaints are an
opportunity for us to improve our systems or information. If you have a complaint to make, you
should email Student Services at [email protected]. Our Student Services team will aim to
acknowledge the complaint within one working day, and will normally give a considered reply
within two working days.

If you wish to raise any academic related issues, you should refer these to the Module Leader.
In instances when it is not appropriate to contact the Module Leader, please refer your concern
to the Course Director. Full contact details will be made available on the VLE.

Should you wish to deal directly with NCC Education, please refer to the contact details which
are provided on the VLE in the ‘Who’s Who?’ section of your course page.

You will also be given access to the University of Central Lancashire Student Complaints
Procedure, applying to students registered on a validated scheme of the University of Central
Lancashire.

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