work based distance learning approach to professionalisation and academic accreditation by victoria...

Work Based Distance Learning Approach to Professionalisation

and Academic Accreditationby Victoria Ellis

Overview• Brief History• Aims• Approach• BSc (Hons) Retail Management

– Entry Requirements– Module Pathway

• Academic Demands

Brief History• WBDL at University of Lincoln started 14 years

ago• Over 2000 students• Studying from 59 countries• Approx. 250 student graduate each academic

year • Mature students• Portfolio of foundation degrees, top up

degrees and masters degrees

Aims• Academic recognition of professional

experience

• A stepping stone into higher education– ‘Attend university’ whilst in full time employment

• Enhance employability/ promotability

Approach• Work based learning

– Assignments based on personal experiences– Build on prior learning

• Distance Learning– Minimise disruption– Virtual Learning Environment– Internet based learning

• Flexible– Interruptions

BSc (Hons) Retail Management• Entry Requirements

– Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject • E.g. HND, Foundation Degree, CMI Level 5 Diploma

– 5 years relevant retail management experience

– Currently in a retail management position

BSc (Hons) Retail Management• Years 1 and 2

– Accreditation of Prior Learning = 240 CAT Points

• Year 3– ‘Top up’ degree = 120 CAT Points

Study Skills For Distance

Leaners

Integrating Professional

Retail Experience

Management of Change In

Retail Organisations

Understanding the Retail Consumer

Operations Management

in a Retail Environment

Dissertation

15 credit points 30 credit points 15 credit points 15 credit points 30 Credit Points 15 credit points

Academic Demands• Study Skills for Distance Learners (12 Weeks)

– Introduces students to academic skills such as referencing, academic writing, information searching

• 4000 word portfolio• Includes a 1500 word essay

• Integrating Professional Retail Experience (18 Weeks)– Students reflect on a retail management critical incident and write a

report to discuss ways to improve practice using the reflection as an evidence base.

• 2000 word reflective log • 4000 report

Academic Demands• Managing Change in Retail Organisations (12 Weeks)

– Students consider how their current work place supports/inhibits change and then uses theoretical modules to explore how to improve this process in their workplace.

• 4000 report

• Understanding the Retail Consumer (12 Weeks)– Students develop an understanding of consumer behaviour in retailing

and then use marketing strategies and loyalty techniques to construct an organisational response to a work place problem.

• Business presentation• 2000 word critical commentary

Academic Demands• Operations Management in a Retail Environment (18 Weeks)

– Students are asked to identify an operational problem in their work place, and then design an operations plan to overcome the problem, providing recommendations to improve practice

• 6000 report

• Dissertation (18 Weeks)– Students undertake a major project of their choice to explore in

greater detail an retail area they are interested in.• 8000 word written assessment

QUESTIONS?