Module ASB-2406:
Work Placement

Module Facts

Run by Bangor Business School

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Mr David James

Overall aims and purpose

To develop knowledge and extend vocational skills through a workplace scenario and to give an opportunity to experience the application of theories and concepts in practice. Also an opportunity to consider future careers and courses of study.

NOTE: This module is NOT normally available to students on the following degrees: BA/BSc Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Banking, Accounting and Economics, Banking and Finance, Business Economics and all joint honours degrees.

Course content

Preparatory tutorials; Compilation of a CV; Job application letter writing; Ten days at a placement provider's workplace.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

D- > D+ [40-49] Students who undertake a generally satisfactory period of work placement and who present a report displaying a basic knowledge and understanding of the structure and operation of the placement organisation.

good

B- > B+ [60-69] Students who undertake a most satisfactory period of work placement and who present a report displaying a very good knowledge and sound understanding of the structure and operation of the placement organisation, with reference to relevant theory and examples of good practice.

excellent

A- > A* [70 >] Students who undertake a highly satisfactory period of work placement and who present a comprehensive report displaying a thorough knowledge and sound understanding of the structure and operation of the placement organisation, with excellent critical and reflective abilities of good practice and theory.

C- to C+

C- > C+ [50 - 59] Students who undertake a satisfactory period of work placement and who present a report displaying a generally sound knowledge and understanding of the structure and operation of the placement organisation, with some reference to relevant theory and citing some examples of good practice.

Learning outcomes

  1. Identify and evaluate applications of theory in the workplace setting.

  2. Analyse work practices as implemented in the chosen placement organisation.

  3. Develop a range of skills relevant to the selected organisation.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
REPORT Placement Report

A report (2000 words) on their placement experience, to include the following:

a) Background and current information on the sector of which the selected organisation is part

b) Information on the organisation as a whole, e.g. staffing structure, finance, policies, marketing and how it has adapted to change

c) A critical analysis of the organisation’s operations to include some proposals that might lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness

 100

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Four sessions before placement; one session following completion of placement period.

 5
Fieldwork

10-days work placement.

 70
Private study

Research into relevant sector of industry and organisation where placement is to take place

 25

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making.
  • Commercial acumen: based on an awareness of the key drivers for business success, causes of failure and the importance of providing customer satisfaction and building customer loyalty.
  • Innovation, creativity and enterprise: the ability to act entrepreneurially to generate, develop and communicate ideas, manage and exploit intellectual property, gain support, and deliver successful outcomes.
  • Networking: an awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation and their use in generating business contacts.
  • Ability to work collaboratively both internally and with external customers and an awareness of mutual interdependence.
  • Ability to work with people from a range of cultures.
  • Articulating and effectively explaining information.
  • Building and maintaining relationships.
  • Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media.
  • Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
  • Self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time.
  • Self reflection: self-analysis and an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development.

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: