Work Based Distance Learning Approach to Professionalisation and Academic Accreditation by 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

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 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 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 word written assessment

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