) Access to HE Diploma Guide Business Version 3.1 (May 2018) QAA Diploma: QAA140080 Learning Aim: 40008332 Validation to: 31 st July 2019
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80 Contents 1. About this Access to HE Diploma guide... 4 2. Access to HE Diploma... 5 3. Access to HE Diploma (Business) Assessment Grid... 7 4. Access to HE Units of Assessment... 10 5. Unit Details... 12 6. Assessment guidance... 30 Page 3 of 31
80 1. About this Access to HE Diploma guide This Access to Diploma specification is intended for Tutors, Assessors, Internal Quality Assurers, Centre Quality Managers and other staff within Gateway Qualifications Access to HE approved providers/or prospective providers. It sets out what is required of the student in order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma. It also contains information specific to managing and delivering the Access to HE Diploma (s) including specific quality assurance requirements. The guide should be read in conjunction with the Gateway Qualifications Centre Handbook and other publications available on the website which contain more detailed guidance on assessment and verification practice. In order to offer this Access to HE Diploma you must be Gateway Qualifications recognised centre and approved to offer Access to HE Diplomas. If your centre is not yet recognised, please contact our Development Team to discuss becoming Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre: Telephone: 01206 911211 Email: enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk Website: www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk/recognition Page 4 of 31
80 2. Access to HE Diploma The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification with common requirements relating to the description of student achievement. The Diploma is a creditbased, graded qualification, and requirements relate to both the award of credit and to the award of grades. Details of the credit framework and requirements relating to the award of credit are provided, with the general specifications for the qualification, in The Access to Higher Education Diploma and credit specifications. Individual named Diplomas are identified by separate titles and are validated at local level by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs). Each Diploma has its own approved set of units of assessment, governed by rules of combination, which are appropriate to the subject of the particular Diploma. The common grading requirements apply to all individual Diplomas. 2.1 Aims of the Access to HE Diplomas The primary aim of the Access to HE Diploma is to provide an appropriate preparation and recognised qualification to enable students to progress to Higher Education (HE). It aims in particular to provide an opportunity for those who wish to progress to study in HE and have the ability to do so but who left school with few, or any, of the usual qualifications for entry. The programme aims to: reintroduce students to education recognising prior skills and experience and the particular needs of those returning to learn offer students a responsive, supportive and user-friendly return to learn experience at a level appropriate for entry to HE develop the study and interpersonal skills necessary to enable students to succeed in their HE career address issues of widening participation and social inclusion provide appropriate support and guidance according to individual needs raise student awareness of the opportunities that a return to study and lifelong learning can bring. 2.2 Objectives The purpose of the Diploma is to enable students to: satisfy the general academic requirements for entry to HE and provide evidence to admissions tutors that they are capable of succeeding at higher education level prepare students for HE level study generally and in subject areas appropriate to an intended HE course destination demonstrate appropriate levels of competence in subject specific skills and knowledge demonstrate practical, transferable and intellectual skills develop their confidence and ability to cope with a return to education at an advanced level enhance personal and career opportunities develop as independent and lifelong learners. Page 5 of 31
80 2.3 Access to HE Diploma structure The Access to HE Diploma structure for Business is set out in table 1. The structure sets out the units required to be achieved the Access to Diploma, comprising of: Graded Academic mandatory units Level 3. Graded Academic optional units-level 3. Graded Research units-level 3. Ungraded units Level 2/3. Page 6 of 31
80 3. Access to HE Diploma (Business) Assessment Grid Graded Academic Mandatory Learners must achieve 36 credits from this group Unit Code Unit name Level Credit Academic content (A) Grade Descriptors Assessment methods Volume (word count, time etc.) QU007216 Finance and Accounts 3 6 A 2,3,7 Scenario based accounts 2500 words and 10 mins portfolio and presentation QU018243 Financial Business Planning 3 6 A 2,3,6, 7 Project Case study analysis 750 words Financial Statements, preparation of budget and forecast, business plan QU014129 Economics 3 6 A 1,2,7 Essay Presentation 2000 words 20 minutes QU018229 HR Planning and Recruitment 3 3 A 2,7 Essay Role Play 1500 words 15 minutes QU018222 External Factors Affecting 3 3 A 2,4,7 Exam 2 hours Business QU018264 Marketing 3 6 A 2,4,7 Essay Presentation 1500 words 20 minutes QU018224 Leadership 3 6 A 2,4,7 Role Play Exam 10 minutes 1.5 hours QU018202 E-Commerce 3 3 A 2,7 Report 1500 words Page 7 of 31
80 Graded Research Unit Learners must achieve 6 credits from this group. Unit Code Unit name Level Credit Academic content (A) Grade Descriptors Assessment methods Volume (word count, time etc.) QU007933 Research Project - Methodology 3 6 A 2,3,4,6,7 Research project - relating to specialism Research plan (200 words), research Report (2,500 words), Evidence of research carried out (questionnaires) 300 words Ungraded Units Learners must achieve 15 credits from this group. Unit Code Unit name Level Credit Academic content (A) or other content (O) Grade Descriptors Assessment methods Volume (word count, time etc.) QU007802 Study Skills - Academic Skills 3 3 O U Written Task 1500 words QU007486 Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information 3 3 O U Written Assignment Calculation and 1,000- words essay Page 8 of 31
80 Unit Code Unit name Level Credit Academic content (A) or other content (O) Grade Descriptors Assessment methods Volume (word count, time etc.) QU007696 Working with Others 3 3 O U Presentation/ Role Play Diary QU007580 Examination Skills 3 3 O U Revision Plans Notes QU007638 Preparation for Higher Education. Exam Scripts 3 3 O U Role Play HE Application 20 minutes 500 words 20 minutes Written Assignment This report shows the rules of combination for the above Access to HE Diploma. Where there is more credit available in the group to complete the qualification, unit selection will have to be made within QAA dictated. Page 9 of 31
4. Access to HE Units of Assessment Access to HE Diplomas are a unitised qualification based on units of assessment which are structured in accordance with the Access to HE unit specification set out by QAA. 2.1 Unit specification A common unit specification applies to all units with Access to HE Diplomas the unit specification follows a standard template covering the following elements: title level credit value unit code learning outcomes assessment criteria grade descriptors type of unit (academic subject content or not). The units of assessment for the Access to HE Diploma (Business) are contained within this Access to HE Diploma Guide. 2.2 Academic subject content A unit is classified as having academic subject content, if the unit s knowledge and skills are directly related to the subject of the name of the Access to HE Diploma. Units will not meet the academic subject content requirement if they are principally concerned with personal development, generic English or mathematics, or study skills. 2.3 Graded and ungraded units Graded units grading operates at unit level and only applies to units which have been approved by Gateway Qualifications within a named Access to HE Diploma. Student achievement for graded units is recorded as Pass, Merit or Distinction for each unit, as set out in the QAA Access to HE Grading Scheme, 2012. Graded units will also satisfy the criteria of academic subject content. There is a common set of broad generic grade descriptors which are used as the basis for all grading judgements on all courses: 1 Understanding the subject 2 Application of knowledge 3 Application of skills 4 Use of knowledge 5 Communication and presentation 6 Autonomy / Independence 7 Quality. Page 10 of 31
Further guidance is available as set out in the QAA Access to HE Grading Scheme, 2012 at component level and details requirements for Merit and Distinction. Not all grade descriptors are used with every unit. A selection of grade descriptors is assigned when the unit is validated, on the basis of a judgement on which descriptors are relevant in assessing how well a student has performed on the unit. The grade descriptors are a formal part of the specification of that unit and changes can only be made through the Gateway Qualifications formal process for amendments to units. Ungraded units within the Access to HE Diploma specification a total of 15 credits must be achieved from units achieved at level 2 or level 3 which are ungraded. The ungraded units will have the same format as the ungraded units. 2.4 Revisions to Access to HE Units of Assessment Gateway Qualifications reserves the right to review and amend units of assessment and will provide centres notification of the changes to the units of assessment. Page 11 of 31
5. Unit Details Graded Academic Content - Mandatory Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU007216 Finance and Accounts Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: GD2-Application of knowledge Grade Descriptors: GD3-Application of skills GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 6 This unit has 4 learning outcomes. 1 Understand the various sources of finance available to businesses. 2 Understand the need for financial control in a business and from source material produce a cash flow forecast. 3 Understand the purpose of a various accountancy forms. 4 Understand how businesses interpret final accounts. 1.1 Analyse the suitability of various forms of finance in different situations. 2.1 Complete a cash flow forecast and use it to analyse the financial situation of the organisation. 2.2 Set up a spreadsheet in the form of a cash flow forecast and perform simple calculations with correct formulae. 3.1 Accurately draw up a neat profit and loss account, and justify the function of each part. 3.2 Produce an accurate balance sheet including figures from the P&L account. 4.1 Use ratios to analyse the final accounts of a case study organisation, employing profitability and liquidity and gearing ratios. Page 12 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QUO18243 Financial Business Planning Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: GD2-Application of knowledge Grade Descriptors: GD3-Application of skills GD6-Autonomy/Independence GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 3 This unit has 4 learning outcomes. 1 Understand basic accounting principles. 2 Understand financial needs of business. 1.1 Prepare and analyse financial statements. 1.2 Analyse accounts. 2.1 Explain business capital and financial needs. 2.2 Analyse financial needs and make recommendations. 3 Understand business budgeting. 3.1 Prepare budgets and forecasts. 3.2 Examine and explain business budgets. 4 Understand how business plans work. 4.1 Prepare and analyse a business plan. 4.2 Explain the purpose of start up and expansion planning. Page 13 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU014129 Economics Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: GD1-Understanding the subject Grade Descriptors: GD2-Application of knowledge GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 6 This unit has 5 learning outcomes. 1. Understand forces of supply and demand on businesses. 2. Understand production and sales. 3. Understand how Governments control the economy. 4. Be able to investigate commerce and trade. 5. Understand trading patterns and trends. 1.1 Describe and analyse forces of supply and demand on businesses. 1.2 Compare specific forces of supply and demand on businesses. 1.3 Evaluate specific forces of supply and demand on businesses. 2.1 Explain production and sales. 2.2 Produce a production and sales analysis. 3.1 Evaluate budget measures. 4.1 Analyse a Business. 4.2 Prepare analyses and forecasts. 4.3 Prepare a national or local business budget for a twoyear trend. 5.1 Explain trends and developments. 5.2 Describe external influences on business. Page 14 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: QU007254 Title: Unit Level: Level 3 Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: HR Planning and Recruitment GD2 GD7 Academic Subject Content Refer to Assessment Grid Unit Credit: 3 This unit has 2 learning outcomes. 1 Understand the traditional view of personnel management and the innovative approach of human resource management. 2 Understand skills and techniques necessary to ensure the appropriate selection of candidates for a particular job vacancy. 1.1 Describe the key differences between "personnel management" and "human resource management". 1.2 Evaluate the role, tasks and activities of the human resource practitioner. 2.1 Explain in detail the stages in the recruitment and selection process, outlining how discrimination can be avoided. 2.2 Take part in a short-listing exercise and justify reasons for selection and non-selection of candidates. 2.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of an interview as a selection technique and compare with alternative selection methods. Page 15 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU018222 External Factors Affecting Business Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: GD2-Application of knowledge Grade Descriptors: GD4-Use of information GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 3 This unit has 3 learning outcomes. 1 Understand in what ways a range of external factors can affect business. 2 Understand the social and ethical responsibilities of a business. 3 Understand how business must respond to changes in the environment. 1.1 Analyse several ways in which a business can be affected by external factors such as government policy, pressure groups, competition and recession. 2.1 Analyse in detail the social and ethical responsibilities of a business including the objective of Corporate Social Responsibility. 3.1 Analyse an environmental issue relating to business and any issues arising from it, using specific examples. Page 16 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU018264 Marketing Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: GD2-Application of knowledge Grade Descriptors: GD4-Use of information GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 6 This unit has 3 learning outcomes. 1 Understand the principles and functions of marketing in organisations. 2 Know how to propose product development based on analysis of market research information. 3 Know how the marketing mix can be developed based on analysis of market research information. 1.1 Discuss the principles and functions of marketing. 1.2 Explain an organisation's need to have a customer focus. 1.3 Explain the role of segmentation, targeting and positioning. 2.1 Critically compare different market research methods in terms of suitability for purpose. 2.2 Analyse market research information from different sources for its contribution to marketing decisions for selected products. 3.1 Explain how the different parts of the marketing mix should fit together as a homogeneous whole. 3.2 Propose and justify product development and its marketing mix, with reference to marketing research information. Page 17 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU018224 Leadership Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: GD2-Application of knowledge Grade Descriptors: GD4-Use of information GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 6 This unit has 3 learning outcomes. 1 Understand the impact of different leadership attributes and skills on work groups. 2 Understand a range of current theories, models and principles of leadership and their applicability in a given organisational context. 3 Understand the development of leadership skills appropriate to specific situations. 1.1 Explain the expected impact of a range of leadership skills and attributes on work groups. 2.1 Explain how different theories, models and principles of leadership can be used to gain insights into leadership requirements for a given organisational context. 2.2 Evaluate the usefulness of the theories, models and principles. 3.1 Define the leadership skills needed for a specific situation within an organisation. 3.2 Identify and explain methods to develop leadership skills that meet the specific requirements of an organisation. Page 18 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU018202 E-Commerce Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: Grade Descriptors: GD2-Application of knowledge GD7-Quality Academic subject content/other: Academic Subject Content Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid 3 This unit has 3 learning outcomes. 1 Understand business use of the internet. 2 Understand the relationship of customers and e-business. 3 Understand opportunities and problems of e-business. 1.1 Explain the impact on an organisation changing from physical trading to electronic trading. 1.2 Critically evaluate the uses of the internet to businesses. 2.1 Evaluate the differing factors affecting customers for e- businesses. 3.1 Evaluate opportunities afforded to business in developing internet systems for trading. 3.2 Make recommendations on how to deal with some of the problems relating to e- commerce. Page 19 of 31
Graded Research Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: Title: QU007933 Research Project - Methodology Unit Level: Level 3 Unit Credit: 6 Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: GD2-Application of knowledge GD3-Application of skills GD4-Use of information GD6-Autonomy/Independence GD7-Quality Academic Subject Content Refer to Assessment Grid This unit has 5 learning outcomes. 1. Be able to plan a research project. 1.1 Identify and agree a research topic located within a knowledge domain relevant to the named diploma. 1.2 Produce and explain the aims of the research. 1.3 Develop, test, evaluate and refine appropriate research methodology. 1.4 Identify any ethical, practical or safety issues and how these will be managed/overcome. 2. Be able to conduct research. 2.1 Use a valid and appropriate method of investigation. 2.2 Identify and conduct detailed research from a wide range of sources. 2.3 Review research and relevant theory. 4. Know how to present research findings. 4.1 Produce a research report. 4.2 Select and use the most appropriate format to present results. 4.3 Summarise information coherently in a conventional Page 20 of 31
5. Be able to evaluate own research project. style, appropriate to the knowledge domain. 4.4 Reference all findings using a recommended style of referencing. 5.1 Reflect on the project design and methodologies. 5.2 Evaluate findings in relation to aims, previous research and relevant theory. 5.3 Identify recommendations for the future. Page 21 of 31
Ungraded Units Other Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: QU007802 Title: Unit Level: Level 3 Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: Study Skills - Academic Skills Ungraded Other Refer to Assessment Grid Unit Credit: 3 This unit has 4 learning outcomes. 1 Be able to identify importance of time management and organisation and recognise the need to prioritise tasks. 2 Be able to identify sources and retrieve information and materials according to the task. 1.1 Demonstrate and discuss time management in coursework and its wider ranging application. 1.2 Prepare a detailed study timetable. 2.1 Use library search techniques to identify, locate and retrieve five sources of appropriate textual and visual information from a range of paper and electronic media. 3 Produce effective notes. 3.1 From a variety of presentations and written sources make useful linear notes. 3.2 Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of different styles of note making. 3.3 Extract the key points from a presentation. 3.4 Make an accurate and well organised summary of ideas and opinions on a complex subject. 4 Use academic style and conventions. 4.1 Consistently write in a formal register, avoiding slang, abbreviations and Page 22 of 31
inappropriate expression and repetition. 4.2 Structure a persuasive answer with a logical conclusion. 4.3 Analyse a point of view concisely and persuasively, using good communication skills. 4.4 Produce a bibliography from a broad range of sources using the Harvard convention. 4.5 Accurately and consistently reference all sources, including direct quotes and where paraphrasing, using the Harvard convention. Page 23 of 31
Unit Code: Access to HE Diploma Unit QU007486 Application of Number - Interpreting and Title: Presenting Information Unit Unit Level: Level 3 3 Credit: Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: This unit has 2 learning outcomes. Ungraded Other Refer to Assessment Grid 1 Know how to obtain and interpret mathematical and statistical information. 2 Be able to present mathematical and statistical data. 1.1 Within a complex task, identify and evaluate possible sources of data, e.g. rate of change, trends, probabilities. 1.2 Justify the choice of data collection procedures giving reasons for choosing a particular sample and methods used. 1.3 Evaluate actual or possible sources of error in collecting and recording data. 1.4 Choose and justify the chosen methods of recording data. 1.5 Interpret the main characteristics of the data in relation to the task. 2.1 Choose and use a range of appropriate and effective techniques to present accurately, e.g. the use of probability to describe situations, the presentation and interpretation of upper and lower boundaries of results; statistical diagrams. 2.2 Use correct axes, scales and conversions. 2.3 Justify choice and use of presentation techniques and methods for the original purpose of the task. Page 24 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: QU007696 Title: Unit Level: Level 3 Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: Working With Others Ungraded Other Refer to Assessment Grid Unit Credit: 3 This unit has 5 learning outcomes. 1 Be able to contribute to the setting of groups and individual goals. 2 Understand responsibilities of members of the group in achieving goals. 1.1 Negotiate with group members their own contribution to group goals and activities. 1.2 Analyse their role within the group and negotiate their strengths with other group members, identifying improvements which could be made to their working practice. 2.1 Plan activities with group which meet the group goals. 2.2 Organise own activities in order to meet responsibilities. 3 Be able to plan group activities. 3.1 Evaluate their own and other group members contributions to planning group activities. 5 Be able to review activities. 5.1 Evaluate own contribution in relation to overall group aims. 5.2 Analyse and evaluate a range of changes and improvements which could be made to enable the group to work together effectively. Page 25 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: QU007580 Title: Unit Level: Level 3 Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: Examination Skills Ungraded Other Refer to Assessment Grid Unit Credit: 3 This unit has 4 learning outcomes 1 Be able to plan revision in preparation for examinations. 2 Be able to produce answers in time constrained conditions. 3 Be able to demonstrate competence and/or knowledge in the subject. 4 Be able to maintain a level of competence in language, processes and presentation as required by the subject. 1.1 Produce an effective and realistic revision plan. 1.2 Set priorities in his/her revision schedule. 1.3 Assess his/her progress and adjust the plan accordingly. 2.1 Follow all instructions accurately and complete the correct number and combination of questions. 2.2 Allocate sufficient time to individual questions. 3.1 Include the salient aspects in answers, with the accuracy and detail required by the subject. 3.2 Show in answers an in-depth understanding of the issues/arguments/problems, as required by the subject. 3.3 Apply knowledge or learning coherently in support of arguments and/or to resolve problems. 4.1 Answer in an appropriate style demonstrating careful attention to: - Grammar, punctuation and spelling. Page 26 of 31
- Vocabulary and specialised terminology. - Logical structure. - Presentation. - Processes used in the subject being examined. Page 27 of 31
Access to HE Diploma Unit Unit Code: QU007638 Title: Unit Level: Level 3 Grade Descriptors: Academic subject content/other: Assessment details: Preparation for Higher Education Ungraded Other Refer to Assessment Grid Unit Credit: 3 This unit has 4 learning outcomes. 1 Understand how to identify opportunities for Higher Education. 2 Understand the process of completing a Higher Education application form. 3 Understand preparation required for the interview process. 4 Understand the need to prepare for the transition to Higher Education. 1.1 Use information sources to research Higher Education courses. 1.2 Analyse processes and procedures necessary to gain entry to Higher Education and be proactive in using them. 1.3 Analyse information on Higher Education courses and make appropriate realistic choices. 2.1 Complete an application form with excellent attention to detail, meeting a given deadline. 2.2 Summarise and evaluate personal experiences, achievement and goals and communicate these clearly in a personal statement. 3.1 Conduct further personal research into courses at relevant institutions. 3.2 Prepare provisional answers to anticipated questions, making excellent use of previous experience and recent study. 4.1 Analyse the personal and academic qualities needed for successful study in Higher Page 28 of 31
Education and monitor own personal strengths and weaknesses. 4.2 Explain likely practical problems and barriers and seek strategies for overcoming these. 4.3 Analyse the nature of study in Higher Education. Page 29 of 31
6. Assessment guidance The method of assessment used for Access to HE Diplomas is portfolio of evidence. As part of the Access to HE Diploma development process the assessment types to be used are specified. This is set out for each Access to HE Diploma in the format of an assessment grid. Page 30 of 31
Gateway Qualifications Gateway House 3 Tollgate Business Park COLCHESTER CO3 8AB 01206 911211 enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk Page 31 of 31