OUBS Booklet 2004

Real word
Real business

Everyone approaches their career and learning needs differently. Not every course and not every reputable provider can respond to your specific requirements. So what is it that sets courses and programmes from the OU Business School apart? What is it about us that matches with your ambitions? Perhaps it's no more or less than a way of thinking.

We have become the largest business school in Europe partly because we're very different from all others. We bring professional and management education to you, to your home, to your workplace. Except for short periods of time on some courses, you don't have to come to us at all. Our mindset, and the mindset of those who study with us, is independent and 'real world'. You choose us because you want to control your lifestyle, to study without upsetting the balance between the social, recreational and professional parts of modern living. What we give back is a toolbox of skills and knowledge, and the confidence to use it realistically. We translate the independence that you bring as a learner into an ability to think critically, and to implement appropriately, in your workplace.

Of course, we award qualifications as well as deliver professional and management development but we don't see our responsibility ending there. An OU Business School certificate, diploma or degree is really only a symbol of your ability to meet future challenges.

CONTENTS

• Think of it like going to the gym
• Consider the professional and personal benefits
• Distance learning, but not as you know it
• We translate biggest into best
• We're recognised wherever we go
• Making a persuasive case for sponsorship
• Check out our learning portfolio
• Suiting the organisation – by tailoring courses
• Built on firm foundations
• Our clients and sponsors include

Think of it like going to the gym

'Distance learning is even more valid in today's fast-moving environment. It appeals to anyone who wants to work and learn at the same time.'

Professor G. Roland Kaye, OU Business School Dean

What does 'distance learning' really mean?

Whether you are an international traveller, work unpredictable hours or need to plan your study around other commitments, we can offer you resources to suit your needs. Our specialist combination of distance learning resources includes

• contact with your tutor
• course books
• course materials on CD-ROM
• tutorial support
• computer-conferencing facilities
• audio and video materials
• course websites
• networking opportunities with your peers
• feedback from tutor-marked assignments
• residential schools (where applicable)

Our high quality study materials are complemented by the appropriate use of technology to enrich your learning experience.

Through our network of representatives throughout the UK, Ireland and in continental. Europe access to our support network is often closer than you think. There may be an introductory information session near you so that you can meet your local advisers and find out more about how we can support your learning needs.

Working your studies around your life

The unparalleled flexibility of our distance learning courses means that you can carry on with your job and your life.

You can continue your studies whenever you are travelling and your courses need not be disrupted when your job or personal circumstances change.

You can study an OU Business School course whenever and wherever you choose, so there's no need for you to take extra time off work – a benefit that is valued by students and employers alike.

Try for yourself

If you would like to get a better idea of the content of our courses, you can register for a series of free e-mail course samplers from the homepage of our website. Over a six week period you will receive a taster of the course you are interested in, with activities for you to try out, which will help you decide if the content or level of study is right for you.

The OU Business School provides everything you need for successful study, from quality materials to personal support.

Consider the professional and personal benefits

There are many distinguishing features of our courses. To a potential student, however, features are largely irrelevant – it is the benefits derived from them that matter.

The benefit of integrity

Each of our courses is designed around the distance learning model and the quality of our courses and materials are world-renowned. All of our materials are produced by and for the OU Business School and are underpinned by our strong research and academic units. Your study or your qualification will therefore be recognised and valued in your business or profession.

The benefit of first class materials

Before the start of each course you will be sent a package containing all the relevant materials you need to begin your studies. A Study Guide will help you get the most from the course and all the necessary books and articles will be mailed to you or will be available via the web. So you will have ready access to first class learning resources at all times and there's no need to order additional materials. In other words, our fees are all-inclusive.

The benefit of a network of support

Whilst you are studying, you can seek advice from your tutor, use the interactive course websites or contact your peers using computer-conferencing facilities. Networking in this way gives you access to a wealth of shared knowledge that will enrich your study experience.

The benefit of immediate relevance

On most courses you will find that your experience at work will become a feature of your study and your study will be immediately relevant to your work. Students have found that what they learn one day, they can put into practice the next.

The benefit of an experienced tutor

Your tutor will normally be a practising business professional with a combination of extensive business experience and a strong academic background. Your tutor will:

• advise and support you
• encourage you to maintain your motivation throughout your studies
• lead group tutorials (where student numbers allow)
• be accessible by a combination of telephone, post, e-mail and computer conferencing
• give you feedback on your assignments.

The benefit to your confidence

All of our courses are designed to improve your skills and competencies. In turn this increases your own confidence in your job performance and in your dealings with colleagues.

Distance learning, but not as you know it

Studying at a distance no longer means studying alone. Our learning delivery systems offer opportunities for participation at a number of levels, almost regardless of where you live in Europe.

Being part of a tutor group

Wherever you live, you will be part of a tutor group, typically involving around 16 students. When student clusters and location allow, your tutor will organise tutorials and seminars during the course. This will give you an opportunity to debate issues raised by the course, seek guidance and network with fellow professionals.

There are also networking opportunities through our computer-conferencing facilities, through your course website and perhaps through the OU Business School Business Network or Alumni Association.

The reward of residential schools

To consolidate learning, some of our courses hold a compulsory residential school, normally lasting 2–4 days. The residential school will be held at a university, college, management centre or hotel, where you will have an opportunity to join intensive group sessions to help crystallise the skills and knowledge you have gained from the course. The majority of residential schools take place in the UK but a small number are held in continental Europe and Ireland. Some courses offer an online alternative to attending residential schools if circumstances prevent you from participating.

Optional online-only tuition

Flexibility is the OU Business School watchword. For that reason, a number of courses can be studied with online tuition. Online versions make extensive use of computer-mediated conferencing (CMC) with students and tutors to support and expand upon the course learning materials. So you still get the advantages of being part of a group.

Achieving your award

On most qualification programmes, there are final examinations. They are held at a number of major cities throughout Europe. You will need to pass in order to be awarded your qualification.

If your award is a degree, there is flexibility over where you choose to receive it. Graduation ceremonies alternate between a variety of locations including Belfast, Brussels, Dublin, London, Manchester and Paris. You are advised to check the timing and potential location of examinations and graduation ceremonies when you register for your course.

We translate biggest into best

The OU Business School is the largest business school in Europe, with over 36,000 students enrolling annually. But they don't come to us because we are the biggest. It's not scale but specialism that has bred our success. Since our foundation in 1983, we have been dedicated exclusively to the development of distance learning in the field of management and professional education. By building in so many supportive elements to our courses, we transformed the meaning – and reputation – of distance learning.

International validity

The OU Business School is the business faculty of one of the largest universities in the world – The Open University. The UK based Open University has pioneered and popularised distance learning throughout the world and is renowned for the excellence of its courses and support systems.

Outside the UK, the business school and its international partners offer courses in 43 countries. Courses are taught in English, the international business language. For the international management executive, the flexibility of our courses is crucial to their success.

We're recognised wherever we go

The quality of our courses has earned us recognition and accreditation from key industry bodies around the world. We are one of an elite group of educational institutions to hold both the EQUIS accreditation and that of the Association of MBAs (AMBA).

EQUIS

The OU Business School has been awarded the prestigious European quality kitemark (EQUIS) by the European Foundation for Management Development (efmd). Based in Brussels, efmd is Europe's forum for information, research, networking and best practice in management development. The EQUIS award was launched in 1997 as an international standard for the auditing and accreditation of institutes across national boundaries.

The Association of MBAs

Our MBA programme is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The Association of MBAs is unique in representing the interests of MBA students and graduates, leading business schools and MBA employers. For over 30 years, the Association of MBAs has been promoting the MBA as a leading management qualification and their independent accreditation service has international credibility. One quarter of all MBAs awarded with accreditation from the Association of MBAs are our graduates.

Other recognition

• CIPD accreditation for our Professional Certificate in Management. The UK Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is Europe's largest professional body representing those who specialise in the management and development of people.
• ACCA, CIMA, CPA, IFA, CIPFA and ICAEW accreditation for our Certificate in Accounting. The Certificate carries similar status to the ACCA and AAT technical certificates.
• The UK Higher Education Funding Council rated us 'Excellent' for teaching and support systems.
• Our research is at the leading edge in fields such as Brand Management, Management of Knowledge and Innovation, and Human Resource Management.

Making a persuasive case for sponsorship

If you know that you have a head for business and that honing your skills could be productive for your organisation, it could be worth approaching your employer for sponsorship. Annually, more than 4,000 organisations sponsor managers on our courses. If you are considering approaching your employer for support, financial or otherwise, here are some of the key benefits you could use to support your case:

• your studies will give you skills and knowledge that can be immediately and relevantly applied to the workplace
• you can continue to work whilst you learn
• our courses instill confidence
• management and professional education integrates study with your current work performance
• most courses are modular and adapt well to CPD (Continuing Professional Development) needs
• our high degree of support will help you to study successfully without impeding your career progression in the organisation
• some CPD courses can contribute towards a recognised qualification if you meet the necessary criteria.

Sponsorship benefits to an organisation

As an organisation, are you considering sponsoring your employees to develop their business or management capabilities? Around 60% of our students are supported (financially or otherwise) by their company or organisation. Most managers are sponsored on programmes leading to internationally recognised professional qualifications. Here are some of the benefits of sponsoring your employees to study with us:

• our fees are all-inclusive, covering books, videos, CD-ROMs, software, residential school (if there is one), assessment and standard exams. Your finance department will know the precise cost from the outset – there are no hidden extras
• your employees will receive high quality, cost-effective management development
• our programmes can be tailored to the needs of your organisation
• you will have a single point of contact
  (an Account Manager or local country representative)
• we provide the framework for structured long-term development
• research shows that management education is a proven tool in the retention and recruitment of high calibre staff
• as well as defined programmes, we offer modular courses that can be selected according to personal or corporate requirements
• our courses are geographically transportable and managers relocating within your organisation will not have their studies interrupted.

Check out our learning portfolio

You will find a short description of all the courses and qualifications we offer in our Business and Management Courses Catalogue. More comprehensive details, as well as a range of advice and resources can be found on our website at oubs.open.ac.uk

Essentially, you have two options if you choose to study with us. Either you can work towards a recognised and highly regarded qualification. Or you can study an individual course to improve a specific business or management skil.l

Qualifications

We have a range of study opportunities from undergraduate (first) degrees to internationally accredited master's programmes. Depending on your age and previous study experience, you could choose to study a BA (Hons), a Certificate, a postgraduate Diploma or an MBA, MPA or MSc.

Courses

Alternatively, you can study individual courses. Some can be used as entry routes to future qualifications and others are designed to meet specific learning needs. See page 33 of our Business and Management Courses Catalogue for details of our individual and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses.

Portfolio

Our range of qualifications and courses is constantly being updated, with new options being introduced each year. Together with other OU faculties, we have created an extensive portfolio of business and management courses, which currently includes

• Management (from entry-level to master's)
• Qualifications for not-for-profit professionals
• Business Studies
• Human Resource Management
• Accounting
• Finance
• Law
• Managing in Health and Social Care
• Economics
• Leadership
• Development Management
• Entrepreneurship

Suiting the organisation – by tailoring courses

From standard programmes to tailor-made courses, we are highly flexible in the provision of management learning to sponsoring organisations.

Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses have notable advantages over intensive or local attendance alternatives. They are relevant to the real world of European business, immediately applicable to the particular (as opposed to the generic) work situation, and capable of instilling retainable skills. We use our unique distance learning resources to support your employees through their CPD studies so that they may not need to be away from the workplace. On-site tutorial sessions can be provided for your employees and case studies tailored to organisational circumstances.

Corporately focused CPD courses from OU Business School:

• blend high quality printed and electronic distance learning materials with online and / or face to face tuition at tutorials or seminars
• take place over an optimum learning period (typically three months)
• enable learned skills and techniques to be put into practice immediately and then refreshed throughout the course
• support reflective learning leading to ongoing improvements in performance
• reflect the European realities of business not just those of America
• can be evaluated for organisational benefit using our proprietary ACES system
• can be designed to suit the special circumstances of the sponsoring organisation
• cause minimal disruption to the work pattern because employees can develop skills without being away from their jobs
• carry the authority of Europe's largest business school which has full accreditation from EQUIS and AMBA.

Built on firm foundations

Research capability

A significant research capability has been built on the basis of our success in management education.

Research at the OU Business School feeds into the development of new management courses in our teaching programmes, and into the ongoing development of our existing portfolio.

The School maintained its 3a Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) rating in 2001 while increasing its submission of research active staff by 100%.

Staff are involved in a wide range of research activities undertaken in close collaboration with partner organisations in the business, public and not-for-profit sectors both in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe.

These activities are often externally funded. In recent years external research funding has been won from:

• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Beneficial Bank (now HFC)
• Leverholme Trust
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• European Commission
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Charities Evaluation Services

Research results are disseminated through publications in a wide range of academic and practitioner journals, books, conference presentations, course materials and other media.

What makes our research distinctive?

Our research is distinctive in a number of ways. It has a strong cross-disciplinary character exemplified by projects which link innovation and human resource management in new and effective ways and in projects exploring the behavioural aspects of supply-chain management. Other research includes the nature of internet driven information society, managers' roles in the evolution of business knowledge and an evaluation of a voluntary sector training programme.

Key research areas include:

• international accounting
• law
• strategic human resource management
• knowledge management
• corporate universities
• consumers and the internet
• supply-chain management
• social enterprise
• e-commerce innovations
• small and medium-sized enterprises.

Most research activity takes place within five research units in the areas of:

• accounting and finance
• human resources
• management of knowledge and innovation
• marketing and strategy
• public interest and non-profit

For further information on research at the OU Business School, including details of projects, publications and the research units go to oubs.open.ac.uk and click on research

Our clients and sponsors include