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DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

BA INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND LANGUAGES

YEAR 2

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018

CHINESE AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

DT 565

SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, LAW and SOCIAL SCIENCES

and

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

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Table of contents

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 3

TIMETABLES ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 USEFUL TIPS ON STUDY SKILLS ................................................................................................................................ 3 INFORMATION ON THE YEAR ABROAD ...................................................................................................................... 3 REGISTRATION AND STUDENT CARD ........................................................................................................................ 3 LIBRARY .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 STUDENT SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT .................................................................................................................... 3 EXAMINATIONS AND VACATION PERIODS ................................................................................................................ 4 USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA/PHONE ................................................................................................................................ 4

SECTION 2 - PROGRAMME DETAILS ............................................................................................................... 5

RATIONALE OF THE PROGRAMME ............................................................................................................................ 5 PROGRAMME AIMS .................................................................................................................................................. 5 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................................................... 5 YEAR COORDINATORS ............................................................................................................................................. 5 PROGRAMME CHAIRS .............................................................................................................................................. 5 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE YEAR 2 ........................................................................................................................... 6 ASSESSMENT OF MODULES ..................................................................................................................................... 7 MODULE DESCRIPTORS ........................................................................................................................................... 8

Business Modules ............................................................................................................................................... 8 Language modules ............................................................................................................................................. 9

SECTION 3 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 10

GENERAL QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 10 EXAMINATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 PLAGIARISM .......................................................................................................................................................... 13

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Section 1 – General Information

Timetables

For a tutorial on how to use webtimetables, see

http://www.dit.ie/registration/studentclasstimetables For direct access to webtimetables, see

http://www.dit.ie/is/how/logintowebtimetables

During the first month of lectures, check your timetable regularly as changes are likely to occur.

Useful tips on study skills http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/academic/studyskills/

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/counselling/

Information on the year abroad http://dit.ie/llss/resources/erasmus/

Registration and student card

Instructions on how to finalise Registration and obtain student card: http://dit.ie/registration/

Library

Up to date information on the library is accessible via the Internet at http://library.dit.ie

Student support and engagement

There are many ports of call where you may find help, support or like-minded fellow students.

We encourage you to make use of all the facilities and services that may help you enjoy your

time of study. For issues affecting your study, you can turn to your year tutor.

General information can be found at: http://www.dit.ie/studentservices/

More information on study skills can be found at http://www.dit.ie/fyi

Clubs and Societies: http://socs.dit.ie, http://www.ditsports.ie

Students’ Union for support and campus life information

www.ditsu.ie

Personal: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/disability/

http://chaplaincy.dit.ie/

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/studenthealthservice/

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http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/studentsupport/

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/counselling.

For General Issues of Health and Safety: http://www.dit.ie/healthsafety/

Examinations and vacation periods

You will find a calendar for the 2017-2018 academic session on this link

Please note the following:

Attendance at class during the semester is compulsory. You must not arrange holidays or travel

during the thirteen class contact weeks of each semester.

Examinations take place twice per year, in January and May/early June. Supplemental (repeat)

exams take place in late August/early September.

The dates for the supplemental examination session are normally available from late June

It is vital that you do not book holidays or plan to travel during the lecturing or examination

periods. It is equally important that you do not plan such activities for late August/early

September until you are sure you have passed all modules for the year.

It is not possible to reschedule missed exams. Missed exams count as a failed attempt. This

will also apply to other forms of assessments such as presentations, oral exams, written tests and

submission of assessed work. Rescheduling of such activities can only happen where certified

medical evidence of illness has been supplied. In this case, a personal circumstances form must

be submitted.

Use of Social Media/Phone

Electronic devices must only be used in class for learning purposes (e.g. taking notes) or where

the lecturer issues express instructions to use them. This also applies to the use of social media.

The lecture or classroom is a place of learning and study and engagement with each other.

Mobile phones should be switched off. The recording of classes or lectures in any electronic

form is only allowed with the express permission of the lecturer.

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Section 2 - Programme details

Rationale of the programme The philosophy of the programme is to develop the students’ ability to successfully interact in a

global business environment through a foreign language.

A recent study identified a number of key attributes for the graduates of this programme. These include

“critical thinking”, “excellent communicators”, “ethics”, “active team players”, “disciplinary

knowledge”, “global citizens” and “motivated self-starters”. More can be found on graduate attributes in

this programme and in DIT on this leaflet

Programme Aims The main aim of the programme is to combine the study of business subjects with a deep appreciation

and knowledge of another country’s language, culture and business environment.

Programme Objectives The objectives of the programme may be summarised as follows:

• to facilitate students in making the transition from broad-based, second level studies to self- directed,

specialised studies

• to familiarise students with the culture of the target language

• to enable students to gain fluency in at least one foreign language

• to develop in students a confidence in their ability to act as facilitators between their own and foreign

cultures, so that they may seek employment in companies which place a high value on cultural mobility

• to cultivate in students the business acumen necessary for the development and implementation of

successful and innovative business strategies in an international environment

• to develop an understanding of the way in which cultural variation affects the way business operates

in an international environment

• to develop in students the analytical, conceptual and critical skills to enable them to adopt a strategic

perspective of business events

• to develop skills in time management, self projection and human interaction in an international

business environment

Year Coordinators

Languages: Jun Ni, jun.ni@dit.ie , 402 4771

Business: Christina Ryan, Christina.ryan@dit.ie, 402 3239

Programme Chairs Languages: Odette Gabaudan, Room KA 3012, Phone: 4024711; email: Odette.gabaudan@dit.ie

Business: Dr Anthony Buckley, DIT Aungier st, Phone: 402 7114; email: anthony.buckley@dit.ie

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Programme Structure Year 2

Chinese (DT 565)

Code № Module Title Semester

1/2

Contact

Hours

Total

Self

Dirct.

Lrng.

Total

Learng.

Hours

ECTS

Credits

IBUS 2007 Principles of Management 1&2 48 52 100 5

IBUS 2001 International Trade and

Globalisation 1&2 48 152 200 10

IBUS 2003 International Corporate Finance 1&2 48 52 100 5

IBUS 2005 Consumer Behaviour 1 48 52 100 5

IBUS 2008 Introduction to Logistics and

Supply Chain 2 48 52 100 5

CHIN 2004 Chinese Level 5&6 1&2 96 104 200 10

CHIN 2001 Chinese Level 7&8 1&2 96 104 200 10

CHIN 2003 Chinese Cultural Studies 3:

Geography & Economy 1&2 24 76 100 5

CHIN 2002 Chinese level 9P 1&2 48 54 100 5

Students in Year 2 obtain

- 30 ECTS credits for Business modules

- 30 ECTS credits for Chinese language and culture modules

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Chinese stream (DT 565)

Assessment of Modules

Year 2

Module Code Module Title Sems.

1/2

Exam Continuous

Assessment ECTS

Credits

IBUS 2007 Principles of Management 1&2 Written exam

(summer)

60%

Cont. Assess.

40% 5

IBUS 2001 International Trade and

Globalisation

1&2 Written exam

(summer)

60%

Cont. Assess.

40% 10

IBUS 2003 International Corporate

Finance 1&2

Written exam

(summer)

70%

Cont. Assess.

30% 5

IBUS 2005 Consumer Behaviour 1 Written exam

60%

Cont. Assess.

40% 5

IBUS 2008 Introduction to Logisitics and

Supply Chain 2

Written exam

(summer)

60%

Cont. Assess.

40% 5

CHIN 2004 Chinese Level 5&6 1+2 N/A

Aural 60% (3

tests @ 20%

each)

Oral 40%

10

CHIN 2001 Chinese Level 7&8 1+2

Written exam

(summer)

40%

Written in class

test 40%

Workbook over 2

terms 20%

Oral Presentation

20%

10

CHIN 2003 Chinese Cultural Studies 3:

Geography & Economy 1+2 N/A

Oral Presentation

30%

Written Project

30%

Oral exam 40%

5

CHIN 2002 Chinese level 9P 1+2 N/A

Journal

Reflective 50%

Oral test 50%

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Module Descriptors

Business Modules

Principles of

Management

The module will build a knowledge base of management and

address areas such as the: history of management;

organisational goals and objectives; environmental scanning;

strategy formulation and implementation; organisational

culture; managing change, negotiation; theories and models of

leadership; measuring and controlling management

performance.

International Trade and

Globalisation

Using the base of the first year economics course, the theories

of international trade and the systems and institutions which

relate to it are analysed. The current situation of international

trade is examined. Exchange rate theory and systems and the

related institutions are also analysed, as is the role of

international capital flows. A historical context is developed

within which the effects on developed and developing

economies of the changing trade and international financial

environment is examined. The role of multinational

corporations (MNCs) in the global economy is reviewed. The

effect of globalization on the environment is considered. The

consequences and controversies relating to globalization are

analysed. International Corporate

Finance

To provide an introduction to the theory and practice of

international corporate finance.

Consumer Behaviour

This module provides an introduction to the academic

discipline of consumer behaviour. The module will enable

students to develop a critical understanding of both historical

and contemporary issues in the fields of consumption,

consumer research and consumer culture. The emphasis is on

gaining an insight into a number of specific areas as outlined in

the module content. The module will provide a reflective,

comparative and critical approach to consumption behaviour

and the role played by marketing processes in relation to it. The

module will promote self-directed learning through individual

assignments while also fostering group-directed learning

through a team-based case study.

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Introduction to

Logistics and Supply

Chain

Logistics can be defined as getting the right product, at the

right price, to the right place, in the right quantity, in the right

condition, to the right customer at the right time. The changing

nature of markets and the globalisation of business has

sharpened the focus on the need for better logistics capabilities

and supply chain management. Supply chains need to be

developed which can deliver the required levels of service at

minimum cost. Logistics and supply chain management deals

with managing the flow of goods from a business firm's

suppliers, through its facilities, and on to its customers. It is of

critical importance in establishing a competitive advantage.

Proper performance of the logistics functions can contribute to

both lower costs and enhanced customer service. While

transportation is the heart of logistics, inventory management,

warehousing, order processing, materials handling, packaging,

plant and warehouse location, and customer service are also

important logistics activities.

This course examines all aspects of logistics, including some of

the techniques and strategies for planning, organising and

managing the overall logistics process including the functional

areas of forecasting, inventory management and customer

service.

Language modules

Chinese Language

Levels 5 & 6

This module introduces students to lower intermediate-

level spoken communicative Chinese. Instruction Material

is provided in character-based material with glosses in

pinyin.

Chinese Language

Levels 7 & 8

This module introduces students to lower-intermediate

Chinese with increasing focus on the writing system –

both simplified and traditional – (emphasis on simplified).

Chinese Language

Level 9P

This module prepares students for spending their third

year in a Chinese speaking country (China or Taiwan)

Chinese Cultural

Studies 3: Geography

and Economy

This module introduces students to Chinese Economic and

geographical contexts with an emphasis the contemporary

situation and recent Chinese economic history

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SECTION 3 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions

IMPORTANT: The following notes are not intended to represent a definitive

interpretation of the Institute's regulations. In every case students should read the full

regulations, especially DIT's General Assessment Regulations

(http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-regulations/ )

1. Who sets and marks the examinations?

The examination for each module is normally set and marked by the lecturer who teaches it. Where there

are two or more lecturers for a module, the paper is jointly set and corrected by both lecturers.

Exam scripts are anonymous.

2. How many subjects are there on the programme?

Advanced Streams (French, German, Spanish) – 4 Business modules, 3 Major Language modules, (2

major language core modules plus an option to be chosen from either Cultural module or minor

language).

Beginners Intensive Streams (German, Spanish, Italian) – 4 Business modules and 3 Language modules.

3. Can I repeat any failed modules?

Any courses you fail can be repeated in the supplemental exams at the end of August /beginning of

September. You may compensate up to 15 ECTS provided all marks for those 15 ECTS are

between 35% and 39%.

You have a maximum of four attempts in total to pass a module. Firstly there are repeat examinations

(called "Supplemental" Exams, starting at the end of August) where failed modules can be taken

again. Modules still not passed can be repeated at the following sitting and finally the following

autumn. Please read the General Assessment Regulations carefully on this point

It is important to strive towards passing all subjects at the first attempt, as students who repeat a

module in the Supplemental Examinations will only be awarded a maximum mark of

40% for a module passed at a second or subsequent sitting. Individual student results are

issued in a transcript of results. This is an official document frequently sought by employers to

establish your academic record.

4. Do I simply have to pass each module to progress to the next year of the programme?

Students can progress to subsequent years of the programme by simply achieving 40% in each module.

However, it is very unwise to simply seek to achieve 40%. The classification of your degree is

largely determined by what you learn in each year. The opportunity to progress to higher level

courses is determined by your results. Even if you choose not to continue with further study,

potential employers seek out students who have a track record of good marks throughout their

programme.

5. Can I move on to the next year of the programme carrying failed modules and repeat them

subsequently?

Students can only proceed to the next year of the programme if they have passed all modules. In

addition to the sessional exams, you have an opportunity to repeat modules at the supplemental

sittings at the end of the summer. You will not be allowed to progress to Year 3 if you have

failed a module.

6. What exactly is the examination board?

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This is a formal meeting of all examiners on a programme, held after the papers have been marked. At

the examination board each candidate's marks are reviewed and recorded. A decision is made as to

whether a student should pass, pass by compensation or repeat.

7. What is a Degree Classification in DIT?

The award of a Degree with Honours may be made with the classifications of First Class Honours,

Second Class Honours or Pass as set out in the table below.

Average Mark Band Nature of

Achievement

Classification

+ 70% Excellent Performance First Class Honours

60% - 69% Very Good Performance Second Class Honours,

Upper Division

50% - 59% Good Performance Second Class Honours

Lower Division

40% - 49% Satisfactory Performance Pass

8. How do I get my examination results?

You receive an email in your DIT email student account once results are released. You are then able to

access your results on EGB. For further details, please check

http://modularisation.dit.ie/studentinfo.htm

9. What happens if I am unable to take an exam due to illness or other unforeseen

circumstances?

You should read chapter 13 section 1of the General Assessments Regualtions Relevant forms (e.g.

Personal Circumstances forms, Deferral forms) can also be downloaded from the same link. PC1

Forms must include professional documentary evidence (e.g. medical certificate in case of illness)

10. Are continuous assessments compulsory?

Continuous Assessments are compulsory. A module is evaluated through a combination of continuous

assessment(s) and / or an examination. The final mark for a module is an aggregate of the various

assessment marks. Failure to submit or sit any assessment component of a module results in

marks lost for that module.

11. What happens if I am late submitting material for continuous assessments?

Materials for assessment may be subject to a penalty or may not be accepted, unless you have a valid and

documented case.

12. Do I have to attend all lectures?

It is compulsory to attend lectures and take part in any coursework required by lecturers. The

correlation between attendance and passing exams is well documented. This is

particularly true for languages as the learning is cumulative. Constant engagement with

the material in class and homework is essential to make progress and gain competence in

the language. Attendance is monitored in all language classes. If there are serious issues

affecting your attendance, please contact your year coordinator.

13. What is the Year Coordinator’s role?

If you have a problem with a module, you should in the first instance discuss the matter directly with the

lecturer concerned. If this does not solve the problem, you should approach the Year Co-ordinator.

There are also student representatives on the Programme Committee who can be approached for

advice. The year coordinator can also give you advice on a range of other issues you may

experience during the year.

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14. What is the role of the Head of School?

The Head of the School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences (Dr Kevin Lalor) has overall

responsibility for the programme. Dr Christopher Dixon is the Head of Languages and Dr Anthony

Buckley, Head of Department of International Business, has responsibility for the business side of the

programme. The Head of Department of International Business and Ms Odette Gabaudan, School of

Languages, Law and Social Sciences are joint chairs of the International Business and Languages

Programme Committee.

15. Can students contact lecturers or talk to them outside of lecture time?

Students are encouraged to approach their lecturer about any concerns they may have during the course

of the programme. Lecturers’ contact details are available on the DIT website.

16. Who can I talk to about personal problems?

Student counsellors are available for problems of a personal nature. This service is free of charge.

17. Recognition of Prior Learning

Where possible RPL processes have been incorporated into the programme’s normal selection

and recognition systems, and candidates and exemption applications will be considered

on an individual basis. Qualifications obtained more than five years before consideration

for exemption are not eligible for exemption. Exemptions cannot be applied to the Year

Abroad. Exemptions cannot weigh for more than 15 ECTS credits. Modules from which

a student has been exempted are excluded from awards classification.

18. How can I provide feedback on modules or on the programme?

The students’ year representatives are invited to the committee and/or team meetings

convened by the programme chair. The programme committee meets regularly to discuss

the delivery of the programme, to evaluate progress, implement changes, deal with

current issues pertaining to the programme and issues of quality assurance. Students

should raise issues they would like to be addressed by the programme committee and/or

team through their year representative. Each year, the programme is evaluated for

quality assurance purposes. Students’ views play an important part in this evaluation,

and you are asked to take time to complete the Q6a forms offered to you by your lecturer

at the end of a module or available for download from:

http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/forms/

Examinations

1. Examination Results

See question 9

2. Appeal Procedure

Should you wish to have a re-check or re-mark of your paper, please read chapter 14 of the

General Assessments Regulations. If you feel you have grounds for appeal, details on the process

and forms are available on the same link

3. Repeat Examinations

If you fail any modules, you must repeat those modules at the next available sitting. You only

have to repeat the courses which you fail. Supplemental examinations take place at the end of

August / beginning of September. A registration form for the supplemental examinations will be

posted with your examination results in early July. There is a registration fee for supplemental

examinations. More info on http://www.dit.ie/studentservices/registration/moduleselection/

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4. Results of Supplemental Examinations

These are normally published in the third week of September. The results are available on EGB.

Plagiarism

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR IBL LANGUAGE MODULES

In accordance with DIT Plagiarism statement which expressly forbids all forms of plagiarism, it

is the policy of the School of Languages to refuse work which is plagiarised.

In simple words: plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of someone else’s work. That ‘work’

may be a published book or article, information downloaded from the Internet, or the work of

another student. Plagiarism can take various forms: copying, paraphrasing (summarising in

one’s own words a passage of someone else’s work), or adopting someone else’s detailed line of

argument, without acknowledging the source.

Plagiarism is a form of ‘unfair practice’ (see General Assessment Regulations, Chap.11), and a

student found guilty by the Panel of Investigation may face serious penalties.

In written essays, projects or presentations students should:

- append a bibliography listing all sources used;

- place any portions of text directly quoted between quotation-marks;

- identify and correctly reference the source of ideas and arguments presented;

In written essays, projects or presentations students should not:

- submit language assessments corrected by a native speaker, as work so corrected and

re-written may not in the end be one’s own, and is therefore a form of plagiarism1;

- resort to translation engines under any circumstances2.

Format of oral examinations

- Students should note that neither reading from notes nor the unbroken presentation of

material evidently learned off by heart will be acceptable.

The examiners may therefore ask the examinee to leave any notes aside, to cover the

same point(s) again or to discuss points further without reference to such notes.

All students must be prepared to take questions from the examiners during their

presentation and demonstrate that they are able to cope with such interruptions. These

are designed to give students a chance to show that they fully understand what they are

presenting and are able to discuss it in a meaningful two-way exchange, such as would

occur in a real life situation. Accordingly, delivery and active participation on the part of

the examinee are just as much under assessment in oral examinations as are content and

linguistic accuracy, and these elements are not to be understood as separate from each

other.

1 Tuition in the School of Languages is designed to help you learn the language; Native-speaker competence is not expected of

language students.

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For an information leaflet in relation to what Plagiarism is and how to avoid it, please

check http://www.dit.ie/media/library/documents/researchersandplagiarism.pdf or the

information leaflet in Appendix 1 of the General Assessment Regulations (see link below).

In the same document (chapter 11 and Appendix 1), you will find the procedure for

suspected cases of plagiarism and other breaches of DIT’s regulations.

http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-

regulations/general/