Programme aims
1. To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of management, mathematics and economics.
2. To equip students with the knowledge and skills of management and economics that are currently in demand in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy, with particular reference to mathematical skills.
3. To provide students with an academic training in the fundamentals of economics and management.
4. To equip students with the tools and methods needed to solve theoretical or applied problems.
5. To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of issues.
6. To provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of the staff.
7. To develop in students the ability to construct logical arguments and to communicate arguments clearly in writing.
8. To provide students with a foundation for further study.
9. To produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of producing a logical argument.
10. To encourage in students the acquisition of autonomous study skills and the adoption of an investigative approach to tackling problems to ensure their continuing professional development.
11. To allow students to acquire critical, analytical and research skills, problem-solving skills, and transferable skills.
12. To provide students with a foundation for further studies.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas.
A2: One or more current areas of research in Mathematics and Finance, including an awareness of the development of these areas of research.
A3: Knowledge and understanding of computer programming and mathematical computer packages, and experience in their use.
A4: Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling, and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems.
A5: Knowledge and understanding at an introductory level of central areas of mathematics, statistics and operational research and other modelling processes, and of applications to economics and management.
A6: Knowledge of the fundamental principles of economics.
A7: Awareness of the sources of information.
A8: Understanding of the nature and process of management and the theory that explains the management process.
A9: Fundamental accounting concepts and principles.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1-A10.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic journal papers and material available online.
Understanding is reinforced by means of classes (A1-A7, A10).
Laboratories (A3, A4, A5) and essays and assignments (A1-A10).
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed through unseen closed-book examinations (A1-A9), and also, in some modules, through marked assignments (A6-A9) and tests (A1-A9), term papers (A6-A9) and project reports.
Regular problem sheets provide formative assessment in mathematics.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a specified problem and choose the most suitable methods and tools for its solution.
B2: Assess the relative merits of a range of theories, techniques and tools needed for a problem's solution or to articulate arguments and policies.
B3: Synthesise and interpret information from a range of sources (lectures, classes, journals, books, etc.) developing a critical evaluation of the importance and relevance of the sources to an area of study.
B4: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of ideas in economics and management science.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and the skills are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, and assignments Outcome B1 is developed particularly in exercises designed for core economic theory, mathematics, accountancy, management and quantitative methods classes.
Students’‘ acquisition of intellectual and cognitive skills, B1-B4, is enabled primarily through lectures and further sustained via classes.
Outcomes B2-B4 are key elements in students’‘ preparation for assignments.
Supervision and guidance for term paper study are especially important in providing opportunities for students to acquire B2-B4.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual/cognitive skills is assessed through marked assignments (especially B1 and B3), tests (especially B1), term papers (especially B2 - B4), and unseen closed-book examinations (especially B1, B2 and B4).
C: Practical skills
C1: Use computational tools and packages.
C2: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.
C3: Identify, select and gather information, using the relevant sources.
C4: Take notes and organise ideas in a systematic way.
C5: Present economic, accounting and management ideas and arguments coherently in writing.
C6: Use and apply terminology and concepts appropriate to the field of study.
Learning methods
The practical skills of mathematics are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is acquired through the learning of at least one programming language and the use of a number of computer packages, as a part of the teaching of modules for which they are relevant.
C2 is acquired and enhanced throughout the programme.
C3 is developed via directed reading from textbooks and academic journal articles together with searches for online materials.
C4 is acquired during lectures and classes, and as a consequence of studying module materials.
C5 is articulated in the preparation of assignments and term papers.
C6 is developed in classes and is emphasised in the preparation of assignments and term papers.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills C1-C3, C5-C6 is assessed directly through marked assignments, tests, term papers and unseen closed-book examinations.
Skill C4 is assessed indirectly via assignments, term papers, projects and final examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate effectively both mathematical arguments and textual accounts of ideas, evidence and critical assessment in mathematics, accounting, management and economics.
D2: Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems and data.
D3: Use mathematical techniques correctly; apply them to construct models and analyse data statistically.
D4: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions.
D5: Capacity to organise and implement a plan of independent study.
Learning methods
Students are guided in lectures, classes and individual advice from teachers in acquiring skills D1-D4, D6.
D1 is practised throughout the scheme in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises.
D1 and D2 are developed in group and individual project work.
D2 is developed through the use of computer packages.
Skills D3 and D4 are reinforced through the quantitative methods sequence of modules and the mathematics element in the programme, where they are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the scheme.
D5 is developed through homework assignments in mathematics, and is enhanced as students reflect upon the knowledge they need when researching term papers projects.
Only minimal formally assessed requirements for the completion of the programme are listed here.
In reality, the overwhelming majority of management, economics and mathematics students acquire a much broader range of key skills, and at greater depth, in ways that are integrated seamlessly throughout their studies of the subject.
Assessment methods
D1 and D4 are assessed through marked assignments, tests, term papers, projects and unseen closed-book examinations.
D2 is assessed primarily through coursework.
Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
Skill D3 is assessed particularly through tests and unseen closed-book examinations.
Skill D5 is assessed indirectly through students' capacity to construct submitted work and their study plans for unseen tests and examinations.