Gateway to Business Studies (5 cr)

Objective

After completing the course, the student knows his physical and social study environment and opportunities to participate in the activities of the higher education community. The student is familiar with basic principles of sustainable development. The student knows the most important instructions, rules and study practices of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

In addition student
* will understand the importance of planning, organising, drafting, writing and editing accurate, clear and well-presented academic assignments in English.
* is able to research and use appropriate sources for year 1 assignments.
* recognizes the basics of how to structure and give effective oral presentations in English.
* understands the principles of essential study skills for international higher education; studying and communicating ethically in international groups and teams, collaborative team and group working skills, exams, note-taking, information acquisition, research, academic writing, referencing, time management.

Content

* Physical and social study environment
* Most important instructions, rules and study practices of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Metropolia code of conduct
* Personal key skills and competencies with regard to learning and self-development.
* Academic writing in English: planning, organising, drafting, writing and editing accurate, clear and well-presented academic assignments.
* Basics of how to structure and give effective oral presentations in English.
* Appropriate internal communication and ethical behaviour in English with administrative and academic staff at home and abroad.
* Study skills for international higher education; e.g. information acquisition, researching sources, academic writing, referencing sources, time management, working in international teams and groups, exam techniques, note-taking.

Materials

Bailey Stephen 2020 Academic writing for international students of business and economics 3rd edition Routledge
(Or other academic writing books by Stephen Bailey. Some are also available as e-books)

Cameron Sheila 2021 The business student's handbook: skills for study and employment (some older books are also available)

Cottrell Stella 2019 The Study Skills Handbook Palgrave Macmillan (or earlier versions)


Please also see the additional reading list and recommended websites for academic writing and presentation skills given later in the course and posted in the appropriate OMA folder.

Teaching methods

The course will include a variety of methodologies; lectures, guest lectures, seminars, class discussions, presentations, individual and group work and writing assignments. Students are expected to participate actively in the contact and online lectures and seminars throughout the semester.

In some cases, this course works in cooperation with other courses; for example academic writing makes use of assignments in other courses. Presentation skills ties in with many other courses.

You will complete individual assignments and observe the deadlines for these.

Employer connections

Guest speakers from the union for Students of Business and Technology etc.

Exam schedules

As this is a skills-based course, there is no traditional end-of-course exam. Your grade will reflect your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice in written assignments and oral presentations. This course includes a lot of individual work. However, being a supportive member of the class and contributing to a positive class atmosphere in your own study group and in the wider Metropolia Business School learning community is encouraged.

See the separate assessment criteria for the academic writing/ presentation/ writing / PDP /assignments.

You need to pass all components of the course.
As there is no resit, you must discuss with the course lecturer(s) if you miss a component, as you will need to complete it at some stage to receive a course grade.

International connections

Studying in Finland as an international student and as a business student working in teams is an essential element of the course.

Student workload

The course is 5 credits which equals 130 hours of work for you.
This has been allocated approximately as follows:

Contact or online classes/lectures 40 hours
PDP 20 hours
Academic writing assignment & related research 50 hours
Presentation preparation & delivery, exercise 20 hours

Content scheduling

The full course schedule will be given in the course workspace. As changes may occur, students should follow the notices and revised schedules carefully.

Further information

The course is designed to be a building block or corner stone of your business degree, preparing and equipping you for undergraduate study on an international BBA programme in Finland. During the course, you will acquire the basic tools for personal development on academic, business and interpersonal levels.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student will be able to identify, define and use the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student understands the criteria and principles of the expertise development.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has achieved the course objectives well, even though the knowledge and skills need improvement on some areas.The student is able to define the course concepts and models and are able to justify the analysis. The student is able to apply their knowledge in leisure, study and work situations. The student understands the importance of expertise in the field of business and is able to analyze his/her own expertise.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks.The student masters commendably the course subject area’s concepts and models.The student is able to make justified and fluent analysis and to present concrete development measures. The student is well prepared to apply their knowledge in leisure, study and work situations.The student is able to analyze the business sector expertise and the development of his/her own expertise.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student will be able to identify, define and use the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student understands the criteria and principles of the expertise development.

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation criteria for the various exercises will be given

PDP 40%
Writing assignments 40%
Presentation skills 20%