Module Study Guide
Academic Year 2022–2023
Academic Partner: UK College of Business and
Computing
BA3UK32O – Academic Performance
Level: 3
Credits: 20
Copyright © 2022 University of West London
Permission granted to reproduce solely for the purpose of teaching and learning at the University of
West London and its approved academic partners.
You are provided with study materials for your personal use only. You must not share these with others
or upload them to websites. Any student who is found to have shared materials, particularly for
personal gain, will be subject to disciplinary action if appropriate.
Table of contents
Key team contact details……………………………………………………………………………………………………4
1 Module overview 5
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
Module summary content and aims………………………………………………………………………….5
Learning outcomes to be assessed………………………………………………………………………….7
Indicative Contact Hours ………………………………………………………………………………………..7
2 Assessment and feedback 8
Summative assessment grid …………………………………………………………………………………..8
Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes. ……………………………….9
Learning materials……………………………………………………………………………………………….17
3 Things you need to know 18
Our Expectations…………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Getting Support …………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
3.2.1 Personal Tutors, Module Leaders, Subject Librarians, and Course Leaders……………………….18
3.2.2 Study Support Team ……………………………………………………………………………………………………19
3.2.3 Meeting Deadlines……………………………………………………………………………………………………….19
Making an Impact ………………………………………………………………………………………………..20
3.3.1 When there’s an issue………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
3.3.2 Module Evaluation Surveys…………………………………………………………………………………………..20
Key team contact details

The Programme Leader overseeing this module is Dev Raj and can be contacted at:
[email protected]
The Course Director for all modules are George Muwonge, Dev Raj and Sobhi D’Cruz, and can be
contacted at: [email protected]
The Director of Education and Quality for all modules is Dr David Preston, and can be contacted
at: [email protected]
The Academic Partner Link Tutor (APLT) responsible for this module is Shafqat Abbas and can be
contacted at [email protected]
The Head of Subject overseeing this module is Dr Amelia Au-Yeung and can be contacted at
[email protected].
The Dean of Claude Littner Business School responsible for this module is Dr Amelia Au-Yeung and
can be contacted at [email protected].
1 Module overview
Introduction
For this module, all classes will be delivered in person, on campus. This module study guide (MSG) is
designed to help you follow and successfully complete the module. It contains important information so
you are encouraged to read it carefully and ask any questions you might have. The MSG will be
referred to each week so you need to bring it along to your classes or keep it in a place where you can
easily refer to it. Like all modules, this one also expects hard work and that you take an active role in its
study. Please do not hesitate to ask for guidance or assistance should you require it and tutors are
always happy to receive student feedback.
Full attendance on this module is expected. Students who need to miss a class must email their tutor
and Administration via Evision prior to the class.
Module summary content and aims
Welcome to the Academic Performance module. This foundation year module has been developed
and enhanced with the benefit of feedback from students in previous years and aims to provide
students with opportunities to further develop a range of academic and transferable skills required to
move on to undergraduate studies and apply this to a final piece of written work at the end of the
module.
Module Aims
The scope of this module includes conventions of academic writing, developing effective reading
strategies and effective techniques of observation, interpretation, and communication. This module
builds upon skills learned in the module Personalised Learning. The module content involves steps to
critical reading and thinking in and developing autonomous and independent learning strategies.
Students will further develop their skills in a range of academic, investigative and research techniques
including how to evaluate and select evidence appropriate to their discipline from a range of learning
resources. The module also aims to develop critical thinking and writing strategies in students,
encouraging them to become aware of personal learning development and to apply the introductory
skills learned in their first semester in order to produce a final piece of academic writing relevant to their
discipline.
Students will look at different methods of investigation and how to research and write for them. The
material covered in this module will help to develop skills in writing essays and reports, critical thinking
and argument development, evaluating alternative scenarios using academic sources, using academic
vocabulary, referencing, speaking and teamwork skills. Students will also be expected to discuss their
academic skills development and how they aim to further develop these skills.
The module consists of a series of three-hour lectures and workshops which will use creative and
engaging materials for classroom and independent study and for formative and summative
assessments.
We will use Blackboard to support you in the module. Documents are loaded throughout the module to
support group study and learning styles.
Key Topics
This is an indicative list of topics. Actual delivery may vary.
• Academic Writing
• Reflective Writing
• Learning Strategies
• Individual SWOT analysis
• Communication through Writing
• Communicating through Presentation
• Academic Research
• Critical Reading and Thinking
• Investigating Primary and Secondary Sources
• Objective Reasoning
• Subjective Reasoning
Expectations
Specific expectations students can have of tutors:
• Timely responses to queries and timely marking.
• Knowledge of the subject area and how to apply knowledge to the business environment.
• Good timekeeping.
• Help with assessment preparation.
• To make learning enjoyable and relevant.
Specific expectations tutors will have of students:
• Full attendance at classes.
• If you cannot attend to let the tutor know in good time.
• Engagement in all course activities.
• 152 hours of independent study.
• Timely work submission.
• Professional behaviour in and out of class.
• Good communication with tutors/Course Leader should difficulties occur.
• Constructive feedback where possible.
As with other module on a degree programme, the amount of benefit that you will gain from the module
is related to the amount of effort that you put in. This includes regular participation in seminars, contact
with your peers, active participation in class discussions, and regular visits to the Blackboard site.
Learning outcomes to be assessed
By the end of the module students will be able:
• LO1: To construct an argument in an academic context using good quality evidence.
• LO2: To position yourselves within an argument.
• LO3: To apply a range of academic skills and techniques related to a discipline specific
scenario.
Indicative Contact Hours

2 Assessment and feedback
Summative assessment grid

Assessment Support Session Timetable

Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning
outcomes.
There are two summative assessments for this module:
• A1 – Group Presentation and Individual Reflection (30%)
• A2 – Individual Essay (70%)
This assessment will take place over weeks 7,14
Students will have opportunities to submit their assessment drafts for formative feedback in week 5
for A1 (Group Presentation and Individual Reflection) and in week 12 for A2 (Individual Case Study
Report). Students will then modify their assessments based on the tutor’s feedback before final
submission for A1 via Blackboard at the end of week 8 and final submission for A2 via Blackboard
at the end week 14.
The grade for this assessment will be based on fulfilling all assessments criteria. Formative
assessment will take place in weeks 4,5,6,12 and 13. Summative assessment will take place in
weeks 8 and 14. Students must achieve a minimum mark of 40% to pass the module and achieve
20 academic credits at Level 3.
For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access
online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student- help pages at:
http://www.uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp
Assessment 1: Group Presentation and Individual Reflection
Due date: Presentations: Week 6, 7. Submission Deadline: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
Word Count: 5 to 6 slides, 10 minutes to present. And 1 page reflection.
Instructions: Your assessment 1 has two parts and they are submitted together as one component.
Part A: You are required to design a 10-minute group presentation on PowerPoint based on the
following topic “Which study skills are most relevant to your degree/field/future career”.
Choose 3 study skills as a group. Your presentation must cover the areas outlined below in 5 – 6
slides.
Part B: individual group members are required to use Gibbs Reflective Model to discuss their
experience from the group presentation. The reflective essay should cover the strengths and
limitations of group work and recommendations for better practices.
Important Note: Students MUST submit both presentation slides and their individual reflection by
the deadline which MUST be before the presentation.
Assessment Criteria:
Below is the assessment criteria and proposed structure of your presentation:

Assessment 1 Marking Scheme:

Assessment 2: Individual Essay
Due date: Week 14 via Turnitin
Weighting: 70%
Word count: 1,000 words with an allowance of + or – 10%
Instructions:
You are required to choose one of the following topics and write an essay of 1000 words based on
the guidelines shared below. (It is advisable to submit the work slightly earlier than your deadline in
case you have any last-minute challenges, like technical issues with your computer).
Topics:
1. “The rapid advancement of technology in the 21st century has led to notable impacts for university
students and the student’s experience is significantly influenced.” What are the advantages and
disadvantages of university students increasing reliance on IT?
2. “The ability to work independently is the most important skill in business.” To what extent do you
agree?
3. How and why should group work in universities be designed differently to foster stronger
relationships with peers.
4. Why do some universities spend more resources on student attendance and engagement
monitoring policy and procedure.
Guideline:
• Make sure you choose one topic and follow the structure of academic writing.
o Follow standard essay structure, including introduction, body, and conclusion.
o Write in paragraphs with clear topic sentences and adequate supporting sentences.
o Support all your view points with relevant/creditable evidence sourced from academic
books, journals, web articles etc.
• You shall maintain coherency throughout and the academic conventions for this type of academic
essay must be present.
• Your essay must cover key definitions, impacts, and implications for the chosen topic.
• Your tutor will suggest source texts to support, but you should conduct your research and find,
use, and refer to at least 3 additional reliable sources.
• Follow the accurate Harvard Referencing style and give clear and accurate in-text citations.
Word count: 1000 words +/- 10%, excluding reference list. If you do not comply with the word
count you may be subject to a 5-mark deduction from your final mark.
Assessment Criteria:
Below is the assessment criteria and proposed structure of your essay:

Assessment 2 Marking Scheme:

Employability Skills
These assessments cover the following employability skills, which you could demonstrate on your
CV and at job interviews if you successfully pass the assessment:
• Communication
• Writing
• Speaking
• Listening
• Presenting
• Non-Verbal
• Problem-solving
• Take initiative and self-motivating
• Critical thinking
• Can work under pressure and to the deadline.
• Planning and organisation skills
• Ability to learn and adapt
• Valuing Diversity
• Reflective lifelong learners
• Digitally literate
• Creativity/lateral thinking
• Time management
• Intellectual curiosity
• Flexibility
• Perseverance
• Confidence
• Integrity and accountability
• Decision making
• Reading and reviewing published literature
Timing and methods of feedback:
Written feedback in 15 working days provided via Grade mark
How to Submit Assessments:
All Assessments MUST be submitted through Turnitin. There are NO HARD COPY submissions.
You will find a link to the Turnitin. Assignment from the Assessments area of the Blackboard course
menu.
You can submit and resubmit draft work once submission link is available. Turnitin generates an
Originality Report, and you are encouraged to make use of this facility as a support tool to help you
ensure low similarity before final submission deadline.
You will need to ensure that your assessment is uploaded as a single document, and in the correct
format (e.g. a Word document, PowerPoint or PDF depending on the assessment – the acceptable
file formats are displayed on screen when you come to submit via Turnitin).
When submitting, please enter your student ID number in the “submission title” box. The document
itself should contain your student ID number in a header or footer.
For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access online
feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at: uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp
Remember, all your work must have Academic Integrity; it must be an honest and fair submission,
complying with all the requirements of the assessment, that properly references and credits any
other people’s work you have used. Failure to meet these standards of behaviour and practice is
academic misconduct, which can result in penalties being applied under the Academic Offences
Regulations.
Learning materials
The reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area and online by
searching uwl.rl.talis.com. and also on ulearn by searching
https://ulearn.ukcbc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=83.
Remember to log into Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available at
your module sites!
Subject guides (subject-guides-libguides) are also available to help you find relevant information for
assignments, with contact details of the Academic Support Librarian for your School.
Essential Reading
• Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical thinking skills. Basingstoke, Hampshire.
• McMillan, K. and Weyers, J. (2013). How to cite, reference & avoid plagiarism at university.
Harlow: Pearson.
Further Reading
• Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical thinking skills. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Craswell, G. and Poore, M. (2012). Writing for academic success. London: SAGE Publications.
• Creme, P. and Lea, M. (2012). Writing at university. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
• Fairbairn, G. and Fairbairn, S. (2010). Reading at university. Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Kirton, B. (2011). Brilliant dissertation. Harlow: Prentice Hall. McMillan, K. and Weyers, J. (2013).
How to cite, reference & avoid plagiarism at university. Harlow: Pearson.
• Mounsey, C. (2013). How to write. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Osmond, A. (2013). Academic writing and grammar for students. Los Angeles: SAGE.
• Weyers J. McMillan, K. (2013). How to cite, reference & avoid plagiarism at university. Harlow:
Pearson
• Weyers J. McMillan, K. (2012). The study skills book. Harlow: Pearson
3 Things you need to know
Our Expectations
You are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and treat others
with kindness and respect whether at university or online. It’s important to consider your safety
and the safety of others around you, especially how to stay safe online and ensure your
communications are secure and appropriate.
Teaching at UKCBC during the academic year 2022–23 will be conducted using blended learning
framework. This model helps you maximise your learning by providing you with materials to:
engage with before class (“Investigate”) so you can maximise your hands-on learning during your
taught session
Help you demonstrate and check your understanding by applying your prior learning during class
(“Apply”)
Help you enhance your knowledge and skills by reflecting on or consolidating your learning after
class (“Consolidate”)
Whether you are engaging with teaching and learning activities onsite or online, we expect the
same level of commitment and engagement from you. If you are unable to attend scheduled onsite
or online activities, or complete activities in the time frames set out, you should let your tutors
know.
You should aim to meet assessment deadlines; if you are concerned that you will not be able to
complete your assessments on time, you should talk to your tutors. Your engagement, whether
online or onsite, will be tracked and if we see that you are not engaging, we will get in contact with
you.
Please remember that your course team is here to support you so if you are having problems, let
us know so we can work with you to find solutions and get you back on track as soon as possible.
Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed by engaging with the full range of learning and
teaching activities available to you on Blackboard. You can also email your tutor or reach the
Module Leader online through Microsoft Teams or via email
Getting Support
Graduating from UWL will open up a world of opportunities for you, but we understand that the
journey to get there is not always easy – especially when you are combining studying with work,
caring for others, or dealing with illness. That is why we offer lots of support to help you meet your
full potential.
3.2.1 Personal Tutors, Module Leaders, Subject Librarians, and Course Leaders
Your Personal Tutor can help if you’re worried about your studies, need academic advice, or want
to find the best way for you to succeed.
Your Module Leader can help if you’re struggling with work, don’t think you can meet a deadline,
or there was something you didn’t understand or want to know more about.
Your Librarian can help you with finding, evaluating, reading, and referencing sources. They offer
drop-ins and workshops throughout the year.
Your Programme Leader can help with any questions about the course you’re studying, such as
any course-specific requirements or options.
3.2.2 Study Support Team
The Study Support Team helps you enhance your academic writing and study skills through oneto-one support opportunities and workshops throughout the academic year. This support consists
of:
• Study Skills Support
• English Language Support
• Maths and Statistics Support
• Peer Mentoring Scheme
• Online Resources
Apart from the College-wide support framework, which encompasses the Module Leader,
Programme Leader, the Librarian, and your Course Administrator, you will also have at your
disposal the UKCBC Student Engagement Team.
3.2.3 Meeting Deadlines
You should always try your best to submit your work on time. If you submit coursework late, within
10 calendar days of the deadline, then the maximum mark you will be able to get for that work will
be the pass mark. Anything submitted after this would be counted as a non-submission.
We understand that there may be times when you experience circumstances outside of your
control that mean you are not able to submit on time. It’s a good idea to talk your Module Leader if
you’re not going to be able to submit on time so that they can support you and make you aware of
any services that can help.
Where exceptional circumstances mean you’ll be submitting your coursework late, you can
request an extension before your deadline. An extension means that the penalty for submitting up
to 10 calendar days late will not apply.
If your circumstances are so serious that you are not able to submit at all or are unable to attend
an in-person assessment like an exam or in-class test, then you can request mitigation for the
assessment. Mitigation means that you can submit work at the next available attempt instead.
If you request an extension or mitigation before the deadline you can choose to self-certify,
meaning that you do not have to provide evidence, so long as you provide a valid reason for the
request. You can only self-certify three assessments per academic year. If you have used all your
self-certification opportunities, or requested mitigation after the deadline, you will need to provide
evidence of your exceptional circumstances for your request to be granted.
To apply for an Extension or Mitigation, login to Evision, student 360 view and complete a request
form via https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/SIW_LGN
Making an Impact
3.3.1 When there’s an issue
If something’s negatively impacting your experience at university, you should raise this informally
with your Module Leader or Programme Leader.
If the issue is affecting several students, you could talk to your Course Rep about it, and they can
either raise your concerns with your Module Leader or Programme Leader on the group’s behalf,
or at the Course Committees which take place each semester.
We aim to ensure that any issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to have minimum
impact on your studies.
3.3.2 Module Evaluation Surveys
Towards the end of the module, you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the
Module Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give direct feedback about the
module through a series of questions and free text.
Your constructive feedback will help the Module Leader and teaching team to understand the
module experience from your perspective and helps inform the development of the module. At the
end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be available so that you can see the impact
your voice has had.