Referring to knowledge

The course combines lectures with various complementary activities (case studies, problem-solving exercises, etc.), which are completed either individually or in small groups, both in and out of class. The estimated total learning hours are distributed in two 2-hour classes per week:

— During the first part of each session, core concepts are presented so that students can work through the course syllabus and meet the learning objectives.

— The second part of each session is devoted to consolidating and applying the theoretical content through tutored activities in groups. But note that this structure may be altered to adapt to specific teaching requirements.

All academic and administrative information for the subject (assessment procedures, delivery dates for exercises, etc.) is posted on the Virtual Campus, which is the main platform for communication between students and teachers.

Class attendance is strongly recommended as learning depends equally on individual and group work and active participation. Students are expected to prepare for classes by completing the relevant case studies and recommended reading, as outlined in the course plan.

Continuous assessment

Continuous assessment requires students to work consistently through the course material and submit assessed work throughout the semester. Marks are awarded for specific assessed tasks and activities.

The overall mark for continuous assessment represents 50% of the final grade, while the mark for the final examination represents the remaining 50%.

The achievement of the course competences by means of the continuous mode of assessment is monitored through the following activities:

 

— Individual observation: student participation and contribution to class discussions is worth 10% of the final grade. This activity allows the lecturer to assess how students interact, communicate and defend their own ideas and arguments, as well as to how they integrate new knowledge and attitudes (Competences: CB3, CG8, CB2).

— Written assignments in groups: these tasks consist of two business case studies (each worth 15% of the grade) and other activities completed during the semester (10% of the final grade). These activities allow students to demonstrate their ability to work in a team, to solve problems related to the field of study and to evaluate processes and decision-making in the international context (Competences: CG3, CG9, CB2, CG5). Additionally, they provide evidence of student’s capacity to interpret the evolution of the international business environment and to understand the culture and business practices of different countries (Competences: CE11, CE6). Detailed instructions and grading criteria are posted on the Virtual Campus at the start of the course.

— A final individual written examination: to complete the continuous assessment process, students sit a final exam covering the entire syllabus (50% of the final grade), the date of which is set by the Academic Board. Students must apply their knowledge and understanding acquired during the course. This broad assessment indicates their level of professional approach to the work or vocation and the degree of competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within the field of study (broad assessment of all specified competencies).

Notes:
— Students must obtain a mark of at least 6 out of 10 on the continuous assessment activities to be eligible for a weighted final grade that takes into account the examination mark. Students who do not achieve this minimum mark are automatically transferred to the single mode of assessment.
— The continuous assessment mark is only taken into account if a mark of at least 4 out of 10 is obtained on the final examination.
— The final examination is divided into a theoretical section and an applied section, each worth 50% of the examination mark. Continuous assessment marks are only considered if students obtain a minimum mark of 4 out of 10 on each section.
— Failure to meet this threshold results in a final grade of 3.5 being awarded, and a student’s continuous assessment marks cannot be taken into consideration.
— Students who submit the first continuous assessment activity are automatically entered for this mode of assessment. Students who do not submit the first activity are entered for the single mode of assessment. Students wishing to opt out of the continuous mode of assessment need to inform the lecturer before 30 March.

Examination-based assessment

The single assessment option consists of a final examination worth 100% of the final grade. The examination is divided into a theoretical section and an applied section, each of which is worth 50% of the mark. The theoretical section consists of multiple-choice questions. A minimum grade of 4 out of 10 is required in each section; otherwise, the final grade that can be awarded for the examination is 3.5.

The final examinations for both the single and continuous modes of assessment are held on the same day at the same time.


Repeat assessment

Students who do not pass either the single or continuous modes of assessment are entitled to resit the final examination. Under no circumstances can the continuous assessment marks be considered for the repeat assessment.

The date for repeat assessment is scheduled in the Faculty’s academic calendar and coincides with the second undergraduate examination period.

The methodology and criteria for the repeat assessment examination are the same as those for the single assessment examination.