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Module

NBS8969 : Strategic Accountability

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Mrs Tracey Wilson
  • Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

Being accountable to stakeholders in terms of mission, governance, ethics, risk and financial stability is a key role for the leadership team in all organisations. This module will enable learners to understand these accountability issues by first developing their theoretical knowledge. Learners will then apply this knowledge using real-life situations. It is through this application of knowledge that learners will develop critical appreciation of the importance of strategic accountability for organisations.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus will include topics such as:
•       Organisational mission, culture and values
•       Board governance and risk management strategies
•       Corporate Social Responsibility
•       Financial governance and non-financial strategies
•       Strategic direction and the relationship with stakeholders

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture43:0012:00PiP: Based on 4 x 1 day study blocks across the programme which can be easily pivoted online
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion601:0060:00N/A
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials41:004:00N/A
Guided Independent StudySkills practice121:0012:00labelled as work based on roadmap
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities121:0012:00Online learning activities designed to support scheduled face-to-face learning
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity201:0020:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study241:0024:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time61:006:00To enable an inclusive approach for learners which aligns with programme pedagogy
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion41:004:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDistance Learning Advance Preparation461:0046:00To prepare for synchronous sessions and broaden and deepen knowledge for practice application
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods recognise the importance of learners learning about context, content and processes for their own individual and organisational development of advanced professional practice. The teaching and learning methods support achievement of the module’s learning outcomes. The processes of teaching and learning, within this blended learning module, include but are not limited to the following: Face-to-face and online opportunities to acquire knowledge and understanding of theory in practice are provided through attending lectures, listening to and watching podcasts and/or videos, reading and research, and work-based and reflective learning. Learning through dialogue, discussion and collaboration, in face-to-face teaching and online, enables students to articulate, respond to and provide feedback on theory, knowledge and practice application, and to question and challenge their work-based practices. Collaborative social learning, online and in the classroom, is a hallmark of the module and will involve peer learning, co-production of knowledge and ideas about practice, and feedback. As a post-experience programme, contextualising theory in practice requires not only academic input but also practitioners’ knowledge and expertise and, therefore, some lectures or workshops will be taught by adjunct staff. Reflection on practice, through completion of a reflective journal, supports the learner to evaluate their understanding of the relevant subject knowledge, and to question and challenge their work-based practices, through applying and integrating theory in practice. Learners are expected to enhance their face-to-face and online learning by independent reading and enquiry, for which they are given guidance on relevant materials.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report2M1004000 words
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Reflective log2MPreparation for summative assessment
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Formative Feedback: Formative feedback is provided throughout the module by encouraging learners to respond to questions and engage in reflection, dialogue, debate and discussion in online and face-to-face contexts. Collaborative learning, online and in the classroom, is a hallmark of the module and involves co-production of knowledge and ideas about practice, and feedback.

Summative Feedback: The module assessment enables learners to achieve the learning outcomes and to consolidate their learning by articulating their conceptual understanding and how it is used in practice.

The assessment is a 4,000-word report. A FTSE 100 company will comprise the basis for this report where learners will critically evaluate the way in which the company has been strategically accountable to its stakeholders. The key areas of mission, governance, ethics, risk and financial stability must be included in the report. The report will include implications for the learner’s own strategic leadership practice.

Summative feedback on the assessment will include ‘feed forward’, enabling learners to improve future academic and/or practice action.

Reading Lists

Timetable