International BSc (Hons) None Full-time Specialist Information Technology Management (top-up) BSc (Hons) Information. Technology Management Dip HE

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1 UNIVERSITY QUALITY COMMITTEE SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL QUALITY COMMITTEE 2004 / 2005 AAR Reference: 1289 Recommendation to University Quality Committee Confirmed The validation of two awards BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up) and BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, was delegated to the School of Computing and Information Technology School Quality Committee (SQC). The SQC is pleased to recommend to University Quality Committee approval of the following proposal: VALIDATION Pathway Code DS /IITM DS/ITMAN Pathway Title Final Award Intermediate Modes of Specialist / Joint Awards delivery International BSc (Hons) None Full-time Specialist Information Technology Management (top-up) Information Technology Management BSc (Hons) BSc Information Technology Management Dip HE Information Technology Management Cert HE Information Technology Management Full-time Sandwich Block Delivery Part-time (day, day/evening) Specialist New Modules for Validation: Pathway / Status DS / IITM Core option DS / ITMAN - elective DS / IITM - Core DS / IITM - Core Module codes Module Title Credits Semester CP2113 Academic and Professional Skills for International 15 SEM1 IT Students CP3034 International Comparative Systems methodologies 15 SEM1 & 2 CP3035 International IT Management Dissertation 15 SEM1 & 2 and summer. Page 1 of 17

2 Modules. BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up) Level 1 None. Core Modules None. None. Core Option Modules Select 15 credits from: CP2113 Academic & Professional Skills for 15 1 New. International Students CP2081 Academic & Professional Skills for 15 1 Existing IT Select 30 credits from: CP2084 Information Systems: Impact on 15 1 Existing Organisations CP2096 Managing IT Support 15 1 Existing CP2097 Obtaining Software Solutions 15 1 Existing CP2098 Enterprise Resource Planning 15 2 Existing IM2008 Systems for Management 15 2 Existing Recommended Elective Modules None. None Year 3 Option CP2230 Industrial Placement 15 YEAR Existing Leve l 2 Level 3 Core Modules CP3035 International IT Management 15 SEM 1&2 & New Dissertation Summer CP3317 Organisations and Control of 15 SEM 1 & Existing Computer Operations summer CP3349 Social Legal and Professional 15 SEM 1&2 & Existing Aspects Summer CP3034 International Comparative Systems 15 SEM 1&2 New Methodologies Core Option Modules Select at least 15 credits from CP3027 Managing Computer Systems 15 2 Existing Projects CP3026 Strategic IS Management 30 YEAR Existing Recommended Elective Modules Select 30 or 45 credits IM3015 Information Age 15 SEM1&2 Existing English as a Foreign Language 15/30 SEM 1&2 Existing CP3033 Business Process Design and 15 2 Existing Systems Integration CP3341 Database Design 15 SEM 1&2 Existing CP3397 Network Design and Security 15 2 Existing BE3014 Global Entrepreneurship 15 2 Existing Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits at level 2 and 120 credits at level 3 for the topup award. Page 2 of 17

3 BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management Level 1 Core Modules CP1052 Professional and Academic 15 1 Existing Development CP1078 Web Development with HTML 15 1 Existing CP1059 Business Technology and Networks 15 1 Existing CP1062 Systems in Organisations 15 SEM 1&2 Existing CP1063 Systems Analysis 15 2 Existing HR1009 Foundations of People Management 15 2 Existing Core Option Modules None. None. Existing Recommended Elective Modules Select 30 credits MK1004 Marketing Principles 15 SEM 1&2 Existing AC1009 Introduction to Financial 15 2 Existing Management CP1055 Desktop Applications 15 2 Existing CP1079 Web Development with PHP 15 2 Existing Level 2 Core Modules CP2084 Information Systems: Impact on 15 1 Existing Organisations CP2001 Databases 15 SEM1&2 Existing CP2096 Managing IT Support 15 1 Existing CP2097 Obtaining Software Solutions 15 1 Existing CP2098 Enterprise Resource Planning 15 2 Existing IM2008 Systems for Management 15 2 Existing Core Option Modules None. None. Existing Recommended Elective Modules Select 30 or 45 credits CP2020 Practical Systems Development 15 SEM 1&2 Existing CP2236 Systems Design 15 SEM 1&2 Existing AC2016 Business Finance 15 SEM 1&2 Existing HR2004 HR Issues for Business 15 1 Existing CP2022 Multimedia Internet Communications 15 2 Existing Year 3 option CP2230 Industrial Placement 15 YEAR Existing Level 3 Core Modules Module Module Title Credits Semester Module Status Code CP3026 Strategic IS Management 30 YEAR Existing CP3317 Organisations and Control of 15 SEM 1 Existing Computer Operations CP3349 Social Legal and Professional 15 SEM Existing Aspects 1&2 IM3015 Information Age 15 SEM 1&2 Existing Page 3 of 17

4 Core Option Modules Select at least 15 credits from Module Module Title Credits Semester Module Status Code CP3333 Business Computing Project 15 2 Existing CP3331 Business Computing Project 30 YEAR Existing Recommended Elective Modules Select 15 or 30 credits Module Module Title Credits Semester Module Status Code CP3033 Business Process Design and 15 2 Existing Systems Integration CP3341 Database Design 15 SEM 1&2 Existing CP3034 International Comparative Systems 15 SEM 1 New Methodologies AC3023 Corporate Finance 15 1 Existing HR3010 Employee Learning and 15 2 Existing Development HR3013 Strategies for People Management 15 1 Existing DATE OF THE NEXT REVIEW The next review of the BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up) and BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management is scheduled to take place by the end of the 2010/11 academic year. The SQC is aware that the University Quality Committee reserves the right to review all decisions made by the SQC, to ratify approvals and to follow up on any issues identified in the AAR as the Committee sees fit. BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSAL The Panel noted that the rationale for the introduction of the two awards differed. With respect to the BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up), the School has been successful in previous years in recruiting students with HND or equivalent awards to top-up their qualification to an honours degree. Marketing intelligence suggested that the title International Information Technology Management would prove more attractive to business employers in the Far East. The SCIT Commercial Advisory Committee supported the proposal for IT Management awards. The proposal for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management developed out of the restructuring of the School, and the development of the Information Systems (IS) degree scheme. This proposed award is aimed at those whose interest in computing is in the management rather than the technical aspect of information technology. The award utilises modules currently in validation, and mostly used by BSc (Hons) Computing Information Systems for Business and BSc (Hons) Computing for Business. They have been repackaged into a cohesive set of modules concentrating on Information Technology Management. Graduates could progress onto MSc Strategic Information Technology Management. The School of Computing and Information Technology has consulted with UWBS and has been able to confirm that the titles of both awards are appropriate, and not in competition with UWBS own portfolio. The awards are due to commence in Semester 1, PROCESS Summary of process: Date Action/meeting April 2005 Validation delegated to SCIT SQC by UQC / ADP Validation meeting between Team, Panel and External Adviser. May 2005 Issue regarding module CP2113 referred to QASD Chair of SQC confirms documentation received and validation closed-out. June September Discussion between QASD and SCIT regarding credit allocation and appropriateness of routes External Adviser Report received. September QASD confirms issue regarding module CP2113 closed-out Draft AAR to Team for additional information and to Chair of SQC for comment Additional information received from Team Page 4 of 17

5 Draft AAR to Chair of SQC for comment / approval SQC Chair signed-off AAR AAR received at UQC AAR sub-group; Approved. Critical Evaluation Whilst the Panel was generally satisfied with the two proposals, there was concern that BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management was proposed to be available to overseas students only and precluded UK students, as the level 2 core module - CP2113 Academic and Professional Skills for International Students - is for international students only. Following discussion between the Team and QASD, it was proposed that CP2113 be redesignated a core option module, with the inclusion of module CP2081 Academic and Professional Skills for IT Student for UK students. There was a further concern that the BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management top-up award should ensure students study the minimum number of credits required for a top-up award 120 credits at level three as outlined in the UW Academic Regulations. The Team was receptive to both suggestions and module CP2113 Academic and Professional Skills for International IT Students was redesignated a core option module, together with module CP2081, with students having to choose one module from the two; the two modules are similar in content, but module CP2113 is specifically for international students. Both the changes to the designation of module CP2113 and clarity on the number of credits required for the topup award are reflected in the updated PST. The Panel was also concerned that the title of International IT Management was appropriate to the curriculum content. Following discussion with the Team, the Panel was convinced that there was a significant international element to the programme and the title was thus suitable. To reflect the discussion, the Panel required a more coherent international rationale to be reflected in the modules; this was addressed in the The Panel requested the Team update the reading lists, and confirmation has been received from Learning Resources that discussions on this issue have taken place. There will be no collaborative arrangements, and the awards currently have no PSRB recognition, although the Team plans to request IMIS (Institute of Management Information Systems) accreditation. The Panel also raised queries regarding the sequencing of modules. correspondence between the Team and the Officer confirmed that modules CP3026 and CP3027 are core options on the top-up, enabling students to commence in September or February. It was the Team s intention to offer a twelve-month top-up, allowing students to study three modules over the summer. Students would normally complete the level three modules, and then undertake the optional placement. Normal placement fees (half fees) would apply. Page 5 of 17

6 Validating Panel Record Details of Panel and Participants SCIT SQC Validating Panel Academic Year: Chair: Professor Rob Moreton Officer: Ms Maggie Jones SQC Validation Panel and Team Details Validation Panel Presenting Team Professor R Moreton (Chair) Dr Ann Latham Ms Anne Barclay (Registry) Ms Avtar Athwall Mr Gurmak Singh (UWBS) Ms Helena Grealish Ms Naomi Wrighton (SCIT) Mr Tim Hipkiss Mr Peter Wilson (SCIT) Mr Phil Weaver Ms Jo Smith (Learning Centre) Ms Sue Gill Ms Maggie Jones (Officer) External Adviser: Dr Jenny Gilbert. Head of the Department of Computing, Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Polytechnic University Attachments: Appendix 1: Validation meeting notes 11 th May Appendix 2: External examiner comments from Dr Jenny Gilbert. Anglia Polytechnic University Appendix 3: Checklist of actions Signed (School Quality Committee Chair)... Date... Page 6 of 17

7 Appendix 1 SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL QUALITY COMMITTEE Notes of the meeting to consider the validation of BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management and BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up), held on Wednesday 11 th May 2005, 10.00am in Room MU417 Present: Validation Panel Professor R Moreton (Chair) Dr Jenny Gilbert (External) Mr Gurmak Singh (UWBS) Ms Naomi Wrighton (SCIT) Mr Peter Wilson (SCIT) Ms Jo Smith (Learning Centre) Ms Anne Barclay (Registry) Presenting Team Dr Ann Latham Ms Avtar Athwall Ms Helena Grealish Mr Tim Hipkiss Mr Phil Weaver Ms Sue Gill Mr Brendon Riordan (SCIT) attended as an observer. Agenda Setting The validation panel met from 10.00am 11.00am for a brief discussion of the documentation, and to identify the key issues which composed the agenda for the meeting with the team. the validation comprised the validation of two new awards: BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management and BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up), and three new modules: CP2113 Academic and Professional Skills for International IT students CP3034 International Comparative Systems Methodologies CP3035 International IT Management Dissertation The key issues for the agenda included the international element of the top-up award, the currency of the curriculum, the booklists and the pathway guide, the rationale, the market, routes within the awards and whether the PST reflected the new teaching patterns in SCIT. The presenting team joined the validation panel at 11.00am. The chair welcomed the team and introduced the panel, before briefly outlining the proposed agenda. Clarification of the Documentation Dr Latham indicated there were a number of clarifications she wished to make to the documentation, prior to the discussion. Page 5 of the submission document for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management makes reference to accreditation requirements of the British Computing Society (BCS). The Team does not intend to apply for BCS accreditation for either award, but will apply to IMIS for accreditation of all Information System degree schemes. Action: Team to provide further clarification regarding PSRB accreditation within the Regarding the PST for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, modules MK1004, AC1009, CP1055, CP1079 are not core options, they are recommended electives. There are no core options. Action: Team to amend PST for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, to clarify modules MK1004, AC1009, CP1055, CP1079 as recommended electives, with no core options. Page 7 of 17

8 Regarding the PST for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, section 10.1 should have an additional sixth learning outcome under A. Subject knowledge and understanding of..the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities associated with working in the field o``f IT management. Action: Team to amend PST section Regarding the PST for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, section 11.2 Assessment level 3, paragraph four ( to allow students.aspects of Computing ) to be deleted. Action: Team to amend PST section Action: Pathway Guide to be updated. Action: Team to include an optional placement in both awards. Rationale & Requirements for each award Action: Following a restructure of SCIT, a new division of Information Systems (IS) was created. This division reviewed the existing IS awards offered Computing Information Systems for Business (an award including analysis, design and development of systems, offered at City) and Computing for Business (an award addressing the procurement of systems and software, offered at Telford). With reference to the rationale for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, it was agreed to create an award taking elements of both existing IS awards, and to focus on the management of IT and IS. This included more core modules as students would need to know about technical and business processes. The BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management (top-up) had a different rationale, based on a review of existing top-up awards and demands from the overseas market. It was noted that the Far East did not perceive Computer Studies as an attractive title. Market research in Malaysia and Singapore indicated that overseas employers sought awards with a management and international focus. There is a separate market for each award. The IS division had noted a falling number of students applying for existing award titles. Discussion with UWBS revealed that UWBS had suffered a comparative decline in student numbers, but that a repackaging of existing modules in a Business Management award had led to increased recruitment. The SCIT Commercial Advisory Committee had supported the proposal for IT Management, as being more attractive to employers. The Team acknowledged that initially students from existing SCIT awards may apply for the new award, particularly as it was not listed in UCAS, but hoped that in the future, they could reach a new market. Students applying for the Business / IT awards had received a flyer about the new award. As there were no new modules in the BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management award, there was no requirement for additional resources. BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management is available to overseas students only and precludes UK students, as the level 2 core module is for international students. Officer to confirm that it is within regulations for a UW-based award to preclude UK students. Students on BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management and Computing for Business could have a common first year. The Team has identified routes to keep the awards after year 1 more clearly differentiated. On BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management, students must select 30 credits from level 2 core option modules. The International Element Page 8 of 17

9 Dr Latham reported that she had discussed with the International Office whether it was appropriate to title the award BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management, and it was felt to be suitable. It was noted that there were precedents for this with other UW awards in International Hospitality and International Business Management. The Team reported that the following modules have an international element CP2113, CP3034, CP3035 (the new modules) and CP3349 ( Social, Legal and Professional Aspects ), CP3026 ( Strategic IT Management - reference to offshore and outsourcing), CP3317 ( Organisation and Control of Computer Operations reference to offshore), CP2097 ( Obtaining Software Solutions - reference to offshore, outsourcing and procurement) and CP3027 ( Managing Computer Systems Projects reference to managing remote/international projects). The External proposed that CP2096 should be a core module, but the team responded that as students entered the award with a HND or equivalent, the award would duplicate what they had already covered, whereas it was the intention of the award to broaden knowledge. The external queried whether the award included E-Government or E-Learning. The team acknowledged that these were not directly covered in any of the modules, although there was reference to E-Business in CP2084. International students have two tutors: Ms Sue Gill module leader for CP2113, is year tutor providing academic support and Jas Singh is the International Tutor, providing support for social issues. The New Modules Module CP2113: Academic and Professional Skills for International IT students The aim of this module is to bring students up to degree level in terms of study skills and to address cultural barriers for example plagiarism and report writing styles. Students on this award must not take CP2081 (for other SCIT top-up students), which has common lectures e.g. addressing academic regulations. However tutorials and small group work on CP2113 will also address cultural issues. This module is for international students and not solely for International IT Management students. This module provides preparation for the dissertation module skills. Ms Sue Gill provided a brief overview of the surgery class she runs in language skills for international students. This runs weekly on a Wednesday afternoon. It includes a one-hour ESOL session, followed by one-to-one advice e.g. checking written work. It is run as a drop-in service, and numbers vary, with around twenty different students attending throughout the course of a year. Module CP3034 International Comparative Systems Methodologies The external and panel had expressed a number of concerns regarding CP3034 being a core module. These concerns included the currency of the curriculum and booklists and whether there were sufficient strategic international differences in the methodologies. The Chair noted that the journal selection as interesting, but queried the currency of the booklist, and relevance to international students, asking whether the European models were relevant to students from the Far East, who may return to work in that area. Dr Latham reported that many of the overseas students sought employment in Europe, and the module should not focus on the Far East. Some overseas students are familiar with RAD, UML and structured methods. The team referred to the inclusion in the syllabus of SSADM and DSDM, and UML (unified modelling language). The team confirmed that the module looked outside the structured methods, and addressed agile systems development, extreme programming, using material from user groups and the outcomes of forum conferences. The key texts have not changed significantly over the years, but alternative, current research is available from academic papers. Ms Athwall confirmed that she had used eight papers dating from 2000 onwards, relating to structured methods, use of OO (object-oriented a US case-study), the emergence of extreme Page 9 of 17

10 programming and the use of RAD applications in the health service. These papers were from national and international conferences. The papers are updated annually, and therefore are not set in the MST, although reference could be included in the learning activity section of the MST. The external queried as to why IT managers would need to be conversant with development methodologies. The team responded that managers would need to know about the different routes to the delivery of software, and the skills required. This was not technology specific, but managers would need to understand the purposes of some models i.e. UML. The team reported that it was common for international students to have experience of software but not systems, therefore this module provides an overview of different systems methodologies. The entry qualifications for this award is a HND or equivalent in computing; students will have a computer background but the exact content will differ according to which HND was awarded. There is no entry with HND Business Studies. The external stated that she was broadly satisfied with the team s verbal response, but was concerned that this was not reflected in the module descriptor. However, the external felt that the module could be strengthened in terms of ERP systems, SAP and procurement. The team reported that module CP2098 ( Enterprise Resource Planning ) demonstrated internationalism; this is a level 2 core option, building on what the student has covered before. The Team responded that this module will look at the structure of methodologies e.g. USA / UK and Europe, and what is available. The module looks at RAD rapid application development in the wider context. Module CP3035 International IT Management Dissertation (15 credits) Students must produce a dissertation, rather than a project e.g. they could not produce software. The dissertation could address E-Government or E-Learning, but the focus would have to be on international IT management. Programme Routes Action: The panel asked if all core modules were accessible with a February start. The team acknowledged there were difficulties, but a mapping exercise has been completed and it is possible to access all core modules from a February start. The team felt that students on International IT Management rather than IT Management were more likely to seek a February start, therefore the core options were CP3026 and CP3027. There are different routes for a September or February start. Sue Gill will be the year tutor for overseas students on International IT Management.. The Pathway Guide will include advice for February starters, including mapping. Module CP3034 should have a prohibited module of CP3354 (latter will not be run with effect from September 2005). Module CP3035 needs to be recorded also as a summer run (SV) customised module. Module CP2098 is currently only used on the Computing for Business award at Telford (the software issues are addressed in a level 1 module). It will be subject to a minor modification in which will not change the learning outcomes, but will change the use of the software, with effect from September The reference to elements in module CP2113 requiring a F3 to pass, is correct. Applicants to the BSc (Hons) International IT Management top-up will be accepted with APA to cover all of level 1 and 75 credits at level 2. Some students may be accepted with (suitable) APA to cover all of level 2.. Team to meet with Ms A Barclay to discuss module pre-requisites and required update to the pathway guide. The Optional Placement The optional placement needs to be included in the documentation, in order that it is recorded on SITS; it is not anticipated that many students on the top-up award will seek to do the optional placement. Page 10 of 17

11 Action: The optional placement may be in a company overseas, although there is an international student market for an award with a UK placement. In , international students have had a placement in the UK. Placements will be managed through the placements unit as all other placement activities. Team to give thought to likely placements, outcomes and descriptor. Team to ensure that it is made explicit to students that they are not guaranteed a placement. Patterns of Delivery The team reported that the three new modules follow new teaching patterns, as validated by minor mods. PSRB Action: Resources Action: The panel queried the level of input from external bodies. The team responded that the majority of modules were not new, and all modules had made reference to the QAA Computing benchmark and BCS regulations. The team confirmed that it would not apply to BCS for accreditation of the new awards, however it would seek accreditation by IMIS (previously the Institute of Data Processing). Team to expand on reference to level of input from external bodies within the The panel asked for an illustration of how current staff skills in interests in terms of research and development are aligned to these awards. The team reported that a large number of staff within the IS division were actively undertaking research in IS, and a number were working with industry or external funding bodies. A number of staff have completed, or are completing PhDs. The team reported that planning activities are undertaken annually in May, at which time staff were asked what they would like to teach, what staff development was required, and which modules required cover. There is general staff development for international issues across SCIT. The panel noted that the staff were appropriately qualified to supervise projects. Ms A Athwall to liaise with the learning centre regarding the updating of the reading list for module CP3034. Team to liaise with learning centre regarding booklists across the awards, as in a number of cases the learning centre has in stock a newer edition of the text. Panel Conclusions. The team left the meeting at 12.45pm and the panel shared their views of the outcomes of the meeting. Rationale & Differences The panel felt the rationale to be satisfactory, and to fit into the SCIT portfolio. The panel felt that the team was clear about the market for the BSc (Hons) International IT Management, but was not so sure it had a clear view of the market for the undergraduate award. Action: Officer to confirm that it is within regulations for a UW-based award to preclude UK students International Element The panel agreed that a more coherent international rationale should be reflected in the modules. The panel was not certain that module CP3034 should be a core module, however it was reassured that module CP3349 ( Social, Legal and Professional Aspects ) was also core, and was impressed by the additional notes appended to the MST for this module in the submission Action: Team to ensure clarification of the international elements that define the course in marketing material. Routes through the programme Page 11 of 17

12 Action: The panel acknowledged that the routes through the programme had been clarified. Team to meet with Ms A Barclay to discuss module pre-requisites, routes, implications of February start and required update to the pathway guide. Teaching Patterns The panel was satisfied that teaching patterns had been addressed, but the team must ensure that any changes do not lead to logistical inconsistencies. PSRBs Action: The panel was satisfied with the team s answer and require that the relevant section in the documentation is in line with the team s response. Team to expand on reference to level of input from external bodies / PSRBs, within the documentation, in line with the response received from the team at the meeting. Impact of research on the awards The development of the award curriculum is process driven and ongoing. Tutoring Conclusion The panel felt the team s response to this was impressive, and that this issue was fully addressed. The panel agreed that subject to receipt of the documentation and amendments requested below, the proposal was approved. The broad requirements are the resubmission of a submission document which provides: A more coherent rationale regarding the internationalism in the IITM modules / award Confirmation of the detailed programme, checked with Ms A Barclay to ensure consistency More active presentation to parts of the document as articulated in discussions e.g. PSRB section Module CP3034 to be rewritten to incorporate those elements articulated in discussions Correction of all typographical errors in the documentation Update the document to indicate the optional placements, and how they will be managed. One copy of the documentation to be received by the Chair of the validation by 13 th June, in order that he can report the closing-out of the validation to the June meeting of the SCIT SQC. Page 12 of 17

13 Appendix 2 External Adviser Report Proforma for external comments for the Validation BSc(Hons) Information Technology Management and BSc(Hons) International Information Technology Management for the School of Computing and Information Technology 1) Relationship between the programme title and curriculum content It was clear that the rationale for the BSc(Hons) Information Technology Management was to differentiate it from the other offerings within the school which incorporated Information Systems. The focus was to be on the management of IT. The modules within the programme reflected this focus. With regard to the BSc(Hons) International Information Technology Management it was initially less clear whether the term international referred to the nature of the students or the nature of the programme content. The team explained that it referred to the content, although it was also aimed at recruiting only overseas students to a top-up degree. There was a lengthy discussion about the international component of the programme. A number of modules had international dimensions although this was always articulated sufficiently clearly in the module descriptions. Additionally three new modules had been written; they were all adaptations of existing modules with the addition of an international dimension. The panel were convinced after discussion that there was a significant international element to the programme and the title was thus suitable. 2) Appropriateness of programme aims and outcomes There appears to be a strong market in the Far East for the BSc(Hons) International Information Technology Management. The course aims and curriculum are in line and are suitable for the intended development of graduates for the market in question. It was less clear that there was a market in terms of demand for the BSc(Hons) Information Technology Management from this country. The graduates produced will have the required skills for the workforce and the course may recruit. As all the modules run on other pathways there is no additional resource requirement and therefore it is reasonable to test the market. Some minor amendments to the PST were suggested. 3) Programme design, content and organisation A number of suggestions were made in relation to updating and internationalising the module content. These are discussed in the notes of the meeting. There was lengthy discussion about whether there was the need for a systems methodology module in a programme of this nature and the panel were convinced by the team s argument. Additional material was provided on the nature of one of the core modules which reinforced the international dimension of the programme. The validation document did not clearly articulate the course rationale and the reason for the selection of the modules within it. The team were able to convey a coherent rationale for their selection and were required to provide this in written form. Other issues discussed were the integration of an optional placement period and the involvement of PSRBs. 4) Appropriateness of assessment As most of the modules within the programme have been running on other programmes for some years the assessment processes have been developed and refined. The assessments are varied and are designed to match the learning outcomes. 5) Learning and teaching methods The main aspect of the discussion related to the issue of the study skills and English language skills of the overseas students particularly given the short period that they will be studying in England. The Page 13 of 17

14 team explained the nature of the support available and described the way in which current overseas students on other programmes were supported and this aspect of the provision had been fully thought through. 6) Learning Resources / Specialist Resources The key texts and other library resources did not appear to have been updated for several years. The module teams presented their current teaching approach and referred to a number of more recent sources and journal articles which were actually being used. Subject to updating of reading lists this was considered appropriate. 7) Comments relating to the Modules Concern was raised about the currency and suitability of some of the modules and in a number of cases there was agreement to update. 8) Staff CVs No issues raised. The current staff base is well suited to delivering the content and has been doing so for some time. 9) Any other comments The documentation for the programmes was not well presented and at the outset of the validation event a number of errors were brought to the panel s attention. The team had clearly been operating under pressure and key members had been absent at crucial periods. The presentation by the team reassured the panel that the programme was coherent and well structured and there was a market for both programmes. 10) Recommendations Approve both programmes subject to the actions recommended in the notes of the meeting. Signed: Jenny Gilbert (External Adviser). Date: 20 th May 2005 Page 14 of 17

15 Appendix 3 Actions Checklist: Action Responsibility Deadline Closed-out The resubmission of a submission Team Received. document by 13 th June, which provides: More active presentation to parts of the document as articulated in discussions A more coherent rationale regarding the modules Team to include an optional placement in both awards. Team to give thought to likely placements, outcomes and descriptor. Team to ensure that it is made explicit to students that they are not guaranteed a placement. Update the document to indicate the optional placements. Confirmation of the detailed programme, checked with Ms A Barclay to ensure consistency in module pre-requisites, routes, implications of February start and required update to the pathway guide Team to expand on reference to level of input from external bodies / PSRBs, within the documentation, in line with the response received from the team at the meeting Module CP3034 to be rewritten to incorporate those elements articulated in discussions Team to amend PST for BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management, to clarify modules MK1004, AC1009, CP1055, CP1079 as recommended electives, with no core options. Team Closed-out in Team Closed-out in Team Closed out. Team Ms A Barclay Confirmed with Ms A Barclay Closedout. Team Closed-out in Team Closed-out in Team Closed-out in Team to amend PST section Team Closed-out in Team to amend PST section Team Closed-out in Pathway Guide to be updated Team Closed-out in Correction of all typographical errors in the documentation (Mr P Wilson provided annotated copy for reference). Ms A Athwall to liase with the learning centre regarding the updating of the reading list for module CP3034 Team to liase with learning centre regarding booklists across the awards, as in a number of cases the learning centre has in stock a newer edition of the text. Team Closed-out in Ms A Athwall Ms Jo Smith Academic Resource Librarian SCIT confirmed this had been closed out Team As above closed-out Team to ensure clarification of the Team Closed-out Page 15 of 17

16 international elements that define the course, in marketing material. Team to confirm reference & MST for CP3027; Team made reference this module a number of times, but no MST was included. Officer to confirm that it is within regulations for a UW-based award to preclude UK students. Team Closed-out. Officer QASD advice to make module a core option. Closed-out Page 16 of 17

17 UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON Unconfirmed UNIVERSITY QUALITY COMMITTEE Minutes of the for the meeting of the University Quality Committee Academic Approval Record Sub Group held on Thursday 8 th June 2006 at 9.30 a.m. Executive Suite, Wolverhampton Campus Attendance: Professor Geoff Hurd, PVC Academic Development and Quality Mr Harvey Woolf, Head of Academic Standards Mrs Cathy Shaw, Acting Head, QASD Ms Margaret Walsh, SLS Dr Andy Bridges, SAS Mrs Sue Bell, Officer, QASD To receive for discussion the following AAR which were devolved to SQC: 65.8 Received Noted BSc (Hons) International Information Technology Management top up and BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management delegated to the School of Computing and Information Technology School Quality Committee 2004 / AAR Ref The Sub Group believed that an opportunity had been missed for a more radical rationalisation than the review which had been undertaken. The Sub Group noted however that a major review would be taking place shortly and that the school would be encouraged to do a thorough rationalisation of modules at that time. The Sub Group noted with concern the use of externals who have been members of staff and particularly in an area where there are many people to choose from. The Sub Group recommended that the school ensures externals are independent. The Sub Group also noted the suggestion that externals could be complemented by someone from industry taking part in the process. The Sub Group noted that a new set of guidelines for SQCs in the appointment of external advisers was currently being produced by QASD. Agreed Approved Page 17 of 17