Report of Programme Validation Panel

Transcription

1 Report of Programme Validation Panel Panel Visit: 13 th June 2013 Named Award: Not applicable Programme Title(s): Certificate in Food Supply Chain Management Exit Award(s): Not applicable Award Type: Not applicable Award Class: Special Purpose Award NFQ Level: 8 ECTS / ACCS Credits: 30 First Intake: September 2013 (30 students) Panel Members Professor Patrick Wall Chair University College Dublin (UCD) Dr. Tony Woodcock Academic Course Director in Agricultural Science, Waterford Institute of Technology Dr. Patrick Murphy Industry Teagasc Ms. Tara Westby Graduate Sligo Institute of Technology (Sligo IT) Ms. Ann Campbell Secretary to Panel Registrar, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Programme Development Team Dr. Edel Healy Dr Breda Brennan Dr Niamh Dreeling Dr Caroline Gilleran Dr Siobhan Jordan Mr Eamon Mullen Mr Joe McKeever Mr Tony Lennon Mr Richard Crowley Report of Validation Panel Page 1/9

2 1 Introduction The following report to Academic Council is a validation panel report from an expert panel of assessors on a proposal from the School of Health and Science at Dundalk Institute of Technology to design the following programmes: Certificate in Food Supply Chain Management The evaluators would like to thank the members of the development team for engaging generously and openly with the review process. The report is divided into the following sections: Background to Proposed Programme General Findings of the Validation Panel Programme-Level Findings Module-Level Findings 2 Background to Proposed Programme See programme submission for more detailed information. 3 General Findings of the Validation Panel The panel would like to commend the programme development team for the quality and comprehensiveness of the documentation submitted. The engagement and commitment of the team was evident on the day of the validation panel and a high level of team work was evident. This is an exciting programme. Having considered the documentation provided and discussed it with the programme development team, the validation panel recommends the following: Certificate in Food Supply Chain Management Accredited for the next five academic years or until the next programmatic review, whichever occurs sooner Accredited subject to conditions and/or recommendations Re-designed and re-submitted to the same validation panel after additional developmental work Not Accredited X X Approval is conditional on the submission of a revised programme document that takes account of the conditions and recommendations outlined below and a response document describing the actions of the Department to address the conditions and recommendations made by the programme validation panel. In this report, the term Condition is used to indicate an action or amendment which in the view of the validation panel must be undertaken prior to the commencement of the programme. Conditions are mandatory if the programme is to be approved. The term Recommendation indicates an item to which the Programme Board should give serious consideration for implementation at an early stage and which should be the subject of on-going monitoring. Report of Validation Panel Page 2/9

3 4 Programme-Level Findings This section of the report addresses the following programme level considerations: Demand Award Institute strategy alignment Entry requirements Access, transfer and progression Standards and Outcomes Programme structure Teaching and Learning Strategies Assessment Strategy Resource requirements Quality Assurance. 4.1 Demand Is there a convincing need for the programme and has evidence been provided to support it?, however intake has been lower than anticipated. Consider innovative strategies to improve intake. Identify different potential markets for this programme and develop corresponding recruitment strategies. 4.2 Award Is the level and type of the award appropriate? Report of Validation Panel Page 3/9

4 4.3 Institute Strategy Alignment Is the proposed programme aligned to the Institute s strategy and are the strategic themes of entrepreneurship, sustainability and internationalisation embedded in the proposed programme as appropriate? 4.4 Entry Requirements Are the entry requirements for the proposed programme clear and appropriate? 4.5 Access, Transfer and Progression Does the proposed programme incorporate the procedures for access, transfer and progression that have been established by the NQAI and does it accommodate a variety of access and entry requirements? Report of Validation Panel Page 4/9

5 4.6 Standards and Outcomes Does the proposed programme meet the required award standards for programmes at the proposed NFQ level (i.e. conform to QQI Award Standards)? For parent award? For exit award? The awards standards requirements for programmes on the NFQ Framework can be found at Programme Structure Is the programme structure logical and well designed and can the stated proposed programme outcomes in terms of employment skills and career opportunities be met by this programme? 4.8 Teaching and Learning Strategies Have appropriate teaching and learning strategies been provided for the proposed programme? Report of Validation Panel Page 5/9

6 4.9 Assessment Strategies Have appropriate programme assessment strategies been provided for the proposed programme (as outlined in the QQI/HETAC Assessment and Guidelines, 2009)? Assessment strategies are required in line with HETAC s Assessment and Standards and should form a substantial part of the documentation to be considered by the programme validation panel. See (HETAC (2009) Assessment and Standards, Section 4.6.1, page 33). Accordingly the assessment strategy should address the following (See (HETAC (2009) Assessment and Standards, Section 2.2.5, page 13) : Description and Rationale for the choice of assessment tasks, criteria and procedures. This should address fairness and consistency, specifically their validity, reliability and authenticity; Describe any special regulations; Regulate, build upon and integrate the module assessment strategies; Provide contingent strategy for cases where learners claim exemption from modules, including recognition of prior learning; Ensure the programme s continuous assessment workload is appropriately balanced; Relate to the teaching and learning strategy; Demonstrate how grading criteria will be developed to relate to the Institutional grading system. The Institute resource entitled Assessment and Learning: A Policy for Dundalk Institute of Technology (Nov 2010) ( should also be consulted Resource Requirements Does the Institute possess the resources and facilities necessary to deliver the proposed programme? Report of Validation Panel Page 6/9

7 4.11 Quality Assurance Does the proposed programme demonstrate how the Institute s quality assurance procedures have been applied and that satisfactory procedures exist for the on-going monitoring and periodic review of programmes? The Institute s Quality Assurance Procedures are published in the Academic Quality Assurance Manual available at: and include approved procedures for the on-going monitoring and periodic review of Programmes Programme Management Are the programme management structures adequate? The introduction of programme directors (including first-year convenors) has had a significant impact on the efficiency of and communication within the programme management structure. This should be retained into the future. Recommendation: 5 Module-Level Findings Report of Validation Panel Page 7/9

8 5.1 Assessment Strategies Have appropriate module assessment strategies been included in the proposed programme? 5.2 Other Findings In the light of the Governments Harvest 2020 report, which highlights agriculture as a indigenous industry that could make a significant contribution to the economic recovery, investment in the education of young people to work in the sector is crucial. The unique relationship between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Teagasc Ballyhaise is unique and is a point of differentiation between Agriculture courses here and elsewhere and is being undersold. The suggestion that the staff restrictions that are limiting expansion might be addressed through joint appointments needs to be explored. As is the idea that some of the major agri-food industries in the North East such as Lakelands, Glanbia Virginia, Town of Monaghan, Abbotts Cootehill etc. might be approached to fund posts or to act as advocates to get the recruitment restrictions relaxed. The idea of expanding the agriculture courses to take in students from the emerging markets in Asia for Irish produce is worthy of exploration as these graduates could end up as: 1) ambassadors for Ireland and Irish products when they return home, 2) working for Irish companies to help them develop business in their home countries or 3) working in the regulatory authorities of their home countries where they could facilitate trade with Ireland. The educational experience on the campus could be enhanced if students had the opportunity to take modules from other courses (timetabling permitting). Report of Validation Panel Page 8/9

9 Validation Panel Report Approved By: Signed: Professor Patrick Wall, Chairperson. Date: 13 th June Report of Validation Panel Page 9/9

10 Response to the Report of the Programme Validation Panel Panel Visit: 13 th June 2013 Named Award: Not applicable Programme Title(s): Certificate in Food Supply Chain Management Exit Award(s): Not applicable Award Type: Not applicable Award Class: Special Purpose Award NFQ Level: 8 ECTS / ACCS Credits: 30 First Intake: September 2013 (30 students) Panel Members Professor Patrick Wall Chair University College Dublin (UCD) Dr. Tony Woodcock Academic Course Director in Agricultural Science, Waterford Institute of Technology Dr. Patrick Murphy Industry Teagasc Ms. Tara Westby Graduate Sligo Institute of Technology (Sligo IT) Ms. Ann Campbell Secretary to Panel Programme Development Team Registrar, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Dr. Edel Healy Dr Breda Brennan Dr Niamh Dreeling Dr Caroline Gilleran Dr Siobhan Jordan Mr Eamon Mullen Mr Joe McKeever Mr Tony Lennon Mr Richard Crowley School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 1/9

11 1 Introduction The following report to Academic Council is a validation panel report from an expert panel of assessors on a proposal from the School of Health and Science at Dundalk Institute of Technology to design the following programmes: Certificate in Food Supply Chain Management The evaluators would like to thank the members of the development team for engaging generously and openly with the review process. The report is divided into the following sections: Background to Proposed Programme General Findings of the Validation Panel Programme-Level Findings Module-Level Findings 2 Background to Proposed Programme See programme submission for more detailed information. 3 General Findings of the Validation Panel The panel would like to commend the programme development team for the quality and comprehensiveness of the documentation submitted. The engagement and commitment of the team was evident on the day of the validation panel and a high level of team work was evident. This is an exciting programme. Having considered the documentation provided and discussed it with the programme development team, the validation panel recommends the following: Certificate in Food Supply Chain Management Accredited for the next five academic years or until the next programmatic review, whichever occurs sooner Accredited subject to conditions and/or recommendations Re-designed and re-submitted to the same validation panel after additional developmental work Not Accredited X X Approval is conditional on the submission of a revised programme document that takes account of the conditions and recommendations outlined below and a response document describing the actions of the Department to address the conditions and recommendations made by the programme validation panel. In this report, the term Condition is used to indicate an action or amendment which in the view of the validation panel must be undertaken prior to the commencement of the programme. Conditions are mandatory if the programme is to be approved. The term Recommendation indicates an item to which the Programme Board should give serious consideration for implementation at an early stage and which should be the subject of on-going monitoring. School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 2/9

12 4 Programme-Level Findings This section of the report addresses the following programme level considerations: Demand Award Institute strategy alignment Entry requirements Access, transfer and progression Standards and Outcomes Programme structure Teaching and Learning Strategies Assessment Strategy Resource requirements Quality Assurance. 4.1 Demand Is there a convincing need for the programme and has evidence been provided to support it?, however intake has been lower than anticipated. Consider innovative strategies to improve intake. Identify different potential markets for this programme and develop corresponding recruitment strategies. School Response: The School has assigned resources for marketing of this Programme in the current academic year. A particular focus has been on establishing contact with relevant Industries in the Region and the increased use of social media. The intake to the Springboard Programme was good for the current academic year 2013/ Award Is the level and type of the award appropriate? School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 3/9

13 4.3 Institute Strategy Alignment Is the proposed programme aligned to the Institute s strategy and are the strategic themes of entrepreneurship, sustainability and internationalisation embedded in the proposed programme as appropriate? 4.4 Entry Requirements Are the entry requirements for the proposed programme clear and appropriate? 4.5 Access, Transfer and Progression Does the proposed programme incorporate the procedures for access, transfer and progression that have been established by the NQAI and does it accommodate a variety of access and entry requirements? School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 4/9

14 4.6 Standards and Outcomes Does the proposed programme meet the required award standards for programmes at the proposed NFQ level (i.e. conform to QQI Award Standards)? The awards standards requirements for programmes on the NFQ Framework can be found at Programme Structure Is the programme structure logical and well designed and can the stated proposed programme outcomes in terms of employment skills and career opportunities be met by this programme? 4.8 Teaching and Learning Strategies Have appropriate teaching and learning strategies been provided for the proposed programme? School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 5/9

15 4.9 Assessment Strategies Have appropriate programme assessment strategies been provided for the proposed programme (as outlined in the QQI/HETAC Assessment and Guidelines, 2009)? Assessment strategies are required in line with HETAC s Assessment and Standards and should form a substantial part of the documentation to be considered by the programme validation panel. See (HETAC (2009) Assessment and Standards, Section 4.6.1, page 33). Accordingly the assessment strategy should address the following (See (HETAC (2009) Assessment and Standards, Section 2.2.5, page 13) : Description and Rationale for the choice of assessment tasks, criteria and procedures. This should address fairness and consistency, specifically their validity, reliability and authenticity; Describe any special regulations; Regulate, build upon and integrate the module assessment strategies; Provide contingent strategy for cases where learners claim exemption from modules, including recognition of prior learning; Ensure the programme s continuous assessment workload is appropriately balanced; Relate to the teaching and learning strategy; Demonstrate how grading criteria will be developed to relate to the Institutional grading system. The Institute resource entitled Assessment and Learning: A Policy for Dundalk Institute of Technology (Nov 2010) ( should also be consulted Resource Requirements Does the Institute possess the resources and facilities necessary to deliver the proposed programme? School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 6/9

16 4.11 Quality Assurance Does the proposed programme demonstrate how the Institute s quality assurance procedures have been applied and that satisfactory procedures exist for the on-going monitoring and periodic review of programmes? The Institute s Quality Assurance Procedures are published in the Academic Quality Assurance Manual available at: and include approved procedures for the on-going monitoring and periodic review of Programmes Programme Management Are the programme management structures adequate? The introduction of programme directors (including first-year convenors) has had a significant impact on the efficiency of and communication within the programme management structure. This should be retained into the future. Recommendation: 5 Module-Level Findings School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 7/9

17 5.1 Assessment Strategies Have appropriate module assessment strategies been included in the proposed programme? 5.2 Other Findings In the light of the Governments Harvest 2020 report, which highlights agriculture as a indigenous industry that could make a significant contribution to the economic recovery, investment in the education of young people to work in the sector is crucial. The unique relationship between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Teagasc Ballyhaise is unique and is a point of differentiation between Agriculture courses here and elsewhere and is being undersold. The suggestion that the staff restrictions that are limiting expansion might be addressed through joint appointments needs to be explored. As is the idea that some of the major agri-food industries in the North East such as Lakelands, Glanbia Virginia, Town of Monaghan, Abbotts Cootehill etc. might be approached to fund posts or to act as advocates to get the recruitment restrictions relaxed. The idea of expanding the agriculture courses to take in students from the emerging markets in Asia for Irish produce is worthy of exploration as these graduates could end up as: 1) ambassadors for Ireland and Irish products when they return home, 2) working for Irish companies to help them develop business in their home countries or 3) working in the regulatory authorities of their home countries where they could facilitate trade with Ireland. The educational experience on the campus could be enhanced if students had the opportunity to take modules from other courses (timetabling permitting). School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 8/9

18 School Response: There are some international students now registered on the full time undergraduate Agriculture Programmes. Their progress shall be reviewed over the course of the current academic year to ascertain the suitability of the programme for the International Market. The School shall discuss the demand for these Programmes with the DkIT International Office. The School is currently actively promoting part time programmes in the Agri-Food area with Industry. Through this activity and also the School Industry Advisory Forum it is hoped to develop closer links with relevant Industry Partners which may lead to the exploration of the Initiatives recommended above. Signed on behalf of the School Dr. Edel Healy, Head of School of Health and Science. Date: 25 st November 2013 I confirm that the conditions and recommendations contained in the validation panel report have now been met and recommend this programme to the Academic Council at Dundalk Institute of Technology for ratification. Signed on behalf of the Validation Panel Professor Patrick Wall, Chair. Date: 16 th December School Response to Validation Panel Report Page 9/9