BSc (Hons) Technology Management and Computing BSc Technology Management and Computing Programme Specification Primary Purpose Course management, monitoring and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.
Contents Programme Specification 1. Named Awards... 1 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable)... 1 3. Awarding Body... 1 4. Teaching Institution... 1 5. Accrediting Body... 1 6. QAA Benchmark Groups... 1 7. Document Control Information... 1 8. Effective Session... 1 9. Author... 1 10. Faculty... 1 11. Department... 1 12. Educational Aims... 2 13. Reference Points... 2 14. Learning Outcomes... 3 14.1 BSc (Honours) Technology Management and Computing... 3 14.2 BSc Technology Management and Computing... 4 15 Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements... 6 16 Employability Statement... 6 17 Support for Student Learning... 6 18 Admissions Criteria... 7 i. Academic Admissions Criteria... 7 ii. Disability... 7 19 Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching... 7 i. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation... 7 ii. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation... 7 iii. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback... 8 iv. Staff Development Priorities... 8 20 Strategy... 8 21 Regulations... 8 22 Role of Externals... 8 23 Indicators of Standards and Quality... 9 i. Professional Accreditation/Recognition... 9 ii. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)... 9 iii. Quality Assurance Agency... 9 iv. Others... 9 24 Other Sources of Information... 9
Programme Specification 1. Named Awards BSc (Hons) Technology Management and Computing BSc Technology Management and Computing 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) R0231F and R0231P, R0350P 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution Informatics Global Campus, Singapore 5. Accrediting Body None 6. QAA Benchmark Groups Computing and Engineering 7. Document Control Information Version 3.8, Mar 2011 Version 3.9 Jan 2013 Version 3.10 May 2013 Version 3.11 May 2014 8. Effective Session 2014/15 9. Author Dr K Dingley 10. Faculty Faculty of Technology 11. Department School of Computing Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 1
12. Educational Aims The Informatics Programme: Both courses aim to provide the necessary analytical and computing skills for the development and management of Technology and Computer Systems in respect of the development of abilities in, for example, system design and analysis as well as the concomitant problemsolving skills required to work at the leading edge of the appropriate technologies. The ordinary programme offers students with many calls on their time, or who may not have been studying for some years, the opportunity to study for a degree without the full demands of an honours programme. Additionally, the honours programme requires the completion of a substantial self-managed project which will develop skills, both professional and managerial, within the spectrum of the modern computer and technology industry. The honours programme aims to: Provide a challenging, stimulating and self-rewarding study environment. Develop a range of graduate skill by means of opportunities provided in the study units. Accommodate student needs in relation to maximising their career potential by enabling them to develop knowledge, critical understanding and skills in their chosen subject areas. 13. Reference Points University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document The scholarship and research expertise of academic members of staff QAA Quality code for Higher Education Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) National Qualifications Framework Subject Benchmark Statements (SBS) Requirements of Professional and/or Statutory Regulatory Bodies Occupational Standards In particular the programme has been designed with the following subject benchmark elements in mind: Computing (C) Understanding of computer network components particularly as applied to distributed systems based on the client-server model. Peripheral devices. Object orientation, database applications and web site construction. Software protection systems. Mobile computing. System analysis and requirements engineering, evaluation of software and systems, ecommerce systems, security practices and legal and ethical issues. Control of and the Implementation of Information Systems, use of UML. Engineering (E) Analysis of systems, processes and components within conservation and recovery requiring engineering solutions. Commercial risk evaluation. Use computer based engineering tools to gather data. Manage a design, build and modification plan related to an engineering system. Find and present information related to a design solution. Awareness of the ethical responsibilities related to professional engineering. Apply engineering techniques taking into account commercial and industrial constraints. Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 2
14. Learning Outcomes 14.1 BSc (Honours) Technology Management and Computing A. Knowledge and Understanding of: A1. The principles of quality management, resource conservation and recovery strategies within manufacturing systems. (E) A2. The theory and practice of system analysis, design and implementation. (C) A3. Project management principles and practices as applied to engineering artefacts. (C, E) A4. The need for profit along with ethical and commercial requirements in manufacturing. (E) A5. Information design methodologies, design notations and management of information systems.(c) A6. The analysis, design and control of production systems. (E) Core knowledge is acquired mainly through online materials and synchronous chat sessions and private study. Individual learning is supported by directed reading, use of the asynchronous discussion boards, self-assessment questions, worked examples and case study based exercises. Testing of the core knowledge is largely through unseen examinations. Assignment work and tests generally assess application of principles and skills. Project work is assessed by submission of reports. B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: B1. Formulate a professional code of conduct in relation to society s increasing dependence on technology. (C,E) B2. Analyse and propose solutions to sustainability problems in industry. (E) B3. Analyse and critique the nature of environmental problems and the constraints imposed by changing professional codes, taxes, levies and legislation. (C, E) B4. Analyse and evaluate the use of computer systems in terms of their use within technological environments and formulate information system design strategies. (C) B5. Plan, manage, undertake and report on a significant project. (C, E) Analytical skills are introduced in online material and chat sessions and developed through the use of worked exercises and case study material facilitated by the discussion boards. The ability to adopt professional codes of conduct is mainly taught through appropriately constructed case study work supported by asynchronous chat sessions. The ability to increase student s personal knowledge base is developed through undertaking of a project activity supported by regular discussion board activities and online group working. Use is made of examinations for assessing intellectual and analytical skills, together with submission of reports for project-based skills. C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: C1. Select or create appropriate, effective and productive methods and tools for the successful construction, and timely delivery of valid computer-based information systems. (C) C2. Use industry standard software and hardware for specific purposes including evaluation. (C, E) C3. Apply quality models to the sustainability assessment of manufacturing processes. (E) C4. Interpret codes of practice and legislation relevant to environmental performances of manufacturing processes. (E) Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 3
C5. Assemble schedules and flow charts for materials use and discard. (E) C6. Plan and manage use of IT tools in process design and sustainability assessment. (C, E) Skills are developed through practical exercises with online feedback related to asynchronous chat rooms. Practical skills are generally assessed by submission of course work. D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: D1. Work effectively to achieve goals. D2. Communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through graphical representations. D3. Research, acquire and increase one s personal knowledge base. (C, E) D4. Present ideas in a professional manner using appropriate techniques. (C, E) D5. Improve one s own learning by reflective evaluation. The emphasis is generally on individual learning though group learning will be encouraged via synchronous and asynchronous chat rooms. Written reports, data appreciation, and familiarity with IT, are fundamental to the nature of the course. Use of problem solving and progress reviews. The ability to work effectively is assessed through individual coursework activities. IT skills are assessed as part of all the units. 14.2 BSc Technology Management and Computing A Knowledge and Understanding of: A1. The principles of quality management, resource conservation and recovery strategies within manufacturing systems. (E) A2. The theory and practice of system analysis, design and implementation. (C) A3 Project management principles and practices as applied to engineering artefacts. (C, E) A4 The need for profit along with ethical and commercial requirements in manufacturing. (E) A5 Information design methodologies, design notations and management of information systems. (C) A6 The analysis, design and control of production systems. (E) Core knowledge is acquired mainly through online materials and synchronous chat sessions and private study. Individual learning is supported by directed reading, use of the asynchronous discussion boards, self-assessment questions, worked examples and case study based exercises. Testing of the core knowledge is largely through unseen examinations. Assignment work and tests generally assess application of principles and skills. B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: B1. Formulate a professional code of conduct in relation to society s increasing dependence on technology. (C,E) B2. Analyse and propose solutions to sustainability problems in industry. (E) Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 4
B3. Analyse and critique the nature of environmental problems and the constraints imposed by changing professional codes, taxes, levies and legislation. (C, E) B4. Analyse and evaluate the use of computer systems in terms of their use within technological environments and formulate information system design strategies. (C) Analytical skills are introduced in online material and chat sessions and developed through the use of worked exercises and case study material facilitated by the discussion boards. The ability to adopt professional codes of conduct is mainly taught through appropriately constructed case study work supported by asynchronous chat sessions. The ability to increase student s personal knowledge base is developed through undertaking coursework activity supported by regular discussion board activities and online group working. Use is made of examinations for assessing intellectual and analytical skills, together with submission of reports for project-based skills. C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: C1. Select or create appropriate, effective and productive methods and tools for the successful construction, and timely delivery of valid computer-based information systems. (C) C2. Use industry standard software and hardware for specific purposes including evaluation. (C, E) C3. Apply quality models to the sustainability assessment of manufacturing processes. (E) C4. Interpret codes of practice and legislation relevant to environmental performances of manufacturing processes. (E) C5. Assemble schedules and flow charts for materials use and discard. (E) C6. Plan and manage use of IT tools in process design and sustainability assessment. (C, E) Skills are developed through practical exercises with online feedback related to asynchronous chat rooms. Practical skills are generally assessed by submission of course work. D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: D1. Work effectively to achieve goals. D2. Communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through graphical representations. D3. Research, acquire and increase one s personal knowledge base. (C, E) D4. Present ideas in a professional manner using appropriate techniques. (C, E) The emphasis is generally on individual learning though group learning will be encouraged via synchronous and asynchronous chat rooms. Written reports, data appreciation, and familiarity with IT, are fundamental to the nature of the course. Use of problem solving and progress reviews. The ability to work effectively is assessed through individual coursework activities. IT skills are assessed as part of all the units. Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 5
15 Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements These level 6 top-up BSc and BSc (Hons) courses have been developed to meet the professional and academic needs of graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Computing and equivalent Informatics courses. Thus the Honours programme is typically an 18 month programme of a total of 120 credits, and the ordinary degree is typically a 9 month programme of 60 credits. The programme consists of 10, 20 and 30 credit point units, where 10 credits represent 100 hours of study time and usually includes 5 hours of synchronous online instruction with a facilitator. Scheduled start dates for both courses will be January/February, May/June, September/ October The learning environment is via a sophisticated web-based product. Access to the course environment is through a web browser which is easily accessible via modem or network. This environment provides an integrated communication mechanism among students and facilitators regardless of their geographical location including chat-rooms, bulletin boards and private e-mail. Because units are available across the web, students may choose to sequence the units in several different ways. However, there are clearly advantages in doing some units together; however, students will always be given advice as to the most educationally desirable sequence of units. The final project on the Honours programme is a vehicle for students to solve a practical problem by developing a computer-based artefact or to do a research investigation. The engineering project reports on the design and development of this artefact and the study project reports on primary research and literature reviewed. Students on this programme are generally already in Employment and may choose to do research or develop artefacts that are relevant to their employment. 16 Employability Statement It is expected that when students graduate from these courses they will find employment in organisations where technology plays a major part and where elements such as quality assurance, sustainability and computing are major elements which require careful management. Within this environment Honours graduates from this programme are expected to become capable practitioners and be able to display creativity in managing technical systems that are related to the operation of commercial and other organisations. They will be expected to show the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility; to be capable of decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and to have the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature. Holders of an Ordinary degree from this programme are expected to progress to careers at senior technician/junior professional level. Within this environment graduates should be able to display understanding in analysing and dealing with production systems, showing qualities and transferable skills relevant to employment in the IT sector requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and team leadership. Careers education material is reachable over the web from the University Careers service; an E- guidance service offers individual consultations. The main focus of the degree programme is on enhancing employability. It is anticipated that for most of the students the main reason for engaging with this programme in particular is so that study can be pursued in parallel with existing work within IT and technical industries. The main focus of the degree programme is on enhancing employability. The School of Computing has regular contact with industry, which informs the ongoing development of the curriculum and course profile. 17 Support for Student Learning The Course is managed by a Course Leader Collaborative programmes are managed on a day-to-day basis by the University Contact who may or may not be the Course Leader Induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 6
Each student has a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance The Academic Skills Unit (ASK) The Additional advice from Disability Advice Centre (ASDAC) Excellent library facilities Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations etc Feedback is provided for all assessments Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all awards 18 Admissions Criteria i. Academic Admissions Criteria An advanced standing of a maximum of 240 CATS points based on the award of a pass or higher grade for the Informatics Advanced Diploma or any other Advanced Diploma in Computing or Business Administration or equivalent passed at an appropriate level, and deemed to be of an appropriate standard on the basis of an APL or APEL assessment. Applicants must be proficient in the use of the English language (e.g. IELTS band 6.0 or TOFEL Score 550). ii. Disability The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice. 19 Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching i. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation Course Leader s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review Head of Department s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies Unit Board consideration of student performance for each programme Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports Periodic Programme Review Student Representatives and Student/Staff Consultative Committees Staff Performance and Development Review Peer Review and Development Framework Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee ii. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery Course Leaders In Informatics Global Campus and the School of Computing for day-to-day running of course University Academic Contact for day-to-day running of course Partner Institution Academic Contact Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course Head of Department Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 7
Associate Dean (Academic) Associate Dean (Students) Quality Assurance Committee Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners iii. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies Student Staff Consultative Committees Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires UOP personal tutor University participates in external student surveys, eg National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB) iv. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance Annual staff performance and development reviews match development to needs Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes New academic staff required to undertake appropriate University of Portsmouth learning and teaching programmes All academic staff encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership Academic staff new to teaching required to undertake Initial Professional Development Programme (iprof) Support staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages Portsmouth staff conduct staff development sessions on each visit to Singapore. 20 Strategy The assessment approaches are a mix of exams and assignments where the exams tend to measure the extent of theoretical knowledge and the assignments allow students to apply the skills they have learnt to practical problems that are relevant to the field of computing. Activities within the online course materials provide formative opportunities for students to gain tutor and peer feedback of their understanding on an ongoing basis. Projects are marked, blind second marked and moderated by School of Computing staff. Where students have failed the project, written feedback is provided by School of Computing staff to guide the student to pass this assessment. Apart from exceptional circumstances, students will be expected to pass 60 credits before beginning a project. 21 Regulations Partner specific rules apply (see and Regulations). 22 Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Boards; review unit assessment strategy; sample assessment artefacts; present report to Unit Boards. Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 8
Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards; scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment; ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom. 23 Indicators of Standards and Quality i. Professional Accreditation/Recognition None ii. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) Collaborative Partnership Review June 2011 approved. (see Periodic Review Table). Periodic Programme Review December 2007 approved Quality Assurance Agency QAA Institutional Audit, December 2008, broad confidence (for full report see QAA Institutional Audit: University of Portsmouth 2008). iii. Others QAA Collaborative Programmes Audit, December 2010, expressed confidence in the University s management of academic standards and the quality of its learning opportunities. 24 Other Sources of Information Other sources of information may be found in: Course Approval Document Student Handbook University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document Regulations Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 9
25. Unit Map Unit Map BSc (Hons) Technology Management and Computing UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credit Delivery Core/ Option Total % Type of Artefact 6 Operations & Quality Management U23011 20 Core 30 Case Study/Report <2000 words individual 70 Closed 2 6 Strategy for Resource Conservation & Recovery Duration/ Length Weighting % Total % Open/ Closed U23012 20 Core 30 Case Study/Report <2000 words individual 70 Closed 2 6 Advanced Systems Development U23003 20 Core 50 Case Study/Report <2500 words individual 50 Closed 2 6 Information Management U23006 20 Core 50 Case Study/Report <2500 words individual 50 Closed 2 6 Project Management U23004 10 O 100 Case Study/Report <3000 words individual 6 Project U23010 30 Core alt 100 Other 10000-12000 individual 6 Project U23094 40 Core alt 100 Other 10000-12000 individual Duration (hrs) Weighting % BSc Technology Management and Computing UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credit Delivery Core/ Option Total % Type of Artefact 6 Operations & Quality Management U23011 20 Core 30 Case Study/Report <2000 words individual 70 Closed 2 6 Strategy for Resource Conservation & Recovery Duration/ Length Weighting % Total % Open/ Closed U23012 20 Core 30 Case Study/Report <2000 words individual 70 Closed 2 6 Advanced Systems Development U23003 20 Core 50 Case Study/Report <2500 words individual 50 Closed 2 Duration (hrs) Weighting % Unit Map for BSc Technology Management and Computing & BSc (Hons) Technology Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, Singapore Page 10
Unit Learning Outcomes Map 1 BSc (Hons) Technology Management and Computing UNITS Level Name Code Credit Delivery LEARNING OUTCOMES Core/ Option A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 6 Operations & Quality Management U23011 20 Core 6 Strategy for Resource Conservation & Recovery U23012 20 Core 6 Advanced Systems Development U23003 20 Core 6 Information Management U23006 20 Core 6 Project Management U23004 10 Option 6 Project U23010 30 Ca 6 Project U23094 40 Ca BSc Technology Management and Computing UNITS Level Name Code Credit Delivery LEARNING OUTCOMES Core/ Option A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 6 Operations & Quality Management U23011 20 Core 6 Strategy for Resource Conservation & Recovery U23012 20 Core 6 Advanced Systems Development U23003 20 Core 1 A = Knowledge and Understanding; B = Cognitive (Intellectual) Skills; C = Practical (Subject Specific) Skills; D = Transferable Skills Unit Learning Outcomes Map for BSc Technology Management and Computing & BSc (Hons) Technology Management and Computing Informatics Global Campus, SingaporePage 1