An Coiste Feabhais Acadúil
The Committee on Academic Quality Improvement
The Academic Quality Assurance Programme 2007-2008
Report to Údarás na hOllscoile
Review of
Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis
Self-Assessment
Review Group Visit
Follow Up Meeting
December 2007
28 -29th January 2008
26th June 2008
th
This Report was compiled for members of Údarás na hOllscoile, NUI Galway and its
committees as a readily accessible but comprehensive source of information on the above
review, its context and its outcomes.
Quality Office, September 2008
Report to Údarás – Review of Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis 2007–2008
1. Overview of Programme
1.1 Aims and Objectives of the Programme
 To give students skills in the design and development of information systems within a
general business and computing context.
 Impart to students specific knowledge of programming and database languages; systems
analysis and design; computer systems, networks and operating systems; business
information systems; new Internet and multimedia issues and development; and the
business context of systems development practice.
 Specialised aspects of systems development are also covered, such as: software quality
assurance, human-computer interaction and e-commerce.
 The programme has been equally suited to those who wish to further develop their
particular computing background and to those looking for a conversion course to move
into the field of information systems development.
 The programme has intentionally tried to harness the energy of students who come from
different academic and professional backgrounds.
There has been a distinct teaching philosophy over most of the programme’s life. The diploma,
while remaining a conversion course, has ambitiously sought to develop in students applied and
useful skills in business information systems development.
It has purposefully emphasised the critical importance of the business and organisational
imperative rather than a technological concentration. In deliberately steering students away from
a heavy technology or IT focus, the programme reflects the world view of that of the staff of the
Business Information Systems Group. This esprit de corps has been an enduring viewpoint that
reflects the fact that almost all of the earlier appointments in the group held primary business
degrees. The business “wrap-around” of the information systems and technology course
elements has produced more ‘balanced’ graduates than similar software / computing diplomas
elsewhere.
1.2 Background
The Diploma in Systems Analysis (DSA) was introduced in 1979 and was intended as an
applied skills programme for employees who required exposure to business computing.
In 1990, the diploma was significantly modified to account for changes in development practice
and theoretical progress. It became a one year full-time and two-year part-time programme.
From that time the programme was ATS-funded (from the European Social Fund) for 4 years
during which period it developed a strong and successful reputation, attracting large numbers of
applicants and achieving “real” placement levels in excess of 90%.
In early 1996, a response to the Higher Education Authority’s request for additional
Postgraduate software places was successful. The programme then became the Higher Diploma
in Systems Analysis (Business Systems Development) and significant syllabus changes were
made.
In 2000, the diploma was changed significantly again to meet distinct needs of the fields of
business systems development and internet and multimedia application development. Two
streams, the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis (Business Systems Development) and Higher
Diploma in Systems Analysis (Internet and Multimedia Studies), were introduced and numbers
increased to 80.
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Report to Údarás – Review of Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis 2007–2008
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The programme was last substantially modified in 2003 to re-introduce a part-time two
year mode and to remove the streams and instead offer specialisation in the second semester.
The programme reverted back to the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis. The numbers on the
programme are now at about the same level they were 20 years ago.
1.3 Student numbers
The number of fulltime equivalent (FTE) students in the programme was 25 in the year 2006/07,
representing a decrease of 19.4% in the three years since 2003-04 and a decrease of 67.5% since
2000-2001.
1.4 Accommodation and Facilities
The core facilities of the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis Programme are located in the
Cairnes Building at NUI Galway. A dedicated computer laboratory (the “Menlo Suite”) with 19
PCs is available to students within this building and lectures take place in the newly constructed
extension of the Cairnes Building.
2. Review Group Visit and Report
The report arises from a visit by a review group to the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis on 28th/29th January
2008. The Programme Board had already prepared and submitted a ‘Self Assessment Report’ that, with other
documentation, was made available to the Group in advance of the visit.
The Review Group consisted of: Dr. Roger Blake, College of Management, University of Massachusetts (Chair);
Dr. Chris Coughlan, Hewlett Packard, Galway; Mr. Sean Duignan, Department of Maths & Computing, GMIT; Ms
Mary Dempsey, University Teacher, Department of Industrial Engineering, NUI Galway (Cognate); Dr. Dagmar
Stengel, Lecturer, Department of Botany, NUI Galway (Rapporteur).
2.1 Summary and Main Recommendations from Report
Summary
The BIS Group has successfully managed the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis for almost
30 years, covering several generations of technological change, and is appropriately considering
the Programme’s direction.
The BIS Group has kept the curriculum current, although in the process it has broadened.
Formulating overall objectives for the programme and learning outcomes for each course will
help redefine the curriculum’s direction. It will also help articulate the unique selling points the
Programme has to offer, its competitive advantage, the type of students it wishes to attract, and
by what means the Programme can continue to evolve to meet the needs of industry.
The review group consistently heard that the skills taught in the Programme’s curriculum were
in demand by industry. We also heard that local industry believes in the value of the Programme
and expresses willingness to help shape it, which should be formally pursued.
Both current students and recent graduates expressed satisfaction with the Programme and the
curriculum. They were particularly satisfied with the BIS Group staff and its willingness to hear
feedback. As constructive criticism, they asked for more staff supervision and involvement in
coordinating content between lecture and lab. As did the external examiner and this review
group, students viewed project work to be more beneficial than exams especially for several
specific topics and courses.
Report to Údarás – Review of Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis 2007–2008
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The review group concurs with the view of BIS Group staff that the level 8 degree should be
retained and a taught level 9 degree developed with appropriate additional content to warrant the
award. There are many options to be considered for a new level 9 degree, such as a nine-month
level 8 program to be followed by a 3 month research component. The review group is not in a
position to make specific recommendations for how a new level 9 degree programme should be
structured or the relationship it may have to the existing level 8 Diploma.
The review group is confident that the BIS group is well prepared and well aware of the
complexities they face in order to determine the best path for the Higher Diploma in Systems
Analysis, and wish them well in their efforts.
Recommendations
The following is a summary of the recommendations offered by the review group.
1. Programme Structure – Reassessment
The Programme’s direction, overall objectives, and position as a Higher Diploma or Masters
Level need reassessment. The review group concurs with the BIS Group and recommends
the retention of the level 8 degree and the development of a taught level 9 degree with
appropriate additional content to warrant the award.
A prospective restructuring of the Programme needs to consider Unique Selling Points
(USPs), its position and support within the Cairnes Graduate School, and alignment with the
School’s and Faculty’s objectives.
2. Programme Position – Closer to Industry
Although skills taught in the Programme are in demand by industry, closer links need to be
forged with relevant industries. A formal process of regular curriculum and course content
review and revision should be instituted and reflect industry needs by incorporating regular
feedback from employers and graduates. Industry support with Academic Alliances,
advertising, and additional funding opportunities should be explored.
3. Programme Learning Objectives - Reformulation
The BIS Group has kept the curriculum current, although over time the content and learning
objectives have broadened. The Programmes’ learning objectives need reformulation in
concert with industry involvement.
The overall objectives of the Programme and learning outcomes for individual modules
should be identified and formulated. Curriculum changes should be made to match current
industry needs, facilitate generic and specific competencies, and could be developed in
liaison with the University’s Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI).
4. Programme Delivery – Better linkage of lecture and lab
The organisation of teaching in the laboratory/practical sessions should be formalised and
the materials covered in those sessions better integrated into overall course structure. The
laboratory/practical sessions should be more closely supervised and possibly taught by
academic teaching staff. CELT training for postgraduate teachers should be explored.
5. Student Evaluation – Increased project work
A reduction in emphasis on exams in favour of more project work should be made, as
recommended by the External Examiner and as was the case earlier in the Programme.
Report to Údarás – Review of Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis 2007–2008
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Project work can arise from the increased industry involvement for curriculum development
and from the establishment and renewal of links to other faculties.
The assessment methods of group project work (e.g. percentage of marks given) and the
methods used for project and group assignments should be reviewed to ensure fair
assessment procedures.
3. Action Plans
Follow up Meeting; Thursday 26th June 2008
at 9.30am in the Deans Meeting Room, Cairnes Building
Present: Professor Jim Gosling (Chair), Professor Jim Ward (Registrar), Dr Kelly Coate (CELT), Ms
Mary Dempsey (Review Group), Professor Michael Keane (Dean of Commerce), Dr Anatoli Nachev,
Ms Orla McHugh, Mr Chris Barry, Dr Michael Lang, Mr Keith Warnock, Ms Maureen Linnane (in
attendance)
Apologies: Mr Sean Duignan (Review Group), Ms Mairead Hogan, Ms Laura Regan
Action Plan for the Programme Board:
1. Programme Strategy and Market Positioning:
a. A sub-committee of the Business Information Systems (BIS) Group is devising a
strategic plan for the study programmes it oversees, including the Higher
Diploma in Systems Analysis (HDSA). A separate sub-committee is working on
curriculum evaluation, including module content, learning outcomes, and
assessment approaches. The Strategic Plan and detailed changes for a revised
HDSA programme will be in place by January 2009.
b. The present consensus is that the HDSA will be retained as a Level 8 Higher
Diploma with an add-on component (e.g. a dissertation or major project) to give a
Level 9 Masters degree. A Level 7 Professional Diploma for which credits might
be accumulated on a modular basis will also be considered. It is planned to have
students enrolled on the new programmes in September 2009.
c. The part-time mode of the HDSA programme will be reviewed in consultation
with industry representatives.
d. Possibilities for enhancing the “internationalisation” of the programme will be
explored.
2. Learning Outcomes and Linkages with Industry:
a. The HDSA will have explicitly defined learning outcomes in place for all
modules by September 2009.
b. The HDSA programme will continue to be reviewed comprehensively at least
every 2-3 years, with feedback from graduates and students taken into
consideration.
c. The possibility of introducing a service-learning component into the programme
under the auspices of CKI is currently being considered, with a view to matching
current industry needs with facilitating generic and specific competencies.
d. Possibilities for greater engagement and collaboration with industry partners will
be explored.
Report to Údarás – Review of Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis 2007–2008
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3. Teaching and Assessment:
a. The Programme Board are presently investigating the introduction of crossmodule projects and a major applied project (perhaps with a service learning
element). This will be completed by September 2009 (see also 1a above).
b. Commencing in the academic year 2008/2009, the Board will examine more
equitable and transparent approaches to the assessment of team project work,
including peer assessment.
c. The Programme Board have no difficulty referring to “The hands-on application
in labs of the concepts learned during lectures” sessions as ‘practicals’ or
‘laboratories’.
d. In relation to the provision of tutorials/practicals/laboratories, the Programme
Board will endeavour to continue to employ the services of first class honours
graduates from previous years. Attention will continue to be paid to student
feedback in relation to practicals, and where appropriate the relevant course
lecturer will seek immediately to rectify any problems identified.
Action Plan for the University:
1. Development and Promotion:
a. The scope of the University and College officers and bodies now available to
support the marketing and promotion of the HDSA is considerable, including the:
 New Director for Marketing & Communications
 New Committee for Development and Promotion in the Cairnes
Graduate School, as well as the
 Postgraduate Admissions Office and the
 International Affairs Office
Where appropriate and agreed, actions can therefore be undertaken easily on a
combined basis with other IS/IT programmes offered by the University.
b. The Dean of Commerce commends the above proposed developments of the
HDSA within the Cairnes Graduate School, and will ensure the continued
support of the Faculty/School via the new Vice Dean & Chair of the
Faculty/School Committee for Teaching and Learning.
2. Curriculum Reform:
a. CELT has advertised for an Education Officer to support the formulation learning
outcomes for all study programmes and modules across the University and the
implementation of consequential changes in teaching and assessment methods. It
is hoped that this position will be filled by October 2008.
Approved by:
Approved by:
Approved by:
Approved by:
Programme Director, Dr Michael Lang, 21 July 2008
Head of Department, Professor Seamus Collins, 12 August 2008
Registrar, Professor Jim Ward, 24 July 2008
Interim Head of School of Business and Economics, Professor Michael Keane, 18
September 2008
Approved by: Vice President for Physical Resources, Mr Keith Warnock, 24 July 2008
Approved by: Director of CELT, Dr. Iain MacLabhrainn, 24 July 2008
Approved by: Director of Human Resources, Mr Chris McNairney, 24 July 2008
Director of Quality
Finalised: 22 September 2008