REPORT ON PROGRAMME REVIEW
[Prepared by the Review Panel and forwarded by the Academic Registrar to the
Faculty Director]
Part 1
Programme details
Proposed titles
MSc in Applied Software Management;
Nature and duration
of programme
Full-time over three semesters
DIT awards sought
Master of Science Applied Software Technology
Classifications of award
First Class Honours, Second Class Honours, 1st
Division, Second Class Honours, 2nd Division and
Pass
Parallel award sought
N/A
Professional accrediting body
N/A
Background
There continues to be a shortage of suitably qualified Irish graduates to fill available
posts in Irish based companies who have a requirement for software developers,
data systems and network systems personnel. This programme is primarily designed
to offer students the opportunity to gain an MSc (with additional technical training)
and also obtain work experience in top class companies.
Overall programme aims and learning outcomes
The overall aim of the programme is through a process of education to develop a
high level of intellectual awareness and professional competence in the area of
Applied Software Technology. The programme offers an integrated approach to
delivering end to end software development skills. From computing fundamentals
and software design to implementation and testing, the entire lifecycle of software
development is covered. It focuses on the practical problem-solving skills required
for computer programmers. Programme participants will also gain an integrated and
critical knowledge of the skills and particular technologies widely used in industry.
Programme Learning Outcomes:
The learning outcomes associated with the overall programme are as follows:
Knowledge
A systematic
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the
Breadth
understanding of
concepts and practical aspects of applied
knowledge, at, or
software technology, both in the context of the
informed by, the
functional area and in regard to the integration
forefront of a field of
of applied software technology with the other
Q3
learning
core functions of the business.
Have a critical awareness of current software
technology theory, and be able to evaluate
theory in relation to its application to business
practice.
Knowledge
Kind
A critical awareness
of current problems
and/or new insights,
generally informed by
the forefront of a field
of learning
Understand the role of software technology in
overall corporate decision-making, and be able
to apply tools and techniques to enable
effective decision-making at management
level.
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the
theory and practice of software development in
specific technical areas and in a broader
context with regard to the integration of
advanced information technology tools and
techniques.
Acquire the specialist knowledge to design,
develop, deploy and maintain to appropriate
levels, information technology solutions in an
application environment.
Challenge the conventional assumptions and
paradigms while actively seeking new software
technology and strategies to strengthen the
value creating and competitive processes
within their organisation.
Know-how
and Skill
Range
Demonstrate a range
of standard and
specialized research
or equivalent tools
and techniques of
enquiry
Have an in-depth knowledge of current
software technology theory and be able to
integrate this knowledge to solve problems.
Be able to interpret and appraise the
implications of a changing business
environment.
Be able to assimilate and interpret relevant
software technology information.
Demonstrate and apply the skills and
techniques of project management.
Apply business research techniques to current
areas of decision-making, and propose
appropriate solutions.
Be conversant in the application of techniques
and tools in the areas of software technology.
Know-how
and Skill
Selectivity
Select from complex
and advanced skills
across a field of
learning; develop new
skills to a high level,
including novel and
emerging techniques
Have a specific knowledge of current theory
related to software development, information
technology networks and information
technology security as they impact on the
application environment.
Demonstrate a high level of knowledge of
software technology and have current
knowledge of the tools and techniques
necessary for the effective management of
software technology.
Acquire sufficient knowledge to expertly
employ current tools and techniques for
software development and to work as part of a
team in a dynamic and Agile development
environment.
Demonstrate the analytical skills and decisionmaking ability necessary to work as part of a
specialist functional team.
Consolidate the base of received knowledge,
and acquire new knowledge and skills, using
research techniques and self-directed learning.
Competence Act in a wide and
Context
often unpredictable
variety of professional
levels and ill-defined
contexts
Demonstrate an understanding of the
complexities of information technology
solutions in the field and to contribute to the
enhancement of standards of professional
practice at the appropriate level.
Competence Take significant
Role
responsibility for the
work of individuals
and groups; lead and
initiate activity
Use negotiation, conflict resolution and team
working skills, in order to apply software
technology solutions.
Be an effective communicator in a range of
written, oral and visual media.
Be competent at the appropriate level to
design, deliver and implement specific
software based systems and solutions.
Be dynamic team members, with a strong
awareness and experience of the issues
involved in motivating and managing teams,
and the dynamics of group interactions.
Have the aptitude to research critical issues,
evaluate current theory and practice, and
formulate and test hypotheses using current
research techniques.
Competence Learn to self-evaluate Have developed the capacity for self-directed
Learning to
and take responsibility learning that will facilitate further academic and
Learn
for continuing
professional development as part of a
academic/professional commitment to life-long learning.
development
Competence Scrutinise and reflect
Be able to propose and defend technology
solutions based on industry best practice
Insight
on social norms and
nationally and internationally.
relationships and act
to change them
Have insight into the consequences of applied
software technology strategies for
stakeholders and society as a whole.
Programme structure
The programme is in modular format and consists of 10 5ECTS modules, one
bespoke 10 ECTS module, a 20ECTS group project and a 10 ECTS individual
project.
Entry requirements
Students must have at least a 2.1 honours primary degree in a relevant cognate
discipline.
Student assessment
In accordance with the General Assessment Regulations of the Institute.
Derogations, if any, sought from the General Assessment Regulations
None Sought * See recommendations
Part 2
Validation/review dates
Date: 17th June 2011
Venue: Management House, Aungier Street
9.30 hrs
Tea / Coffee to be served: Introduction of members of Panel to the
Director/Dean of Faculty, senior staff from the School responsible for
the programme, Chairperson of the Programme Committee and other
staff, as appropriate. Presentation to the panel, including description of
facilities to be made available for the programme.
10.00hrs
Private meeting of Panel to review in detail documentation submitted
and discuss matters to be raised at subsequent meetings with various
groups
10.45 hrs
Meeting of Panel with Head of School, Chairperson and appropriate
members of the Programme Committee to discuss specific issues
raised by the Panel.
11.45 hrs
Tea / Coffee Break
12.00 hrs
Meeting of Panel with staff teaching on the Programme to discuss such
matters as syllabuses, teaching methods and assessment issues
13.00 hrs
Lunch
14.00 hrs
Private meeting of Panel to consider draft report
15.00 hrs
Oral Presentation of findings of Panel to Director, senior staff,
Chairperson of Programme Committee and other staff as appropriate
Members of Validation Panel
External Members
Mr Paul Sweetman
Irish Software Association, Dublin 2
Mr Stephen Barrett
Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity
College Dublin
Internal Members
Mr Alex Gibson
School of Hospitality Management and
Tourism, DIT Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1
Mr Ray Turner
School of Construction, DIT, Bolton Street,
Dublin 1
Panel member yet to be confirmed.
Representatives from the Quality Assurance Office
Nicole O’Neill
Quality Assurance Officer
Part 3 Documentation Provided
Documentation provided
The documentation provided for the Validation Panel included Part A, Background
Information and Part B, the Programme Document.
Briefing notes provided
Extracts from the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement setting out
procedures and other matters associated with the validation of programmes.
Part 4 Findings and Recommendations
The panel would like to commend the staff on their well thought-out and
comprehensive programme documentation and their enthusiasm for the programme.
The Panel is pleased to recommend to Academic Council approval of the MSc in
Applied Software Technology at level 9 of the National Framework of Qualitifications
with some recommendations:
Recommendations:

Consideration should be given on how candidates without prior experience of
programming can be given additional support in this area.

The programme committee should reflect further on the assessment for the
Group Project and Individual project and include details in the student
handbook.

Students must be made fully aware of the requirements of the programme,
industrial partnership and the relevant expectations of all stakeholders

The programme committee should consider restricting the number of repeat
attempts available on the programme.

Consideration should be given to compensation rules applicable on this
programme and the introduction of thresholds to ensure the learning
outcomes for the modules leading to professional certification are met.

The details provided on p41 should be clarified regarding to the availability of
exemptions on this programme and details in relation to exemptions to
professional certification should be removed.

A dedicated laboratory space should be provided for each cohort recruited to
this programme.

Consideration should be given to how the programme can be adapted to
attract additional industry partners.
Part 5
Signatures of members of panel
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Signature
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Chairperson of Panel
Date