Created for Academic Year 2009-10
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
1.
Programme or Pathway Title, and Award
2.
UCAS or Other Admissions Code
3.
Northumbria Programme Code
27PBUS-N MND4 AN/BN/DN/FN/BD/FD
4.
Mode of Delivery
On Site
5.
Mode of Attendance
Full Time

6.
Location of Delivery
Northumbria
X
Diploma in Management Development, University Diploma
Distance Learning

X
Distance Delivery
Sandwich
Other UK please specify
Part Time
X
Block
Overseas please specify
7.
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Franchised
Validated
Joint
Dual
Partner Institution
8.
Date(s) of Approval/ Review
March 2003 (PT Block)/March 2004 (PT Distance Learning) Programme updated May 2008
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group
General Business and Management
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme Specified in terms of the general intentions of the programme and its distinctive characteristics; these should be consistent
with any relevant benchmark and with the Mission of the University.
The Diploma in Management Development is designed for practising supervisors/first-line managers, or those who have aspirations to move into first
line management. The general intention of the programme is to provide students with a broad foundation knowledge and understanding of the
principles, methods and underpinning theoretical concepts of management, in order to develop the individual student’s knowledge, skills, competence
and confidence in their role within an organisational context. In this sense, the programme offers a qualification route to the many practising
supervisors and managers who have not had access to formalised management education, including many who start their careers in other (perhaps
technical/specialised) professions.
In addition, the programme intends to provide sound academic preparation for those, without existing academic qualifications, who intend to progress
onto postgraduate level study/qualifications. Specifically in relation to this intention, the DMD is formally recognised as a pathway for progression (for
those without appropriate level academic qualifications) onto two of the Newcastle Business School’s postgraduate diplomas - the Postgraduate
Diploma in Human Resource Management and Development, and the part-time Masters in Business Administration. Therefore, part of the academic
preparation of the students involves the development of ‘learning to learn’ skills, and the ability to become an independent and reflective learner.
Additionally, the programme intends to develop the student’s cognitive skills of analysing and evaluating personal and organisational practices against
theoretical concepts and frameworks covered on the programme.
To summarise, in line with the target audience and their group and individual needs, the programme aims to:
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

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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
develop management knowledge, skills and competences in line with both academic standards at level 5 and nationally-recognised management
(and other relevant professional) standards
develop the student’s commitment to personal and professional development and enhance the student’s performance in their role within the
organisational context
develop the student’s ability to learn and to engage in reflective and independent learning
develop intellectual and cognitive skills of analysis and evaluation
In achieving these aims, the educational philosophy embraces principles of adult learning (including self-study and management skills), experiential
and reflective learning, and competence-based knowledge and skills development, with elements of learning determined by individual student needs.
The DMD is validated for delivery in part-time, distance learning and block modes. The Corporate and Executive Development Office (within which the
DMD is located) receives enquiries for first-line management development from a range of national/multinational corporations. Corporate clients
comment on the flexibility in tailoring programmes and delivery which the Centre can offer.
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development eg curriculum design, personal development plans, placements,
fieldwork, practical projects.
Curriculum Design The programme provides both academic and competence-based coverage of the key functions and activities of first line
managers and enables the development of a range of knowledge, understanding and professional competence. The programme has been designed
with consideration of the government-recognised standards for Management and Leadership (published by the Management Standards Centre in
2005). Key statements from the framework were used to inform the programme’s module titles, learning outcomes and content, and assessment
strategy. In reflecting current and anticipated future management contexts and practices, the new management standards emphasise, amongst other
issues, the emergence of leadership as a key aspect of management competence, a sharper focus on the customer and customer service, and flatter
organisational structures. These issues are incorporated into the programme’s module titles and descriptors. Since the introduction of the original
Management standards, in the early 1990s, they have been widely accepted, particularly by large organisations (who are key sponsors of students on
the programme) as key benchmarks of management competence. Many sponsoring organisations have developed their own competence frameworks
for managers (sometimes aligned with the national standards) and, therefore, it is expected that this feature of the course design will attract individual
students and their sponsoring organisations, in its recognition of occupational competence and employability.
Induction Two modes of induction are offered for the programme to meet the needs of the diverse student group. There is a one day induction for
part time students and block mode students and a solely on-line induction for distance learning students.
The online induction to the programme and to Northumbria University and its facilities (particularly the library and e-learning resources) is provided,
offering an opportunity, through eLearning Portal discussion forums, to clarify expectations; explore issues relating to the programme structure and
delivery, and to provide practical guidance in terms of study skills, use of library and assignment writing. All students receive a copy of the programme
handbook confirming information covered during the induction event.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
The on-line induction also provides step by step guides to accessing learning resources such as academic journals and e-books, using the part time
and distance learning service, using the ASK facility, reserving and ordering texts, using the e-learning portal and particularly using on-line
communication tools such as discussion boards, e-portfolios and e-journals.
Similarly, these points are covered on the delivered induction programme, although with face to face contact with members of the programme team.
In either induction, the overall expectation that the programme represents an opportunity for them to influence their knowledge and skills development
and to learn independently (but within a support framework of formal contact sessions) is emphasised to address staff and student expectations about
the importance of self-managed learning and development. Students are actively encouraged to take advantage of the support and services provided
by the University’s Student Services and Study Skills Centre in developing their competence and confidence in ‘learning to learn’ and to take
responsibility for their own development. Students will be allocated a personal guidance tutor, likely to be the programme leader or year tutor, who is
available for personal guidance on an individual telephone/e-mail support basis.
Learning One of the aims of the programme is to develop the student‘s capacity and confidence as an independent learner. Based on the principles of
adult experiential learning, and competence-based knowledge and skills development, students will be supported to direct their studies in areas of
particular individual (and organisational) need. Students will be expected to engage in a substantial amount of directed and independent learning, and
will be guided in their completion of the module, including its formative and summative assessments, by a detailed teaching, learning and assessment
(TLA) plan). Students will be supported in their directed learning by the on-line module-specific self-study learning materials and activities. (These
materials will also be available in CDRom format.) These materials provide an introduction to the principles, methods and underpinning concepts of
management and, through interactive on-line exercises, encourage students to gather data about personal and organisational practices in order to
relate and reflect on ‘theory in practice’. Complementing the directed and independent self-study, the module tutor will encourage communication,
through the ELearning Portal discussion forums, between the students, and with the tutor. The module tutor will be able to track student progress
through the module using ELearning Portal module management tools, and monitoring student interaction with the platform and with other students.
Independent learning is learning which the student identifies by pursuing areas of interest or by providing broader or deeper knowledge of the subject
area and will mainly be undertaking in preparation and completion of the module assessment requirements. Typically independent learning may take
the form of reading, research, gathering data about personal and organisational practices, reflecting on how practice relates to theory, preparing written
assessment reports and collating appropriate evidence. Through the ELearning Portal, module tutors will be able to advise students about
recommended reading based on their individual areas of interest/need. Students will be provided with constructive feedback on their assessed work
and, as part of their continuing development of learning to learn and cognitive skills, will be able to use the feedback in the preparation of subsequent
assignments.
The eLearning Portal platform will be used to encourage students to engage in interaction and communication with their fellow students, and to clarify
issues arising from their independent study.
Career and personal development Continuing personal and professional development is a strong feature of the programme and of the assessment
strategy. Through the on-line learning materials and ELearning Portal communication and support, students will be introduced to academic concepts
enabling them to apply theory to their own personal and organisational ‘real life’ practice. Through the teaching, learning and assessment strategy,
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
students will be encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills as practising/aspiring supervisors/first-line managers, and to think analytically about
their personal and organisational practice. The module Managing Self and Professional Skills provides the initial introduction to the underlying concept
of Personal and Professional Career Development. Further this module supports the development of relevant knowledge and skills for learning to
learn, and requires students to engage actively in the process of self-development. The CPD process will be extended formally through the Managing
and Developing Others module where students are required to submit a personal learning statement which gives an opportunity for the student to
demonstrate their awareness of the need for continuous learning and development in their role as managers.
The programme is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute under its Guaranteed Membership Scheme. As student members of the
Institute, students have access to the Institute’s services, including advice on Personal Development Planning processes. Upon graduation, and
subject to appropriate experience, students can upgrade their membership to Associate or Member status.
13.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway. Please identify
numerically to correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
a) Knowledge and Understanding
1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic theories and key principles and practices of first-line management, specifically in the areas
of managing self and personal skills, achieving results and facilitating change, working with people, and managing information
2. demonstrate improved self-awareness, and personal and professional competence, relative to their current/aspired management position
3. identify and apply relevant processes, procedures and practices to their role within an organisational context, and to ‘real life’ personal and
organisational practices
4. analyse critically personal and organisational practice in relation to theoretical concepts and, where appropriate, make recommendations in order to
improve personal and organisational practice/potential
b) Intellectual Skills
1. use a range of general transferable cognitive, intellectual and study skills. These include cognitive skills of through analysis and evaluation, and
learning skills of reflection and learning to learn skills.
2. demonstrate the capacity to apply theoretical concepts to a range of personal and organisational situations, and to generate ideas about personal
and organisational practice
3. demonstrate appropriate preparation for advancement to postgraduate level of study
c) Practical Skills
1. demonstrate an ability to undertake independent study, and to manage their learning and continuous personal and professional development
2. demonstrate a positive attitude towards personal and organisational change
d) Transferable/Key Skills
1. demonstrate personal and interpersonal skills development aimed at improving their professional and managerial capability. Opportunities for
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
development of specific competencies including: oral and written communication (including influencing and persuasion, listening, preparation and
presentation of reports); ability to use data and information/research sources; problem solving and decision making; use of communication and
information technology; self-management; team working and leading.
14.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Specified to enable learners to achieve and demonstrate the above learning outcomes.
Learning and Teaching
Programme content is delivered via subject specific modules. The module descriptor describes the aims and learning outcomes, together with details
of the content of the syllabus and its teaching, learning and assessment approaches. In enabling development of learning to learn and independent
study skills, students will engage in a substantial amount of directed and independent learning. This is facilitated through the use of module-specific
teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) plans, making explicit the module aims, learning outcomes, process and requirements for assessment, online learning activities and tutor-monitored discussion forums, and suggested independent reading.
Directed learning takes the form of module-specific on-line (and CDRom) learning materials. These materials provide an introduction to the principles,
methods and underpinning concepts of management and, through interactive and formative assessment exercises, encourage students to gather data
about personal and organisational practices in order to relate and reflect on ‘theory in practice’. Independent study will involve reading beyond the
provided learning materials, reflection, and gathering relevant personal and organisational data. Students are therefore expected to allocate significant
personal study time outside their participation in ELearning Portal mediated learning activities.
In addition to the module-specific on-line learning materials, through the TLA plan and ELearning Portal e-learning platform, the module tutor will
recommend and develop additional on-line and work-based learning resources and activities (such as web-based resources, electronic journal articles
and formative assessment activities). Through the use of discussion forums and e-mail, the module tutor will encourage students to engage in ongoing
interaction and communication with their fellow students and the module tutor (eg to discuss learning arising from their directed and independent study,
and to clarify assessment requirements).
The concept of continuing personal development, and the need to demonstrate a positive attitude towards personal change, is explicitly supported by
the requirement of the student to design a Personal Development Plan (as part of the Managing Self and Professional Skills module) following a
process of self analysis. The PDP process and the assessment strategy for all the modules support the programme philosophy of adult learning in
enabling students to direct their learning and development in areas of need relevant to their individual personal and organisational needs. Through the
module learning and assessment activities, students will be able to learn on and through their job role. The student’s workplace, therefore, will act as
both a place of learning and a source of evidence of personal and professional competence development.
In enabling students to demonstrate a positive attitude towards organisational change, and to facilitate development of their ability to facilitate change
(a key activity in the national management standards), in the Achieving Results and Facilitating Change module students will prepare a proposal for
organisational change/improvement. This will be similar in concept to the PDP but has a focus on organisational, rather than personal, development.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
Assessment
The assessment strategy, achieved through work-based assignments, reinforces the programme design and its intended learning aims and outcomes.
Students will be required to complete an assignment in each specific module area. All assignments are designed to assess students’ knowledge and
understanding of key theoretical concepts and their ability to apply these to their personal and/or organisational practices. Students will be encouraged
to reflect on, and analyse and evaluate, practice and theory and to identify, where appropriate, aspects for improvement to personal/organisational
practice. Clear assignment specifications and assessment criteria (appropriate to level 5) will be provided to enable students to understand what is
expected of them and how their performance will be judged. Students will be provided with constructive feedback on their assessed work and, as part
of their continuing development of learning to learn and cognitive skills, will be able to use the feedback in the preparation of subsequent assignments.
In two modules (Managing and Developing Others and Achieving Results and Facilitating Change) students will undertake a specialised assignment in
the form respectively of a Management Report and Organisational Development Plan. For the Management Report, students will negotiate, with their
employer and university tutor, an appropriate area for investigation, this could relate to policy or procedural difficulty or a people-related problem, such
as managing absence or performance. The Organisational Development Plan, designed by the individual student and agreed by the tutor, in
conjunction, where relevant, with a representative of their employer, will focus on improving a specified area of organisational development/change.
15.
Programme Structure
Level 5
only
Programme Structure See diagram on page 11 and 12
Progression
Semester 1
Successful completion of the programme meets
entry requirements for Newcastle Business
School postgraduate Diploma in Human
Resource Management and Development, and
part-time Masters in Business Administration
Managing Self and Professional Skills 20 points
Managing and Developing Others (YL) (20 points) (first 10 points)
Semester 2
Managing and Developing Others (YL) (20 points) (second 10 points)
Achieving Results and Facilitating Change (20 points)
Alternatively students can progress onto the 60
credit level six Advanced Diploma in Leadership
and Management.
see appended diagram
16.
Interim Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Interim Awards. Please delete or add rows as appropriate, with reference to section 8 of the
Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards and specify learning outcomes for each of the interim awards.
Not Applicable
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17.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
Variation From Assessment Regulations Provide details of any approved variations from the standard University regulations.
There are no variations from assessment regulations. To be awarded the University Diploma a student must achieve an overall average of at least
40% at the first attempt on all level 5 modules and pass any referred modules. Condonation of modules does not apply, as all are core.
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18.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
Mapping of Learning Outcomes
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together contribute to programme learning
outcomes. It should be presented as a matrix of programme learning outcomes (as identified numerically in section 13), against modules. Where a module contributes
to a programme learning outcome it should be flagged. Standard practice will be for a single symbol to indicate a learning outcome is addressed in the module. See
guidance notes for discussion of alternative practices.
MODULE
Core/
option
a) Knowledge &
Understanding
b) Intellectual
Skills
c) Practical
Skills
d) Transferable Key Skills
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
C
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
C
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
C
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
4
5
6
X
X
X
X
X
Level 5
Managing Self and Professional
Skills
Managing and Developing
Others (YL)
Achieving Results and
Facilitating Change
X
X
Key to Transferable and Key Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
oral and written communication (including influencing and persuasion, listening, preparation and presentation of reports)
ability to use data and information/research sources
problem solving and decision making
use of communication and information technology
self-management
team working and leading
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19.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
Admission Requirements
The ability to benefit from Northumbria University programmes is assessed on a combination of academic and personal qualities which can be
demonstrated in a number of ways. Successful completion of a GCE or VCE Advanced level course of study (or some other equivalent qualification) is
just one way. Students who can in other ways demonstrate their ability to benefit from a Northumbria University programme, in particular mature
students without formal qualifications will always be considered and are invited to contact the admissions tutor to discuss their application.
Applicants should use the personal statement on their application to illustrate their abilities, aptitudes, skills, qualifications and experiences which might
be taken into account as well as or instead of any of the formal qualifications listed below. It is University policy to recognise a wide variety of evidence,
and potential applicants may wish to discuss this aspect of their application with the admission tutor.
Applicants do not need to possess any formal academic qualifications.
Applicants should normally be employed (or have access to organisational experience) in order to enable them to apply theoretical concepts to their
personal and organisational practice and to demonstrate personal and professional competence in a work situation.
Applicants should normally occupy a supervisory/first line management position (or be recognised by their employer has having supervisory/first line
management potential) with sufficient scope of role within the organisation to benefit from the programme. Scope of role and responsibilities normally
involves one of the following areas; managing others, managing information, managing activities, and facilitating change.
As above + IELTS 6.5
Admissions with Advanced Standard – not applicable to this programme.
Experience/APL – No exemptions for prior experience or learning can be given as the Assessment Regulations require students to complete 60 points
of current learning for the award of the University Diploma.
20.
Application Procedure
Online application or by submission of standard university application form to Newcastle Business School admissions office. The programme leader
will make selection decisions on the basis of application information and, where needed, any discussion with the applicant. Each application will be
considered on an individual basis.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
APPENDIX I PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND TEACHING/SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
Programme Title: Diploma in Management Development – 60 CATS points at level 5, leading to award of University Diploma
Semester 1
HR0279
Managing Self and Professional Skills
HR0281
Managing and
Developing
Others (YL)
(20 points)
MO0253
Achieving Results and Facilitating Change
Semester 2
(20 points)
(20 points)
APPENDIX II BENCHMARK MATRIX
Markets
Customers
Finance
People
Operations
I.S.
CIT
Organisations
MO0253
MO0253
MO0253
HR0279
HR0281
MO0253
HR0279
HR0279
MO0253
External
Environment
MO0253
HR0281
HR0281
HR0281
M00253
HR0279
HR0281
MO0253
Management
HR0281
MO0253
HR0279
HR0279
Policy/
Strategy
HR0279
HR0281
Contemp.
Issues
HR0281
MO0253
HR0279
M00253
HR0281
MO0253
HR0281
HR0279
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
APPENDIX III ASSESSMENT MATRIX
Module
Code
Module Title
HR0279
Managing Self and
Professional Skills
Managing and Developing
Others (YL)
Achieving Results and
Facilitating Change
HR0281
MO0253
Module Code
Assessment A
Assessment B
Assignment
100%
Assignment
100%
Assignment
100%
Module Title
HR0279
Managing Self and Professional Skills
HR0281
Managing and Developing Others (YL)
MO0253
Achieving Results and Facilitating Change
CBO and Delivery Pattern
FN/FD
BN/BD
JD
(Jan)
(Sept)
(May)
Sem 2
Sem 1
Sem 2
2009-10
2009-10
YL
YL
YL
2009-10 S2/
2010-11
2010-11 S1
Sem 1
Sem 2
Sem 2
2010-11
2010-11
AN
(Aug)
Sem 1
DN
(Nov)
Sem 1
YL
YL
Sem 2
Sem 2
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
Brief summary of change to Programme Specification
Semester/
academic
year
eg S2;05/06
Change takes effect
Stage/year
of
programme
eg Year 3
(including section number)
Date of approval
/ amendment
APPENDIX IV LOG OF CHANGES
Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification (other than typographical corrections) should be logged below and the
sheet appended to the Programme Specification. Subsequent changes can then be added. Where it is not practicable to change an
existing Programme Specification, a new version is required.
1.
Create a January start occurrence of this programme and to amend the programme
delivery pattern to integrate students into the September 2008 start date delivery
pattern (Distance Learning)
31 Jan 08
Year One
2007/8
2.
Amend the structure of DMD (both block mode and distance delivery), replacing
HR0267 Managing Self and Personal Skills and BM0239 Managing Information with
HR0279 Managing Self and Professional Skills, and replacing current module
descriptor MO0253 Achieving Results and Facilitating Change with version updated for
BALM validation (semester based instead of year long)
Two programme specifications in 2007-8 (DL and Block) combined into one for 2008-9
24 Oct 08
Year One
2008/9
3.
(17 Nov 08) Changing module title of HR0268 throughout the documentation from
Managing and Developing People to Working with Others. Document had been
originally changed in error.
(20 Nov 08) Replace HR0268 Working with Others with HR0281 Managing and
Developing Others (YL) on the Diploma in Management Development Part Time, in
Block and Distance Learning modes
17 Nov 08
Year One
2008/9
20 Nov 08
Year One
2008/9
5.
Create a May start occurrence from 2008/9.
Year One
2008/9
6.
(Admin change) Delete NX0419 Postgraduate Induction from programme structure
diagram following email request by Claire Hoy dated 27 April 2009
Create an August occurrence from 2009/0
31.03.09 (Post
Validation Action)
N/A
Year One
2008/9
29 Sept 09 (Post
Validation Action)
Year One
2009/0
4.
7.
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8.
Create a November occurrence from 2009/0
9.
Change assessment weighting for HR281 from 30%/70% to one 100% assignment.
Change effective for all cohorts from September 2009 onwards (May 2009 cohort last
one to do split assessments)
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Management Development
29 Sept 09 (Post
Validation Action)
28.01.2010 (Post
Validation Action)
Year One
2009/0
Year One
Semester One
2009/0
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