COMM420DAJ - Professional Practice 1 (2023)

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MODULE TITLEProfessional Practice 1 CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECOMM420DAJ MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 13 13 13
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 90
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
The success of data science within an organisation depends not only upon a good understanding of the technical skills involved in data science and machine learning, but also on the ability of the data scientist to identify projects that offer business value. They must then be able to promote any data science projects to stakeholders, plan a project and negotiate with colleagues to ensure its successful delivery. This module will provide you with the business knowledge and awareness to achieve these goals effectively.
 
This module is one of two professional practice modules and will explore organisational structures and objectives and how you contribute towards meeting these objectives including continued professional development personally and for your organisation.
 
This module is a part of the dual-qualification  MSc Data Science (Professional) / Level 7 Research Scientist Apprenticeship programme. It cannot be taken as an elective by students on other programmes. 
 
The apprenticeship standard and other documentation relating to the Level 7 Research Scientist Apprenticeship can be found here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/research-scientist-v1-0.
AIMS - intentions of the module
The primary aim of this module is to provide you with the core knowledge and understanding needed to deliver data science projects in the context of your organisation. It will cover underpinning concepts for many of the “knowledge, skills and behaviours” associated with the Level 7 Research Scientist Apprenticeship standard.
 
The module consists of a number of lectures, seminars and associated activities. After completing the module, you will be able to identify the key business goals and stakeholders for your organization, and have the tools to manage projects from conception to delivery. It will focus on the soft skills that have been shown to be crucial to the success of data science projects.
 
In addition to its academic aims as part of the programme-, this module has specific aims as part of the Level 7 Research Scientist Apprenticeship. The full list of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that must be demonstrated to complete the Apprenticeship can be found here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/research-scientist-v1-0.
 
This module will deliver content that may be used to evidence the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours set out below: K2, K8, S4, S8, B1 and B7.
 
Knowledge (K), Skill (S) or Behaviour (B)
K2: Management, leadership and effective communication. Organisation objectives and where their role contributes to the success achievement of these objectives. How to communicate effectively with a wide range of senior leaders across different departments, up and down the supply chain, within their own team. Advanced mixed media communication, such as presentations, report writing (technical and non-technical) negotiation and influencing. Leadership within a team of multi discipline specialists at different levels across the organisation, ensuring a shared vision and commitment to success. Effective project management as used in their employer’s environment with regard to quality, cost and time. The employers organisational structure and where their own role fits.
K8: Development of self and others: The importance of continuing professional development and how to maintain their own specialist knowledge in an ever evolving environment. How to effectively coach and mentor colleagues, peers or team members to address identified skills gaps, using appropriate methods. How to upskill non-technical colleagues to enable them to complete their own role as needed.
S4: Communication Skills: Write extended reports and critique others' work across a range of documentation, e.g. protocols, consent forms and scientific reports. Deliver oral presentations and answer questions about their work and/or the work of their team. Utilise interpersonal skills, communication and assertiveness to persuade, motivate and influence. Discuss work constructively and objectively with colleagues customers and others; respond respectfully to and acknowledge the value of alternate views and hypothesis.
S8: developing others: Apply a range of coaching and mentoring techniques with colleague’s peers and team members, selecting the correct method to suit the situation and the person being coached / mentored.
B1: Team Working: Collaboration, influence, and respect for others.
B7: Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Accountability of own and others development needs, undertaking CPD. Curiosity of science and proactively develops knowledge to ensure that scientific and business decisions are based on strong science.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Describes the employers organisational structure and where their own role fits
2 Describes where their role has contributed to the successful achievement of an organisational objective, and provides examples of when they have communicated effectively with a wide range of senior leaders across different departments.
3 Describes the importance of continuing professional development and how to maintain their own specialist knowledge in an ever evolving environment.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4 Describes the importance of CPD backed up by planning and/or demonstrating intent, including relevant accreditations /licenses applicable to role
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
5 Explain how you utilised interpersonal skills, communication and assertiveness to persuade, motivate and influence
6 Describe examples of when they have provided leadership within a team of multi discipline specialists at different levels across the organisation, ensuring a shared vision and commitment to success
7 Explain how they have utilised interpersonal skills, communication and assertiveness to persuade, motivate and influence
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The module will provide teaching on the following topics:
  • Organisational context for data science
  • Leadership, teamwork and collaboration Problem solving and project planning Project management (Communication and Planning)
  • Effective communication
  • Professional conduct, ethics, y Development of self and others
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36.00 Guided Independent Study 114.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Lectures, seminars, workshops, other activities
Guided independent study 36 Coursework and assessment
Guided independent study 78 Background reading and reflective practice

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Participation in group activities Varied 1-7 Oral
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Presentation to Senior Executives analysing your role and impact within the overall organisational structure 40%
(e.g.) 2000 words
Max 20 minutes duration (+/− 10%)
1, 2, 6, 7 Written (Narrated PowerPoint with script)
Detailed Plan for a new Corporate Continuing Professional Development event 60% Max 3000 words (+/− 10%) 3, 4, 5 Written
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Presentation to Senior Executives analysing your role and impact within the overall organisational structure Presentation to Senior Executives analysing your role and impact within the overall organisational structure 1-12 Before end of Stage
Detailed Plan for a new Corporate Continuing Professional Development event Detailed Plan for a new Corporate Continuing Professional Development event 3, 4, 5 Before end of Stage
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Re-assessment can be applied to each assessment separately or to both assessments dependent on requirements.
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:
 
Web-based and electronic resources: 
  • ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

All resources are provided on Module ELE page

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 11 October 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 24 January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Apprenticeship, reflective practice, leadership and management, ethics, coaching and mentoring, effective communication, business skills