Computer Science

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.

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.

 

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

The module will provide teaching on the following topics:

 

Re-assessment can be applied to each assessment separately or to both assessments dependent on requirements.

 

Basic reading:

 

Web-based and electronic resources: