The module develops the Honours Project and provides the structure to complete the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment. The Project is undertaken as the final 30 credits of the Degree Apprenticeship and involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit.





Materials will be provided revisiting:



Methods and skills of critical literature review.

Selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g., library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources).

Gathering data from a range of primary sources, including experimental programming.

Techniques for testing project artefacts.

Techniques to analyse data and to present the results in a suitable format.

Critical evaluation of project outcomes.

Critical reflection on performance in the project.

Course-specific guidelines for the individual project.

Project planning and management.

Health and safety.

Legal, ethical, professional and social issues.

Aspects of cyber security and principles.

Organisation of study materials.

Techniques of research report writing.

The roles of the supervisor and the student.

Consideration of computing in relation to public well-being.

Industry roles and industry relations.

Environment and sustainability issues.

Business, economics, environmental and sustainability issues.

Commercial issues and principles, and Intellectual Property.

Globalisation issues.

Disability and accessibility.

Health and Safety, and associated risk issues.

Economics of systems and architecture.

Documentation, plans, requirements and specifications.

Domain and professional, ethical and legal practices.

Design processes and trade-offs.

Risk assessment and forward thinking.

Team organisation, team-working, and effectiveness of individual roles.

Solution support.

Utilisation of accepted standards.

Evaluation, selection and application of suitable technologies.

Creation of an artefact suitable for the course-specific requirements.



The Project undertaken and the Portfolio presented will demonstrate the following set of Core KSBs as well as the appropriate specialism KSBs.

Knowledge

K1 How organisations adapt and exploit digital technology solutions to gain a competitive advantage.

K2 The principles of strategic decision making concerning the acquisition or development of digital and technology solutions. For example, business architecture approaches such as capability models and target operating models.

K3 Principles of estimating the risks and opportunities of digital and technology solutions.

K4 Techniques and approaches involved in creating a business case for new digital and technology solutions. For example, journey, product and capability mapping and value chains.

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K6 The approaches and techniques used throughout the digital and technology solution lifecycle and their applicability to an organisation’s standards and pre-existing tools.

K7 The roles, functions and activities within digital technology solutions within an organisation.

K8 How teams work effectively to produce digital and technology solutions.

K9 The concepts and principles of leadership.

K10 Management techniques and theories. For example, effective decision making, delegation and planning methods, time management and change management.

K11 The nature and scope of common vulnerabilities in digital and technology solutions. For example, the risks of unsecure coding and unprotected networks

K12 The role of data management systems within Digital and Technology Solutions.

K13 Principles of data analysis for digital and technology solutions.

K14 A range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods and how to appraise and select the appropriate method.

K15 Principles of estimating cost, and time resource constraints within digital and technology solutions activities.

K16 Fundamental computer networking concepts in relation to digital and technology solutions. For example, cloud architecture, components, quality of service.

K17 Reporting techniques, including how to synthesise information and present concisely, as appropriate to the target audience.

K18 Techniques of robust research and evaluation for the justification of digital and technology solutions.

K19: Relevant legal, ethical, social and professional standards to a digital and technology solution. For example, Diversity, Accessibility, Intellectual Property, Data Protection Acts, Codes of Practice, Regulatory and Compliance frameworks.

K20: Sustainable development approaches as applied to digital and technology solutions such as green computing.



Skills

S1 Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.

S2 Identify risks, determine mitigation strategies and opportunities for improvement in a digital and technology solutions project.

S3 Analyse a business problem to specify an appropriate digital and technology solution.

S4 Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution.

S5 Apply relevant standard processes, methods, techniques and tools. For example, ISO Standards, Waterfall, Agile in a digital and technology solution project.

S6 Manage digital and technology solutions projects. For example: identifying and resolving deviations from specification, applying appropriate Project Management methodologies.

S7 Work effectively within teams, leading on appropriate digital technology solution activities.

S8 Apply relevant organisational theories. For example, change management principles, marketing approaches, strategic practice, and IT service management to a digital and technology solutions project.

S9 Apply relevant security and resilience techniques to a digital and technology solution for example: risk assessments, mitigation strategies.

S10 Initiate, design, implement and debug a data product for a digital and technology solution.

S11 Determine and use appropriate data analysis techniques. For example, Text, Statistical, Diagnostic or Predictive Analysis, to assess digital and technology solutions.

S12 Plan, design and manage simple computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context.

S13 Report effectively to colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language and style, to meet the needs of the audience concerned.

S14 Research, investigate, and evaluate innovative technologies or approaches in the development of a digital and technology solution.

S15 Apply relevant legal, ethical, social and professional standards to a digital and technology solution.



Behaviours

B1 Has a strong work ethic and commitment to meet the standards required.

B2 Reliable, objective and capable of independent and team working.

B3 Acts with integrity with respect to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements ensuring the protection of personal data, safety and security.

B4 Commits to continuous professional development; maintaining their knowledge and skills in relation to developments in digital and technology solutions that influence their work.

B5 Interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds. Presents data and conclusions in an evidently truthful, concise and appropriate manner.

B6 Participates in and shares best practice in their organisation, and the wider community for aspects relevant to digital and technology solutions.

B7 Maintains awareness of trends and innovations in the subject area, utilising a range of academic literature, online sources, community interaction, conference attendance and other methods which can deliver business value.

B8 Champions diversity and inclusion in their work ensuring that digital technology solutions are accessible.

The project module consists of an Academic Project assessment and the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment. The Project report and Presentation with Questions is required for the Academic and End Point Assessment, the Professional Discussion is EPA only.



Project with a project output: 6000 words plus or minus 10%.

learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4 & 5.

The apprentice’s project can be based on any of the following:

a specific problem

a recurring issue

an idea or opportunity

The project output must be in the form of a report.



Presentation with questions: duration 60 minutes (typically 30 minutes presentation and 30 minutes questions +/-10%).

learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4 & 5.

The apprentice must prepare and submit their presentation speaker notes and supporting materials. The presentations must include:

an overview of the project

the project scope (including key performance indicators)

summary of actions undertaken by the apprentice

project outcomes and how these were achieved.



The project report with presentation, questions and will be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this report, presentation, and discussion.



Assessing the following Core KSBs

Knowledge:

K1 How organisations adapt and exploit digital technology solutions to gain a competitive advantage.

K2 The principles of strategic decision making concerning the acquisition or development of digital and technology solutions. For example, business architecture approaches such as capability models and target operating models.

K3 Principles of estimating the risks and opportunities of digital and technology solutions.

K4 Techniques and approaches involved in creating a business case for new digital and technology solutions. For example, journey, product and capability mapping and value chains.

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K15 Principles of estimating cost, and time resource constraints within digital and technology solutions activities.

K17 Reporting techniques, including how to synthesise information and present concisely, as appropriate to the target audience.

K18 Techniques of robust research and evaluation for the justification of digital and technology solutions.

Skills

S1 Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.

S2 Identify risks, determine mitigation strategies and opportunities for improvement in a digital and technology solutions project.

S3 Analyse a business problem to specify an appropriate digital and technology solution.

S5 Apply relevant standard processes, methods, techniques and tools. For example, ISO Standards, Waterfall, Agile in a digital and technology solution project.

S6 Manage digital and technology solutions projects. For example: identifying and resolving deviations from specification, applying appropriate Project Management methodologies.

S13 Report effectively to colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language and style, to meet the needs of the audience concerned.

S14 Research, investigate, and evaluate innovative technologies or approaches in the development of a digital and technology solution.



Behaviours

B3 Acts with integrity with respect to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements ensuring the protection of personal data, safety and security.

B5 Interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds. Presents data and conclusions in an evidently truthful, concise and appropriate manner.



In addition to the Core KSBs above the Project Report, Questions and Answers will also explore depth of understanding surrounding the relevant specialist KSBs as defined in the EPA Plan





Professional Discussion Underpinned by the Portfolio: duration 60 minutes.

Learning Outcome 3, 5

To assess the demonstration through work-based evidence and learning content of the coverage of the breadth of the core of the standard throughout the duration of the and further explore the depth of understanding surrounding the relevant specialist KSBs



Assessing the following Core KSBs

Knowledge:

K6 The approaches and techniques used throughout the digital and technology solution lifecycle and their applicability to an organisation’s standards and pre-existing tools.

K7 The roles, functions and activities within digital technology solutions within an organisation.

K8 How teams work effectively to produce digital and technology solutions.

K9 The concepts and principles of leadership.

K10 Management techniques and theories. For example, effective decision making, delegation and planning methods, time management and change management.

K11 The nature and scope of common vulnerabilities in digital and technology solutions. For example, the risks of unsecure coding and unprotected networks

K12 The role of data management systems within Digital and Technology Solutions.

K13 Principles of data analysis for digital and technology solutions.

K14 A range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods and how to appraise and select the appropriate method.

K16 Fundamental computer networking concepts in relation to digital and technology solutions. For example, cloud architecture, components, quality of service.

K19: Relevant legal, ethical, social and professional standards to a digital and technology solution. For example, Diversity, Accessibility, Intellectual Property, Data Protection Acts, Codes of Practice, Regulatory and Compliance frameworks.

K20: Sustainable development approaches as applied to digital and technology solutions such as green computing.



Skills

S4 Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution.

S7 Work effectively within teams, leading on appropriate digital technology solution activities.

S8 Apply relevant organisational theories. For example, change management principles, marketing approaches, strategic practice, and IT service management to a digital and technology solutions project.

S9 Apply relevant security and resilience techniques to a digital and technology solution for example: risk assessments, mitigation strategies.

S10 Initiate, design, implement and debug a data product for a digital and technology solution.

S11 Determine and use appropriate data analysis techniques. For example, Text, Statistical, Diagnostic or Predictive Analysis, to assess digital and technology solutions.

S12 Plan, design and manage simple computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context.

S15 Apply relevant legal, ethical, social and professional standards to a digital and technology solution.



Behaviours

B1 Has a strong work ethic and commitment to meet the standards required.

B2 Reliable, objective and capable of independent and team working.

B4 Commits to continuous professional development; maintaining their knowledge and skills in relation to developments in digital and technology solutions that influence their work.

B6 Participates in and shares best practice in their organisation, and the wider community for aspects relevant to digital and technology solutions.

B7 Maintains awareness of trends and innovations in the subject area, utilising a range of academic literature, online sources, community interaction, conference attendance and other methods which can deliver business value.

B8 Champions diversity and inclusion in their work ensuring that digital technology solutions are accessible.





In addition to the Core KSBs above the Professional Discussion will also explore depth of understanding surrounding the relevant specialist KSBs as defined in the EPA Plan

Module Launch 6 hours

There are a series of induction lectures (typically 2 hours per week for four weeks) which cover the process and best practices you will need to be successful in your project. The module of the module as well as appropriate preparation for the EPA



Project Supervision 8 hours apprentice

Each apprentice will receive 16 x 30-minute supervision sessions throughout the duration of the Project supervision with the mode agreed with their supervisor. Apprentices may contact their academic supervisor outside of formal supervisory sessions as required.



Independent Learning (286 hours)

Your project will be completed in your workplace under the guidance of your mentor. You will complete a work-based learning agreement to ensure that arrangements are in place at your workplace to facilitate this work-based learning

undertake detailed, critical and evaluative research to support the development of an innovative digital and technology solution to a work-based problem

apply recognised best practice methods, methodologies and approaches and apply effective digital technologies in developing a solution to a work-based problem

critically evaluate the success and impact of digital and technology solutions using appropriate test and evaluation methods

complete and present a well-managed project, considering risk management, relevant legal, ethical and social implications (including green computing) and complying with appropriate academic and professional requirements and codes of conduct

present a critical analysis of evidence demonstrating competence against a set of given criteria

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.



Williams, K. (2018), Planning Your Dissertation (Pocket Study Skills), Red Globe Press; 2nd edition.

Burton, H, M. (2021), Your First Research Paper: Learn how to start, structure, write and publish a perfect research paper to get the top mark, independently published.

Dawson, C. (2015) Projects in Computing and Information Systems: A Student's Guide. 3rd edition. Pearson Education. ISBN: 9781292073460

Schwalbe, K. (2018) Information Technology Project Management. 9th edition. Course Technology Inc. ISBN: 978-1337101356

Robson, C. (2016) How to do a Research Project: A Guide for Undergraduate Students. 2nd Edition. Wiley. ISBN: 978-1118691328

As determined by the agreed project proposal.

This is the final module of the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Integrated Degree Apprenticeship and brings together the apprentices finest piece of academic work in the Honours Project in combination with a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence in the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Apprenticeship Standard.

There are 3 components to the assessment, the production of the project report, a “presentation and questions” assessment of the project and finally the apprenticeship Professional Discussion supported by the broader portfolio of work built up throughout the apprenticeship.

The project is the completion of the project proposed in the Honours Project Proposal & Gateway module and is a substantial piece of work that meets the needs of the employer and shows the apprentice demonstrating the apprentice’s specialism Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours as well as the academic underpinning of the work. The project work itself is combined with any final additions to the apprentice’s portfolio in preparation for the Professional Discussion element of the End Point Assessment.

Learners must have passed the Gateway element of the Project Proposal module.