This module is designed to enable managers with at least twelve months experience to achieve both vocational and academic award related to their practice. The module will challenge performance, what is done, why and how and test powers of reasoning and judgement in two units of vocational practice. Vocational certificates are awarded by the Chartered Management Institute and postgraduate credit is gained towards a University award. The module will include the following content of study.
- Appraising, analysing and developing account of practice and performance.
- Considering possible forms of performance evidence and the related depth of experience that is required to complete for award.
- Developing a process through which to appraise the reasoning and judgement that has been applied in practice.
- Distinguishing and integrating different modes of thought within the appraisal and developing application of related methods and techniques. Reflecting this process in a learning journal.

This strategy is for part-time on-campus delivery. There will be a total of 30 hours of class and tutorial support, plus 3 hours of individual support and feedback. There will be an estimated 63 hours of related independent study required during the delivery period, plus an estimated 102 hours of independent and self-directed study for each of the two units in sequential order.

The module will require two consecutive semesters of study. Assessments for the two units will be completed to a timetable and tutorials will be structured to support these dates. There will also be an initial individual one hour formative discussion, plus a one hour individual performance and assessment viva voce for each unit. Normally there will be both vocational assessment feedback and overall University award indicative feedback from the first unit of assessment before the second unit is due.

Library resources in the subject areas of experiential learning, creativity, systems thinking, reflective practice and reductionist or analytical thinking. The latter will overlap with scientific method. Access to a PC with personal computing software. An identified, agreed person is needed to authenticate performance evidence. Experience must be sufficient to demonstrate practice and evidence in the required two units of practice, taken from People, Activity, Resource and Information roles defined in the Level 4 or Level 5 Management Standards.

Each unit to be taken from a different role, one of which must be People.

Moon J A, (1999), Learning Journals. Kogan Page. ISBN 0-7494-3045-1.
Moon J A, (2000). Reflection in Learning and Professional Development, Theory and Practice. Kogan Page. ISBN 0-7494-3452-X.
Proctor T, (2002). Creative Problem Solving for Managers. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-19679-5.
Waring A, (2000). Practical Systems Thinking. Thomson. ISBN 1-86152-614-8.
Supplementary
Checkland P B, (1999). Systems Thinking, Systems Practice includes a 30 year retrospective. Wiley. ISBN 0-471-98606-2.
Henry J, (2001). Creativity and Perception in Management. Sage. ISBN 0-7619-6825-3.

Firstly, an explanatory report to provide an interpretation and justification of evidence in terms of the performance requirements of the unit of the vocational standard. The report to be developed to provide account of the consideration given to reasoning and judgements made within that performance. The account to relate to aspects of knowledge and understanding as defined in the unit of the vocational standard. The word count to be between 1,500 and 2,000 words, excluding diagrams and tabulations. (Tests Learning Outcomes 1 - 4)

Secondly, to provide a 1,500 word appraisal of the consideration given to reasoning and judgements made in practice. This appraisal to be developed through application of the model, modes of thought, methods and techniques introduced in the module, or from related referenced sources. The word count to exclude diagrams and tabulations. (Tests Learning Outcomes 4 & 5)

A vocational portfolio, together with copies of the above personal reports, will also be submitted separately for vocational award. Vocational assessment includes an individual one hour viva voce per unit. (The Portfolio and Viva Voce test Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)