CONFIRMED
UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON
School of Computing, Information Technology & Engineering
Minutes of the Meeting of the School Quality Standing Committee held
on Wednesday 27th May 2009
Present:
M. Marriott (Chair)
J. Bolissian
M. Dastbaz
S.W. Lee
I. Macrury (SSMCS)
S. Brown
S. Alexis
M. Griffiths
J. Wood (QAE)
J. Harston
C. Draganova
R. Latham
Officer:
Farhanaz Begum
471
Apologies
Hamid Jahankhani, C. Watts and A. Edgar sent their apologies
472
Quoracy
It was noted that the meeting was quorate to make decisions on
approval business.
473
Minutes of the previous meeting held on 22nd April 2009
It was noted that with correction of some minor typographic errors the
minutes from the Committee meeting held on 22nd April 2009 were
confirmed as a true and accurate record. These minutes will be
published on UEL Plus and be sent to QAE.
ACTION: Farhanaz amend errors and send confirmed minutes to QAE,
and for uploading to UEL Plus.
474
Matters Arising
474.1
Action Sheet
Actions from the previous meeting were reviewed and the following
actions were confirmed as completed.
461.2, 461.3, 461.33 and 462
The status of other action items was as follows:
412 – R. Latham reported that he had been unable to identify a willing
Student Representative from Surveying. The Chair suggested that this
action be opened up to any field to propose a Student Representative for
SQSC, and that this be followed up at the start of the next academic
year. It was noted that there would be points incentives in place to
encourage students to take up such roles.
430.2 - This action has now been superseded by subsequent discussions
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with BCS, see item 482.2 below.
454.1 - This remains on the agenda. See item 480.1 below where
discussion regarding REP reports has been noted.
475
Approval Business
475.1
Programme Approval Schedule
The Chair drew the committee’s attention to the schedule of approval
business circulated with the papers, which would also be discussed at
the next SMT meeting.
The Committee discussed the pending status of MSc Electrical Power
System, which obtained initial approval in 2007, but has not been taken
forward to approval due to other demands on staff resources. The
danger of advertising programmes which have not been developed was
noted, and M. Dastbaz confirmed that advertising should not be
launched without consultation with the school. S. Alexis asked why
proposals are set up if resources are not available. J. Bolissian stated
that a process does exist to address this at SMT, and urged that this
should be closely adhered to. M. Dastbaz acknowledged the concern
and pointed out that some new appointments are soon being
interviewed for, which should address the needs of new programmes, a
number of which are not intended to start until 2010.
In response to a query as to whether the School could proceed to
approval, but then delay validation of a programme, J. Wood informed
the Committee that VRSC validation after School approval of a
programme cannot be delayed, however a later start date can be
identified which will put it on hold for a while.
Regarding information about suspended or withdrawn programmes, I.
Macrury mentioned a new QA policy, which indicates that if programmes
are withdrawn, then six weeks notification must be given before the
intended date of commencement. J. Wood was asked to investigate and
provide further information on this policy.
The committee was informed that the MA/MSc Interactive Digital Media
(previously Interactive Media) will now be handled through SQSC and not
centrally through QAE who manage the approval of collaborative and
distance learning programmes. This is due to the delivery changing to
campus based. A name change has also arisen during development. J.
Wood confirmed that she is aware of the name change, and will change
the QA database to reflect the new name: Interactive Digital Media,
which is still covered by the existing initial approval.
It was confirmed that initial approval forms for various collaborative
programmes, including ones in Vietnam, will go to CMT next week.
Others involving London based partners are on hold, pending
investigation of their points based system status.
ACTION: J. Wood to report on the policy concerning withdrawal timing.
476
Approval of BSc (Hons) Mathematics combined (minor)
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C. Draganova was in attendance to represent this proposed combined
honours programme, which was presented for approval having
completed initial approval and planning stages. The Committee noted
the documentation concerning the programme which had been
circulated, including the responses of both external advisers (Dr Pargat
Singh Calay from London Metropolitan University, and Elena FitkovNorris of Kingston University). Both Externals support the approval and
did not require further information or response. The Committee
proceeded to consider the comments provided and to seek further
clarification from C. Draganova as indicated below.
Academic Climate and structure
Both External Advisors were satisfied with the programme. A question
was raised concerning resources, as not all modules showed a
nominated module leader yet. It was explained that this will be
addressed by appointing more staff to the SD field to free existing staff
with mathematical expertise to deliver the modules in question. Precise
details will depend on the new appointments.
Philosophy and Principles
The Committee noted that it appears that the both External Advisors are
reflecting back comments almost verbatim from our QA procedures.
The committee read this to indicate endorsement of the programme, and
realised that it was not appropriate to ask such comments to be
adjusted, but wondered for the future how the guidelines might be
altered to encourage more independent wording. I. Macrury commented
that more critical analysis is often beneficial for the development of a
programme.
Admissions
In line with our new admissions criterion, the entry requirement should
be raised to 200 UCAS points. Also it was suggested to put ‘If’ at the
beginning of the IELTS sentence in the programme specification to offer
a better flow of language.
Structure
The Committee suggested that all reference to placement be deleted
from this minor, since a placement if appropriate would be offered on
the associated major.
Content
The Committee was puzzled by one external’s use of ‘in one other
language’, and realised that this was once again the result of verbatim
use of the wording in our QA guidelines. It was confirmed that the
programme will be taught in English only.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Assessment method for SD2XX2 shows 2000 words for group work. It
was agreed that this should indicate 2000 words per student, to
maintain consistency with other modules. Generally, where group work
is indicated, it would be helpful to clarify whether the word length
specified is per group or per student. The Committee scrutinised
learning outcomes, particularly on SD3XX1, and suggestions were made
to elevate the LOs to level3 with more critical assessment criteria.
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Assessment
S. Alexis queried whether multiple choice assessment was appropriate
for SD2XX2, but the consensus after discussion was that a suitable
assessment of this type could be set.
Guidance and Support
It was noted that PDP activities will take place in skills modules via the
major, and not this minor.
Progression and Completion
Both External Advisors reflect back our quality criteria.
Information
There was discussion concerning the exit award if a student did not
complete the mathematics minor. The Committee understood that the
fall back intermediate award would be in the name of the major, without
mention of maths in this situation. It was also queried whether the
degree would become BA(Hons) if combined with an arts major. This
was left for the combined honours leader to clarify.
Other issues
R. Latham pointed out that SD3XX1 bore strong similarity to existing
module SDM033, and that the field should review the delivery to ensure
these are at the appropriate levels.
C. Draganova was thanked for the development of this addition to the
School’s combined honours provision, and was requested to incorporate
the issues and suggestions raised.
The Committee duly approved the BSc (Hons) Mathematics combined
(minor), and it was requested that paperwork should be forwarded by 1st
June for this to be included in the June meeting of the Validation and
Review Sub Committee.
ACTION: C. Draganova to incorporate all agreed points and send revised
versions to Farhanaz, who would forward the programme specification
and unconfirmed minutes to QAE.
477
Modifications:
477.1
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering –final year project and programme
specification (JW & RB)
In the absence of R. Bayliss and J. Walsh, the Committee discussed the
proposed new module. The Committee concluded that the learning
outcomes needed adjustment to agree with the skills curriculum, and
that the assessment as presented was unclear whether this comprised
one or three components. It was agreed that the total assessment
loading did comply with the maximum specified in the tariff. It was
agreed that Sharon Brown as LILT would follow up the points raised with
the module leader, and that a revised module specification be submitted
for the next SQSC. The revised programme specification would also be
required, as this had not yet been submitted.
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ACTION: S. Brown to liaise with J. Walsh concerning the module
specification.
R. Bayliss to be reminded to submit the revised
programme specification.
478
External Examiners
Carolyn Watts had emailed a response to the chair showing progress on
various new appointments, and would report further at the next SQSC
meeting.
479.
Programme withdrawal/suspension
479.1
MSc Computer System Engineering (RP/AC)
Nothing provided yet, so this will appear on the next agenda.
479.2
FDSc Creative Business and Information Technologies (SA)
It was clarified that a withdrawal form had been provided for the delivery
at Havering, but not yet for the delivery at Newham, although that had
also stopped.
ACTION: S. Alexis to arrange a withdrawal form for the Newham delivery
of this programme.
480
Review & Enhancement Process
480.1
Update on 2008/9 final version (CW/AE)
Neither Carolyn Watts nor Alan Edgar was able to be present at this
meeting, so this would be reported on further at the next meeting. It
was suggested that information should be made available to the
secretary when neither was present. Following on from action 454.1
mentioned in 474.1 above, there was discussion about the procedure
where an author had not in the committee auditor’s view appropriately
adjusted a report following the auditor’s comments. The committee was
not keen on the suggestion of bringing the whole report back to the
committee, and suggested that this be pursued further on a one to one
basis. Staff were also urged to be proactive and ensure that absolutely
all final points had been completed and lodged with P. Brimson, who has
been handling the administration of this under CW/AE.
480.2
Plan for 2009/10 (MM)
Due to time constraints, this was left for discussion at the next SQSC.
Ian Macrury offered the suggestion that SSMCS is considering having
presentations of each REP for oral feedback.
481
Matters Arising from QSC/VRSC
481.1
Verbal reports from recent meetings (MM)
Nothing specific was reported from those in attendance at the recent
QSC meeting.
482
Periodic Academic Reviews & Professional Accreditation Visits
482.1
Review of Articulation arrangements with STM (AC)
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A paper was circulated to the Committee, which was regarded as a draft.
It was noticed that the report refers only to the MSc CSE and does not
cover the MSc IT, which will need to be included. It needs also to be
mentioned whether there have been any changes over the period to our
requirements or to the STM staffing and provision, and remapping
confirming whether the advanced entry articulation is suitable to
continue (notwithstanding any possible future plans to reconsider the
nature of the collaboration). The student number figures should show
recent annual totals. The committee agreed that a fuller version was
required before this could be submitted to VRSC.
482.2
ACTION: A. Chanerley to provide a fuller version of the report for the
next SQSC meeting
Update regarding BCS (MD)
The Dean M. Dastbaz reported that he and Associate Dean (Academic)
Hamid Jahankhani had visited BCS and met the chair of the accreditation
panel, to exchange views on the recent visit. Some justified issues and
criticism had been raised regarding our processes, such as the evidence
of project marking in computing, and steps have been taken to identify a
more robust approach to recording and reconciling the final mark
awarded. Attempts are also being made to adjust UEL systems to provide
appropriate programme level reports containing the data expected by
BCS. The Dean advised that the response is on hold at present pending
further information, and that he would report further for the next
meeting. It may be that BCS accreditation is lost for some programmes,
but this should not be assumed until advised further. I. Macrury
suggested that there should be no ambiguity in programme
advertisement, in case BCS accreditation is important to applicants, and
it was agreed to attend to programme specifications at the July meeting.
ACTION: M. Dastbaz to advise further regarding BCS accreditation for
the July meeting.
482.3
Update on Electrical Engineering Action plan (JB or WB)
This will also go to the July meeting.
.
483
AOB
M. Griffiths provided draft copies of A School Strategy for Supporting
Collaborative Partners, and explained the background to this document
which will be presented to the next SMT meeting. The aim is how to
manage and develop expanding collaboration in SE Asia and elsewhere.
They are looking at strategy to support staff in partner colleges. There
are existing QA procedures which are being implemented and
developed. An update on activity at Partner Institutions in Malaysia was
also provided, including details of the outcomes of the recent review at
HELP University College (HUC). The Chair thanked Mike Griffiths for this
information and important initiative, and requested the Committee to
review the draft strategy document, and send M. Griffiths feedback via
email.
ACTION: Committee to provide feedback to M. Griffiths
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484
Planning items
484.1
MSc Advanced Computing (CD)
It was noted that following the previous planning meeting the option
choices had been clarified and the number of modules involved reduced.
The issue of laboratory space was raised, with concern regarding
resources depending on the number who chose particular options. It
was noted that the programme is not due to run until 2010. The Dean
also confirmed that it would be possible to cap the number of students
recruited to avoid overstretching the facilities.
Points were raised about the wording of topics on the dissertation
module, which would benefit from improvement, although it was noted
that this was an existing module in use on other programmes.
External advisers had been identified, but it was unclear at the meeting
whether this information was held by the registrar on the required
nomination forms.
After deliberation the Committee agreed to postpone the planning of the
above programme until further discussions in the computing area had
been concluded.
484.2
BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology (SWL)
Some points raised at the previous meeting had been addressed but
others remained. Again the Committee agreed that it would be sensible
to wait until some other restructuring had been implemented before
planning to proceed with approval of the above programme.
484.3
MA/MSc Interactive Digital Media
As mentioned in item 475.1 above, this programme will now come
through the SQSC for approval. Sharon Brown provided some paper
copies of the current documentation.
485
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 1st July 2009.
DRAFT
UNCONFIRMED
CONFIRMED
28/05/2009
29/05/2009
1/06/2009
Quality Standing Committee
Action Sheet
Minute
Name
Task
Deadline
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No.
454.1
A Edgar / C Watts
473
Farhanaz Begum
474.1
Field Leaders
475.1
J. Wood
476
C. Draganova
476
Farhanaz Begum
477.1
S. Brown / J.Walsh /
R.Bayliss
479.2
S. Alexis
482.1
A. Chanerley
482.2
483
M Dastbaz
Committee
To provide finalised updated tracking sheet for REP
reports
Amend errors and send confirmed minutes to QAE,
and copy to Alan Edgar to upload to UEL Plus
To nominate a student representative for this
committee
To advise about the procedure concerning timing
of programme suspension or withdrawal
To incorporate agreed points and forward revised
versions to Farhanaz Begum.
To send documentation about the Combined
Honours Mathematics minor to J.Wood for VRSC
To liaise with J.Walsh concerning the CE3216
module specification, for resubmission to SQSC,
along with the revised to programme specification
To arrange a withdrawal form for the Newham
delivery of the Foundation Degree in Creative
Business and Information Technologies
To provide fuller version of articulation report on
STM
To report further on BCS accreditation issues
To provide feedback to M. Griffiths on the strategy
document.
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June 09
May 09
October 09
July 09
May 09
May 09
June 09
June 09
June 09
June 09
June 09