Leadership and Management Skills Senior Leader Master’s ... · The Open University Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship provides current and future leaders and senior

Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship

Leadership and Management Skills

Introduction 3Who's it for? 3

Why choose The Open University? 3

Content summary 3

Programme summary 4Duration 4

Levelandincludedqualification 4

Entryrequirements 4

Programme components 4The Individual Learning Plan 5

Programme structure 5

Programme learning outcomes 61. Knowledge and understanding 6

2.Cognitiveskills 6

3.Keyskills 7

4.Practicaland/orprofessionalskills7

Programme delivery 8

What support will apprentices receive? 9

Modules overview 10

Residential schools 13

Assessments 13Learning outcomes assessments 13

Knowledge,skillsandbehaviouralassessment 13

Gateway 13

End-point assessment (EPA) 13

Contents

SeniorLeaderMaster’sDegreeApprenticeship

02 | The Open University

The Open University Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship provides current and future leaders and senior managers with high-level leadership and management skills, core competencies and desired behaviours to become more effective leaders.

OurSeniorLeaderMaster’sDegreeApprenticeshipdevelopsinclusiveleaderswhoareresponsiblefordevelopingethical,innovativeandsupportivecultureswiththeabilitytodeliverresults,managecomplexityandinstigatechange.Apprenticesreceivehigh-qualityhighereducationlearningfromourtriple-accreditedBusiness School and can instantly apply their newly-acquiredknowledgeandskillsintotheir workingenvironment.

Who’s it for?

A strategic leader is someone who has senior managementresponsibility,whichmayincludeformalgovernanceordirectorresponsibilities.Theyareresponsibleforsettingstrategy,directionandvision,for providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent.

Theapprenticeshipwillbesuitableforcurrentandfutureseniorleadersinorganisationsofallsizesintheprivate,publicorthirdsector.Newandexistingstaffcanbeenrolledontotheprogramme.

Entryrequirementscanbefoundonpage4.

Why choose The Open University?

• Theapprenticeshipisdeliveredflexiblyaroundthedemandsofyourorganisationandrequiresminimaltimeawayfromtheworkplace,usingour tutor-supported, rich-media online learning methods

• Learningcanbedeliveredsimultaneouslytovariouslocationsusingourtried-and-trustededucationaltechnology,providingaconsistentprogrammeformultiplestaff

• Theprogrammeisdesignedanddeliveredbythetriple accredited Open University Business School, whichisrankedintheworld’stop1%

• Wehave50years’experienceofdeliveringflexiblelearningtofitaroundthelivesofbusyworkingadultsandhaveaprovenhistoryofdeliveringwork-basedlearningandapprenticeshipprogrammestoorganisations


The Open University | 03

• Leadership• Developing agile and

collaborativecultures• Strategic management• Managing in an

international/ inter-culturalcontext

• Managing people• Valuecreation• Financial management • Marketing• Operationsandsupply

chain management

• Change management• Project management • Peer learning• Practice-based

reflection• Englishskillswith

qualificationswhererequired

• Mathsskillswithqualificationswhererequired

Content summary

Introduction

The programme content and assessment strategy are mapped to the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeshipstandard(findoutmoreaboutthestandard at www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/senior-leader/)

Modules in this programme include: Managing in achangingworld,Creatingandsustainingvalue,Leadershipinpractice,Effectivestrategicmanagementinbusinessandthepublicsector,FinanceforstrategicdecisionmakingandtheMBAProjectmodule.Theyare designed for professionals from a wide range of backgroundswhoneedtoengagewiththechallengesof 21st century management and leadership. The apprenticeshiphelpsleaderstodevelopskillsandknowledgeofmanagementframeworks,theoriesandtools,andtousetheseappropriatelyinordertomakearealdifferenceintheirownleadershippractice.

Key areas covered are:

http://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/senior-leader/


https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/senior-leader/

Duration

Typically 2½ years

Level and included qualifications

ThisdegreeapprenticeshipstandardisatLevel7.Apprenticeswillgainthefollowingqualifications:

1. MBA(LeadershipPractice),awardedbyThe Open University

2. FunctionalskillsinEnglishandmathsLevel 2, if not previously achieved

SuccessfulapprenticesmayalsobeeligibleformembershipoftheCharteredManagementInstitute(CMI)ortheInstituteof Leadership and Management (ILM), dependingontheirmanagementexperience.

Entry requirements

Aminimumofthreeyears’experienceinamanagerial, professional or technical role, sothatapprenticeshaveapracticalbusinessbasefromwhichtobuildtheirMBAlearning,aswellasanhonoursdegreeawardedbyarecognised UK university or equivalent.

Varioushighereducationandprofessionalqualificationsareconsideredequivalenttoan honours degree, so please contact us if a prospectiveapprenticeholdsaqualificationthatyoubelieveisanequivalentleveltoadegree.AnexampleofthisisTheOpenUniversityProfessionalCertificateinManagement.

Programme summary


The apprenticeship is made up of the following seven components:

1. The initial AssessmentwillbecarriedoutbyanApprenticeshipProgrammeDeliveryManager.Theywillreviewapprentices’currentlevelofknowledge,workexperienceandjobcompetenciesaswellaspreviousqualifications,includingmathsandEnglishskills.Thisisusedtotailoranindividuallearningplantohelpapprenticesmakethe most of the programme.

2. Tutor-supported study modules willbuildunderstandingofthekeytheories,skillsandcompetenciesintakingapprentices’leadershipandmanagementcapabilitiestoa higher level. Associate Lecturers (academic tutors) will facilitatestudy,supportlearningandfeedback,andmarkmoduleassessments.EnglishandmathsFunctionalSkillstutorswillsupportthesuccessfulcompletionofthesequalificationswhereanapplicantisnotabletoprovideevidenceofpriorattainment.

3. The work-based learning module providestheframeworkforapprenticestogather,collateandpresentaportfolioofevidencethatmeetstheApprenticeshipstandard.Itprovidesthestimulatinglinkbetweenacademicstudyandpractice,ofteninvolvesapprenticescriticallyreflectingontheirlearningandworkingpractices.ThismoduleisfacilitatedbyPracticeTutors,whosupportlearningandfeedback,aswellasmarkthemoduleassessments.

4. The summative portfoliorecordsevidenceofapprentices’applicationofknowledge,skillsandbehavioursintheworkplace.Theportfolioprovidesthemeansfordemonstratinghowapprenticeshavepracticallyappliedtheirnewlyacquiredknowledgeandskillsintheworkplace.

5. The work-place projectisasubstantivepieceofworkundertakenaspartoftheapprenticeship.Itisanorganisationally-focusedprojectwhichaimstobringtogetherelementsoflearningfromdifferentpartsoftheprogrammeandenablesapprenticestodemonstratetheapplicationofknowledgeandskillslearntduringtheirapprenticeship.

6. The MBA (Leadership Practice) isawardedby The Open University.

7. The End-Point Assessment (EPA)iscarriedoutbyanInstituteforApprenticeshipsapprovedindependentassessmentorganisationchosenbytheemployeranddetermineswhetherapprenticeshavesuccessfullymetthelearning requirements of the Senior Leader Master’s Degree ApprenticeshipStandard.

Programme components

04|TheOpenUniversity

The Open University will help apprentices produce and maintain an individual learning plan, tailored to their specific needs and career goals. The individual learning plan is a useful way for apprentices to collate and track information, including details of all their learning and relevant workplace training, and helps them plan their workload to complete tasks in line with their development goals.



Stage 1

• Managing in a changing world (30 credits), which includesaresidentialschool

• Creating and sustaining value (30 credits)

• English and maths qualifications (where required)

ItisarequirementofallapprenticeshipsthatevidenceofEnglishandmathsskillsisachievedbyGateway–thiscouldbebyexemptionduetopriorattainmentsuchasGCSEcertificatesorbyformalassessmentgainedduringtheapprenticeshipitself.

The OU provides specialist English and maths tutorstoprepareandsupportapprenticesforthesequalifications.TheOUstronglyrecommendsthatthesequalificationsareachievedwithinthefirst12monthsoftheapprenticeshipinordertohavemaximumbenefitonacademicstudyandworkplacedevelopmentandcontribution.

Stage 2

• Leadership in practice(45credits)

• Effective strategic management in business and the public sector (30 credits), which includes a residentialschool

• Finance for strategic decision making (15 credits)

• MBA Project – making a difference (30 credits), whichincludesaresidentialschool

Thecompulsoryresidentialschoolswillbeheldonarangeofdatesacrossthecountryatvariouslocations.Theycanvaryinlengthbutaregenerallyoverthreedays.Onlinealternativesarealsoavailable.

Programme structure

The Individual Learning Plan

The programme is delivered through a combination of tutor-supported study modules and a work-based learning module:


Programme learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship fall within four important categories.

Apprenticeswillbeabletocollectrelevantinformationacrossarangeofareaspertainingtoacurrentsituation,analysethatinformationandsynthesiseitintoanappropriateforminordertoevaluatesituationsandalternativecoursesofactionthatmaybecontemplatedinthefollowing topic areas.

1. Knowledge and understanding

Bytheendoftheapprenticeship,apprenticeswillbeableto:

• Demonstrate sound understanding of theories and concepts appropriate tomanagingorganisationalperformancethrougheffectiveleadership.

• Demonstratecriticalknowledgeandunderstandingoftheinternalandexternalorganisationalcontextwiththeviewofrecommendingstrategicideasinmanagingcomplexsituationsindifferentsettingsandenvironments.

• Developlong-termvision,goalsanddirectionfororganisationsandstrategiestodeliverthegoals,generatesocialandeconomicbenefitsincludingappropriatefinancialstrategies.

2. Cognitive skills


• Thinkanalyticallyandinanintegratedmannerinordertomakesoundandeffectivejudgementsonthestrategicperformanceoforganisationsincludingfinancialconsequencesofstrategicdecisions.

• Assesstheuseofinitiative,creativity,inclusivityandresponsibilityforbuildingcollaborativerelationshipthrougheffectiveleadershipincomplexwork-placescenarios.

• Criticallycollect,applyandevaluateevidenceandvaluableinformationfromprofessionalinquiriesinidentifyingproblemsandmanagingcomplexsituationsindifferentenvironmentsandsettings.



3. Key skills


• Communicatecomplexinformation(usingappropriatelanguage)toavarietyofstakeholdersatdifferentlevels.

• Demonstrateawarenessandabilitytoreflectonexperienceandcurrentpracticeswithaviewtoimproveleadershippractices.

• Understandtheethicalimplicationsofmanagementpracticeandrespondtoethicalissuesasasociallyresponsibleprofessional.

• Engageandmanageindigitalandentrepreneurialworkenvironments.

4. Practical and/or professional skills


• UsetheSeniorLeaderMaster’sDegreeApprenticeshipstandardasacompetencyframeworktogatherandreviewthequalityandquantityofevidencetodemonstratefulfilmentofthestandardforon-programmeand end-point assessment.

• Improvecapacitytorespondpracticallyandcreativelytoorganisationalproblems.

• Planthenextstagesofprofessionaldevelopmentinlightofdevelopmentsinyourindustry/sector.

• EvidencesuccessfulachievementofEnglishandmathsqualificationsatLevel 2.


TheOpenUniversity|07


SeniorLeaderMaster'sDegreeApprenticeship

Using The Open University’s tried-and-trusted educational technology, the programme’s flexible delivery approach makes it easier for apprentices to manage learning around their busy personal and working lives.

Thetutor-supportedonlinelearningisbothvariedandinteractive,withmultiplerichmediaformatsthatengageandenthuseapprenticesontheirjourney.Learningcanbeaccessed24/7oncomputers,tabletsandmobiledevices,soapprenticescanstudyathome,workandonthemove.Onlineforumsanddiscussiongroupsallowapprenticestolearnfromdifferentindustriesandbackgrounds.

Aspartofanapprentice’sstudyschedule,theEducationandSkillsFundingAgencyrequiresthatatleast20percentofanapprentice’sworkingweekisdedicatedto

off-the-joblearning.Additionalpaidoff-the-jobtimeisrequiredforapprenticesneedingtocompleteEnglishandmathsqualifications.TheOpenUniversity’sflexiblelearningapproachmakesiteasierforemployerstoeffectivelymanagethis,whileminimisingtheimpactonproductivityintheworkplace.

Travelcostsandexpensesarealsominimised,asapprenticeswillnotneedtoattendasmanyclassroomworkshopsaswithotheruniversities.Thecompulsoryresidentialschoolswillbeheldonarangeofdatesacrossthecountryatvariouslocations.Theycanvaryinlengthbutaregenerallyoverthreedays.Onlinealternativesarealsoavailable.

Practicetutorswillalsovisitapprenticesandtheirworkplacesupervisorsaroundfourtimesperyear.

Programme delivery



What support will apprentices receive?

Undertaking a master’s degree apprenticeship while working in a leadership or management role can be hard work and takes a lot of commitment, but The Open University has the experience and support to help apprentices succeed.

TheOpenUniversityhas50years’experienceofdeliveringflexibleonlinelearningtofitaroundthelivesofbusyworkingadults.Currently4in10ofallUKpart-timeundergraduatestudentsarestudyingwithTheOpenUniversityand76percentof Open University students are learning while in employment.

Inadditiontoaccountmanagementsupport,yourorganisationandapprenticeswillalsobeallocatedthefollowingresources:

• Practice Tutor – helps to integrate learning into the workplaceacrosstheentireprogrammeandsupportsthedeliveryofthework-basedlearningmodule.Apprenticesandtheirlinemanagerswillbevisitedbyapracticetutoraroundfourtimesayear.

• Academic Tutor (also called an Associate Lecturer) – this academic tutor facilitates learning within the study modules ateachstageofthequalificationthroughpersonalisedtuition,studentsupportandfeedback.

• Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Manager – supports employerstodelivertheirapprenticeshipprogrammesandmanagestheapprenticejourneyfromstarttocompletion.TheApprenticeshipProgrammeDeliveryManageralsoprovidesemployerswithregular,apprenticeprogressdata.

• English and maths Functional Skills tutors – provide additionalsupporttoapprenticesrequiringqualificationsinthesesubjects.Thesespecialisttutorsareabletoprovideone-to-one support in areas of challenge and to help preparetheapprenticefortheformalqualificationtests.

In addition, The Open University also provides the following support:

• Access to the Student Support team, with a dedicated apprenticeshipsadviceline

• Disabilityandaccessibilitysupport(24,709peoplewithdisabilitiesstudiedwithTheOpenUniversityin2017/18)

• Accesstoanonlinelibrary,containingaworld-classcollectionofhighqualityacademicandprofessionalresources


Modules overview Apprentices will undertake four tutor-supported study modules, one work-based learning module and a work-based project module during the apprenticeship programme.

Stage 1Modules Type Credits Summary Assessment

Managing in a changing world (BXY870)

Tutor-supported study

Includes a residentialschool

30 Thismodulewillencourageapprenticestodevelop,aswellaschallenge,theircurrentknowledgeandskillsinordertodealwith contemporary and rapidly changing areas of management andmarketing.Usingbothindependentandcollaborativeapproachestolearning,themodulewillenableapprenticesto integrate and understand ways of managing these core businessfunctionsinthefaceofglobalisation,technologicaladvancementsandrecenteconomic,socialandpoliticalupheavals.

Twotutor-markedassignments

One end-of-module assessment

Creating and sustaining value (BXY872)


30 Thismoduleallowsapprenticestocriticallyexplorethediversewaysorganisationscreate,sustainandexpandvalue.Itprovidesthelatesttheoriesofvaluecreation,allowingapprenticestopracticallyengagewiththemacrossseveralbusinessfunctionsandarangeoforganisations.Byexaminingtheoperationsandfinancefunctions,apprenticeswilluncoverthelinkbetweendecisionmakingandperformance.Businessintelligenceisusedtodemonstratehowmanagerscanenhanceafirm'svalueusingdataandanalytics.Italsorevealsnewtypesofvaluecreation,centringoncollaboration,ecologicalsustainability,employeewelfareandoverallpublicgood.Theuseofagame-basedlearningapproachprovidesacompellingframeworktoconsolidate,reflect,andexpandontheknowledgeapprenticeswillacquire.Overall,thismoduleoffersaninterdisciplinarylenstoinvestigatehoworganisationscancreateandsustainvalueinanincreasinglycomplexanddynamicbusinessenvironment,drivenbyeconomic,environmentalandsocialconcerns.



Stage 2Modules Type Credits Summary Assessment

Leadership in practice (BBXY857)

Work-basedlearning

45 Thiswork-basedlearningmoduleprovidestheframeworkforapprenticestogather,collateandpresentaportfolioof evidence that meets the Senior Leader Master's Degree Apprenticeshipstandard.Itmakesthestimulatinglinkbetweenacademicstudyandpractice,providingthestructureforapprenticestocriticallyreflectontheirlearningandtheirworkpractices,whicharevitaltothefulldevelopmentofleadershipcompetences.ThroughthismoduleandwithPracticeTutorsupport,apprenticeswilldemonstratetheapplicationofknowledge,skillsandbehavioursvitalfororganisationalperformance,leadingpeopleanddevelopingcollaborativerelationships,achievingpersonalandinter-personaleffectiveness.






Residential schools


Effective Strategic Management in Business and the Public Sector (BXY873)



30 This module will provide students with the necessary tools to becomeaneffectivestrategicdecision-maker.Studentswilllearnabouttheanalysisoftheorganisationalenvironment,decision-makingprocessesandimplementationofpreferredchoices.Thematerialsincludeablendofprofit,non-profitandpublic-sectorcasesandexamplesrelevanttoandsetininternationalcontexts.Thiswillallowstudentstoassessthenuancesofstrategicmanagementacrossdifferentorganisationalandgeographicalsettings.Themodulewillalsosupportthedevelopmentofsoftskills,whichstudentsrequirebothtoprogressinthequalificationandsucceedintheworkplace.*


Examination

Finance for strategic decision making (BXY874)


15 This module will consider a range of ways that managers may usefinancialinformationformakingoptimaldecisions.Firstly,themodulewillconsidertheexternalfinancialpressuresoncompaniesfrominvestorsandmarkets.Next,itexaminesanumberoftechniquesofvaryingsophistication,alongsideanumberofhands-onactivities.Finally,themodulemovesawayfromthebasicconsiderationsandtakesintoaccountthatneitherindividualsnorbusinessesoperateinisolation.Instead,allofourdecisionsareimpactedbyinteractionswithothers. This leads us to a discussion of Game Theory and other behaviouralaspectsoffinance.*

Onetutor-markedassignment


MBA project: making a difference (BXY875)



30 The project is an integral part of the MBA and an ideal opportunitytolinktheoryandpractice.Itwillenablestudentsto apply core aspects of what they have learnt to their organisationandeffectivelyplaytheroleofaconsultantaddressingaspecificbusinessissueorchallenge.Themoduletakesstudentsthroughthreestagestodelivery.Beginningwithscouting,studentsworkwiththeircolleaguestoexplorearangeofpotentialprojectsintheirorganisationorothersandpreparethreeproposalstodiscusswiththeirtutor,selectingthebesttotakeforward.Theythenclearlydefinethescopeandobjectivesoftheprojectandthemoduleconcludeswithplanningtheimplementationoftheirideasandrealisingtheaimsoftheproject.*



*unconfirmed module description as the module is not currently live



Residential schoolsOurthreeresidentialschoolsformacompulsorypartoftheMBAprogramme.Theresidentialschoolsareimmersiveexperiences,bringingtogetherapprenticesfromaroundtheworld.Theytakeplaceinavarietyoflocations,acrossthreetofourdays.

Workingwithlivecasestudies,apprenticeswillaccrueawealthofreal-worldexperience.Theconcentrated

sessionswillhelpapprenticestowork,networkandlearntogether,inaninternationalcontext.Moreoverdedicateddevelopmentworkshopswillhelptoimprovetheirskillsinareassuchasnegotiation,presentationandconsulting.

Theresidentialschoolsareofferedbothface-to-faceand online.

1. Learning outcomes assessmentProgramme learning outcomes are regularly assessedthroughouttheapprenticeship:

1. Tutor assessment of study modules2. Practicetutorassessmentofthework-based

learning module3. Tutorassessmentofthework-basedprojectmodule

2. Knowledge, skills and behaviour assessmentThesummativeportfoliorecordsevidenceofapprentices’applicationofknowledge,skillsandbehavioursintheworkplaceandameansfordemonstratinghowapprenticeshavepracticallyappliedtheirnewlyacquiredknowledgeandskillsintheworkplace.

• Practicetutorsprovidefeedbackontheportfolioofevidence during the programme

• ThesummativeportfolioofevidenceisreviewedbyanIndependentApprenticeshipAssessoraspartofthe end-point assessment

• Employerreviewandfeedback

3. English and mathsEvidenceofeitherpriorattainmentofEnglishandmathshasbeenprovidedortheapprenticehassuccessfullyachievedEnglishandmathsFunctionalSkillsqualificationsduringtheirapprenticeship.

4. Gateway processTo successfully gain The Open University MBA (LeadershipPractice),apprenticesmustcompleteallmoduleassessments,includingthework-basedprojectinthefinalmodule.Tomovetotheend-pointassessment,apprenticesmusthaveachievedTheOpenUniversityMBA(LeadershipPractice).

5. End-point assessment (EPA)TheEPAiscarriedoutbyanInstituteforApprenticeships-approvedindependentassessmentorganisationchosenbytheemployeranddetermineswhetherapprenticeshave successfully met the learning requirements of the SeniorLeaderMaster’sDegreeApprenticeshipstandard.

The EPA process is as follows:

The full assessment plan for the Senior Leader Master’s Degreeapprenticeshipcanbefoundat: www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/senior-leader/

AssessmentsTheapprenticeshipiscompletewhenallofthefollowingassessmentshavetakenplace.



On-programmeDevelopmentofaportfoliodemonstratingKSBsAwork-basedproject

Gateway to end-point assessmentSuccessfulcompletionofamasterslevelmanagementdegreeCompletedportfolioCompletedwork-basedprojectEnglish and maths at Level 2Employeragreestheapprenticemeetstherequirementsof the standard

End-point assessmentProjectshowcasebasedonwork-basedprojectProfessionaldiscussion,basedonportfolioofevidenceSuccessful individuals gain:

– Anindustrydesignedapprenticeship– A recognised master's degree in management – Opportunity to register with Professional Body



The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.© 2019 The Open University.

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July 2019

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Leadership and Management Skills Senior Leader Master’s ... · The Open University Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship provides current and future leaders and senior