National College of Ireland Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies

Table of Contents 1 Panel Report.............................................................................................................2 2 Declaration of Completeness of Response by Panel Chair........................................9 3 Programme Team Response...................................................................................10 4 Programme Schedule: Certificate in Mobile Technologies......................................13 5 NCI Memo on Context of Validation........................................................................14

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1 Panel Report PANEL OF EXPERTS’ REPORT

1.1 PART I: PREAMBLE

1.1.1 Details of Validation Event

PROVIDER National College of Ireland DATE OF VISIT 1st April 2014 PROGRAMME(S) EVALUATED

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies

PROGRAMME (S) RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies

PANEL OF EXPERTS

Dr Dermot Douglas, Higher Education Consultant, Chair Dr Mark Dunlop, School of Computing, University of Strathclyde Mr John Dempsey, Faculty of Creative Technologies, Dun LaoighaiInstitute of Art, Design & Technology Mr Mark Deegan, School of Computing, Dublin Institute ofTechno Mr Neil O’Keefe, Eircom In attendance: Sinéad O’Sullivan, Director of Quality Assurance &Statistical Services, NCI (Rapporteur)

1.1.2 Summary The Expert Panel, having reviewed the documentation presented by NCI and considered the responses of the programme team during the course of the site visit; recommend approval of the following programme Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies with three (3) conditions and three (3) recommendations

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1.1.3 Context This validation process was undertaken with the agreement of QQI under its policy for the devolution of responsibility for validation sub processes which is outlined in Core Validation Policy & Criteria 2010, revised 2013 (p15). The devolution of responsibility for validation sub processes (DRSVP) at National College of Ireland applies to taught programmes up to level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications that are developed and delivered solely by NCI within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland. Programme disciplines are restricted to Business and Computing and programmes validated using this process are currently agreed with QQI on a case by case basis. The validation event proceeded without receipt of a desk review report from QQI. The panel members were nominated by NCI using criteria agreed with QQI. A representative of the Quality Assurance & Statistical Services (QASS) Office co-ordinated provision of submission documentation and the validation event. It provided administrative support to the panel during the event as rapporteur. This representative was not a member of the panel nor did she take part in the deliberations of the panel. The QASS office acted as liaison between the panel and the programme team members in relation to the issuing of the panel’s report and the programme team’s response to that report. This report is the agreed report of the panel members.

1.2 PART II: REPORT OF PANEL OF EXPERTS

1.2.1 Introduction The National College of Ireland (NCI) has two schools – Business and Computing. Both schools provide a range of education programmes which are validated by QQI from level 5 to level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The College has a diverse learner profile of approximately 3,500 learners. Of these, approximately 50% are part-time. The programme submission documents and the programme teams’ self-evaluation of the programmes were made available to the panel. A desk review report had not been received from QQI and was therefore not considered by the panel in its deliberations.

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1.2.2 Examination of Programmes The panel met with staff of NCI involved in the design of the programme, to examine the programme submission against the criteria for the validation of programmes as stipulated by the QQI board. In this regard, the QQI’s Core Validation Policy and Criteria, 2010, revised 2013 was used by the Panel. The panel was presented with extensive and comprehensive documentation. There were some technical errors in the documentation which require correction.

1.2.3 Development and publication of explicit intended learning outcomes The programme submission documents, together with the outcome of discussions with NCI staff articulated the target learners’ prerequisite learning and any other relevant assumptions about programme participants. The panel is satisfied that the programme learning outcomes are appropriate to the level and were designed using QQI’s award standards for Computing at level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

1.2.4 Programme content, design and learning environment The Panel was satisfied that the programme is coherent and it fit for its stated purpose as a standalone award or as an exit award for those who fail to complete the related MSc in Mobile Technologies . The programme content and learning environment are appropriate to the programmes intended learning outcomes and that the module learning outcomes are aligned to the programme learning outcomes . The programme team that the panel met is competent to enable learners to achieve the intended programme learning outcomes and to assess their achievements, in accordance with QQI’s Assessment and Standards 2009. The panel is satisfied that the School of Computing has sufficient resources within its current full-time and associate faculty to appropriately resource the programme. Members of the panel visited the College library which also houses Assistive Technology resources for learners, teaching spaces, hardware lab and the Cloud Competency Centre and is satisfied that these resources are appropriate to these programme and learner population. Comment on Programme Modules Research Methods The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme and had no further comment.

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Mobile Architecture & Security The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme and had no further comment. Technologies for the Internet of Things The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme. In addition a general comment from the panel is the requirement to have a consistent approach to the treatment of networking throughout the programme as there are several opportunities for covering networks throughout the programme. Mobile Application Development 1 The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme. In addition it recommends that the College investigates the implementation of an Apple development environment to support learners. Research in Computing The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme and had no further comment. Advanced Client Side Development The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme and had no further comment. Usability The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme. In addition the panel is of the view that the content could be condensed and would benefit from the addition of more research led content e.g. novel interaction styles for mobile usability. The required reading list should be reviewed as it is too extensive to be achievable. Business Strategies in Computing The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme and had no further comment. Mobile Application Development 2 The panel is satisfied that the learning outcomes, content and assessment strategy is appropriate to the programme and had no further comment

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1.2.5 Enabling the achievement of the intended programme learning outcomes The panel is satisfied that learners will be able to meet the programme learning outcomes using the delivery mechanisms and patterns as described by the programme team. .

1.2.6 Actions and procedures for access, transfer and progression for learners The Panel was satisfied that the procedures for access, transfer and progression are consistent with national policy. The panel is satisfied that the programme’s use of ECTS (credit) and provisions for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is consistent with QQI’s Assessment and Standards 2009 and with relevant national policy including:

i. NQAI’s Principles and Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of a National Approach to

Credit in Irish Higher Education and Training 2006 ii. NQAI’s Principles and Operational Guidelines for the Recognition of Prior Learning in Further and Higher Education and Training 2005

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1.2.7 Education and training needs The panel is satisfied that this programme satisfies a current need in the Irish education market.. The programme documentation included a comprehensive analysis of the benchmarking exercise undertaken.

1.2.8 Programme viability The Panel was satisfied that the programme is consistent with the provider’s mission and strategy. The panel heard the projections for student intake over a 5 year period. The panel were also presented with the information on the potential market for the programmes. Furthermore, it noted that the provider had presented a viable delivery/business-plan for the programme. This programme may be offered as a standalone award or provided as an exit award to those who fail to complete the related MSc in Mobile Technologies.

1.2.9 Learner Protection NCI’s policy is that once a programme has commenced, the programme will be completed for all learners enrolled. NCI is currently in the process of arranging learner protection to allow learners to transfer to other institutions for all of its programmes as it was not previously subject to this legislation as a not-for-profit organisation. Until these arrangements are in place, NCI will place sufficient funds in a blocked account to allow refund of all fees as required as required by the Qualifications & Quality Assurance Act 2012, 65(4b), for each cohort of this programme submitted for validation until the cohort has completed its study programme and

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assessment or until such time as an agreement is made with two alternative providers to allow learners to transfer to a similar programme. 1.2.10 Assessment of learners

The panel is satisfied that the learners will be appropriately assessed and underpins the achievement of the relevant standard of knowledge, skill and competence. Learners may elect to follow a 3 month research project or a 6 month industry based project. The panel is concerned that the requirement for fairness and consistency in the treatment of learners may be undermined by this approach and requires that a statement of how the programme team will ensure that all learners are treated fairly and consistently using this model.

1.2.11 Quality Assurance Arrangements The panel is satisfied that NCI has appropriate quality assurance arrangements in place and that no new quality assurance arrangements are required for these programmes. The documentation submitted demonstrated that the programme development followed rigorous institutional quality assurance to ensure that it conforms with strategy, stakeholders had been consulted with, had clearly identified resource requirements, and had undergone internal review prior to submission.

1.2.12 Ethics It is expected that providers will have procedures in place to ensure that any teaching and learning or research activity at any level shall be conducted in a manner that is morally and professionally ethical. The panel was satisfied that this requirement has been met in respect of the proposed programmes.

1.2.13 Programme Titles and Award Titles The Panel heard the rationale for the programme title and is satisfied that the programme title and award as proposed as being appropriate and consistent with QQI policy for the naming of awards.

1.3 PART III: RECOMMENDATION/COMMENT FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE

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The panel of experts recommend the validation of the following programme: NFQ Level Level 9 Programme Title

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies

ECTS 60 ECTS Award Type Major Award

Subject to:

Council’s general conditions of approval

1.3.1 Conditions

C1. Corrections are made to inaccuracies in the documentation which were highlighted

C2. Usability

That the content of this module is condensed and more research led content e.g. novel interaction styles for mobile usability is added.

C3. That the College develop a policy for the use of software collaborative tools such as github, to cover submission and assessment of code based electronic materials.

1.3.2 Recommendations

R1. To have a consistent approach to the treatment of networking throughout the programme as there are several opportunities for covering networks throughout the programme.

R2. That the College investigates the provision of facilities to

assist in the development of Apple OSX and IOS software environment to support learners.

R3. The required reading lists should be curtailed to 2 required texts

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. Appendix 1

Staff Met Dr Phillip Matthews, President Prof. Jimmy Hill, Vice President Academic Affairs & Research Dr Pramod Pathak, Dean School of Computing Mr. John McGarrigle, Registrar Dr. Cristina Muntean, Programme Director Mr Paul Stynes, Vice Dean, School of Computing Mr. Michael Bradford, Dr. Anu Sahni Dr. Horacio Gonzalez Velez, Head Cloud Competency Centre Mr. Keith Brittle Dr. Alina-Madalina Popescu Mr. Vikas Sahni Mr Ron Elliot Mr Jonathan McCarthy Dr Arlene Egan

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2 Declaration of Completeness of Response by Panel Chair

3 Programme Team Response

Validation of Postgraduate Diploma in Mobile Technologies

Programme Team Response The programme team for the proposed Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Mobile Technologies programme, would like to express their appreciation of the Expert’s Panel deliberations and feedback. The Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Mobile Technologies programme presented to the External Panel have undergone a set of considered amendments based on the panel’s feedback and the conditions and recommendations relating to the proposed programme. Responses to each of the conditions and recommendations made by the panel follow: 3.1 Conditions

C1: Corrections are made to inaccuracies in the documentation which were highlighted

Response: The full document was checked for typographic and technical errors and corrections have been made.

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C2: Usability That the content of this module is condensed and more research led content e.g. novel interaction styles for mobile usability is added.

The Usability module content (7.7.3) was updated to include a topic on research of a novel usability evaluation technique in a mobile context. The assessment requires students to research a novel usability evaluation techniques and conduct a critical analysis on the overall process and document the research findings. An additional deliverable has also been included around the presentation featuring a problem statement and proposed solution including research proposal for a novel evaluation technique in a mobile context.

C3. That the College develop a policy for the use of software collaborative tools such as github, to cover submission and assessment of code based electronic materials. The programme team has discussed this condition and has decided that the GitHub collaborative tool will be used across all modules (that involve a project in the assessment) to enable students to work on projects development. It will also improve the transparency of projects for markers as it will enable them to clearly identified the work carried out by individuals as part of the project and to ensure that all team members are pulling their own weight in the team project. The foloing chnages were done in the document-

- Section 6.4.1 Teaching and Learning Strategies was extened (at the end) to provide details regarding the usage of colaborative tools: “A number of Modules involve the development of an individual or group based project as part of the assessment. The programme team has decided the GitHub collaborative tool will be used across all modules to enable students to work on projects development. It will also improve the transparency of projects for markers as it will enable them to clearly identified the work carried out by individuals as part of the project and to ensure that all team members are pulling their own weight in the team project.” - Module Teaching and Learning Strategy section, part of a module descriptor was updated for each module ( that has a project based assessment element), clearly indicating the usage of the GitHub collaborative tool.

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3.2 Recommendations

R1: To have a consistent approach to the treatment of networking throughout the programme as there are several opportunities for covering networks throughout the programme. Response:

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The School of Computing has analysed this recommendation and have identified a number of modules that cover wireless communication as applied to networking. They are addressed in Technologies for Internet of Things; Mobile Applications Development I; Advanced Client Side Development; Mobile Applications Development II; Research Project and Industry based Research Project. For Technologies for Internet of Things the main topic covered is Mobile Communication Principles; Wireless Technologies enabling IoT; and Simulation of wireless networks. Mobile Applications Development I covers Mobile Networking and Security. Advanced Client Side Development covers Consuming Data and Services with RIAs and Security Considerations. Mobile Applications Development II covers Telephony , Mobile Network Programming, Location Based Services. The research project and indsutry based project may include projects that incorporate wireless technologies and apply mobile communication principles. The programme committee will be repsonsible for ensuring a consistent approach to delivery and treatment of networking related topics through regular meetings that involve the academic staff that deliver the above modules

R2: That the College investigates the implementation of facilities to assist in the development of Apple OSX and IOS software. Response: The programme team has investigated implementation of facilities to assist in the development of Apple OSX and IOS software that covers native apps to hybrid apps for iPhone, iPads, and iMac including iOS development on Windows. The environment will consist of native apps for iOS, Xcode, iOS Developer University Program, OS X Mavericks, mobile web apps, hybrid apps and programming on windows for iOS apps. Native apps are installed through an application store (such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store). They are developed specifically for one platform, and can take full advantage of all the device features — they can use the camera, the GPS, the accelerometer, the compass, the list of contacts, and so on. They can also incorporate gestures, sensors, finger print recognition (either standard operating-system gestures or new, app-defined gestures). Xcode will be provided to students so that they have a complete developer toolset for building Mac, iPhone, and iPad apps. The students will have the Xcode IDE, performance analysis tools, iOS Simulator, and the latest OS X and iOS SDKs that will help them build and test apps easily. The Apple University Program allows access to the iOS SDK and testing apps on iOS devices. This University Program introduces iOS development into the curriculum. Mobile Web apps are run by a browser and typically written in HTML5. The curriculum will cover how to build mobile web apps that use swipe to move on to new sections of the app, access some features offline, use GPS, and the tap-to-call feature. Camera API may also be included. The lab already have systems in place to support mobile apps development for iPhone and iPads.

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Hybrid apps are part native apps, part web apps.They allow cross-platform development. Tools such as PhoneGap and Sencha Touch will be available to students who want to build hybrid apps for iPhone and iPads which will allow them to design and code across platforms, using the power of HTML. A framework will be provided to students who are windows based developers and want to program in JavaScript, C++, or C# to develop iOS apps. A sample of the more popular frameworks are Appcelerator; Xamarin; Adobe Air; Marmalade; and Unity R3: The required reading lists should be curtailed to 2 required texts. All module owners have revised the Reading List section part of the module descriptor. Only two books are now listed for each module as required reading with the exception of business strategies in computing. business strategies in computing covers major topics in the areas of strategy, economics and business intelligence hence the requirement for three books that are required reading.

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4 Programme Schedule: Certificate in Mobile Technologies

Name of Provider National College of Ireland Programme Title (i.e. named award) Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies

Award Title (HETAC named award) Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies Stage Exit Award Title Certificate in Mobile Technologies Modes of Delivery (FT/PT/ACCS/BLENDED/OC etc.)

FT, PT, Blended, Block, ACCS

Award Class Award NQF Level

Award EQF Level

Stage Stage NQF Level

Stage EQF Level

Stage Credit (ECTS)

Date Effective ISCED Subject Code

Major 9 7 Award 9 7 60 September 2014 481 R ef

Module Title Semester

Module ECTS Credit Number

Total Student Effort Allocation of Marks Status (M/E)

NQF Level

Total Hours

Contact Hours

Independent Learning

CA % Project %

Exam %

Total %

Research Methods 1 M 9 5 125 26 99 60 40 0 100 Mobile Architecture and Security 1 M 9 10 250 52 198 0 50 50 100 Technologies for Internet of Things 1 M 9 5 125 26 99 30 70 100 Mobile Applications Development I 1 M 9 10 250 52 198 60 40 0 100 Research in Computing 2 M 9 5 125 26 99 0 100 0 100 Advanced Client Side Development 2 M 9 5 125 26 99 60 40 0 100 Usability 2 M 9 5 125 26 99 0 50 50 100 Business Strategies In Computing 2 M 8 10 250 52 198 0 50 50 100 Mobile Applications Development II 2 M 9 5 125 26 99 60 40 0 100 Special Regulations:

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5 NCI Memo on Context of Validation

National College of Ireland Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Mobile Technologies

This programme was evaluated using QQI’s policy for devolution of validation subprocesses. The programmes were submitted to QQI in March 2014 . A desk review had not been received from QQI, however permission to proceed with the panel was given. Membership of the Expert Panel was agreed with QQI’s Programme Accreditation Unit. No member of the panel has indicated a conflict of interest and has signed a declaration to that effect. The panel considered the programme’s submission documents, self-evaluation report. The final report was agreed by the panel. The programme team’s response to the Expert Panel’s agreed report has been considered by the panel and the Chair has indicated in the final report that the panel is happy that the conditions of the report have been fulfilled and that the programmes should be recommended to QQI for approval.

___________________________ John McGarrigle Registrar & Company Secretary 12th May 2014

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