Applied Facilities Management - Liverpool John Moores University

PROGRAMME DETAIL SPECIFICATION
Programme Summary
1 Awarding institution Liverpool John Moores University
2 Teaching institution university LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
3a Programme accredited by:
3b Description of accreditation
4 Final award Master of Science in Applied Facilities Management
5 Programme title MS.Applied Facilities Management
6 UCAS code
7 Subject benchmark statement Construction, Property and Surveying (2008). M Level
SBS for Business and Management.
8 Educational aims of the programme
The overall aim of the programme is to produce postgraduates who are able to play a significant role in the
development of approaches for applying a contemporary, relevant and meaningful approach to the practice of
facilities management in the modern business environment. This will be achieved through a stimulating and
challenging study of theory, concepts and developments in facilities management. It will deliver a framework to
demonstrate how the discipline should function through delivering business support services that are
strategically applied and integrated with the core functions of an organisation. The programme will address both
macro and micro business drivers of facilities management and will illustrate the diverse and changing demands
confronting the contemporary facilities manager. At the heart of this is the need for facilities managers to operate
within a strategic business environment that addresses the core business needs of organisations. In order to
achieve this a wide application of skills and knowledge is required focusing on legislative, sustainable and
technological changes that impact on their roles. The programme is well suited to professionals connected with
the built environment from the disciplines of facilities management, property management, building surveying,
project management, building services engineering, as well as to built environment clients from the public and
private sector. It is also suited to graduates who have an interest in facilities management and wish to specialise
in the field. The specific aims of the programme are:
1. To develop and/or extend students' exposure to the current and emerging theories and practices of facilities
management
2. To provide opportunities for individual student-centred study in order to develop analytical, critical and
problem solving skills appropriate to leading, championing and developing the use of new organisational
processes that improve facilities management practices
3. To provide clear career development opportunities for students aspiring to careers allied to facilities
management
4. To encourage students to become autonomous learners.
9 Level Learning Outcomes:
FHEQ Level 7 Outcomes:
For the CPD awards, and for the award of PG Certificate, students will be able to engage with advanced levels
of theories and practice in relation to the academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.
Students will be able to explore and test appropriate research methodologies and they will be able to
demonstrate appropriate levels of critical analysis, reflection and contextual awareness in focused areas of
study.
For the award of PG Diploma, in addition to the outcomes for PG Certificate, students will be capable of taking
an informed position in relation to the academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice and they
will be able to identify and apply appropriate research methodologies. Students will also be able to demonstrate
personal skills in critical analysis, reflection and contextual awareness in a wide range of modules associated
with the field of study.
For the award of Masters degree, in addition to the outcomes for PG Cert and PG Diploma, students will have
systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much
of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional
practice. They will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. Holders will be
able to bring their own perspective to bear upon an unfamiliar and complex problem and have an ability to apply,
refine and develop concepts and to inter-relate theory and practice.
9 Intended learning outcomes - the programme provides opportunities for students to develop and
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demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Intended Learning Outcomes summary
Knowledge and understanding
A1. The importance of facilities management and its application in a strategic business context.
A2. The concept of managing both staff and clients and the managerial implications of doing so effectively in
facilities management.
A3. Implications of dealing with managerial issues such as partnerships, relationships, motivation, leadership
within the facilities management industry.
A4. Appropriate strategies and change mechanisms for achieving strategic facilities management.
A5. Business considerations for investment in facilities management.
A6. The impact of legislation, finance and risk in a changing commercial environment on facilities management.
A7. The management and leadership of sustainability issues with regard to facilities management.
A8. The specific steps for introducing a change towards more sustainable forms of facilities management within
organisations.
A9. The role and utilisation of the physical asset within facilities management and the changing nature of a
buildings functionality and sophistication.
A10. The diverse nature of the facilities management industry and the exchange of best practice to enhance
awareness and application.
A11. The specific steps for introducing a change towards more sustainable forms of construction within
organisations.
A12. The research process in terms of the preparation and production of a postgraduate research study.
A13. For MSc students only: the preparation of a dissertation based on a study in appropriate depth of a topic
related to sustainability in the built environment.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
Core knowledge and understanding is achieved through the use of a range of appropriate teaching methods.
These include online lectures, online tutorials, online seminars, practical work, coursework, projects and guided
independent study supported via the University VLE. All the course material (online lecture notes, tutorial
exercises, courseworks, project specifications, reading material) will be provided in electronic form. Students will
make use of Blackboard and Wimba (as the online communication tool).
Assessment
Knowledge and understanding is assessed using a range of techniques which include traditional essay based
coursework assignments, work-based assignments which us the students workplace as the environment for
carrying out action based learning, on-line assessments and workshop presentations. Assessment methods for
each module are specified in the module specifications.
Intellectual Skills
Skills and other attributes
B1. Undertake the critical evaluation of approaches to facilities management adopted by organisations and its
application in the strategic business environment.
B2. Understand and apply the tools to critically analyse the management of both staff and customers in the
facilities management context.
B3. To analyse the use of different managerial applications to management staff and customers such as
partnerships, motivation, and leadership.
B4. Articulate and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of applying appropriate strategies and change
mechanisms to deal with facilities management at the strategic business level.
B5. Understand in depth how to analyse and evaluate business considerations for investment in facilities
management
B6. Use appropriate techniques to minimise risks in relation to legislation, compliance and finance in the context
of facilities management.
B7. Critically assess decision-making processes in relation to complex sustainability-related issues concerned
with the management of facilities management
B8. Analyse and apply methods for embedding sustainability into the management of facilities.
B9. Critically appraise alternative best practice methods and techniques for delivering facilities management
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processes across different business sectors.
B10. Understand the change management implications of moves towards more intelligent buildings on the role
and utilisation of facilities managers
B11. Analyse key theories, concepts and methodological issues related to research in facilities management.
B12. Understand the change management implications of moves towards more sustainable approaches to
construction.
B13. Analyse key theories, concepts and methodological issues related to research in sustainable built
environments.
B14. For MSc students only: gather, present, analyse and interpret primary and / or secondary data in
appropriate forms to a number of audiences.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
A mixture of methods will be used which include: a) practical case studies in order to develop relevant skills and
the confidence to use them. These will be carried out in small groups in a workshop environment, b) a
combination of lectures and workshops to develop students' practical understanding of business simulation
modelling as applied to facilities management, c) programme and module induction sessions, tutorials,
discussions and debates, workshops and guided independent study. Students will be given an opportunity to
attend induction sessions and workshops remotely at scheduled times notified in advance.
Assessment
Assessment of a student's intellectual skills will be undertaken by a variety of means. This will include informal
assessment of the ability to critically analyse relevant literature and debate issues within confined peer groups
together with the formal assessment at the end of each module.
Professional practical skills
C1. To be able to formulate facilities management strategy that focuses on leadership and managerial
requirements.
C2. Effectively engage with key stakeholders within the field of facilities management.
C3. Conduct reviews and explore the strengths and weaknesses of different managerial approaches.
C4. To be able to influence and implement the strategic direction of the facilities management function in
response to business and technological requirements and changes.
C5. Produce a risk management framework for the effective compliance and regulation of facilities management
processes.
C6. Produce a financial appraisal of the facilities management function.
C7. To be able to formulate a strategy to deal with the complex sustainability issues concerned with facilities
management.
C8. Carry out appraisals of building functionality and optimise the role and utilisation of facilities managers.
C9. Evaluate innovative and practical facilities management solutions within the context of different business
sectors.
C10. To be able to appraise the appropriateness of different research methods to solve a problem or investigate
an issue.
C11. For MSc students only: effectively use research techniques at each stage of the research process to
investigate facilities management problems / issues in the built environment.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
The acquisition of practical skills will be encouraged and developed within individual modules via workshops
using relevant case studies from industry as the teaching vehicle.
Assessment
Students' practical skills will be assessed within discrete modules via formal coursework assignments linked to a
variety of case study material.
Transferable / key skills
D1. Identify the personal ethics and values of key stakeholders and how these impact on managerial and
leadership styles and decisions.
D2. Apply the various descriptive and inferential techniques of facilities management to different managerial
scenarios.
D3. Develop personal competencies to the achievement of strategic facilities management in the built
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environment including the ability to reflect on decisions and outcomes and take positive decisions to effect
change.
D4. Be confident in managing facilities management issues associated with regulation, compliance and risk.
D5. Be confident in managing the technological and functional issues associated with managing and operating
intelligent buildings.
D6. Use best practice techniques and methods to manage facilities management services across different
business sectors.
D7. Apply the various techniques for managing organisational change in terms of sustainable development.
D8. Develop and present a research proposal to investigate a specific topic related to facilities management.
D9. For MSc students only: be confident in synthesising findings and drawing appropriate conclusions and
recommendations related to a problem or issue being investigated.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
Key skills are developed throughout the programme which aims to provide students with an appropriate
environment in which to acquire and develop the necessary attributes of a professional in the field of facilities
management in the built environment.
Assessment
On one module students' key skills will be tested via a formal presentation to a panel of experts selected for their
particular experience and expertise within the field of sustainable development. This presentation will either take
place in the university in a workshop at the end of the module or for those not able to attend remotely using
appropriate information technology. Students will be interviewed and questioned on their submission and their
ability to 'think on their feet' will be tested in conjunction with the knowledge and skills acquired during the
programme of study. Other modules are examined by a variety of methods ranging from individual courseworks,
work-based assignments, on-line assessments, presentations, and, for MSc students, a dissertation.
10. Route/Pathway/Field requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
The programme is initially being offered in part-time mode, but is designed to be flexible to meet the personal
requirements of each student. A student studying part-time will be able to complete the MSc within two calendar
years.
The CPD in Applied Facilities Management can be awarded for the sucessful completion of 30 credits
comprising the following two modules: 7070BEPG and 7072BEPG.
The PG Certificate in Applied Facilities Management can be awarded for the successful completion of 60 credits
comprising the following modules: 7070BEPG, 7071BEPG, 7072BEPG and 7073BEPG.
The PG Diploma in Applied Facilities Management can be awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits
comprising the following modules: 7070BEPG, 7071BEPG, 7072BEPG, 7073BEPG, 7074BEPG, 7076BEPG,
7013BEPG and 7039PG.
The MSc in Applied Facilities Management can be awarded to students who successfully complete 180 credits
comprising Dissertation module 7014BEPG in addition to all modules for the PG Diploma.
Award Requirements
Master of Science in Applied Facilities Management
Masters Certificate of Professional Development in Applied Facilities Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Facilities Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Facilities Management
For information about awards, see http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/Academic_Enhancement/121984.htm
Level 7 Potential Awards on completion Master of Science
Core Option Award Requirements
7013BEPG RESEARCH METHODS
7014BEPG DISSERTATION
7070BEPG STRATEGIC FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT
7071BEPG KNOWLEDGE AND
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
7072BEPG MANAGING STAFF AND
CUSTOMERS
180 core credits at level 7
0 option credits at level 7
0 elective credits at level 7
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7073BEPG LEGISLATION,
FINANCE AND RISK
7074BEPG INNOVATIVE
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
7076BEPG MANAGING
INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS
7039PG LEADERSHIP FOR A
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
11 Opportunities for work-related learning ( location and nature of activities)
The programme has been developed with the support, through the development of professional qualifications, of
the British Institute of Facilities Management. The curriculum design has been informed by the input from a
steering group comprising of key industry representatives from a number of organisations involved in facilities
management, including: AA Projects Ltd, Davis Langdon, Co-op Estates, HOCHTIEF Facilities Management,
Merseyside Police, ACC Liverpool.
A key feature of the programme is the opportunity provided for flexible work-based learning. The students will be
able to take comparative study of comparing and contrasting different workplace environments to share facilities
management best practice and innovation as the topic for in-depth study during a module.
12 Criteria for admission
Other
Applicants will normally be expected to hold a first degree from an approved University of at least upper
second-class honours level in a cognate or semi-cognate subject.
Alternatively, candidates may possess a first degree of at least lower second-class honours level combined with
a relevant professional qualification or relevant professional experience of at least two years.
Mature entry
Candidates without a first degree may qualify for entry to the programme on the basis of considerable relevant
work experience normally comprising at least five years at managerial or equivalent level which would be subject
to scrutiny by the programme team.
Overseas qualifications
Overseas candidates would normally be expected to possess one of the above entry qualifications and be able
to demonstrate a standard of English with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
13 Information about assessment regulations
All programmes leading to LJMU awards operate within the University's Academic Framework. Full details are
available from:
http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/Academic_Enhancement/121984.htm
A programme operating within the Framework may be unable to comply with all the requirements of the
Framework. In these circumstances the programme team may apply to the Academic Planning Panel for a
programme variance which will be considered against agreed criteria that the variance is a nationally published
condition of an accrediting / professional body, without which the programme could not be accredited.
14 Indicators of quality:
Research Assessment Exercise
In the 2008 RAE, the School submitted research for the Architecture & Built Environment unit of assessment
scoring an average ranking of 2.7, and achieving 14th place overall for all Institutions in the Guardian league
table for this unit of assessment.
Institutional audit outcomes
The University is subject to Institutional Review by the Quality Assurance Agency on a 6 year cycle. A published
review report is then available on the QAA web site: www.qaa.ac.uk
15 Support for students and their learning
Induction programme for new students with introduction to the programme / programme team; computer system,
the learning resource centre and the Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard).
LJMU Student Handbook.
Student Programme Handbook.
Module Guides.
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Pastoral care by Programme Team.
Access to all University support systems including student welfare and guidance.
The Learning Resource Centre.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment.
16 Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
The Role of the External Examiner
External examiners approved by the University are appointed to cover whole programmes or clusters of modules
within programmes. The role of the external examiner is to provide informative comment and recommendations
upon whether or not:
- the University is maintaining the threshold academic standards set for awards in accordance with the
frameworks for higher education qualifications and applicable subject benchmark statements
- the assessment process measures student achievement rigorously and fairly against the intended outcomes of
the programme(s) and is conducted in line with the University policies and regulations
- the academic standards are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which external
examiners have experience
- the achievement of students are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which the
external examiners have experience
and to provide informative comment and recommendations on:
- good practice and innovation relating to learning, teaching and assessment observed by external examiners
- opportunities to enhance the quality of the learning opportunities provided to students.
Subject standards for all taught programmes of study are specified using an outcome based learning model.
Attainment is measured against the standard and individual student performance is moderated at assessment
boards. This involves both internal moderation (by LJMU staff and/or partner institution staff) and external
moderation (by External Examiners). Internal annual programme self-assessment is informed by broad ranging
student feedback, external examiners and academic staff who conduct module review. External quality
assessment by Professional Statutory Regulatory Bodies and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education confirms that standards are set at the appropriate level and that quality of learning opportunities are
subject to continuing improvement. The quality of teaching is assured through staff review and staff development
in learning, teaching and assessment. Designated committees have responsibility for the oversight of processes
wherein quality and standards are evaluated and improved.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she
takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning
outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the student
module guide and course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by
the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
17 Key sources of information about the course can be found in:
Further details may be obtained from a series of handbooks for students that together provide comprehensive
information. Detailed programme information is contained in definitive documentation for the programme. The
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is increasingly used to provide module specific information.
18 Progress Files
Increasingly, academic guidance is provided within a framework of personal development planning linked to
progress review.
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