End Point Assessment

The modules of the BA (Hons) Professional Practice Leadership and Management are mapped to the outcomes in the CMDA standard. Individual modules will contribute to the on-programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviour outcomes en-route to the final synoptic end point assessment. A portfolio of evidence will be created by the student to support this and will be assessed as part of the end point assessment. The work based project is a substantial piece of work undertaken within the final year of the apprenticeship. Achievement of the apprenticeship will depend on apprentices being required to successfully complete a number of assessment activities. The methods used will ensure that the apprentice is assessed across the whole of the published Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Standard. The apprentice needs to pass a Gateway process, which needs to confirm that they have met the two pre-requisites which are they have met the requirements of the degree and achieved the Chartered Manager Award.

The independent assessor then receives a copy of the candidates’ portfolio and work based project, for assessment using a set of specific criteria ahead of competency based questioning as part of the final interview panel. The final panel integrates the process for reviewing all submissions and assessing whether candidates meet the Apprenticeship Standard. At this End Point Assessment, the candidate’s full portfolio, work-based project and presentation will be assessed against the standard, to ensure that the apprentice has demonstrated the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours detailed in the standard. During this process the apprentice will be asked clarification and testing questions by members of the panel.

Assessment Details

The apprenticeship has an integrated approach to the assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours. Delivery and on-programme assessment are organised through the degree programme modules and through agreement with the employer in relation to workplace development opportunities. The modules cover the breadth and depth of the standard using assessment methods that integrate the knowledge, skills and behaviour components, and which ensure that the apprentice is sufficiently prepared to undertake the synoptic project, which will be assessed by the Univeristy, employer and independent assessor and the option to apply for professional recognition on achievement of the apprenticeship once the apprentice has passed their end-point assessment.

Assessment Methods
The assessment strategy includes On-Programme and End Point Assessment using both on-programme and synoptic assessments.
The formative On-Programme Assessment methods include an appropriate mix of assignments, reports, practical exercises, projects, and feedback on behaviours via 360 degree feedback or equivalent mechanisms. In addition the apprentice will create a portfolio of evidence, which will demonstrate how learning has been applied, their achievements and capabilities. It is a collection of evidence which demonstrates evidence of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice has acquired against the standard, and supports application for professional recognition on achievement of the apprenticeship once the apprentice has passed their end-point assessment. There will be regular reviews (at least quarterly) between employer and the University with a formal annual on-programme assessment of progress. Towards the end of the programme, the apprentice will undertake a synoptic work-based project, which will bring together elements of their learning from different parts of the programme and show their accumulated knowledge and understanding of management and its application in their organisation.
The End Point Assessment is by a robust panel interview, which will include a presentation on the synoptic work based project, review of portfolio evidence, and a question and answer session This combination will fully test that the apprentice meets all the requirements of the standard.

The Assessment Panel

The panel will be comprised of:
• an independent assessor (chair)
• a representative from the business school/academic institution
• a representative from their employer

The End Point Assessment comprises a range of assessment methods, to build in rigour and ensure that all components of the standard have been fully tested and met

The Work Based Project

The work based project is one that represents the skills, knowledge and behaviours in the standard. It provides a substantive evidence base from a business related project to demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge. The project will take place towards the end of the apprenticeship – likely to be during the final year – and will also be part of the Management Degree activity. The End Point Assessment integrates the project outcomes and presentation into the overall synoptic assessment.
Each project must enable the following to be demonstrated:
• The application of knowledge and skills to meet the outcomes in the standard
• The approach to planning and completion of the project
• The application of behaviours from the standard

Because of the significance of the project, the employer and the University will work together with the apprentice to agree a project that is achievable within the employer’s business constraints whilst meeting the needs of the standard.

The completed project work will be submitted to the HEI for assessment as part of the degree, and also to the independent assessor who will ensure that it demonstrates competence across the Apprenticeship Standard. The project work will be distributed to three individuals who will form a panel who will interview the apprentice.

Portfolio
The evidence contained in the portfolio will comprise of complete and/or discrete pieces of work that cover the totality of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Standard. This will be a range of materials and documents generated over the period of the apprenticeship and which provide evidence of the apprentices’ ability to apply and demonstrate management concepts.
The portfolio will be produced by the apprentice having first learned and applied the relevant skills/competencies and behaviours. It will demonstrate their very best work, enabling them to demonstrate how they have applied their knowledge and understanding in a real work environment to achieve real work objectives. Evidence may be in the form of reports, minutes, reflection, demonstrations, presentations, and feedback from managers and peers.
The portfolio will also show how the apprentice has demonstrated the behaviours, especially around contact with others, team work and areas where they have exceeded the requirements of the role. This can be in the form of manager’s report, emails, customer comments, peer review etc.

The completed portfolio will be assessed by an independent assessor who makes their own judgement on the quality of the work. . The independent assessor will note particular aspects of the work that they wish to discuss with the apprentice during the panel interview, either to confirm their judgement and/or provide further information on which to base their grading decisions.

The Interview
The purpose of the interview is to:
• Clarify any questions the independent assessor has from their assessment of the work based project and full portfolio;
• Confirm and validate judgements about the quality of work;
• Explore aspects of the work, including how it was carried out, in more detail;
• Provide a basis for the independent assessor to make a holistic decision about the grade to be awarded.

As part of the panel interview the apprentice will be required to take part in two end point assessment processes – a presentation on the work-based project and a Question and Answer session. This will be conducted face-to-face or in exceptional circumstances via video or teleconference.

The Presentation
The presentation focuses on the outcomes of the Work Based Project. The apprentice will deliver a 15 minute presentation which describes the objectives and outputs of their work based project, and will demonstrate:
− What the apprentice set out to achieve
− What they have produced in the project
− How they approached the work and dealt with any issues
− Confirm the demonstration of appropriate interpersonal and behavioural skills

The presentation will be assessed as part of the overall project assessment, and guidance on the nature of the presentation and assessment criteria will be agreed to ensure consistency in approaches and that all key areas are explored. The primary focus of the presentation will be on the work undertaken during the project, however during the question and answer session the panel will be able to explore the apprentices’ broader experiences to demonstrate that the knowledge and skills defined in the standard have been met.

Practical requirements for the presentation:
• The presentation will take place following the completion for the project and the preparation of the final report
• The apprentice will receive appropriate notice of their presentation time (a minimum of 7 days’ notice)
• A structured brief will be used to support the presentation to ensure a consistent approach
• The presentation and Q&A session will normally be of c 1 hour duration
• The presentation will be conducted face to face, or in exceptional circumstances via live media
• The presentation will be conducted in a suitable location
• The apprentice must be put at ease to enable them to do their best
• The presentation will be to the University and independent assessor, and the employer whenever possible.

Question and Answer session
The apprentice will provide responses to a series of competency based questions put to them by the panel members. The questions will require the apprentice to draw on their experiences throughout their apprenticeship but will also focus on the findings/recommendations made within their Work Based Project activity.