The Diploma in Professional Practice Management (DipPPM) - Assessment Methods

There are are 3 key ways in which assessment for the DipPPM is carried out:

1. We strongly encourage candidates to try and produce a strategic practice business plan as their way of demonstrating their evidence. Many candidates in the past have produced fantastic business plans, which would otherwise have cost thousands of pounds had they been produced by management consultants. This work can be of great benefit to both the individual and, more especially the practice.
    
2. As an alternative, sometimes candidates choose to consider an existing business plan (formal or informal), rather than start again from scratch. They provide a critical evaluation of the plan, identifying gaps and making recommendations for improvement. This approach requires little input (if any) from any other practice colleagues, which for some makes the task easier to complete.
    
3. The other option is for the candidate to produce a reflective review of each module, applying their learning and newly acquired skills into suggested management action that should be taken in the practice. This method of providing evidence does not require either an existing plan to exist, nor does the candidate need the help and support of practice colleagues.

All candidates also have to submit a Personal Development Plan, which identifies and addresses their professional development throughout the programme in line with the needs of the practice, and the planning for the next steps that they are considering.

To obtain the award, work for assessment must normally be submitted within 3 months of the completion of the course.

Course Structure

Participants undertake the development programme over a period of about 12 months with complete flexibility to suit the demands of a busy practice and having an acceptable work-life balance. The learning principles follow the martini approach – you can (and do) learn “anytime, anyplace and anywhere”. Your learning opportunities will not simply be restricted to working through a series of online learning sessions and/or attending learning events at local venues! The learning opportunities support learners in developing their skills on an individuals’ needs basis rather than the one-size-fits-all approach taken by most courses. Each participant brings to their studies their own set of knowledge, skills and experiences, as well as development needs particular to themselves and their practice.

When you join a development programme, you choose to access distinct learning opportunities and experiences, taking advantage of those that appear most appropriate to your learning needs, time availability and other commitments as the course progresses.

These learning opportunities and experiences arise because the course has been developed over 8 years to meet the needs of individuals and the demands of their increasingly busy practices.

Taught learning events delivered regionally

Study days are arranged once every 6 weeks (avoiding the main school holidays) – requiring attendance for 8 one-day sessions spread across 12 months, all during the working week. Each day usually starts at 9.30am and finishes by 4.00pm, with the normal refreshments provided as part of the programme. These classroom-based sessions are timetabled to suit local demand and delivered at local venues that offer an environment which is conducive to studying – which for many may be an experience that they have not undertaken for several years! The approach taken is that of informal workshops, which primarily seek to provide academic or theoretical input as a means of making a difference practically to action back in the practice. You will not be “talked at” using management mumbo-jumbo!

For some, this traditional learning method is the only one that they choose in order to complete the programme, whilst for others it is a way of learning over-and-above the online learning that they also choose to undertake. Your are not compelled to attend study days since you might select to dip in and out of those you think are most suited to your needs, whilst you continue to use our web-based learning materials

Web-based learning

All participants are provided with a comprehensive series of learning activities that can be accessed from any PC able to be connected to the Internet. Everyone is provided with a personalised user password that enables access to their learning at times convenient to the other demands placed upon them. These web-based learning sessions, which TMS developed through a pilot programme with practice managers, follow exactly the same learning concepts as the taught study days, although it is important to remember that they do not simply replicate the learning at those events.

For some, this web-based method of study is the only one that they choose to use. It enables them to undertake and complete their learning programme entirely online without having to leave their computer – studying in this mode being referred to as distance learning. Some students find that their learning style and other commitments make this an ideal method for undertaking the qualification and they do their networking “online” with everyone else undertaking the development programme.

For others, it is important to be able to meet up with other practice managers undertaking the course in their region and so they choose to attend with other colleagues at some or all of the six-weekly study days. This approach is often referred to as blended learning – tackling new topics using both approaches where appropriate, or substituting one method of learning for another when convenient.

The Management School continues to increase the geographic coverage of these study days – so why not check out whether taught sessions are available in your area, and if not let us know and we will do all we can to set up a study group in your area.

We also provide the opportunity on our learning web site for all our students to communicate with each other and share thoughts much the same as for those who regularly meet up at taught sessions.

Learners Network

One of the unique facilities of this course is the opportunity for all participants to share their own experiences, knowledge and skills with each other if they so choose. As mentioned, tutors encourage all students, studying anywhere in the country, to communicate with each other through message boards and other discussion forum wherever possible.

Tutorial support

All students are offered full support for their studies with full access to tutors who provide guidance for learning and any additional subject specific help that might be needed. This service can be accessed on a 24/7 basis through the tutor support email system, our online learning site and our website. Tutors support learners by providing that personal link which helps to deliver learning flexible enough to suit the needs of individuals, and facilitate the gradual building up of knowledge to support a more effective role in the practice. Participants can be reassured that however they choose to study, they will be fully supported in ways which are flexible enough to suit both their own needs and those of the practice.

Back to Details on Practice Development Programme

Background information on the Strategic Management Development Programme and the optional DipPPM Qualification