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Programme Design Brief (PDB)

The Programme Design Brief (PDB) serves as a foundational document for guiding the development. It provides a comprehensive outline of the resourcing requirements, cost estimates, and detailed scope necessary for the development of qualifications. The PDB ensures that all aspects of programme design align with the intended scope, quality standards, and desired outcomes.

Objectives

  • Define the Scope: Clearly articulate the scope of the programme, including the intended qualifications and learning outcomes.
  • Quality Assurance: Establish quality benchmarks to ensure the programme meets educational standards and stakeholder expectations.
  • Resourcing Requirements: Identify the human, financial, and material resources needed for successful programme development.
  • Cost Estimation: Provide a detailed cost breakdown based on programme mapping and resource requirements.
  • Development Timeline: Outline a realistic timeline for the development process, including key milestones and deliverables.

Components of the Programme Design Brief

  1. Programme Overview

    • Programme Title: The name of the programme.
    • Qualification Level: The level of qualification the programme aims to deliver (e.g., certificate, diploma, degree).
    • Target Audience: The primary audience for the programme (e.g., school leavers, working professionals).
    • Programme Goals: The overarching goals and objectives of the programme.

  2. Scope and Quality

    • Intended Scope: A detailed description of the scope, including subject areas, courses, and modules.
    • Learning Outcomes: Specific learning outcomes that students are expected to achieve upon completion.
    • Quality Standards: The quality benchmarks and standards the programme must meet (e.g., accreditation requirements, industry standards).

  3. Resourcing Requirements

    • Human Resources: Identification of faculty, administrative staff, and support personnel needed.
    • Material Resources: List of materials, equipment, and technology required for programme delivery.
    • Infrastructure: Details of the physical and digital infrastructure needed, such as classrooms, laboratories, and online platforms.

  4. Cost Estimation

    • Development Costs: Estimated costs associated with the development phase, including curriculum design, materials, and training.
    • Operational Costs: Ongoing costs for programme delivery, such as staffing, facilities, and maintenance.
    • Contingency Funds: Allocation for unforeseen expenses.

  5. Timeline and Milestones

    • Development Timeline: A detailed timeline outlining each phase of programme development.
    • Key Milestones: Important milestones and deliverables, such as completion of curriculum design, pilot testing, and programme launch.

  6. Risk Management

    • Potential Risks: Identification of potential risks that could impact programme development.
    • Mitigation Strategies: Strategies to mitigate identified risks and ensure smooth progression of the development process.

Conclusion

The Programme Design Brief (PDB) is an essential document that provides a structured approach to the development of educational programmes. By detailing the scope, quality, resources, costs, and timeline, the PDB ensures that all aspects of the programme are carefully planned and executed, leading to successful qualification development and delivery.

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