Intervention 2
| Module title | Intervention 2 |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM815DA |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 15 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
Intervention 2 is a practical, work-based module. As in Intervention 1, you will apply theory and methodologies covered in Modules 1 (POLM811DA), 2 (POLM812DA) and 4 (POLM814DA). You will be introduced to the Viable System Model as an organisational diagnostic and modelling approach. It is essential that the chosen intervention aligns with your professional role and delivers value to the workplace. With guidance from both the Workplace Mentor and Academic Mentor, you will select an appropriate intervention. This selection is confirmed during a Progress Review meeting held before the module begins, enabling you and the Workplace Mentor to define the scope, plan the intervention, and prepare stakeholder engagement strategies and other required resources. It is possible to continue the project initiated in Intervention 1 or to start a new service design initiative.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to allow you the time to practice service design with input from users and stakeholders.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Scope a project in line with workplace requirements, budget and timescales (S23).
- 2. Select an appropriate set of methods for intervention design, including boundary judgements, stakeholder engagement plans, action logs (K11, S2).
- 3. Design appropriate data collection process including but not limited to quantitative and qualitative data, workshops, questionnaires, interviews and experiments (K6, S7).
- 4. Consider and mitigate against ethical implications of the intervention both in research design and implementation (K16, S22).
- 5. Co-create a map of current and/or future states of the service with stakeholders and users (S5, S6).
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Demonstrate awareness how services fit within a wider organisational design and seeks alignment with long-term organisational goals and priorities (K21).
- 7. Test ideas with stakeholders and critically analyse input considering issues of power and authority (S14).
- 8. Seek out marginalised perspectives and aim to include diverse viewpoints (S20).
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Develop flexibility and shows adaptability to changing goals and circumstances (B3).
- 10. Develop negotiation skills (S19).
- 11. Take a systemic approach to complex problems by analysing the big picture with stakeholders and users (B2).
Syllabus plan
- Qualitative and quantitative research and data collection methods.
- Project planning and design.
- Systems thinking in practice.
- Compiling an e-portfolio of evidence.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 70 | 300 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 20 | Lectures and workshops |
| Guided independent study | 70 | Independent work on portfolio and EPA exam preparation |
| Placement/Study Abroad | 300 | Apprentice applying SD concepts to work context |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 20 mins (equivalent to 2000 words) | 1,2,3,4 | Peer reviewed |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 100 | 3500 words | 1-8 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Report | 1-8 | Next re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Heapy, J., King, O., & Samperi, J. (2018). Customer-Driven Transformation: How Being Design-Led Helps Companies Get the Right Services to Market. Kogan Page Publishers.
- Stickdorn, M., Hormess, M. E., Lawrence, A., & Schneider, J. (2018). This is service design doing. O'Reilly Media, Inc.
- Lassl, W. (2019).?The Viability of Organizations Vols 1, 2 and 3. Springer International Publishing.
- Reiss (2007): Project Management Demystified 3rd edn. Spon Press?
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 21/10/2025 |