Postgraduate Diploma in Technology Management

The program provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills, and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of:

• Use your knowledge of the principles, terms, and definitions used in the management of technology and innovation to solve problems and propose improvements to technology projects.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Critically analyze and evaluate conceptual, theoretical, and applied approaches relevant to technological innovation with particular reference to the industrial setting appropriate to your employment and/or professional or personal interests.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Manage technology projects professionally, by reflecting on the development and use of technology and innovation to address organizational problems.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Advance your knowledge and understanding of the field of the management of technology and innovation through independent learning and reflection on practice and experience
• Challenge preconceptions regarding the development, management, and strategic use of technology and technological innovation and remove subject and functional boundaries to critically evaluate and respond to complex situations holistically.

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60 credits from:

• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Technology innovation management (TB801)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T840, T846 and T848

60 credits from:

• Advanced Networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829)
• Advance Your Independent Learning (YXM830)
• Contemporary Issues in Organisations (BB853)
• Creating and Sustaining Value (B872)1
• Data Management (M816)
• Digital Forensics (M812)
• Entrepreneurship in Context (BB851)
• Information Security (M811)
• Leadership and Management of Public Services (BB852)
• Making Environmental Decisions (T891)
• Making Strategy with Systems Thinking in Practice (TB871)
• Managing Change with Systems Thinking in Practice (TB872)
• Managing in a Changing World (B870)2
• Manufacture Materials Design (T805)
• Network Security (T828)
• Project Management (M815)
• Software Development (M813)
• Software Engineering (M814)
• Sustainable Creative Management (BB842)
• Sustainable Organisations: Theory and Practice (T892)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B716, B821, B822, B823, B824, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, H807, M865, M873, M874, M876, M877, M879, M881, M882, M883, M885, M886, M887, M888, M889, M891, T821, T822, T823, T824, T825, T826, T827, T834, T835, T836, T837, T839, T850, T851, T852, T853, T862, T867, T878, T879, T881, T882, T883, T889, T890, TM893, TU811, TU812, TU872 and U810.

1Creating and sustaining value (B872) has entry requirements.
2Managing in a changing world (B870) (B870) has entry requirements.

The University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that we’ve previously awarded to you.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

You will learn through two interrelated methods. Firstly, using a range of specially written study materials, case studies, original texts, study guides and assignments, and through a range of multi-media material. Secondly, you are allocated a tutor who is your first and main point of contact.

Your tutor answers queries on study materials, grades and comments on your work, and, depending on which module you are studying, may arrange online tutorials. You are also encouraged to participate in online discussion forums for the module(s) you are studying. This gives you a chance to share and resolve issues with fellow students, as well as with tutors and the module team.

Formative assessment in the form of informal activities and self-assessed questions (SAQs) allows you to assess your own progress and understanding. Formal assessment of the knowledge and understanding components of the programme is achieved by a series of tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) – usually three for each 30-credit module.

These assignments are marked and assessed by your tutor. They are central to the teaching of the module since they allow you an opportunity to display your knowledge and understanding. This will enable tutors to identify any issues concerning either and provide appropriate feedback.

Although assignments are usually undertaken on an individual basis, some modules have group-based assignments that use online discussion forums. Modules may also include computer-marked assignments or examination papers. Currently, most modules within the technology management program include an end-of-module assessment in the form of a mini project, in place of an examination.

The technology management programme develops analytical skills and provides practically relevant knowledge that will equip you well for a variety of management and leadership roles. The competent technology manager is a highly valued professional, capable of ensuring that the organisation reaps all the potential rewards from its investment in technology of whatever type. You will develop a range of job-related and transferable skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to cope with rapid technological change.

The capabilities in research and problem-solving developed can be exploited in all professional situations at all management levels. Employers are also impressed by the commitment and determination it takes to succeed with the OU while keeping up family and work commitments. These benefits, together with the opportunities to add value by applying your learning to the workplace as you study, make technology management programmes very attractive vehicles towards success in senior management roles.