Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Workshop Catalogue
Version 17.11.11
The Centre for Work Related Studies is one of the largest centres for
negotiated work based learning globally – commended and showcased by
the quality and funding bodies for higher education
1
Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
> WORKSHOP MODULES .................................................................................... 4
Self Review and Negotiation of Learning ........................................................... 4
Skills and Approaches for Work Based Learning ................................................ 5
Negotiated Experiential Learning ....................................................................... 5
Influence & Impact through Research ................................................................ 6
Conflict Transformation ..................................................................................... 6
Aggression and Bullying ..................................................................................... 7
Interactive Facilitation ....................................................................................... 7
Action Learning Facilitation................................................................................ 8
Communication Skills ......................................................................................... 8
Tranisition and Change Management ................................................................ 9
Negotiation Skills ............................................................................................... 9
Strategies for Effective Workplace Leadership ................................................. 10
Effective Workplace Teams .............................................................................. 10
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace ......................................................... 10
Stress & Stress Management ........................................................................... 11
Creativity & Problem Solving Through Humour ............................................... 11
Mentoring in the Workplace ............................................................................ 11
Principles, Processes and Skills of Coaching ..................................................... 12
> ONLINE MODULES......................................................................................... 12
Services and Stakeholders ............................................................................... 12
Delivering Results ............................................................................................ 12
Organisational Structure, Culture and Change ................................................. 13
Organisational Environment ............................................................................ 13
Programme and Project Management ............................................................. 13
Analysis and Use of Evidence ........................................................................... 14
2
Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Public Policy Making and Analysis .................................................................... 14
The Government .............................................................................................. 14
Managing Finance ............................................................................................ 15
Public Finance Management ............................................................................ 15
Public Finance Policy ........................................................................................ 15
Leading People through Change ...................................................................... 16
Managing and Leading People ......................................................................... 16
Managing People ............................................................................................. 16
Business Strategy and Planning........................................................................ 17
Creativity and Problem Solving ........................................................................ 17
Communication and ICT ................................................................................... 17
Information and Knowledge Management ...................................................... 18
Exit Review and Forward Planning ................................................................... 18
> MODULES SUPPORTED WITH ONLINE MATERIALS ........................................ 19
Emotional Intelligence ..................................................................................... 19
Facilitating Community Engagement ............................................................... 19
Change………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
Equality and Diversity in the Workplace………………………………………………………..21
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
> WORKSHOP MODULES
Self Review and Negotiation of Learning
Available at all levels and supported by online materials.
This module involves engagement with two linked processes: an initial, in-depth
personal review and self audit, and then the subsequent identification of appropriate
personal and professional development opportunities. The self review element of the
module is designed to help participants uncover skills, abilities, knowledge, beliefs,
values and assumptions that are held as a prelude to a consideration of future
possibilities for development. This will most typically lead to the negotiation of an
approved studies pathway of learning tailored to meet the needs of the participant
(and, if appropriate, the needs of their employing organisation). This is a process
which is likely to involve the identification of past learning relevant to the proposed
programme of study, and for which an APL claim may be made. Importantly, the
module also aims to develop the skills and capabilities associated with reflective
processes and to encourage the vision necessary for action planning. These are
attributes that are transferable to future personal and professional development and
are critical in the context of lifelong learning. This module will be essential for most
individually negotiated programmes of study in that it provides a context for selfaudit, confirms the level of study to which an individual will proceed, and identifies
the pathway to be followed.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Skills and Approaches for Work Based Learning
Available at all levels and supported by online materials.
The module provides an intellectual toolkit for work-based learners and aims to
ensure that students possess the skills of planning and reflective practice applicable
to negotiated experiential learning at work and for understanding the workplace as a
site for learning and professional development more generally. It builds on the skills
and processes delivered through Self Review and Negotiation of Learning introducing
students to considerations of work culture and ethos. The module is intended to
increase students’ awareness of issues to consider when learning through work, and
to prepare them to take an active part in negotiating experiential and work-based
projects, together with associated learning agreements. It introduces a range of
approaches, techniques and audit tools designed to enhance understanding of the
self, and of others, in the workplace.
Negotiated Experiential Learning
Available at all levels and supported by online materials.
This module is designed to enhance the student’s workplace practice and provides a
framework for the approval and accreditation of experiential learning activities
undertaken in the context of the workplace. These may take the form of discrete,
identifiable projects or may be specific areas of learning that involve engagement
with a wide range of work activities. For the individual practitioner, the module offers
an accreditation mechanism for CPD activities; from an organisational perspective it
may provide the opportunity for an employee/volunteer to engage in innovative and
strategic developments for the organisation as part of his/her work role and in so
doing, enhance the work of the organisation. Prior to approval, the Negotiated
Experiential Learning Agreement will require the signatures of the student, the
employer or professional body (where applicable) and the University of Chester
sponsoring Department, confirming that the module has been negotiated and agreed
upon.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Influence & Impact through Research
Available at levels 6 and 7, supported by online materials.
>
Influence
decisions
and
change
through
persuasive
evidence
>
Increase
impact
through
systematic
and
efficient
approaches
> Learn who, when and how to involve others in research
Boost your confidence in designing persuasive, realistic and useful work-based
investigations. You’ll get to grips with the language of research and your role as a
practitioner-researcher – as well as key accelerated techniques for finding relevant
knowledge inside and outside your workplace. You’ll find out what makes a
convincing research proposal – by fine tuning your focus towards a precise research
purpose and research questions, and crafting a practical and valid approach and set
of methods which drive you towards these. Suitable for students who will be able to
implement the methodology, and/or those studying the Research Methods for Work
Based Learning module.
Conflict Transformation
Available at all levels.
Conflict is the single largest cause of poor performance, dissatisfaction and job
turnover. For instance, surveys within the NHS regularly show that around 50% of
respondents have been or are being bullied. In addition 16% of the general
workforce is said to be actively spreading dissatisfaction, much of this as a result of
workplace conflict and the consequent poor management of such conflicts. On top
of this studies claim that in many organisations 70% of HR personnel have been / are
being bullied and yet these are the very people charged with dealing with
conflicts! What can be done? Conflict Transformation has more of the answers than
conflict management techniques and conflict resolution processes. The Conflict
Transformation module uses a variety of learning experiences to embed a deep
knowledge of key conflict dynamics combined with immediately practical methods of
using them in the real world! Many people say it is one of the most significant and
enjoyable modules they have taken.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Aggression and Bullying
Available at all levels.
This module invites learners to go ‘behind the scenes’ and to understand what
aggression and bullying are and how these qualities are manifested in working life.
Strategies to prevent and counter aggression and bullying will be explored together
with implications for safeguarding the self, others and organisations. Innovative and
effective methods of reintegration of perpetrators of aggression and bullying will also
be revealed.
Interactive Facilitation
Available at all levels.
Facilitation is a growing field of endeavour that has the capacity to add significant
value to an individual’s employability and to the workplace through the conscious
and skilful harnessing of diverse experiences, hidden talents, unconscious
competences and the forging of hitherto unconnected links, shared stories,
contrasting beliefs and competing values. This module provides in depth knowledge
of how to use, adapt, synthesise and reflect on a variety of key facilitation skills that
will better enable learners to help themselves and their colleagues to challenge the
status quo, reveal potentialities, embrace uncertainty, harness creative and
innovative thought, handle paradox and consequently develop both individuals and
groups. The emphasis of the module will rest on the practical application of theory
and the embracing of uncertainty and those interpersonal energies that are more
appropriately harnessed than controlled.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Action Learning Facilitation
Available at all levels.
Action Learning has been identified as a method of learning since Revans introduced
the concept shortly after the Second World War. It is a method of collaborative
learning where a small group of learners (an ‘action learning set’) meet regularly to
reflect on real work issues. Its basic philosophy is that the most effective learning
takes place when we are faced with a real problem to solve. Action learning may
enhance the way in which people learn, drawing on actual practice, and using the
experience of members working together to apply new ideas to each members’ role.
Thereby the focus of this module is to develop participants’ awareness of Action
Learning and their understanding of how this can be effectively developed and
utilised. Participants will be supported in exploring the role of Action Learning in
their work how it may engender developments in the performance of individuals,
services and organisations. In addition, to analysing their own experiences, abilities
and skills in relation to set facilitation.
Communication Skills
Available at all levels.
This module seeks to develop participants’ skills base and knowledge relating to
communication at work in response to demand from employers and/or students.
Participants will be encouraged to explore interpersonal, group and organisational
communication while acquiring relevant skills. Communication models will be used to
support practical and reflective learning, with benefits for participants and
organisations alike.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Transition and Change Management
Available at all levels.
Change is an inescapable part of both social and organisational life, indeed the
leitmotiv, a recurring theme, of contemporary organisational theory is that of
managing change. It seems that organisations, and subsequently the individuals
working within them, face an unrelenting stream of pressure from globalisation,
social and demographic trends, shifts in government policy and the development of
new technology. This module seeks to develop participants’ knowledge and skills in
the process of understanding, creating and coping with change within the work place
while being encouraged to develop the skills necessary for the management and
facilitation of transition. Theories concerning organisational culture, organisational
development, psychology and sociology will be explored in relation to developing
personal strategies to effectively manage the change process.
Negotiation Skills
Available at all levels.
During this module most learners find that they are amazed at how often they have
been manipulated and taken advantage of in the past precisely because they have
not understood key negotiation approaches. Learners will be encouraged to explore
and use different aspects of ethical, principled, guerrilla and dirty-tricks approaches
to negotiation. As a direct result learners will experience increases in confidence,
assertion and the ability to negotiate more successfully. The module is facilitated by
an expert professional mediator.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Strategies for Effective Workplace Leadership
Available at all levels.
This module enables students to develop an understanding of the factors that
influence effective work place leadership. It investigates key concepts relating to
work place leadership and encourages students to develop their leadership style.
Overall, the module will support students in building strategies to assist them in
developing a personal leadership framework for use in their work place.
Effective Workplace Teams
Available at all levels.
People who function well in a team environment need to be motivated towards
common goals and provided with the support and encouragement necessary to
achieve them. This module aims to extend participants' experience and
understanding of group processes and team roles and dynamics. It also explores the
concept of teambuilding, with particular focus on workplace practice.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Available at all levels.
This is a module that provides an opportunity for people working in organizations to
understand and address key issues associated with emotional intelligence. Learners
will increase their knowledge of emotional intelligence and methods of accessing
emotional intelligence whilst minimizing interference. Participants will typically be
encouraged to map their patterns of emotional experience and expression and
compare how these may be in alignment with, or at variance with, their intellectual
preferences and explore the meaning of any tensions and conflicts that surface.
Participants will also be encouraged to learn how emotional issues contribute to - or
detract from - effective workplace functioning.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Stress & Stress Management
Available at all levels.
This module is designed to enable participants to identify stress and stress
management issues and to be able to develop strategies that can help them deal
effectively with stress in the workplace. It looks at psychological, social and
environmental sources of stress, life stresses, stress triggers in the workplace, stress
and the legal framework, together with management strategies and coping styles.
Creativity & Problem Solving Through Humour
Available at all levels.
Facilitated by a professional stand-up comedienne, the aim of the module is to
enable participants to understand the nature of creativity and problem solving in the
workplace and to find ways in which they can access and put into practice their own
creative resources at work. A unique feature of this module is the particular
emphasis on ways in which creativity and problem solving at work can be accessed
and developed through the deliberate use of humour. It looks at the nature of
humour and its importance, the relationship between humour and social change and
the use of humour in the context of professional practice.
Mentoring in the Workplace
Available at levels 5, 6 and 7.
Mentors in the workplace require an empathy and relatively sophisticated skill
repertoire in order to be effective. The module is designed to capture and raise
awareness of mentorship, and will be a vehicle for improving capability and
knowledge of appropriate approaches to support work-based learners. It encourages
participants to develop their own mentorship skills and approaches.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Principles, Processes and Skills of Coaching
Available at all levels.
The aim of this module is to provide a foundation for those who have an interest in
Coaching as a learning and development tool, for individuals and organisations. It will
give students a broad understanding of the principles behind coaching, together with
the processes (using models and frameworks) typically used in coaching. In addition it
will develop their listening and questioning skills essential for effective coaching
practice.
> ONLINE MODULES
Services and Stakeholders
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to develop knowledge of key issues in the management of
services and stakeholder relationships in a public service environment so that the
learner is able to improve their personal performance and their contribution to the
planning and delivery of services and application of good practice in the context of
continual service improvement.
Delivering Results
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to develop knowledge of key issues in the management of
service delivery in a public service environment so that the learner is able to improve
their personal performance and their contribution to the planning and delivery of
services and application of good practice in the context of continual service
improvement.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Organisational Structure, Culture and Change
Available at levels 4, 5 and 6.
To provide maximum potential for study in organisational structure, culture and
change, whilst providing a rigorous and structured framework for work related
learning. To give students the opportunity to develop and apply organisational
structure culture and change skills and knowledge required for their individual
progress. To provide a mechanism that enables HE to work efficiently and
economically in partnership with external organisations to design and deliver
modules which meet specific needs
Organisational Environment
Available at all levels.
This module is designed to encourage students to develop knowledge of those
factors which affect the operation of organisations, particularly those affecting their
own, employing organisation. It introduces students to a range of business
environment concepts and influences, including explanatory models, and on
completion participants will be able to situate their employing organisation within its
operational environment and account for the impact of external factors on its
performance and development.
Programme and Project Management
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to provide an opportunity to develop an evaluative approach
to the management of projects and programmes in a public service environment so
that the learner is able to improve their personal performance and their contribution
to the planning and implementation of projects and programmes and application of
good practice in the context of continual service improvement.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Analysis and Use of Evidence
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to develop knowledge of key issues in analysis and use of
evidence in a public service environment so that the learner is able to improve their
personal performance and their contribution to the planning and delivery of services
and application of good practice in the context of continual service improvement.
Public Policy Making and Analysis
Available at levels 6 and 7.
The module is designed to assist persons with a role in the policy process to develop
a more formal and critical understanding of the process of policy creation and
delivery as well as provide them with the analytical tools to conduct more formal
analysis.
The Government
Available at levels 4, 5 and 6.
The main objective is to familiarise students with the broad machinery of
government in the UK as a basis for critical engagement with the development of
policy in an area relevant to the learners work. As such it is an important contextual
module for a deeper understanding of the formal development of policy and
its embedding into administrative procedures.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Managing Finance
Available at levels 4 and 5.
The module is designed to help students familiarise themselves with the processes of
financial management, particularly in the public sector. It addresses the need for
students to develop appropriate skills in the setting and managing of budgets, in the
use of management accounts and enables them to address issues such as the
controlling of costs and business planning.
Public Finance Management
Available at levels 5, 6 and 7.
The module is designed to facilitate the process of day to day financial management
in the public sector. It is suitable for those with existing budgetary responsibilities
and those without previous experience.
Public Finance Policy
Available at levels 5, 6 and 7.
The module is designed to allow the learner to critically engage with the process of
resource allocation in government; the relationship between economic theory and
public finance; issues related to the raising of finance and the role of institutions in
allocating resources. In addition learners will participate in some of the key debates
in public finance and the process of modernisation.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Leading People through Change
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to facilitate the leadership of organisational change, in the
context of modernising public services by examining strategies for implementing
change.
Managing and Leading People
Available at all levels.
To provide maximum potential for study in management and leadership, whilst
providing a rigorous and structured framework for work related learning. To give
students the opportunity to develop and apply subject specific skills and knowledge
required for their individual progress. To provide a mechanism that enables HE to
work efficiently and economically in partnership with external organisations to design
and deliver learning in relation to management and leadership which meets specific
needs.
Managing People
Available at levels 4 and 5.
The module is intended primarily for people working in organisations who have
responsibility for managing others or who aspire to managing others. Some of the
topics covered will be; organisational purpose and mission, management and
organisational behaviour, individuals and interactions in organisations, groups and
leadership (new tasks, work methods and approaches, targets/objectives),
organisational processes, improving and monitoring performance, developing staff.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Business Strategy and Planning
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to provide an insight into key issues in the principles and
application of business strategy and planning techniques so that the learner is able to
improve their personal performance and their contribution to ongoing operations,
continuous improvement and innovation, typically in a public service or business
environment.
Creativity and Problem Solving
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to provide an opportunity to develop an evaluative approach
to the use of creative thinking and problem solving techniques so that the learner is
able to improve their personal performance and their contribution to continuous
improvement and innovation, typically in a public service environment.
Communication and ICT
Available at levels 4 and 5.
The module is designed to provide an insight into key issues in the principles and
application of communications and information management techniques so that the
learner is able to improve their personal performance and their contribution to
ongoing operations, continuous improvement and innovation, typically in a public
service or business environment.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
Information and Knowledge Management
Available at all levels.
The module is designed to provide an introduction to key issues in the management
of information and knowledge in a organisational environment so that the learner is
able to improve their personal performance and their contribution to the evolution
of new systems and application of best practice in the context of the improvement of
public services, and business generally.
Exit Review and Forward Planning
Available at levels 5, 6 and 7.
The module is designed to encourage students to reflect upon their pathway of
learning on the WBIS programme as a whole, contextualising learning and personal
development. Students are encouraged to consider progress and identify themes
arising from their study on WBIS and to consider future personal and professional
development opportunities in the light of their learning experiences on the
programme.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
> MODULES SUPPORTED WITH ONLINE MATERIALS
Emotional Intelligence
Available at all levels.
This module provides an opportunity for people working in organizations to
understand and address key issues associated with emotional intelligence. Learners
will increase their knowledge of emotional intelligence and methods of accessing
emotional intelligence whilst minimizing interference. Learners will be encouraged
to map their patterns of emotional experience and expression and compare how
these may be in alignment with, or at variance with their intellectual preferences and
explore the meaning of any tensions and conflicts that surface. Participants will be
encouraged to learn how emotional issues contribute to - or detract from - effective
workplace functioning.
Facilitating Community Engagement
Available at Masters Level only.
The aim of the module is to enable practitioners who are engaged with community
groups to develop the means to ensure their effective participation in decision
making. This involves the development of their own skills as facilitators, designing an
effective engagement strategy, utilising a range of techniques to foster participation
and implementing it. It is suitable for practitioners in a variety of fields such as
health, housing, regeneration, planning, community work, local and central
government and a wide variety of public, private and voluntary agencies. It is also
useful to representatives of community organisations who wish to develop the
capacity of their community to engage effectively in decision making.
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Workshop Catalogue
Work Based & Integrative Studies
Visit our Workshop Schedule to find out which modules
are running soon and to book – go to tiny.cc/cwrsws
CHANGE
This workshop is appropriate for students taking any one of the following modules at
levels 4, 5, 6 or 7:



Transition and Change
Leading People Through Change and
Managing Change
Change is an inescapable part of both social and organisational life, indeed the
leitmotiv, a recurring theme, of contemporary organisational theory is that of
managing change. It seems that organisations, and subsequently the individuals
working within them, face an unrelenting stream of pressure from globalisation,
social and demographic trends, shifts in government policy and the development of
new technology. This workshop seeks to develop participants’ knowledge and skills
in the process of understanding, creating and coping with change within the work
place while being encouraged to develop the skills necessary for the management
and facilitation of transition. Theories concerning organisational culture,
organisational development, psychology and sociology will be explored in relation to
developing personal strategies to effectively manage the change process.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY (E & D) IN THE WORKPLACE
This full day workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to and overview of
equality and diversity concepts and legalities with a focus on why E&D is important in
each and every workplace. Those who attend this workshop will be eligible to enrol
on a 20 credit WBIS module on Equality and Diversity in the Workplace and, following
the workshop, will undertake a 4000 or 5000 word WBIS assignment at an
appropriate negotiated Level (4-7) on a key issue of E&D in their work place.
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