Delivery
The PSM Program is delivered to suit the work demands of middle-to-senior managers in government. The four units are delivered across a 12-month period.
Learning Materials
All the learning materials are provided to participants upfront on a CD-ROM along with a workshop folder. There are no pre-requisite textbooks or reference materials that need to be purchased, though participants will need to have access to a computer (with CD-ROM drive, email and Internet) for the purpose of accessing the learning materials, writing and submitting assignments and to stay in touch with the SA PSM Program Office.
Workshops
For each unit, participants are required to attend a three-day workshop where they receive tuition from expert presenters, engage in topical discussions, complete practical activities and network with other participants. There are usually no more than 20 participants in any workshop. The workshops are the only contact requirement for the Program, running from 9am to 5pm daily across the three days, though participants are required to dedicate significant time for completion of the assessment tasks outside of the workshops.
Workshops for each unit are spaced approximately 10 to 12 weeks apart. The workshops are held at venues near the city, including the Education Development Centre (in Hindmarsh) and the Adelaide Oval Function Centre.
Assessment
Following each workshop, participants will need to prepare and submit assignments to demonstrate their learning and fulfil the assessment requirements of the PSM Program. Assessment is based on a variety of academic and practical work-related assignments.
Each of the first three units (Unit 1 to Unit 3) requires the completion of a minor assignment and a major assignment. The final unit (Unit 4) sees the completion of a work-based project, allowing participants to use their learning from the Program and apply it directly to a project for their work.
Participants will need to commit an average of 5 to 10 hours per week (of their own time) for personal study and completion of the assessment tasks. Assignments are required to meet university standards and are marked and moderated by a national pool of assessors.
Support
To assist participants during the Program, they are provided with a range of support mechanisms:
- Assignment-writing workshop through the University of Adelaide.
- State Library tour, including sign-up for free access to online databases and resources.
- Opportunities to network and form study groups.
- One-on-one guidance from PSM Program graduates through the Graduates Network.
- Ongoing support and assistance from the SA PSM Program staff.
Graduation
The annual SA PSM Program Graduation is held mid-year in the prestigious Banqueting Room at the Adelaide Town Hall. Participants will be presented with their Graduate Certificate Qualification and will also have the opportunity to celebrate the achievement of completing the PSM Program amongst their fellow graduates.