This course allows students to appraise several interconnected taught elements from the programme and apply these to a real-world business and management problem in order to formulate recommendations that could be applied in response to the brief. Students undertaking the project will be required to work in a group to gather evidence and conduct research and to use this research to deliver a group presentation and individual reports. 

The project will contribute to developing graduate attributes in the areas of investigation, independent and critical thinkers. In addition, students will gain confidence in defending their ideas and become reflective learners. They will also develop collaborative and group work skills. Holistically, such attributes will enhance their employability skills in independent thinking, time management skills and teamwork.

The first part of the course (Project Methods element) adopts an active blended learning pedagogy. This will consist of synchronous online lectures, asynchronous resources courses and face-to-face tutorials of 2 hours each. These normally take place in Semester 2.

The Project is carried out during the summer months, between May and August, and is supported with a total of 5 supervision meetings (4 group-based working towards the presentations in July) and one final meeting as an individual for feedback on individual reports

None

ILO(s) 

This course aims to lay the foundations for and contribute to the development of students' capacity to design and carry out research in Business and Management.

■  The taught element of the course aims to enable students to develop effective business research skills (evident, for example, in the review of the literature, data sourcing & collection, investigation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, weighing evidence and reaching sound conclusions).

■ The course also aims to teach skills that are used to deliver a substantial business research exercise demonstrating the appropriate selection and application of tools and research methods from the programme supported by additional critical review of academic ideas, which are then used to formulate recommendations and communicate research outcomes to a professional standard.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate a business and management brief in order to assess and determine a strategic challenge as outlined by the organisation.

2. Evaluate business research approaches and select an appropriate approach, critically acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses.

3. Construct aims and objectives for a group business project that effectively address challenges drawn from a organisation brief. 

4. Critically engage with and review the literature relating to a specific area or issue to deepen understanding and support informed selection of the most appropriate ideas.

5. Critically evaluate data and provide a succinct presentation of that analysis.

6. Formulate appropriate solutions within the constraints set by the business brief.

7. Report competently the findings produced by the business research project and discuss their implications as well as any limitations and ethical considerations.

8. Work constructively in a group under time pressure and solve potential conflicts within the team.

9. Demonstrate the ability to reflect on their individual contribution to the project.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.