Using MBA Toolkit Theories for Business Problem Solving

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical appreciation of the interrelationship of diverse theories in the MBA toolkit to challenge existing preconceptions and develop positive and enquiring approaches to management and enterprise. Demonstrate an aptitude and ability to solve a defined business problem through enquiry having drawn upon your MBA studies and appreciating the interrelated nature of organisations. 

2.  Demonstrate the following skills and abilities
Demonstrate intelligent practice by imaginative and critical integration of theory and practice to create a tangible deliverable through critical insightful evaluation stipulating areas of excellence and reflecting on areas for development to improve performance in contemporary organisations.  In addition, for specialist pathways: 
A focus on strategic finance and risk management
MBA (Hospital and Health Services Management)
A focus on hospital and health service management and including economic, political, social and environmental change and the impact of regulatory and governance trends.
A focus on human resource management and development in complex situations and within and across borders.
MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
A focus on sustainability of the relationship and expectation between markets, customers, supply chain partners and other stakeholders.
A focus on complex market situations taking account of the development and progression of the customer relationship and customer satisfaction.
A focus on the external context in which modern oil and gas organisations operate including economic, political, social and environmental change and the regulatory and governance trends impacting n different organisations.
A focus on the management of communication and information technologies and contemporary information systems to inform and support decision making in a global knowledge-based economy.

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)
In order to pass Assessment 1 you will need to:
Justify a choice of project and appraise its feasibility. 
Formulate a plan for a major project by developing aims and objectives and designing an outline method of analysis.
Determine theories that may be appropriate for the project.
How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?
We will be filling this section in together in class on Click or tap to enter a date. make sure you have downloaded/printed out the Assignment Brief and bring it to the session with you.

Here are some of the requirements we will be discussing in the group briefings:
Does your choice of topic provide potential for unique insightful outcomes?
Is your aim clear – stated concisely in a short sentence
You need to widely extend your reading through independent research using quality academic and practitioner sources
What is your proposed method of analysis?
Is evidence available?
You will apply theory in practice for critical, in-depth analysis in the context of the chosen research topic
You must use in-text citations throughout to acknowledge others’ ideas in support of your critical analysis
You must use the Harvard style of referencing. 

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?
All students are expected to attend scheduled Advancing Professional Practice workshops between blocks to develop their personal, professional and academic skills in preparation for the final projects and their first post-MBA position. 
This is an independent project and you are supported through scheduled classes for group briefings and a panel review of your Poster Presentation. 
You will have 2 group briefings at the start of the unit leading up to the Poster Presentation.   In these sessions you will be encouraged to plan your Theory into Practice Project.
Assignment 1 General Guidelines
1.Choose a topic which is concerned with the contemporary application of theory into practice.  
2.You have a lot of freedom in choosing a topic This will be discussed in the group briefings.
3.Interpret this as meaning that the topic should investigate the practical issues involved in making decisions, solving organisational problems or exploring opportunities, achieving change or managing the implementation of strategy.  This will integrate different areas of the MBA including your pathway specialism, if applicable.