Master's Research Project: Objectives, Assessment, and Learning Outcomes

Although the foci and form of the final project are to be negotiated, the following are indicative of the potential formats students choose: independent research dissertation; client based project; or other negotiated project. Students will be responsible for finding an organisation and negotiating data access where necessary with regard to client based projects. This option will normally be available to employed students who have access to an organisation to apply their academic knowledge and industry experience to a ‘real life’ business organisation covering any aspects related to the title of the degree. Students are expected to spend the final term on self-directed learning, having already decided on the form of the final project that they will produce. The student independently implements research strategies and selected approaches, with the supervisor’s advice, to achieve the final project to Master’s standard.

On completion of the module you should be able to:

LO1 Communicate the aims, objectives and relevance of their chosen research project.

LO2 Develop achievable and logical plans to guide the implementation of their chosen research project.

LO3 Select, collect, analyse and interpret evidence from multiple sources in accordance with sound principles of research and investigation.

LO4 Synthesise and critically evaluate different sources of knowledge in order to articulate logical and cogent argumentation.

LO5 Evaluate critically and apply theoretical and methodological approaches in ways  which augment understanding of the topic.

LO6 Reflect critically on their own research practice and intellectual argument particularly in the context of contemporary debates in governance, management or business.

LO7 Propose practical resolutions via conclusions and recommendations when appropriate.

In addition to the specific learning outcomes detailed above, the module also facilitates the development of a number of transferable skills; these are skills which will contribute to your own personal development as a ‘scholar’, but also in the world of work. These can be identified as:

• Problem solving and critical analysis: analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions.

• Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making. Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

• Self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time.

• Self reflection: self-analysis and an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development .

The module will be assessed through a portfolio comprising a number of interrelated elements. The initial project plan and proposal will be the equivalent of 1000 words and will form the basis of an agreed Research Project Plan. Students will be required to maintain an online supervision log used to monitor, gauge and feedback on student progress. The final project submission will be equivalent to 12,000 words; this will be submitted as a single piece of written work (e.g. Dissertation). Assessment, indicative timings and learning outcomes

• Initial Project Plan and Proposal (10%) - LO1, LO2 (Week 33)

• Online Supervision Log – Pass/Fail (LO3,LO4) – Continuous

• Final Written Submission (90%) LO1 to LO7 (Week 52).