SG7002 Applied Business Project

The module aims to develop students’ critical thinking, methodological, analytical and writing skills through the research process in undertaking a project. Students must choose a project on offer within the course they are undertaking, and work under the supervision of the allocated supervisor.  In undertaking a business project, students will critically engage with literature on their chosen topic, formulate valid project questions and objectives, evaluate different methodological alternatives, execute appropriate data collection and analytical techniques, develop cogent academic explanations of their findings and address the project question and objectives originally posed in their study. Students should also be able to provide recommendations for academic theory and/or management practice as an outcome of their research project.  

The postgraduate business project aims to help students to understand the dynamics of business research and to develop their research as well as project management skills. It provides students with a unique opportunity to specialise in a particular area of expertise, and is extremely valuable if students’ wish to work in a specific industry sector or undertake research in future study/employment. Overall, the module aims to develop both students’ independent research and their employability.

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The learning outcomes assessed in the Project assessment are:

Knowledge

1.Demonstrate the ability to analyse complex business and management problems critically and rigorously and make evidenced based management recommendations (IC)

2.Demonstrate high levels of expertise in selecting and conducting research methods and addressing strategically significant organisational problems and issues. (IC)

Thinking skills

3.Demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and skills by applying appropriate research strategies and philosophies to organisational issues (PID)

4.Demonstrate self-directed capacity to plan, design and monitor an individual piece of research (EID)

5.Design and present a well-defined and structured report covering the investigation with appropriate and justified conclusions and recommendations, while showing awareness of their limitations.(DP) (UGB) (IC)

Subject based skills

6.Identify, interpret and engage in critical analysis and discussion of contemporary literature in your professional field. (PID)

7.Demonstrate the ability to effectively analyse business problems from the professional practitioner perspective in your field and make meaningful and where appropriate costed business recommendations (DP) (IC) (UGB)

8.Demonstrate the skills of logical thought, critical evaluation, data analysis and reflection that will enhance influencing and negotiation capabilities as practitioner in your relevant field (EID)

Skills for life

9.Demonstrate the ability for self-directed learning and the ability to reflect on learning, and emotional and social intelligence, which will inform future practice

10.Exhibit digital proficiency in computer aided research skills that promotes the effective presentation of research findings and recommendations (DP)

The student is ultimately responsible for his/her dissertation/project and should see the supervisor as an academic advisor for their work. Supervisors do not necessarily have to be experts in a particular research topic; their role is to supervise the research process itself.

Students have the following responsibilities in the supervisory relationship:

·To attend meetings regularly and punctually.  

·To email draft work in advance of any scheduled meeting.

·To treat supervisors with respect and consider their advice.

·To inform the supervisor of any difficulties or issues they may be experiencing.  

·To minimise email contact to essential communication and allow a reasonable period of response.

·To be professional and take ownership of their own work.