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 video presentation and individual reports.

Students are supported by a compulsory online project methods course in semester 2 to prepare the students for what is required, incorporating lectures, homework and tutorials in semester 2.

The first part of the course (Project Methods) is structured around lectures, self-study online research methodology modules and face-to-face tutorials of 2 hours each which take place in Semester 2. The Project is carried out during the summer months, between May and August, and is supported 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

Online project methods course and on campus tutorials must be completed before first group supervision meeting.

The project will be assessed through one group output and 2 individual reports as follows:

In the project methods course, each unit, students will need to submit a homework exercise that reaches a satisfactory standard, that will allow them to move onto the next learning unit. After they have completed all learning units to an appropriate standard, they will be awarded a completion certification that will grant them access to the supervision stage of the project.

25% - Presentation - where students present the recommendations in response to the business challenge.

60% - Individual Project report of 6,000 words that will include a critical discussion of the approach taken to the delivery of the group project and which explains and justifies the groups key decisions and solutions. The narrative should be solidly grounded in extant academic literature including a demonstration of the ability to develop a greater depth (through critical review) and application of academic knowledge to the solution of the strategic business challenge.

15% - Individual reflective report of 2,000 words reflecting on the overall learning outcomes and the process of working as part of a team on a predetermined business challenge. This should focus on the lessons learned from bringing together theory in response to a practical business challenge and demonstrate self awareness at both the team and individual level, including recognition of areas for self development.

All elements of assessment should normally be submitted before the end of August with presentations taking place in late July.

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:

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

■ Evaluate business research approaches and select the most appropriate, critically acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses; 

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

■ 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 to combine with knowledge from the MSc programme so as to formulate solutions for the practical strategic challenges faced by a organisation; 

■ Critically evaluate data and provide a succinct presentation of that analysis; 

■ Formulate innovative solutions within the constraints set by the business brief

■ Report competently the findings produced by the business research project and discuss their implications as well as any limitations and ethical considerations. The written report should be solidly grounded in extant academic literature demonstrating the ability to apply academic knowledge to the solution of a strategic business challenge; 

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

Generic Regulations apply.

Students must attend all lectures and tutorials and submit the required assessment by specific deadlines.

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