BML 301 Management Project
Module Title: Management Project Module Code: BML301 Credits: 45 Level: 6 Academic Department: Business School. Programme to which the module contributes: Business School BA module contributes: (Hons) undergraduate degree route Tutor Responsible: Dr Jorge Gutic Prerequisites: Level 2 BML201 Business Research or equivalent Aims: The module has a crucial role within the programme of study in that it provides the opportunity for students to research an area of particular interest within an appropriate business, public sector or third sector context. The module is designed to make a major contribution to the professional and intellectual development of students. Students are prepared for the project through the Business Research module (BML201) in level 5 where they are introduced to different approaches to research. Students will also be familiar with different types of research associated with disciplines studied previously in their chosen pathway. The project provides a vehicle for students to demonstrate the extent to which they have managed the final transition from a tutor-led approach to student centred learning. The issue is chosen, investigated and published by the student, with the support of a supervisor. It enables students to demonstrate their capacity for sustained independent thought, learning and critical reflection in a major piece of work. The subject chosen will normally be concerned with the investigation of one or more management issues within the context of a public or private sector organisation. For students undertaking the 10 week work placement the project will usually be set in the context of the host organisation. For students remaining in the university it is expected that students will approach and identify a suitable organisation as a focus for their project. The university has a range of external contacts that may require specific projects but it is within the nature of the module, even in these cases, that students must approach the organisation and agree suitable terms of reference. Another context for the management project is to pursue research in a range of organisations or identify specific groups of people to study in relation to a management issue. Whilst the topic might well be one that is of interest the end product must have findings that are generalisable and capable of broad application. A library based dissertation may also be acceptable, but it must consider the management implications of the study, and cannot be purely literature based. Learning Outcomes: § § § § § § § § § §
On successful completion of this module students will be able to: Identify, compare and evaluate appropriate research methods Identify and justify choice of topic and the methodology Apply chosen methodology in an intellectually rigorous manner Evaluate the research approach taken Analyse and evaluate results of research undertaken Determine and critically evaluate current literature and other sources in a field of study Conduct research in an acceptable manner, taking due note of ethical considerations Present their findings orally and in writing (using Harvard conventions) Analyse findings and draw conclusions substantiated by the analysis
Indicative Curriculum Content: Each student will undertake their own management project/ personal study. This will require choosing, application and justification of recognised research methods, but the academic area of study will be unique to the individual student. In preparation for carrying out their management project/personal study students will be supported in modifying their proposal produced in the level 5 Business Research module or devising a new proposal. Within the first semester of the module’s delivery it is expected that students will want to revisit elements of the indicative content of Business Research. Coverage will be negotiated with students according to demand. Learning Strategy: The module will be delivered over two semesters. In the first semester 15 credits of study will consist of supporting activities facilitated by academic staff. The issues that are appropriate for exploration by students within the module will be wide ranging. As part of the process of demonstrating the breadth of opportunity available to students, a selection of academic staff will share their own research to demonstrate different types of project, methodologies, and formats for presentation. The end of the first semester will culminate in students presenting the introductory elements of their proposal. Formative feedback will be provided by tutors that will assess the student’s presentation against the following criteria: § § §
Selection of a relevant topic and the formulation of a valid research aim/hypothesis; Consultation and critical evaluation of a diversity of relevant authoritative sources; Evaluation and selection of an appropriate research methodology.
In the period leading up to this submission students will work in action learning sets (usually 4-6 students) and will meet with a tutor facilitator for approximately one hour fortnightly. Although these meetings will present opportunities for briefings (see indicative content) and tutor led discussions, the emphasis will be on action and sharing progress or problems. In the early sessions actions will focus on identifying access to organisations and resources. Later sessions will provide opportunities for students to present early drafts of the introductory elements of their project. The remaining 30 credits of the module will be undertaken in Semester 2 and will be managed independently by each student with the support of their allocated project supervisor. The supervisor will act as an advisor and facilitator to student-centred learning, which allows participants to demonstrate their capacity for independent thought. The supervisor supports the student through the remainder of the project and it is likely that they will also have a role in advising the student on how best to act upon the formative feedback provided at the end of Semester 1. Mode of Assessment: Formative: Students will present their early work to an action learning set and receive feedback from the tutor and their peers. Towards the end of the first semester students will be required to present the introductory elements of their project, up to and including the selection of a proposed methodology, to a panel of two members of the academic staff. Where there is an employer or other third party client involved, they will also be invited to the presentation and participate in the question and answer session. If an individual student fails to attend/participate effectively in the module and/or is not in a position to present a persuasive piece of work at the end of Semester 1, they will be deregistered from the module. Under the circumstances where such a course of action is identified as being a possibility, feedback will typically have been provided by the tutor team at an earlier stage in the semester with a view of encouraging the student to take an appropriate corrective course of action. Summative At the end of semester 2 students will submit a 10,500 word (including the introduction and literature review) final version of their management project structured and presented according to module guidelines (weighting 100%).
Assessment Criteria: Students will be assessed on their ability to: § § § § § § §
Select a relevant topic and to formulate a valid research aim and/or hypothesis. Consult and critically evaluate a diversity of relevant authoritative sources. Evaluate and select an appropriate research methodology. Carry out an investigation, using available resources and relevant approaches. Critically evaluate and analyse their findings and draw realistic conclusions. Identify the implications of the data generated for application to the workplace and/or individual development. Produce a high quality document which is well structured, exhibits cogent and critical arguments, conforms to a high standard of literacy (and numeracy if relevant), and apply Harvard referencing conventions.
Indicative Reading: Anderson, V. (2004) Research Methods in Human Resource Management.London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Bryman, A & Bell, E. (2007) Business Research Methods. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2009) Business Research, 3rd Editon. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Fisher, C. (2004) Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business Students. London: FT Prentice Hall. Horn, R. (2009) Researching and Writing Dissertations, a complete guide for business and management students. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Saunders, M., Lewis, P and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students 5th Edition. London: Pitman. Whitehead, J &Mcniff J. (2000) Action Research in Organisations. London: Routledge Whitehead, J &Mcniff J. (2006) Action Research Living Theory. London: Sage.