The aim of the project is to allow the student to demonstrate their ability in undertaking an independent research project for developing theoretical perspectives, addressing research questions using secondary data, or analysing and developing real world solutions, within the area of study and objectives of the programmes they are undertaking in which they utilise structured methodologies and the skills gained in the use of academic and practical resources, models, methods, tools and systems.

(LO1) Extract and demonstrate knowledge from the literature in an analytic manner

(LO2) Develop ideas and conceptual models

(LO3) Collect secondary or primary data and conduct qualitative or quantitative analysis of the data

(LO4) Carry out a structured analysis of needs for a real organisation and identify and apply the tools required to deliver a well formed solution to these needs. Through the project the student should develop capabilities to analyse cases based on theoretical and methodological studies, and create improvement plans and recommendations for their implementation based upon the toolsets required during the programme

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Adaptability

(S3) Problem solving

(S4) Commercial awareness

(S5) Teamwork

(S6) Organisational skills

(S7) Communication skills

(S8) IT skills

(S9) International awareness

(S10) Ethical awareness

Labs x 12 hours (2 x 6 hours)
Seminars x 6 hours
Supervision x 12 hours
Self Directed Learning x 570 hours

1. Introduction to project undertaking and process
This will take place before the selection process of projects by the module coordinator.

2. Introduction to Research Methods, with focus on Action Research
This will take place in a one day seminar by the module coordinator and/or staff in the academic team.

3. Obtaining and undertaking the project
In the second semester the student will be allocated to a project relevant to his/her course of study, from the projects provided and introduced by the programme team. Following the introduction to the projects in a six hour (two hours of guidance talk followed by four hours of potential projects introduction by the academic staff) seminar session, in which students are given the information on available projects and opportunities, the students will be invited to submit a selection form to the module coordinator indicating three choices based on their preferences. For this purpose students may further discuss thi s with their relevant programme director as well as the lecturer nominating the project. The formal process for allocating projects to students will take place on a competitive basis according to the choices put forward by students and students’ academic performance to the point of selection and any particular conditions or criteria set by the project. Students will be given the opportunity to present a self initiated project outline as their choice if they are able to get approval of one of the academic staff for supervision of the project. In this situation, the module coordinator may enquire the opinion and/or approval of the course director(s) on the allocation if comes necessary.

In the summer, following the second semester board of examiners meeting and under the guidance of their supervisor, students commence work on the project. Four weeks after commencing the project the students submit a proposal report which outlines the project aims, objectives, methods and too ls proposed and structured project plan. The project work continues throughout the summer to achieve the objectives of the project including review of the literature, field study including company based work, data collection and analysis, and finally producing a final report to be submitted by the end of the project period as specified by the module co-ordinator.