The aims of this module are to:

Equip students with the skills to demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research, analyse and present information coherently to support a recommended course of action;

Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of how to conduct independent business research within an academic framework .

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate critical awareness of current research in business and management through independent analysis of a relevant business case or via an empirical analysis of a research hypothesis using appropriate research tools.

(LO2) Students will be able to select and apply appropriate models, frameworks or tools to provide critical analysis of a business case.

(LO3) Students will be able to research and present convincing and reasoned arguments to formulate solutions for strategic action.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse ambiguous information and make reasoned judgements and recommendations within a dynamic and changing environment.

(S1) Critical Thinking
Through engaging with various research methodologies and designing their own research proposals, students will enhance their ability to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions.

(S2) Analytical Skills
Students will develop strong analytical skills by employing data analysis techniques in their projects, allowing them to draw meaningful conclusions from complex datasets.

(S3) Numeracy
Students will develop some basic numeracy during the online quizzes.

(S4) Commercial awareness
Developed through the application of knowledge to develop a strategic plan. Preparation of written report.

(S5) Collaboration
Working with supervisors and possibly real organisations for consulting projects will develop students’ collaborative skills, essential for team-based work environments.

(S6) Problem-Solving
Engaging with real-world business problems in the consulting report pathway will enhance students' problem-solving abilities as they must devise practical solutions.

(S7) Communication
The module's emphasis on producing written reports (for the final project), and verbal presentation of poster, will develop students' academic/industry writing skills, enabling them to articulate their findings and arguments effectively.

(S8) Technical Skills
Engaging with software and tools for data analysis and poster creation will enhance students' technical skills, which are critical in research contexts.

(S9) Lifelong learning skills
The completion of 60 credits of independent learning will prepare students for world of work and organising original, independent projects.

(S10) Time Management
The self-directed learning component requires students to manage their study time effectively, fostering skills in prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

Asynchronous learning x 4 hours (2 hours x 4 weeks)
These will be asynchronous recordings, scaffolded with learning materials, providing research methods training appropriate to the dissertation choice of the student.

There will be seven training units; two are core, and students can choose two others from a pool of five options, depending on their route. The routes include:

(i) an empirical investigation
(ii) consultancy report
(iii) industry analysis
(iv) development of a business plan

Core 1: Research Design and Methodology (inc. literature review techniques)

Core 2: Data Analysis Techniques

Option 1: Advanced Qualitative Methods

Option 2: Advanced Quantitative Methods

Option 3: Business Consulting Techniques (e.g. for students working on industry-led and/or authentic work-based projects)

Option 4: Strategic Management Research (e.g. for students working on business plans, or desk-based industry/work-based project s).

Option 5: Advanced Data Analysis Techniques

For each unit there will be approximately 2 hours of video content, a structured directed learning, and corresponding activities (e.g. MCQ tests) with automated feedback.

Delivery of poster/answering Q&A – 15 mins presentation plus 15 mins Q&A.

Supervision – 4 x 0.5 hour supervisory meetings.

Self Directed Learning x 589.5 hours
Outside of the classroom, students will be expected to prepare for the poster presentation, undertake the self-assessment review activities, and read around the project area selected. Students will be supported in their research via individual supervisory meetings.

Analysis of secondary quantitative data;

Analysis of qualitative information;

How to undertake a literature review;

Development of a research hypothesis;

Preparing a research poster;

Depending on choice of research approach:

How to write a consultancy report;
How to write a business plan;
Writing an industry report;
Analytic skills for a quantitative investigation.