Strategic project

Core to the project is the requirement for students to acquire an underpinning in research methodology, applying research skills to the collection and analysis of data within a business related scenario.

This involves identifying and analysing data and information in relation to business challenges, researching alternative solutions, and applying a judgement based on assessment of the evidence.

At the end of the module, students submit a project report (similar to a dissertation) which provides an opportunity to demonstrate independent academic research skills and apply them in a professional context. Students studying towards a specialism will submit a project report in their chosen specialism.

Students studying towards the general project or one of its specialisms will all study the same research topics together.

However, students should ensure they select the correct module code when registering for the Strategic Project so that their research proposal and final project report can be considered in the relevant context and their final award can be classified correctly:

• Strategic Project [BAM900] (general)
• Strategic Project in Accountancy [BAM905]
• Strategic Project in Entrepreneurship and Innovation [BAM910]
• Strategic Project in Finance [BAM915]
• Strategic Project in Health [BAM930]
• Strategic Project in Law [BAM920]
• Strategic Project in Leadership [BAM925]

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, learners should be able to:

• Describe both the practical application and underlying philosophy of research methods within the business studies arena
• Identify appropriate research and enquiry techniques to assess corporate challenges within the wider business context
• Identify, acquire and analyse financial and other data for business related problems
• Synthesise and use information and knowledge effectively
• Undertake, and communicate the results from, an independent piece of research work
• Creatively deal with complex corporate problems in a professional capacity
• Apply theoretical models to real world business solutions
• Identify, evaluate, and critically appraise alternative solutions to business problems
• Tangible work as evidence to themselves and existing/potential employers of capabilities relating to independent research and thinking
• Research design skills (including development of data collection and analysis strategies)
• Numeracy and quantitative skills applied to business management decisions
• Critical self-reflection applied to business practice and experience
• Complex problem-solving skills to support corporate decision making
• Effective communication skills of complex solutions to business related decisions (including effective use of written presentation tools/reports)
• Effective skills of the use of information technology
• High personal effectiveness, applying critical self-awareness and personal resource management in the context of a diverse business environment
• Development of teamwork skills

Assessment

Pass Mark
The pass mark is 50% for each component of assessment at postgraduate level.

Coursework Item 1: you will complete activities relating to research methods before submitting a research proposal (2000 words) outlining the research question and methods to be adopted - 30%.

Coursework Item 2: a project report of 8,000 words in length (maximum) - 70%.