Description
Independent Study in Business
| Module title | Independent Study in Business |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT0032 |
| Academic year | 2018/9 |
| Credits | 20 |
| Module staff | Karen Glide (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
The ability to carry out independent research is a key academic and business skill. This module will provide you with an opportunity to carry out a small scale research business focused project and sharing key findings with others, whilst being supported by your teacher/supervisor.
This small scale study will provide you with an introduction to carrying out independent research. As you progress in your studies, the knowledge and skills developed in this module will provide a very good foundation for undergraduate research.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to develop your skills in carrying out a small-scale business-related research project. You will be taught how to carry out independent study and will identify and agree a relevant and appropriate business related focus for your study, with your teacher/supervisor. Your supervisor will meet you on a regular basis to discuss your research ideas. You will be asked to keep a record of stages of development and encouraged to reflect on your research experience. You will be assessed by a final report and delivery and presentation of your key findings to others.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply the knowledge, theories and concepts you have learnt from your studies to respond to your projects
- 2. Read widely about your subject going beyond the basic texts
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Present an argument which is coherent and supported with evidence from wider reading
- 4. Analyse and evaluate information relevant to your project
- 5. Demonstrate appropriate academic literacy practices using citation and providing bibliographies correctly
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Present your work to others communicating logically and effectively in written and spoken form
- 7. Reflect on own practice and demonstrate learning from experience
- 8. Undertake straightforward research tasks (collecting and interpreting information) within a given framework and with guidance
- 9. Communicate effectively in a format appropriate to this discipline
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Topics covered in taught elements:
- Choosing a project topic
- Development of research skills
- Effective academic reading
- Managing time and project planning skills
- Creative thinking
- Evaluating and critical thinking
- Reflective practice
- Synthesis and Report writing
- Presenting findings to others
Tutorial support: Individual tutorials with your project supervisor
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 140 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Classes | 60 | Delivery of input, individual tutorials |
| Guided independent study | 130 | Online resources, guided reading, researching |
| Presentation of findings to others | 10 | Presenting information verbally and/or visually to others |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal | Maximum 2 sides A4 | 1,2 & 9 | Verbal & Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | 70 | 2,000 words | 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Activity log/reflection | 10 | 500 words | 7 & 9 | Written |
| Presentation of key findings | 20 | Lead 15 minute seminar with visual support | 1,3,6,9 | Written and verbal |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | Redraft report 2,000 words 100% | 1-8 | As soon as possible and, ideally, before Exam Board |
Re-assessment notes
The grade for the referred assessment, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%. Re-assessment, which is available only if project report has been completed, will not include presentation of key findings to peers as this is impractical given end-of-programme time constraints. Deferred assessment will not be capped.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Cottrell, S. (2013). The Study Skills Handbook (4th Edn). Basingstoke, England: Palgrave Macmillan
Greetham, B. (2016) Smart Thinking. London, England: Palgrave Macmillan
McMillan, K., & Weyers, J. (2011). Study Skills for International Students. Harlow, England: Prentice Hall
Hayo, R., Moore, N., & Lewis, M. (2012). The International Student Handbook (Study Skills). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Tissington & Orthodoxou (2014). Study skills for Business and Management Sage
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 20 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 10 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 3 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 01/09/2016 |
| Last revision date | 01/08/2018 |