Independent Study in Business

Module title	Independent Study in Business
Module code	INT0032
Academic year	2020/1
Credits	20
Module staff	Karen Glide (Lecturer)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	0	12	0

Number students taking module (anticipated)	30

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 new contexts
2. Read widely about your subject going beyond the basic texts
3. Operate in English effectively including the context of your discipline and with the skills necessary for an academic context

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

4. Present an argument which is coherent and supported with evidence from wider reading
5. Analyse and evaluate information
6. 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...

7. With support, take responsibility for your own learning and work independently
8. Present your work to others communicating logically and effectively in written and spoken form
9. Undertake straightforward research tasks (collecting and interpreting information) within a given framework and with guidance

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, 7 & 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	1-9	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	3, 4 & 8	Written and verbal

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%	1-9	As soon as possible and, ideally, before Exam Board

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Cottrell, S. (2013). The Study Skills Handbook (4th Edn). Basingstoke, England: Palgrave Macmillan

Cottrell, S, (2011). Critical Thinking Skills (2nd 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

Key words search

Independent study

Credit value	20
Module ECTS	10
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	3
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	01/09/2016
Last revision date	01/08/2019