BS 3992 Researching Contemporary Management Issues -an alternative to the Final Year Project Dr Adam Palmer Dr Beverley Hill

Academic Standards of FYP and Alternative Not harder or easier Offers a choice to suit different learning styles and preferences Workload equivalent in word count “euros” Develops and assesses similar skills using an alternative learning strategy

Final Year Project and Alternative compared FYP Supervised independent study One main assessed piece of work In depth sustained investigation of one topic Possibility of primary research Good preparation for dissertation aspect of Masters course Researching CMIs Tutor facilitated learning sets 3 assessed pieces of work Study of contemporary issue (s) Study of how other researchers collect and analyse data on an issue Good preparation for writing papers to inform decisions or conferences

Learning Outcomes Identify and critique different approaches to research in management Research and select alternative theoretical and empirical perspectives to analyse a range of contemporary management issues. Reflect upon the significance of contemporary management issues in the workplace. Critically evaluate the implications of contemporary business management issues for a range of stakeholders. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of alternative approaches to managing contemporary business issues. Critically apply knowledge of business management practice to formulate organisational responses to contemporary business issues. Apply knowledge of enquiry-based learning techniques to select key information for problem-solving purposes.

Semester 1 Overview The first semester will invite students to consider a variety of approaches to researching management issues through preparation of readings and discussions of academic journal articles representing a full range of management topics using different research methods. The end of the first semester will culminate in the submission of a critical review of approaches to management research.

Semester 2 Overview In the second semester students will be asked to prepare their own “conference” paper, including a literature review, critical commentary of research design and suggestions for future research and management practice. Tutor facilitated workshops will focus on: (1) Overview, discussion and student identification of a current management issue supported by a literature search. (2) Action learning set(s) where students present, share and discuss progress with their ‘paper’ and receive feedback from the tutor and their peers.

Assessment 1 You are asked to submit a critical review (3000 words) of different approaches to investigating contemporary issues in management. Identify a contemporary management issue in which you have an interest to focus your discussions. To develop your knowledge of how research may be carried out in your chosen area search out academic articles that employ different research designs and data collection methods. Draw on seminar discussions and research methods texts to evaluate the reliability and validity of the arguments and evidence presented. Assess the potential contribution of the approaches used to informing or improving management practice.

Assessment 2 and 3 You are required to present, defend and submit your paper to your peers and the tutor. The whole group will participate in a question and answer session designed to help improve your paper for final submission as a word written document. The written paper will be submitted for assessment in a ‘publication’ format specified by the tutor.