1. Formulate a comprehensive research proposal to address a complex business issue for a client, demonstrating critical understanding and alignment with organisational needs and academic standards.

University Learning Outcome: Problem Solving, Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the research process, including critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, their applications, and limitations.

University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Learning, Enquiry

3. Independently design and execute applied research using appropriate methods to investigate and propose evidence-based solutions to a client organisation’s challenge.

University Learning Outcome: Application, Problem Solving, Communication

4. Critically reflect on personal research competencies, evaluating the development of skills in planning, data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations, with a view to continuous professional growth.

University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Communication

Assessment 1 – Learning Outcome 1. Self recorded (via Powerpoint) research proposal. Guidance will be given on the use of PPT during one of the webinar sessions.

Assessment 2 – Learning Outcome 2, 3 and 4. A 6000-word project report including a reflection on research skills and development.

You will work alongside an employer to identify an area of research which is valuable to the organisation. The module enables you to choose a project which is best suited to your current areas of interest and career aspirations and develop a deep understanding of the process of collaborative research. You will be involved in real-time problem solving, recommending actions and present your findings to employers in an end of course showcase.

Learning
Identify a suitable approach and methodology to prepare and conduct an investigation into a real time consultancy based individual project. Characterise, evaluate and critically reason conclusions and/or recommendations with reference to appropriate underpinning theory and/or frameworks. You'll work on these tasks both on your own and with a learning group, focusing on analysis, discussion, and presentation.

Students will be expected to obtain supplementary information from a number of papers or electronic sources as part of their preparation, as recommended by the tutor.

Practice

Work in conjunction with an employer to conduct a critical reasoned evaluation from analysis of secondary data and primary research to draw robust conclusions and make recommendations relating to the project topic. Evaluate the wider implications of the projects conclusions and how they relate to wider business.

In the first part of the module, you will learn about research, research process and differences between quantitative and qualitative research. In the second part of the module, you will develop collaborative consultancy/management project with an organisation of your choice to identify an area of research beneficial to both you and the organisation. You will be involved in real-time problem solving, develop a set of recommendations based on your research findings and present those findings to the organisation.

Students are expected to commit a total of 400 hours towards achieving the learning outcomes. Out of those 400 hours, 8 hours will be in direct contact with a tutor and 392 hours will be directed, guided and self-study. All the materials – including learning materials and independent learning materials – will be provided.

The module adopts a digitally enhanced teaching strategy that includes a variety of learning methods designed to engage and support students learning at a distance. Students will have access to recorded lectures and interactive presentations that can be viewed at their convenience. In addition, live tutorials, workshops, and assessment support sessions will be scheduled regularly through Teams. These sessions aim to provide real-time opportunities for feedback, clarification, and peer discussion.

To foster interaction and a sense of learning community, breakout rooms and collaborative tools will be utilised during live sessions to facilitate small group discussions and cooperative learning. Furthermore, Viva Engage will be integrated into the module delivery to support informal dialogue, reflective practice, and ongoing peer engagement between scheduled sessions. The teaching approach also includes case-based and problem-solving activities, which encourage the application of theory to real-world business contexts, enhancing the relevance and practicality of student learning.

Independent study is structured through weekly learning pathways, with clear milestones set out via Blackboard. Students will be supported with reading lists and structured research guidance. Regular knowledge checks, reflective tasks, and interactive quizzes will be used to reinforce understanding and track progress.

Baaij, M. (2022) An Introduction to Management Consultancy, 2nd Edn. London: Sage Publishing.

Bell, E., Harley, B., and Bryman, A. (2022) Business Research Methods, 6th Edn. Oxford: Oxford University

Press.Veal, A. (2017) Research Methods for Leisure and Tourism: A Practical Guide, 3rd Edn. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.

VLE learning material
University’s library and learning resources
Selection of peer reviewed papers, research reports, official statistics, contemporary case studies

Careers

The Introduction to Career Connect video for Business Management (Top Up) students at Staffordshire University explains how to use Career Connect to book one-to-one careers appointments, search for job opportunities, access employability resources, and register for events that support your career development. You can also explore guided career activities and tools on the Career Centre platform and engage with immersive job simulations on the Forage platform.Learn more about careers support on the Staffordshire University Careers website.