Employ a range of critical evaluation techniques to demonstrate a systematic awareness, understanding and knowledge of contemporary finance and economics issues associated with the project topic

Knowledge and understanding


Demonstrate the ability to conduct a systematic review and critical evaluation of relevant literature associated with the project topic.

Analysis & Application


Demonstrate the ability to choose appropriate secondary and/or primary data sources and effectively analyze this data to support the research objectives, ensuring robust and reliable conclusions.

Analysis & Application


Demonstrate a conceptual understanding and critical awareness of contemporary developments in finance and economics as they relate to the project topic.

Analysis & Enquiry


Conduct a critical reasoned evaluation from analysis of secondary data and/or primary research to draw robust conclusions & make recommendations relating to an approved problem/practice based topic.

Problem Solving & Communication

(1) A study project & evaluation (80%). A 8000-word submission incorporating: Critical assessment & evaluation drawing on relevant & contemporary theory & frameworks and reasoned conclusions. LOs 1-5

(2) Executive summary presentation (20%). A 10-minute presentation followed by Q&A to a panel of two nominated academic staff. LOs 1-5

Learning
Identify a suitable approach & methodology to prepare and conduct an investigation into a problem/practice-based individual Term Project.
Characterise, evaluate & critically reason conclusions and/or recommendations with reference to appropriate underpinning theory and/or frameworks.
Practice
Conduct a critical reasoned evaluation from analysis of secondary data and/or primary research to draw robust conclusions & make recommendations relating to an approved problem/practice-based topic.
Evaluate the wider implications of Project conclusions and how they relate more generally to business.
Reflect critically on the underpinning finance and economics skills as they relate to the Project topic.

The student will follow the proposal agreed in the Research Methods module and will continue working with the supervisor identified based on the topic.
10 hours 1:1 Project supervision
Independent study - drawing on T&L across finance and economics topics. The term project should be based on the proposal presented/ approved in research methods module.
All projects will be assigned a principal academic supervisor.
Project evaluation methodology plus 10 hours F2F 1:1 academic consultation in addition to c.390 hours of independent research - 400 hours total.

The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT can be beneficial in learning, however, students must adhere to the following guidelines: (i) all submitted work must be original and written by the student; (ii) if a student utilizes AI tools to generate ideas or receive guidance, this must be clearly cited in the submitted work, just as any other source would be; (iii) students should be mindful of the ethical implications of using AI in their studies, ensuring that their use of such tools does not constitute academic dishonesty.

Unit feedback:
During semester, students’ feedback on the module will be collated and distributed through University's online platform, ensuring consistency with other units and focusing on both improvement and future success. This process includes both individual feedback and cohort-wide summaries, aligning with the university's standardized approach to learning and assessment.

MAIN TEXT:
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., (2023) Research Methods for Business Students, London, FT Prentice-Hall.

Brooks, C., (20190; EViews Guide for Introductory Econometrics for Finance. Cambridge University Press.

Module Study Guide and Handbook
BUV Learning Resources Centre and website
BUV Canvas; Learning Management System
Academic journals
Industry reports
SU VLE
SU Library