1. Critically evaluate current and emerging industry trends by synthesising academic research, corporate insights, and professional discourse to identify innovation and strategic growth opportunities.

Analysis¿



2. Formulate and justify forward-thinking solutions to industry challenges by integrating multidisciplinary perspectives, leveraging professional networks, and applying evidence-based approaches to drive meaningful change.

Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate an advanced comprehension of theoretical and practical frameworks underpinning industry developments, articulating their implications for professional practice and organisational transformation as well as the potential ethical implications.

Knowledge Understanding

4. Construct a critical and future-oriented professional narrative by assessing your personal and organisational readiness for innovation and positioning yourself as an agent of change within your field.

Reflection

Assessment Component 1 - Project Proposal Including Ethics Form - [Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3]

In your proposal, you’ll critically evaluate current and emerging industry trends to define the focus of your research. This will involve synthesising academic and industry insights to identify key areas of opportunity or disruption that could shape your white paper. You’ll develop a structured research approach to investigate an industry challenge, justifying your chosen methodology and addressing ethical considerations. Your research aims to contribute to solving a relevant problem while driving innovation within the industry.

Assessment Component 1 - Industry-focused white paper. - [Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4]

In your white paper, you will conduct a thorough literature review that critically evaluates industry trends, corporate research, and emerging best practices. Your ability to synthesise data and strategically analyse key issues will be evident as you propose and justify innovative, evidence-based solutions to the challenges within your industry. This document will showcase your skills in integrating theoretical insights with practical applications and provide actionable recommendations for professionals in your field.

You will synthesise a deep understanding of how analysed emic research and industry developments intersect, effectively translating complex theoretical concepts into practical insights. By critically assessing the implications of your research, you will position yourself as an industry disruptor, reflecting on how your findings can shape future practices in your profession and positively impact your organisation.

Throughout this module, you will thoroughly explore current and future trends within your field, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth in your role and organization. The key output will be an industry-focused white paper offering a comprehensive literature review that blends academic research with industry insights. This module encourages you to engage with wider professional networks, including thought leaders, corporate research, and emerging best practices. Rather than being theoretical, your research is intended to be directly applicable, helping you position yourself as a forward-thinking disruptor and professional capable of driving change within your industry.

You will learn to:

Understand academic and industry research principles, ensuring a structured and well-informed approach.

Navigate the ethical approval process, critically evaluating the ethical considerations relevant to your project.
Experiment with new ideas and methodologies, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth within your role and organization.

Synthesize academic theories with real-world industry insights, ensuring your work is both theoretically robust and practically applicable. - Critically assess your research process, methodologies, and conclusions by reflecting on the impact of your findings on your field.

This module challenges you to explore and analyse emerging trends shaping the future of the games industry. Through a combination of academic research and industry insights, you will identify opportunities for innovation and professional growth within your chosen specialism.

A key outcome of this module is the creation of an industry-focused white paper, offering a detailed literature review that blends theoretical understanding with real-world applications. You will engage with thought leaders, corporate research, and evolving best practices, ensuring your work remains relevant and impactful.

Most of your time will be spent in self-managed learning. You will be expected to manage the project by using a suitable project methodology and use this to manage your time and reflect on your progress.

An important part of the learning strategy is the direct one-to-one supervision of your project by a supervisor. Contact hours would typically be 60 minutes per week.

Due to the industry practice focus of the course, online sources are often more applicable; they will be suggested by supervisors during study.

Drachen, A., Mirza-Babaei, P., & Nacke, L. (Eds.). (2018). Games User Research.

Lankoski, P., & Bjork, S. (2015). Game research methods: An overview. Morrisville, NC: Lulu.com.

Bromley, S. (2021). How to be a games user researcher. Independently Published.

Gray, D. E. (2021). Doing research in the real world (4th ed.). Christchurch, New Zealand: Sage

Burke, B. (2014). Gamify: How Gamification Motivates People to Do Extraordinary Things. Routledge.

Reference to the Module welcome page for study guidance.¿¿¿¿

Access to Staffordshire University library¿¿¿¿
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Access to internet sources through Staffordshire University library.¿¿¿¿
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Provision as appropriate of case materials by tutor and / or external organisations.¿¿¿¿
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The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module.¿¿¿¿