This module will focus on an aspect of public services that a student has experienced either as part of work in public services undertaken whilst studying on the award or through work undertaken during the work placement for the Work Based Learning module.

The aim is to allow students, in negotiation with a Tutor, to identify and propose an aspect of study which will specifically meet their own learning and development needs.

The project should focus on key aspect(s) of public services which have been studied on their award, together with work based experiential learning, thereby enhancing knowledge and skills in the context of the student's workplace or work placement.

The module includes the refinement of a work-based project proposal (initiated in the Research Skills for Public Services module) and the production of a project report, detailing the process and conclusions relating to the investigation carried out. If the project involved the implementation of, for example, a new process or procedure, a review of the implementation should be included in the project report.

Students are expected to integrate knowledge and skills developed in the other modules on the foundation degree programme to address the issue(s) they intend to investigate.

Typically students will be expected to consider the following:

- The public service issue(s) to be investigated
- Details of the specific problem
- Objectives of the project
- Past and current legislation
- Impact on society
- Financial implications
- Programme for implementation
- Benchmarking the projects success factors

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment).

The first part of the module will focus on refining the objectives of the project, and the examination of potential public services issues. The contact time will incorporate lectures and workshops focusing on the investigation process and the key aspects relating to the coursework assignment and the production of a brief for the project.

The remaining part of the module will focus on the development and potential implementation of the project, which will typically comprise progress tutorials to discuss common issues.

Typically there will also be an opportunity for one-to-one discussions with the Module Tutor regarding the specific details of your investigation and proposed project.

A project report detailing the examination of the chosen aspect(s) of public services (3000 words) (70%) (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)
A Presentation supported with appropriate media (10 mins) (20%) (Learning Outcome 3)
Reflective statement (500 words) (10%) (Learning Outcome 4)

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Module website

Gill,J.and Johnson,P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers, Sage
Saunders, M., Lewis,P. and Thornhill,A. (2009), Research Methods for Business Students, Financial Times Prentice Hall
Dawson, C. A (2009) Introduction to Research Methods, A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Reseach Project How To Books
Costley,C.,Elliott,G., & Gibbs P. Doing Work Based Research Sage Publications
Gray, D.E. (2009)Doing Research in the Real World Sage Publications