Through negotiation, a student will select and obtain approval to undertake a project which will focus on an aspect of leadership and management relating to the workplace.

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

The project should focus on the one or more of the key leadership and management functions which have been studied on their chosen award, together with work based experiential learning, eg. managing people, accounting and finance, marketing, strategy, leadership, etc., thereby enhancing knowledge and skills in the context of the student’s workplace.

The module also introduces the investigation process, including setting objectives and the production of a work-based project proposal and detailed project report.

You are expected to integrate knowledge and skills developed in the other modules on the foundation degree programme to address the issue you intend to investigate.

Typically you will be expected to consider the following:

• Leadership and/or management issue(s) to be investigated
• Details of the specific problem
• Aims and objectives of the project
• The business case
• Financial implications
• Programme for implementation
• Benchmarking the project’s success factors

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of scheduled teaching and learning and 276 hours of independent and self-directed study.

The first part of the module will focus on establishing the objectives of the project, and the examination of potential leadership and/or management issues There will be 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. There will also be an opportunity for one-to-one discussions with the Module Tutor regarding the specific details of the investigation and proposed project.

Access to a workplace Mentor would be most useful to help focus your research and act as a critical friend.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
The module website

Costley,C.,Elliott,G., & Gibbs P. (2010) Doing Work Based Research Sage Publications

Dawson, C. A (2009) Introduction to Research Methods, A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project How To Books

Gill,J.and Johnson,P. (2011) Research Methods for Managers, Sage

Gray, D.E. (2014) Doing Research in the Real World Sage Publications

Saunders, M., Lewis,P. and Thornhill,A. (2012), Research Methods for Business Students, Financial Times Prentice Hall

A Project Proposal providing an outline, including aims and objectives. (1000 words) (10%) (Learning Outcomes 1)

A project report detailing the examination of the chosen aspect(s) of business, leadership or management (3000 words) (70%) (Learning Outcomes 2)

A Presentation supported with Powerpoint (10 mins) (20%) (Learning Outcome 3)

1. Establish specific project aims and objectives, relating to an aspect of business, leadership or management in the student’s workplace and select an appropriate investigative methodology.
Enquiry

2. Examine an approved aspect of leadership and management relating to the student’s workplace. Knowledge & Understanding
Application
Analysis
Learning
Problem Solving

3. Explain orally, and in writing, the details of the student’s project.
Communication