To provide observational experience of working in a business environment. To increase awareness of how a business operates in practice. To develop personal transferable skills.
Students will undertake a 'placement' in a business environment. There is no formal content. The aim is to:
- Provide an observational experience
- Increase awareness of how the business operates in practice
- Develop personal transferable skills

Individual Report (2000 words) which assesses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3

Reid M. (2012) Report Writing, Palgrave Macmillan ISBN 9780230376557

A range of resources, including, University library and IT facilities, the Internet, journals and databases

Introductory lecture to entire cohort (2 contact hours).

Small Group Meetings - up to 3 x 1hr meetings per group as required):
1. To develop an action plan for carrying out a business audit.
2. To agree a business project topic in the light of the business audit results.
3. To monitor progress on the placement and on the assessment.

Independent Study (144 hours)
This is indicative as the work experience will take place over a minimum of 10 workdays either in one or more blocks or spread over a semester. The student will undertake independent research, both academic and topic specific, into the area selected for the research report.

1. TO BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE SKILLS TO ASSESS AN ORGANISATION (BUSINESS AUDIT) OVER A RANGE OF BUSINESS AREAS AND TO EVALUATE PERFORMANCE IN A SYSTEMATIC MANNER
Analysis
Application
Knowledge & Understanding

2. TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE A BUSINESS AREA FOR DEVELOPMENT
Decision Making
Evaluation

3. TO PRODUCE A BUSINESS REPORT THAT INCLUDES A FULL CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF AN ACTUAL BUSINESS PROBLEM AND DEVISE REALISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN AREA OF WEAKNESS TO BE IMPROVED TO A STANDARD SUITABLE FOR PRESENTATION TO MANAGEMENT
Analysis
Application
Communication
Problem Solving