1. Employ a range of critical evaluation techniques to demonstrate a systematic awareness, understanding and knowledge of contemporary management issues associated with the project topic.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Devise and apply valid evaluation and investigative techniques to interpret complex business challenges and propose solutions in the context of the project topic. Demonstrate understanding of selected investigative techniques within contemporary business paradigms.
Analysis

3. Generate innovative and enterprising approaches & solutions to management challenges which inform decision making in effective risk management as they relate to the project topic.
Problem Solving

4. Reflect upon and evaluate your research skills and development.
Reflection

You will work alongside an employer to identify an area of research which is valuable to both the organisation and your own understanding of a subject area. You will focus on an area of your own interest and develop a deep understanding of the process of collaborative research. You will be involved in real-time problem solving, recommending actions and present your findings to employers in an end of course showcase.

The module enable students to choose an award relevant project which is best suited to their current areas of interest and career aspirations. The definition of award relevant directly links to the award and levels outcomes in the programme specification document for the award. All projects will have to be authorised by academic staff that they are suitable for the specific award being studied.

Learning
Identify a suitable approach & methodology to prepare and conduct an investigation into a real time consultancy based individual project. Characterise, evaluate & critically reason conclusions and/or recommendations with reference to appropriate underpinning theory and/or frameworks.

Practice
Work in conjunction with an employer to conduct a critical reasoned evaluation from analysis of secondary data and/or primary research to draw robust conclusions & make recommendations relating to the project topic. Evaluate the wider implications of the projects conclusions and how they relate to wider business.

All projects will be assigned an individual academic supervisor.
The Exchange Knowledge project module will also include c.16 hours seminar relating to work based project techniques in addition to c.6 hours 1:1 academic consultation with a principle academic supervisor (i.e. approx. 1 meeting per month) plus c.278 hours of both independent study and working with the sponsoring employer i.e c.300 hours total.

The project can be based on and/or derived from current or previous employment experience OR an appropriate topic can be agreed with academic staff in conjunction with appropriate links with industry through the wider university. As such students are expected to research and draw on wider sources of both academic and industry related sources & data to fulfil the module assessment requirements.

Barker S and Cole R (2012) Project management 3rd ed Harlow Pearson

Silvis, C.A. 2015, Presentation Skills: One Hour Workshop, Cengage Learning PTR

Smith K A 2014 Teamwork & Project Management. 4th ed. New York : McGraw-Hill Education,
Wintage L M (2015) Project Management for R&D and Development Guiding Innovation (e-book)

VLE learning support material to be provided for independent /self-directed learning.

Module handbooks

Open Textbook Library

Selected contemporary problem/practice based case examples

You will work alongside an employer to identify an area of research which is valuable to both the organisation and your own understanding of a subject area. You will focus on an area of your own interest and develop a deep understanding of the process of collaborative research. You will be involved in real-time problem solving, recommending actions and present your findings to employers in an end of course showcase.

Practical - A project proposal - individual presentation 10 minutes
Coursework - A project report 5,000 words