MBE7016 - Negotiated Learning: Business Improvement Plan for Work Based Project

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate the ability to identify, critically evaluate and make appropriate use of a range of sources of knowledge and evidence.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of ethical principles and a systematic understanding and coherent application of professional codes relevant to the WBL project.
Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate the information and ideas developed through the WBL project and present them effectively, demonstrating a high level of critical reflection upon the design, conduct and business improvement outcomes.
Make a reasoned and critical selection of approaches to the research methodology, data collection techniques and data analysis and explain how these are appropriate to the aims and objectives of the WBL research project.
Select appropriate content, medium and style that is clear, concise and persuasive for a range of professional and /or academic communication. Evidence a substantial range of sources of information and demonstrate origins of ideas with precision by referencing sources using a consistent style.
Analyse and critically evaluate how the WBL project has been planned and managed.

Content:

Learners will have studied the broad range of topics delivered as part of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, enabling them to demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, behaviours and strategic thinking required for successful performance in a variety of management and business contexts. This module provides a specific focus on marketing and sales, which is required to achieve the MBA, as characterised in the QAA Subject benchmark statement for Master’s Degrees in Business and Management (see below).

As part of the apprenticeship learners are required to submit a strategic business proposal during the end point assessment phase. For the MBA learners will develop a business improvement plan which must be of benefit to their place of work. The business plan may be a continuation of the business proposal through to implementation of the proposed project or it may be a completely different area of work / subject topic.

In order to cover topics relevant to organisations, contemporary issues will be covered, for example marketingsustainability and corporate social responsibility. The only mandatory topic which must be covered in order to met the QAA Subject benchmark statement for the Master’s Degree in Business and Management is marketing. All other benchmark statements have been covered in the PG Diploma which has preceeded this module.

Content may include:
Digital Marketing
Current issues in the global business environment
Critical perspectives in organisations
Project management and business research: how to become the consultant applied researcher. Learners will be required to understand both project management skills and business research methods.

Project supervision will bring to bear the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In particular goal 9 (build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation) and goal 4 (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all), where appropriate.

The full list of topics contained within the QAA Subject benchmark statement for Master’s Degrees in Business and Management is below and further details can be found on the QAA website.

markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services
marketing and sales - different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning, generating sales, and the need for innovation in product and service design.
customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation
finance - the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications
people - strategic and operational HRM, meeting future organisational requirements, people development, HR systems
operations - the management of resources and operations including the supply chain, procurement, logistics, quality systems, and project management
information systems and business intelligence - the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations; tools and techniques for transforming (big) data into useful information for business analysis and decision support
communications - the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools
digital business - the development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology is reshaping traditional revenue and business models, associated risk management
business innovation - creativity, intrapreneurial - and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property
globalisation - growth of international business, inter-cultural perspectives
strategic management - the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment, strategic risk management and issues of compliance
leadership and management of people within organisations - leadership, organisational behaviour and motivation.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures will deliver core theoretical frameworks, followed by tutorials and personal exercises for reflection and development. Tutorials will be designed to support learners to be self-directed in additional research and with particular emphasis on research within their own employing organisation.

The module will present learners with selected scenarios for basic analysis in order to develop both analytical competence and the ability to identify and apply appropriate techniques in a range of typical situations. It will make use of case studies and developing business trends and so the nature of the topics and exercises will vary. Learners will be provided with, and/or directed to, relevant reading and additional questions/ exercises to support their progress through the module material.

Typically delivered on a blended learning basis with a combination of workshops and on-line support the learning and teaching will include a range of methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with emphasis on real life work experience and both team and peer support. There will be large and small group discussions, problem-solving activities and individual and paired working.

Learners may be expected to draw on a range of theoretical/academic, personal and work-based resources. Implementation of study skills will be supported and in particular teamwork, and the capacity to develop written argument will be developed. During the course of sessions, there will be opportunities for tutor/learner interaction to meet individual needs. Accessing library resources and help with coursework study skills will be available from services across the University.

Learners would be expected to prepare for the sessions by reading set texts and completion of tasks set in class or via the VLE and will be expected to take part in a wide range of learning activities.

The above information on the teaching and learning strategy provide a broad overview of how the module may be designed in order to ensure that a wide range of teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the delivery.

In summary, the start of the programme where key topics will be introduced will involve many different teaching and learning methods. When the learner begins to create their business improvement plan, they will work with a member of the academic team on their ideas. The academic will support them to refine their aim and objectives and guide them on areas of reading they may wish to review. Every effort will be made to provide academic support from an academic who has a specialist interest in the learner’s chosen topic, however the module leader may also provide one to one tutorial supervision with the learners.

Lectures
Hours: 21
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Workshops and seminars
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 30

Individual tutorials with supervisor
Hours: 24
Intended Group Size: 1
Guided independent study
Hours: 35

Further details relating to assessment
This module provides a top-up route from the Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Leadership (delivered in association with the Senior Leader Apprenticeship) to MBA. The final award will be linked to one of three pathways, depending on the student’s specialism: MBA (generalist), MBA Supply Chain or MBA Education. Learners who wish to register for a specialist award of MBA Supply Chain or MBA Education will be required to agree their project title and scope with the Programme Leader in advance of registration by a specified date.

The mid-point presentation provides a focal point to consolidate development of the project and receive feedback from tutor(s) and peers.
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Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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