MBE7026 - MSc: Work-based project: Intervention design

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 or systems intervention

Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate the information and ideas developed through the WBL project or system intervention

Demonstrate a high level of critical reflection upon the design, conduct and outcomes of the WBL project or system intervention

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 or systems intervention

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 or systems interventionhas been planned and managed.

Content:

Topics covered in the apprenticeship standard knowledge, skills and behaviours which can be found here https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/systems-thinking-practitioner-v1-0

As part of the apprenticeship students are required to submit a strategic business proposal during the end point assessment phase. The project for the MSc may be a continuation of the work started during the appretnitceship, for example it may be an implementation of the proposed project, or it can be a completely different area of work using another topic or type of intervention An apprentice may have, for instance modelled a long-tail system where an intervention could not be completed within the timescale of the apprenticeship programme, but instead, articulated how the intervention had been implemented or planned to date, what the intended deliverables were and what the potential outcomes would be. However, as this module will address complex scenarios, it would be beneficial to undertake a second intervention to become a more experienced systems practitioner

The project must be of benefit to the organisation in which the apprentice works. In order to cover topics or interventions relevant to organisations, the following topics may include;

Current issues in the global business environment

Critical perspectives in organisations

Digital transformation

Project management and business research: how to become the consultant applied researcher.

Throughout the module the topics will be underpinned by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, goal 4 (quality education) and goal 10 reduced inequalities.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The sessions will be organised in 8-hour teaching blocks at the start of the module and then the apprentices will work independently, but with supervision from a designated member of the academic team. 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 apprentices 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.

The module will make use of case studies and developing business trends and so the nature of the topics and exercises will vary. Apprentices 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.

Apprentices may be expected to draw on a range of theoretical/academic, personal and work-based resources. Course documentation, support materials and web-based materials will be available on the VLE as appropriate.

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, and subsequently through the contractual apprenticeship progress reviews there will be opportunities for tutor/learner interaction to meet individual needs and to help develop skills, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding relating to the aims and objectives of the module and more widely meeting the overall Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) of the Systems Thinking Practitioner apprenticeship standard. Accessing library resources and help with coursework study skills will be available from services across the University.

Apprentices 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.

Apprentices will maintain their Personal e-portfolio during this module and on-going self-evaluation will be part of the apprentices’ identification of needs.

Lectures
Hours: 40
Intended group size: Cohort

Workshops and seminars
Hours: 20
Intended group size: 25-30

Guided independent study
Hours: 540

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

This module provides a top-up route from the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Systems Thinking (delivered in association with the Systems Thinking Practitioner Level 7 Apprenticeship).

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - PG DIPLOMA PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN SYSTEMS THINKING
Semester(s) Offered -

Click here to go back to previous page