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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1 - Demonstrate the ability to identify, critically evaluate and make appropriate use of a range of sources of knowledge and evidence
2 - Demonstrate a critical understanding of ethical principles and a systematic understanding and coherent application of professional codes relevant to the WBL project
3 - 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
4 - 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
5 - 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
6 - Analyse and critically evaluate how the WBL project has been planned and managed
Students 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.
As part of the apprenticeship learners are required to submit a strategic business proposal during the end point assessment phase. For the MBA, students have the option to develop a business improvement plan which ideally would be of benefit to their place of work. The business plan can be a continuation of the business proposal through to development of the proposed project. Alternatively, students have the option to do a completely different area of work / subject topic which must be agreed by the Module Leader. This option is there for all students, but particularly for those who had a recent change of work.
The module includes conducting a preliminary literature review, leading to the identification of: i) research gaps and novelty/originality of the proposed business project; ii) theoretical investigative and analytical frameworks, as well as iii) following appropriate reference practice in writing the project proposal.
Students will also delve into methodology, including selecting and justifying appropriate and academically grounded research and data collection methods, following code of research conduct and ethics, as well as suggestions for further data analysis.
The module will also focus on preparing a research proposal presenting all the above information and following the agreed format and academic conventions.
This module will contribute to the MBA themes in the following ways:
- Radical Resilience – the challenging nature of research projects, fast changing external environment and client / research sponsor relations should be taken into account, analysed and mitigated as students are encouraged to enhance their own resilience capabilities in preparing and planning their research project.
- Creative Connectivity – is one of the focal aspects of this module, as students should proactively develop their professional and personal networks to identify potential research project sponsors / clients, negotiate scope and boundaries of the project, as well as manage client’s expectations.
- Dynamic Discovery – is another key aspect of the modules combining and balancing theoretical (academic) and practical / applied business requirements, by helping research sponsors / clients in defining and formulating actual business problems / needs and converting them into an mutually agreed set of research aim and objectives, which should be also well situated in the broader field of research addressing existing gaps and being a novel / original in-depth investigation of the issue.
The module is designed to support self-directed learning through enquiry and research. The module encourages deep learning through the critical analysis of relevant literature and the investigative research process. It introduces the principles of social science research and key business, management, and marketing research methodologies.
This module is delivered in three sessions (7 hours each), containing a mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops.
Lectures will deliver core theoretical frameworks, followed by tutorials and personal exercises for reflection and development. Tutorials will be designed to support students to be self-directed in additional research and with particular emphasis on research within their own employing organisation.
The module will present students 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. Students 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.
Students 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/student interaction to meet individual needs. Accessing library resources and help with coursework study skills will be available from services across the University.
Students 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 student 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 student’s chosen topic, however the module leader may also provide one to one tutorial supervision with the students.
Workshops/Seminars
Hours: 21
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Hours: 6
Guided independent study
Hours: 573
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.
001 Presentation; 20 minutes; Mid module 10%
002 Business Improvement Plan; 10,000 words; End of module 90%
Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - LTU PG DIPLOMA IN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Semester(s) Offered - 7T12