BUS7006 - Masters Research Project

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Demonstrate the ability to articulate the significance and scope of the problem
2 - Conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand existing solutions, methodologies and best practices
3 - Critically evaluate the project’s findings in relation to existing academic and industry-based literature and other relevant sources
4 - Generate recommendations to solve real-world issues, problems or contributions to the field
5 - Produce a clear, logical and coherent report acknowledging successes, challenges and areas for future improvement.

Content:

The purpose of the Masters Research Project is to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme of study to solve a real-world issue, problem or contribution to a specific field. This project will have three routes - research, consultancy or new venture creation.

The important elements of the research, consultancy and new venture creation report will be covered, such as a literature review, research design and methodology, methods of data analysis, context of consultancy and new venture creation.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will work in their chosen project area under the supervision of an allocated supervisor.

Students need to agree with their supervisors on a mutually convenient schedule of work to receive further advice on their capstone project, as well as formative feedback on the gradual development of their reports. Supervisors will be allocated based on topics selected by students and their academic areas of expertise.

Individual Supervision
Hours: 6

Guided independent study
Hours: 594

Further Details Relating to Assessment

Project Report: Students will choose one of the three routes, Research Report, Consultancy Report and New Venture Creation (more details below). At the start of the module, students will be provided with details of the assessment and required to join an online assessment briefing, where they will be given an overview of the three routes and an opportunity to ask questions. Students will then be required to submit their chosen route by the end of week 2.

The structure of the report will be as follows:

1. Research Report:

- Abstract: present a concise summary of the research
- Introduction: the background on the research topic, aims and objectives, research questions or hypothesis, relevance of the study
- Literature Review: a critical review of the relevant literature and theoretical framework, identification of gaps
- Research Design and Methodology: statement of the research questions or hypothesis, research strategy and paradigm, methods of data collection and data analysis, ethical issues
- Data Analysis and Discussion of Findings: presentation of the research findings, discussion of results in the context of the research questions and comparison with existing literature
- Conclusions and Recommendations: summarise key findings and present recommendations for future research
- References: make a list of all sources cited in the report
- Appendices: list all the supplementary materials such as raw data, questionnaires, ethical approvals or additional details that support the research.

2. Consultancy Report:

- Executive Summary: present a concise summary of the consultancy which includes the purpose, key findings and recommendations
- Introduction: the background, scope and context of the consultancy project, aims and objectives, description of the client and current challenges or opportunities faced by the client
- Literature Review: a critical review of the relevant literature and theoretical framework, identification of gaps
- Research Design and Methodology: statement of the research questions or hypothesis, research strategy and paradigm, methods of data collection and data analysis, ethical issues
- Data Analysis and Discussion of Findings: presentation of the research findings, discussion of results in the context of the research questions and comparison with existing literature
- Conclusions and Recommendations: summarise key findings and present recommendations for future research
- References: make a list of all sources cited in the report
- Appendices: list all the supplementary materials such as raw data, questionnaires, ethical approvals or additional details that support the research.

3. New Venture Creation Report:

- Executive Summary: present a concise overview of the new venture which includes key objectives and the summary of major findings and recommendations
- Introduction: the background of the new venture, objectives and goals and significance of the venture in the industry
- Background Concept and Value Proposition: description of the business idea, the USP, identification of target market and customer segments
- Market Analysis: industry overview and trends, analysis of target market, competitor analysis, SWOT analysis
- Business Model: revenue streams, cost structure, value chain analysis and pricing strategy
- Marketing and Operations Strategy: marketing planning, branding and positioning, supply chain management
- Financial Strategy: cash-flow projections, sales forecasts, P&L statements and break-even analysis, capital requirements, funding sources, ROI
- Risk Analysis and Mitigation: identification of potential risks, mitigation strategies and any contingency plans
- Conclusion: summary of key points, confidence in the viability of the new venture and the next steps in the implementation process
- References: make a list of all sources cited in the report
- Appendices: list all the supplementary materials such as market research data, legal documents, and detailed financial models.

As a result of the University responsibility for ensuring that research conducted by its staff and research students abides by accepted standards of conduct and ethics, this aspect is integrated within the content of this course and students follow the recommendations obtained through the ethical clearance process and in line with the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Ethics and Integrity Policy. Formative feedback will be provided to the students by the supervisor during the 1-2-1 meetings with the supervisor.

Full details are available in the Module Handbook.

Assessment:

001 Project Report, 10,000 words or equivalent as negotiated 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Efan Johnson
Level - 7
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7T1S7T3

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