MQ2EXC-Work-Based Project: Exploring a Challenge

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Andrea Tresidder
Email: a.tresidder3@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to prepare students to produce a proposal for their final project in a topic area chosen by them. Students will be introduced to key characteristics of the research process and gain an awareness of qualitative and quantitative research techniques to support their investigation.  

Aims:

In the module, students will develop an in-depth, critical understanding of theories and techniques needed in the design execution and reporting of a research proposal.  

The module aims to prepare students to: 

1. Develop the enquiry, research and presentation skills that students need when designing and conducting research projects.  

2. Develop problem solving and decision-making techniques. 

3. Reflect critically of characteristics of evidence required to address a problem and reflect on the sufficiency of evidence for decision making. 

4. Prepare a project proposal for their final project in year 3.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Assessable learning outcomes 

By the end of the module the student will be able: 

1. Undertake an academically rigorous investigation into a management issue.  

2. To identify and justify a management project that promotes effective change in the workplace. 

3. Collate and synthesise views and opinions to scope an investigation of an area of necessary organisational learning and to develop this into appropriate questions for a literature review. 

4. Critically evaluate a range of seminal and current literature relating to the chosen area of focus. 

5. Construct a research plan to complete an academic investigation of a topic. 

Additional outcomes:

Additional outcomes 

Students should demonstrate how they have:  

1. Developed literature search strategies and skills. 

2. Evidence-based tools to solve problems 

3. Consistently used critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation to support decisions making 

4. Evaluate and respond responsibly to the ethical implications of their research project.  

Outline content:

The module will support students to develop an understanding of the research process to support their investigation. They will be required to identify an opportunity for a change intervention in the workplace, to propose the information they will need to gather and plan how this can be collected. This will be agreed with the organisation.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module content is delivered through a combination of taught sessions, supported by key reading from texts and other sources, practical activities for each topic with group and cohort discussion. In addition, on-line support material will also be provided. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Supervised time in studio/workshop	14
Work-based learning	100
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50
Wider reading (directed)	90
Advance preparation for classes	2
Essay preparation	44
Total hours by term	300	0	0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A 3,000 words essay to be submitted as per cohort schedule.  

Formative assessment methods:

A project proposal for their final project to  be submitted as per cohort schedule.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The assignment must achieve a minimum mark of 40% to achieve a pass.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of the same assignment based on formative feedback.  One re-submission allowed, capped at 40%.  Resubmission period is in accordance with the arrangements laid out in the programme guide issued to each student.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 14 September 2023