BS3DX3 - Critical Enquiry Project 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BS3DX3
Module Title: Critical Enquiry Project
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Business Management
Faculty Sub Group: Business Management
Module Leader: Liam Newton
Module Team: Jayde Howard, Rachael Rees-Jones, Callum Evans, Louise Hung, Claire Wright, Andre Clark, Mary Hedderman, Lisa Curtis, Joanna Jones,
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to further develop the skills of research and enquiry which the student has been exposed to over the previous two years of study. This consolidate these skills in a final research project output. The report draws on data sources to support an investigation into an area of management; to synthesise and apply this data to evaluate business and strategy formulation and implementation, and to prepare and present a business case for improvement.

The module will provide the opportunity for students to showcase the ability to investigate and diagnose a (potentially) live or complex business issue from their subject specialism perspective.

Students will be required to:

  • locate the work within the body of contemporary knowledge,
  • collect and analyse data,
  • generate supportable conclusions,
  • make practical and actionable recommendations for change, improvement or enhancement of current practice.

Content Summary

The module will involve an induction period which will revisit and summarise many of the approaches adopted by the students throughout their degree. The project will draw on many aspects of modules previously studied (such as Business Analytics for Management and Financial Decision Making).

This module has been written and the assessments designed to provide students with a period of immersive learning within the first weeks of the final year. This module creates conditions whereby students are provided with the opportunity to settle into their final year and revitalise working relationships with their peers.

Over the initial taught element, students will cover the following broad themes: 

  • Stages in the research process (range of research methodologies and the applications of quantitative and qualitative methods) 

  • The parameters and limitations of different research instruments 

  • Identifying researchable areas within the field of Business & Management or Marketing 

  • How research interacts with the field of Business & Management or Marketing 

  • Drawing meaningful conclusions (analysis and interpretations of trends, patterns and metrics, evaluation of data collection) and applying these to a business context 

    Following the initial taught period, students will have to identify a topic for their research and submit a research proposal (Assessment 1).  Following this, they will be assigned a supervisor.  Supervisors will then meet with students, incorporating a mix of both group and individual supervision sessions, in order to guide them in completing their research project and presentation (Assessments 2 & 3). 

The applied nature of the report requires a critical evaluative approach, empirical investigation and analysis and a combination of academic research and business report writing skills. It requires reflection on the implications for professional practice from an ethical and continuous professional development standpoint.

THIS MODULE MAPS AGAINST CMI LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

This module forms part of the CMI Certificate/Diploma for BA (Hons) Business and Management. It maps to CMI Unit 524 Conducting an Management Project.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 15
Independent Study 300
Directed Study 65
Groupwork 16
Project Supervision 4
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Identify a relevant area of research, collate and critically evaluate/interpret data to generate meaningful conclusions and relevant recommendations.
LO2 Effectively plan and prepare a research project and the ability to communicate knowledge in an appropriate manner.
LO3 Critically reflect on a research experience and appraise the effectiveness of adopted approaches/methods.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Research presentation - An oral presentation by the researcher before examiner(s), where knowledge, technical content, ability to answer questions and presentational skills are assessed. 15 N/A 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 Critical enquiry report - A detailed analysis of a Business and Management topic, involving some original research, making use of data and/or primary sources; with a reflective element. 0 8000 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 2 A proposal of an independent research topic to be carried out by the student, including a short literature review and discussion of methodology. 0 1500 20 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1
Dissertation / Major Project 1
Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 2

Reading List

Saunders M. et al (2016) Research Methods for Business Students (7th Ed) Harlow: Pearson

Chatfield, T. (2018) Critical thinking: your guide to effective argument, successful analysis & independent study. London: Sage

Easterby- Smith M. et al (2015) Management and Business Research (5th Ed) London: Sage