BS4D05 - Management Project: Integrating Theory and Practice 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BS4D05
Module Title: Management Project: Integrating Theory and Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Professional Development
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Development
Module Leader: Tiansheng Yang
Module Team: Mira John, Claire Reed, Gail Evans
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100078 - business and management 100812 - project management
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

This module aims to equip students with advanced strategic thinking skills for devising and implementing sustainable management strategies within modern business environments. It endeavours to integrate theoretical frameworks from the course into real-world management scenarios, enabling students to critically assess and apply management theories within a sustainability context

Through practical engagement with authentic business challenges, students will develop sophisticated analytical capabilities, refine leadership and communication proficiencies, and foster ethical decision-making competencies.

Students will be tasked with identifying and critically analysing complex management issues within organisations, drawing upon theoretical models and empirical evidence. This involves diagnosing challenges spanning strategy, operations, finance, marketing, and business analytics while considering their sustainability implications.

Furthermore, the project component of the module aims to enhance students' research skills relevant to the business landscape, encompassing literature review, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, through exposure to pertinent business research methods in management studies and practices.

Content Summary

Students will immerse themselves in the intricacies of sustainable management practice, guided by experts in diverse areas of the business landscape. The learning experience integrates theoretical inquiry with experiential learning, fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable management across various facets of organisational operations.

Central to the curriculum is the strategic application of management principles, wherein students engage in strategic thinking to formulate solutions that reconcile environmental, social, and economic considerations. Supported by experienced professionals in contemporary project management, students participate in rigorous discourse to refine their approach, aligning objectives with organisational imperatives through evidence-based decision-making.

Following this theoretical grounding, students transition to the practical implementation of proposed solutions within authentic real-world business problems in either live or simulated contexts. Mentorship from industry professionals facilitates not only a comprehensive evaluation of feasibility and efficacy but also an exploration of team dynamics, ensuring cohesive collaboration and effective communication. Integral to their development are critical engagements by skilled practitioners into business strategy and optimisation. This approach underscores the quantifiable impacts of their practices, encouraging students to assess and evaluate resource efficiency and social dynamics within their projects.

Furthermore, students receive mentorship in strategic leadership and communication, fostering collaborative endeavours within student teams and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. This prepares students to navigate management challenges while refining their presentation skills for diverse audiences, employing principles of active learning and peer-to-peer feedback.

The curriculum promotes critical reflection on ethical considerations, prompting students to engage in ethical reasoning and ethical decision-making processes, cultivating a sense of responsibility towards society, fortified by robust ethical reasoning informed by ethical frameworks and theories.

Moreover, the module emphasises the acquisition of both technical and interpersonal abilities, nurturing students' proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, collaboration, communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making. Through practical application, students integrate these abilities into their projects, gaining valuable experience in real-world scenarios while applying principles of self-directed learning and reflective practice.

Finally, the management project serves as a valuable opportunity for students to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world business scenarios, utilising principles of experiential learning and inquiry-based learning. Guided by experienced professionals, students tackle practical challenges, contributing to sustainable management practices while gaining practical insights into team dynamics and skill application.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 8
Practical Classes and Workshops 40
Supervised time in studio/workshops 8
Independent Study 96
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 8
Formative assessment - Independent 16
Groupwork 160
Interdisciplinary Work 32
Problem/Challenge based learning 32
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Utilise advanced strategic thinking to critically evaluate, synthesise, and apply appropriate theoretical concepts in developing innovative sustainable management strategies within dynamic business environments. Grounded in valid and significant evidence, make informed judgements to navigate complex organisational challenges effectively.
LO2 Demonstrate mastery of advanced analytical techniques, leadership competencies, and ethical decision-making acumen in addressing complex business dilemmas. Critically reflect and showcase deep understanding of subject-specific knowledge, using critical awareness of contemporary practices and issues of sustainable management practices.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 A management report on the project that has been undertaken. 0 10000 70 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Group or individual presentation of Management Project 30 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Dissertation / Major Project 1
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1

Reading List

Ang, S. H. (2021) Research projects for business & management students. 2nd edition. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Cooper, D. R. & Schindler, P. S. (2014) Business research methods. Twelfth edition. / Donald R. Cooper, Pamela S. Schindler. New York, N.Y: McGraw-Hill Education.

Creswell, J. W. & Creswell, J. D. (2023) Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sixth edition. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Easterby-Smith, M. et al. (2021) Management and business research. Seventh edition. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Hair, J. F. et al. (2016) Essentials of business research methods. Third edition. New York: Routledge.