This module will enable students to build skills and knowledge in problem solving and research that will support their studies throughout the programme and provide the essential foundation for their final project. In addition to developing problem solving skills students will develop a proposal for their final project that will completed during the final term of their course.
This module will help prepare students to become well-informed and effective managers, business owners and entrepreneurs able to lead, manage and solve problems in dynamic and complex environments. The emphasis is on the practical skills of problem solving, critical thinking, presenting proposals, researching, analysing and making recommendation for a senior management or executive audience.
The aims of the module are to ensure that students:
• have a range of tools and frameworks for solving complex problems
• appreciate the challenges in generating relevant evidence that improves business decision making and performance
• can critically evaluate business research and consultancy findings and reports
• can assess the ethical and access issues of conducting consultancy and research in business and can plan accordingly.
• can apply suitable project planning methods to problem solving and consultancy
• can work through and plan for the practical challenges of business problem solving, including defending choices on the data gathering and analysis approach
The module is intended to prepare students to critically read and evaluate research and practice within their chosen field of study and then to prepare a proposal for their final project
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Syllabus
Topic LO Addressed
1. Introduction to Problem Solving 1,2,3
2. Problem Solving: Definition, Disaggregation and Prioritisation 1
3. Theories and Frameworks 1
4. Problem Solving: Analysis and Work Planning 1
5. Desk Research, Literature Review and Secondary Data 1,3
6. Gathering Quantitative Data 1
7. Gathering Qualitative Data 2
8. Quantitative Data Analysis 2
9. Qualitative Data Analysis 2
10. Problem Solving: Synthesis and Presentation 2
11. Problem Solving: Dealing with Long time frames and High uncertainty 2
12. Project Proposals 2,3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will attend three 3-hour workshops each week during which time they will receive material in the form of lectures/discussions, issues, and participate in group activities including complex problem-solving exercises.
Independent reading and problem solving – Independent research to identify a suitable project for their final 60 credit module.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Apply suitable theories and frameworks to analyse and create solutions to business problems using robust and defensible methods
2. Design and plan an effective, practical business problem solving project
3. Communicate clearly and effectively problem analysis and solutions, and research findings.
Assessment strategy
1. Solution to a case study based complex problem e.g. how should a business respond to a disruptive technology or other innovation. Students to deliver a presentation video supported by slides with notes. (LO1 and 2). 30% of the overall mark.
2. At the end of the module students will submit a proposal for a Business Project based on a case study. 70% of the overall mark
