This module takes a problem – based approach to learning and you will learn by demonstrating the ability to research in order to solve organisational issues/problems and by undertaking meaningful projects which will then require you to reflect on your experiences.

You will work in small collaborative groups throughout this module and be responsible for identifying your learning needs in order to solve a series of different business related problems / issues. You will be provided with a framework / structure to help you work through the issues. This framework will be explained to you by your academic tutor.

Support will be provided to you by a member of academic staff who will facilitate your learning. This member of staff will support you in workshop groups of about 24 students; these will be fellow students studying the same programme as yourself. A key role of this member of staff is to focus on your academic progression by helping you with such matters as study skills, team work, assessments and feedback.

Your module is supported by an e-learning portal, which houses resource materials which you will need to access as part of your studies, assessment details and various other support facilities such as recordings of academics on key issues.

You will also be provided with a wide-ranging electronic reading list that comprises of various books, academic reports, conference papers and journal articles.

The module assessment consists of several tasks which will be distributed throughout your teaching semester. This will encourage your active participation in the learning process throughout the semester. The eLearning portal will be used to permanently host these tasks after release to ensure that you can access the information required at all times.

This module requires you to reflect on your learning, you will be provided with online and personal support to develop your reflective skills.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

You will be able to apply your knowledge and understanding of business to solve a problem related to professional practice, thereby identifying justifiable solutions and have the ability to find, use and cite information effectively in a given context, through any medium whether digital or other. (MLO1)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

You will be working towards becoming a self-directed learner with the ability to collaborate with others to create new knowledge. (MLO2)


Personal Values Attributes

You will undertake introductory level project work and research. (MLO3)

You will know how to question the knowledge and attitudes of others and have the skills to do so in a constructive, ethical and suitable manner. (MLO4)

The module assessment consists of several problem based and project based tasks and will demonstrate independent research and reflection. Tasks will be distributed throughout the year. This will encourage your active participation in the learning process during the year. 40% of the assessed component of the portfolio will be submitted at the end of Semester 1 to allow for feedback to be given before your final assessment of 60% which will be completed in Semester 2. These tasks combined will represent 100% of your final mark and will bring together all of the skills and techniques developed throughout the year.

On an ongoing basis your tutor and peers will give formative feedback on the tasks allowing you to reflect on your learning. Your tutor will be looking for, and supporting, your ability to investigate and analyse problems.

Both summative assessments will address MLO1, MLO2, MLO3 and MLO4.

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Building Business Practice will equip you with the skills and business acumen needed to succeed in industry.

The module takes an experiential learning approach and is designed so that you will conduct research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions to business problems. You will learn through a process of enquiry, often co-operatively with peers, using digital information and technologies. In short it will develop your ability to think independently, to apply discipline knowledge to complex problems / opportunities, to work in teams, to communicate (present and report) and to collaborate to create new knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues within your discipline area.

You will undertake various assessment tasks culminating in the submission of a portfolio of evidence which places emphasis on your personal reflections and problem interpretation. Your academic tutor will act as a facilitator to your learning focusing on your academic progression by supporting you with such matters as study skills, team work, assessments and feedback. They will monitor your progress and that of others by making sure that all students are involved and encourage you to vocalise your ideas and to comment constructively on other’s ideas.

This module aims to provide you with the skills and abilities to tackle real life business problems and projects. These problems and research projects will be appropriate to your specific programme of study and will result in an extensive and flexible knowledge base.

There are six main focus areas based on:

An ability to demonstrate and apply an understanding of relevant theory from your professional /academic area where appropriate
Group Work skills (Team work)
Research Skills (Information Literacy)
Problem Solving Skills (Project Management)
Communication Skills
Self-Directed Learning.

On completion of this module you will have developed effective problem-solving skills, become an effective collaborator and team player and further developed self-directed, lifelong learning skills.