Module Coordinator Dr Judith Woods Room: 1D18 Tel: 028 90368479 E-mail:j.woods@ulster.ac.uk Consultation Hours: Monday 14:15 – 15:15 Wednesday 11:15 – 12:15 Module CodeBMG909Module CRN84981/84982Module Level7Teaching StaffDr Judith Woods (as above) RATIONALE FOR THE MODULE The purpose of the internship and management project module is to enable students to apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MSc Management course to an organisational issue or problem. In addition, the module will provide students with experience of selling themselves to employers, gaining employment and acquiring and developing workplace skills, enhancing their future career prospects as a result. As part of the process students carry out primary or secondary research within an organisational setting. This will involve the selection of appropriate research methods to solve a “live” management problem. The results will be presented both in the form of an academic internship research proposal and final report. The module is designed to enhance employability and career prospects and to build confidence through gaining experience in a business environment. It also serves as an integrating mechanism for all course content as well as developing analytical, evaluative and project management skills. AIMS OF THE MODULE The aims of the internship module are: To further develop research and project management skills;To pursue an in-depth study within an area of business and management;To enhance and further develop practical management skills;To equip students with the necessary competencies to prepare a structured, well-presented report;To enhance employability and career prospects;To reflect on their professional development;To communicate with both an academic and a professional audience. LEARNING OUTCOMES Successful students will be able to: Critically evaluate, synthesise and apply multidisciplinary concepts, tools and techniques in resolving real-time management issues.Demonstrate independent thought in relation to the conduct of research, analysis and development of business opportunities.Interact within a workplace environment as well as be self-directed and able to act autonomously in diagnosing management problems and planning and implementing projects for their solution.Utilise and develop key personal and interpersonal skills to negotiate organisational access and demonstrate the ability to work autonomously in the production of a research project. CONTENT Workshops These will introduce students to the module and are designed to allow students the opportunity to discuss both their projects and their internship, and to learn from each other and the academic member of staff facilitating the discussion. They will cover project expectations and requirements Supervision Interactions Each student will be allocated an academic supervisor to assist them with their project. They will interact with their supervisor on a regular basis for advice and support. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate contact with their supervisor upon allocation. Internship / Consultancy Project Each student is responsible for undertaking a management project. Whilst students are welcome to engage with chosen host organisations and work in collaboration with them as part of their project this is not essential and students can conduct a project based on a chosen organisation or industry with data derived solely from secondary / desk research. For those wishing to engage with a host organisation with a host organisation some advice will be offered during the workshop sessions. Students will be expected to work on an organisation/industry-specific project with guidance from both their academic and industry mentor (where applicable). However, the emphasis during the internship is on self-management by the student of both their time and their project. Students are advised to view this as an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to secure a role within an organisation/industry that is of interest to them. TEACHING METHODS Teaching with take the form of online workshops in semester 2 which will address some of the key employment and internship skills. Students should also undertake an online research methods element which will prepare them for consideration of the data collection techniques which they may engage with in order to fulfil the requirement of their internship project. Students will be appointed an academic supervisor with whom they will be required to interact with throughout the end of semester two and into semester three. This person will be responsible for helping the student develop and deliver their Internship Proposal and Final Project. ASSESSMENT (100% Coursework) COURSEWORK 1: PROJECT PROPOSAL (20%) 1500 words A project proposal must be developed by each student to ensure clarity of project objectives, methods and timescale. Whilst data will not be available at this stage the student must seek to produce a robust outline of their intended project, its justification and intended research methods. COURSEWORK 2: INTERNSHIP PROJECT (80%) 7500 words The internship project should be of value to both the organisation and the academic community. Students will be expected to ground their project in relevant theory, select appropriate research methods, conduct an acceptable piece of primary or secondary research, discuss this in light of the academic literature and make recommendations to the organisation. TEACHING PLAN Workshops Workshops Content and Topics covered23/03/2021 2.15-5.15pm Session 1 and 2: An introduction to the module and The Management Project Proposal This session will introduce the module, outlining its purpose, structure and associated assessment. The project proposal will be discussed in-depth during this session. Academic supervisors will also be confirmed during this class. 26/04/2021 3.15-5.15pm Session 3 and 4: Management Report and Research Methods This session will look at the final report. This will also include a review of research methods. It is expected that students will have had some experience of research methods at this point via the online research methods element of the module.Available Now Online Research Methods Content relating to research methods and specifically the conduct of secondary data collection and analysis can be accessed within the module space on Blackboard Learn (see folder entitled “Research Methods – Online Sessions”). Student are advised to work their way through this content as well as use it as a point of reference throughout the module.Semester 2/3 Supervision Meetings (Online) Your appointed academic supervisors will act as your guide throughout the module and will take the lead in terms of assisting you and your project development. All queries pertaining to your project i.e. the project itself or your proposal should be directed to your allocated supervisor in the first instance. All students have already been allocated their academic supervisor and it is your responsibility to initiate contact with them. READING LIST For the most up to date reading list please visit the following: https://ulster.keylinks.org/#/list/31244 Required Dependant on topic selected for research. Recommended Bell, J. and waters, S. (2018) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First Time Researchers (7th ed.), Maidenhead:Open University Press. Coghlan, D. and Brannick, T. (2019) Doing Action Research in Your Own Organisation (5th ed.),London: Sage. Easterby–Smith, M. (2018) Management and Business Research (6th ed.)London: Sage. Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers (4th ed.), London: Sage. Kumar, R. (2019) Research Methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (5th ed.), London: Sage. Oakshott, L. (2016) Essential quantitative methods for business management and finance (6th ed.),Basingstoke: Palgrave Publishing Punch, K. (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd ed.), London: Sage. Ridley, D. (2012) The Literature Review. A step by step guide for students (2nd ed.), London: Sage. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research Methods for Business Students (8th ed.), Harlow: Pearson. Sekeran, U. and Bougie, R. (2020) Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach (8th ed.), Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Journals A wide range of journals are available online through the University. For access off-campus students can obtain an Athens username and password. For a full list of online journals at UU see http://atoz.ebsco.com/Titles/15238. MODULE ASSESSMENT The module is assessed through two pieces of coursework as indicated in the table below: 1). Project Proposal2). Management Project Report Guidance/ Structure Appendix One Appendix Three Marking Criteria Appendix Two Appendix Four Length1500 words7,500 wordsDate Due11am on Friday 2nd July 202111am on Friday 10th September 2021 Percentage 20% 80% Submission Electronic Submission: You must submit your work via the Turnitin icon on the Blackboard Learn module area called ‘Internship Project Proposal’. It would be advisable to also email a copy to your supervisor. Ethical Approval MUST be completed and attached.Electronic Submission: You must submit your work via the Turnitin icon on the Blackboard Learn module area called ‘Internship Project’. It would be advisable to also email a copy to your supervisor. All coursework should clearly state the name of your academic supervisor. An ethical approval form MUST be completed by the student in conjunction with their supervisor. The project cannot continue without ethical approval. Student and supervisor should sign off on this. This must be attached to your project proposal in order to pass (see Appendix 7 for a copy of the Ethical Approval Form). If, due to extenuating circumstances, an extension to the submission date is required, students should apply in writing to the Course Director using an EC1 form (a fillable version of this has been placed on Blackboard learn in the folder entitled “Module Information”). This must be approved by the Course Director no later than 5 days after the submission date, otherwise submissions shall be deemed to have failed. Plagarism Plagiarism occurs where acknowledgements are omitted or quotations from original sources are not clearly identified. If the University deems you to be guilty of this offence, the project may attract a mark of zero (see Plagiarism Policy for further details). Your project report should contain at the front a signed declaration stating that it is your own work and due acknowledgement has been made to the work of others. The University’s Policy and Guidance on Plagiarism is available from the Academic Office website at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/Policies.html/. Referencing All submitted work should follow the UBS Guide to Citation in the Harvard Style, which is accessible through the Library’s website: http://library.ulster.ac.uk/bus/harvard.pdf. A copy is also available from the Blackboard Learn area for this module. Word Count The word count should be documented within all submitted work. Penalties will be applied to work exceeding the specified word limit as follows: +10% – no penalty +>10% – 20% – 5% penalty +>20% – 30% – 10% penalty +>30% – 40% – 15% penalty +>40% – 50% – 20% penalty +>50% – maximum mark of 40 The reduction will be based on the student’s initial mark, prior to penalty. Pass Mark The minimum pass mark is 50%. SUPERVISORY GUIDELINES As soon as supervision arrangements have been communicated to students, it is the student’s responsibility to initiate and maintain regular contact with their supervisor. Supervisors, within their area of responsibility, should ensure that the student’s proposed management project is appropriate as regards to resources and other constraints (including ethical approval).The supervisor’s role is not necessarily one of ‘subject matter expert’, but to guide students on issues such as critical analysis of the literature, methodology, structure and scheduling. The supervisor is also required to monitor any material (such as a questionnaire) that a student might be sending from the University to an external agency, as these need to fit within the remit of the Ulster Business School’s Ethical Approval Guidelines.It must be remembered however that the management project belongs to the student and not the supervisor. This means that whilst a supervisor may provide advice and guidance, the student has to make a judgement as to whether or not to accept this. A student cannot come back and say that the supervisor ‘told’ him/her to put material into the management project. The final decision must rest with the student.Students have to take responsibility for deciding when the management project is ready for submission. Although the supervisor can give guidance, it is not the supervisor’s duty to tell a student that the work is ready for submission, thereby implying that the management project is of a pass standard. MEETINGS Different models of supervision are acceptable, as are varying modes of communication (such as email), providing students’ needs are met within the boundaries expected of this relationship (as indicated above) and agreed to between supervisor and student Students should be aware that particularly in the summer period lecturers are often out of the university and it is therefore imperative that they make contact as soon as possible to ensure that meetings and support can be balanced. DO NOT EXPECT TO LEAVE THIS TO THE LAST MINUTE. It is YOUR responsibility to initiate contact with the supervisor, including the first meeting. Whilst it is difficult to suggest number and duration of meetings, a rule of thumb suggested to students is about once per month, to last for about one hour. At the first meeting, it is expected that students discuss with supervisors an overall framework and time-scale for their project, the availability of both parties during the coming period, and what each expects in terms of support and guidance including how many drafts it is reasonable for the supervisor to read (normally one). A very brief record of meetings is advisable. These might become particularly useful if a student enters into writing-up mode, or makes an appeal. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students are responsible for: Contacting their supervisor at the earliest date to discuss their project.Meeting to discuss the project at times to be agreed with their supervisor. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain regular contact with their supervisor.Ensuring they have gained ethical approval for their proposed project.Regularly reporting the progress of the project to their supervisor in accordance with any agreements made.Keeping accurate records of supervision meetings.Adhering to deadlines and ensuring that they allow adequate time for supervisors to give feedback.Submitting the final written project in accordance with the instructions on dissertation presentation and submission stipulated in the module handbook.Deciding if the project is ready for submission. The successful completion of the project belongs to the student and not the supervisor. It is at the discretion of the Course Committee to decide on appropriate penalties for students who consistently fail to attend pre-scheduled meetings or to submit work as agreed. APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 – COURSEWORK ONE: STRUCTURE AND PRESENTATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL A project proposal must be developed by each student to ensure clarity of project objectives, methods and timescale. The proposal should include the following components: TITLE: The title should reflect the project to be undertaken and should be concise (no more than 12 words). PROJECT OBJECTIVES: These should be specific, measurable, simple and achievable. They specify what the project will deal with and should guide the flow and structure throughout. IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT: This concerns whether or not the project is sufficiently important or significant to justify your efforts. If there is some statement by an authority as to the need for project, or if it can be demonstrated that this research is useful in the context of a major organisational problem, then these or other appropriate reasons should be concisely stated. SIGNIFICANT PRIOR RESEARCH (LITERATURE): This sets the context for the project, in terms of major preceding research. It is essentially the basis for the literature review in the management project. It will not be exhaustive at this stage; however, it should review major research works and authors in the area and indicate the theoretical underpinning for the proposed project. RESEARCH APPROACH (METHODOLOGY): This section outlines how the project aims and objectives will be met. For example, is it to be via survey techniques, interviews or re-examining existing data? Where, or from whom, will data be collected? Again, this may be in tentative form; however it must provide a basic rationale for choices made. How will the data be analysed? Methodological choices must be justified in academic literature. TIME BUDGET: A time budget and time schedule must be prepared. Students tend to underestimate the time required for completion of management projects. The important concept is realistic planning and this must depend on realistic time estimates. The best estimates are usually made by breaking down activities into small tasks, each with its own time estimate. The timetable should be presented clearly, in a bar chart or diagram. REFERENCE LIST: All sources must be properly cited in the body of the proposal and a reference list provided. The Harvard referencing system must be used. The UBS Guide to Citation in the Harvard Style, is accessible through the Library’s website: http://library.ulster.ac.uk/bus/harvard.pdf and is also available from the Blackboard Learn area for this module. PRESENTATION: The proposal should be 1500 words. The text of the proposal should be typed using Times New Roman or Arial size 12 font. One-and-a-half line spacing should be used. A cover sheet should be completed and inserted at the front of the document. ETHICAL APPROVAL: An ethical approval form MUST be attached to the project proposal in order for this to be marked. Students should submit this in conjunction with their assigned supervisor. The designated supervisor will mark the management project proposal. APPENDIX 2 – COURSEWORK ONE: PROJECT PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (20%) BMG909: Internship and Management Project (MSc Management) STUDENT NAME: ___________________________________ AreaComments% AchievedResearch Objectives Are the general aims of the research/project clearly established? Are the objectives clearly articulated? 10%Importance of the Research Is there a clear rationale for the study and is it contextualised within their organisation? 10%Relationship to Previous Work Is the background to the work clearly explained? Is it clear how the project will build upon previous knowledge in the area? Is the literature reviewed current? 30%Methodology Is the proposed method likely to meet research/project objectives? Is the proposed method justified? Will the proposed sample meet stated objectives and has it been justified? Will the proposed analysis methods meet stated objectives and have they been justified? 30%Timetable Has a research timetable been presented? Is the proposed timetable realistic? 10%Reference List Is referencing complete and consistent? 10%Ethical Approval Completed & Attached?Yes o No o Total % Additional Comments Academic Supervisor: Date: APPENDIX 3 – COURSEWORK TWO: STRUCTURE AND PRESENTATION OF THE MSc MANAGEMENT PROJECT REPORT The entire text of the project report should be typed using Times New Roman or Arial size12 font. One-and-a-half line spacing should be used. Margins at the binding edge should not be less than 40mm and the other margins not less than 20mm. It is difficult to give a structure that should be followed universally, however, most project reports should have a structure similar to the following: Introductory Information Title Page includingThe title of the projectThe name of the candidateThe award for which the work is submitted (Masters of Management)The year of submissionConfidentiality Statement (If your report contains data of a confidential nature its security can be guaranteed by clearly marking it “Strictly Confidential” on the Title Page)Signed Declaration (see below)AbstractAcknowledgementsContents PageTables/Graphs Page Main Contents IntroductionReview of Management TheoryMethodologyDiscussion, Conclusions and Recommendations End Matter ReferencesAppendices DECLARATION Candidates are required to include one or other of the following declarations: `I hereby declare that with effect from the date on which the project is deposited in the Library of the University of Ulster I permit the Librarian of the University to allow the project to be copied in whole or in part without reference to me on the understanding that such authority applies to the provision of single copies made for study purposes or for inclusion within the stock of another library. This restriction does not apply to the copying or publication of the title and abstract of the project. IT IS A CONDITION OF USE OF THIS REPORT THAT ANYONE WHO CONSULTS IT MUST RECOGNISE THAT THE COPYRIGHT RESTS WITH THE AUTHOR AND THAT NO QUOTATION FROM THE PROJECT AND NO INFORMATION DERIVED FROM IT MAY BE PUBLISHED UNLESS THE SOURCE IS PROPERLY ACKNOWLEDGED” OR `I hereby declare that for a period of -*years following the date on which the project is deposited in the Library of the University of Ulster, the dissertation shall remain confidential with access or copying prohibited. Following the expiry of this period I permit the Librarian of the University to allow the project to be copied in whole or in part without reference to me on the understanding that such authority applies to the provision of single copies made for study purposes or for inclusion within the stock of another library. This restriction does not apply to the copying or publication of the title and abstract of the project. IT IS A CONDITION OF USE OF THIS PROJECT THAT ANYONE WHO CONSULTS IT MUST RECOGNISE THAT THE COPYRIGHT RESTS WITH THE AUTHOR AND THAT NO QUOTATION FROM THE PROJECT AND NO INFORMATION DERIVED FROM IT MAY BE PUBLISHED UNLESS THE SOURCE IS PROPERLY ACKNOWLEDGED. * Not more than two ASSESSMENT OF MANAGEMENT REPORT A sample of projects will be subject to internal and external moderation. Project marks cannot be confirmed until ratified by the Board of Examiners. Marks are adjusted by this process to ensure integrity of marking and comparability of standards across all projects. At the discretion of the Board of Examiners, candidates may be required to take a viva voce (oral exam) on their project. APPENDIX 4 – COURSEWORK TWO: MSc MANAGEMENT PROJECT REPORT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (80%) Student Name First Marker: Mark Awarded: Second Marker: Mark Awarded: Final Agreed Mark First Marker Comments Second Marker Comments Rationale, Aims and Objectives Assessment CriteriaDistinction 70-100Pass 60-69Pass 50-59Fail (marginal) 45-49Fail 31-44Fail 0-30Is there a clear (business) rationale for the project? Are the objectives of the project clearly stated? Are the project objectives realistic and achievable? Review of Literature Assessment CriteriaDistinction 70-100Pass 60-69Pass 50-59Fail (marginal) 45-49Fail 31-44Fail 0-30Is there extensive evidence of reading specific to the topic? Does appropriate theory and concepts underpin and support the objectives of the project? Is there evidence of a critical review and evaluation of the literature relevant to the project issue(s) and objectives? Application and Analysis Assessment CriteriaDistinction 70-100Pass 60-69Pass 50-59Fail (marginal) 45-49Fail 31-44Fail 0-30Has sufficient data been gathered to satisfy the project objectives? How effectively has the data been presented and analysed in the context of the project objectives? Are key areas presented in full with relevant analysis? Is there coherence and logic applied to the presentation and analysis of findings? Conclusions and Recommendations Assessment CriteriaDistinction 70-100Pass 60-69Pass 50-59Fail (marginal) 45-49Fail 31-44Fail 0-30In drawing conclusions and making recommendations, how well has the student addressed the project objectives? Are the conclusions and recommendations coherent, logical and of high quality? Where applicable, is there integration evident in the concluding section between theory and the project objectives? Does the project add value to the organisation/body/sector involved i.e. potential new insights/markets, cost reduction, business improvement, extended knowledge) Presentation and Flow Assessment CriteriaDistinction 70-100Pass 60-69Pass 50-59Fail (marginal) 45-49Fail 31-44Fail 0-30Quality of report structure, presentation, grammar and spelling? Integration and coordination within/between sections of the project? Has the UBS Harvard Referencing system been used rigorously and consistently? APPENDIX 5 – ETHICAL APPROVAL FORM UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER RESEARCH GOVERNANCE RG1a APPLICATION TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH ON HUMAN SUBJECTS PLEASE REFER TO THE NOTES OF GUIDANCE BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM. (Available from the Research Governance website at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/rg/) All sections of this form must be completed (use minimum font size 11). If the form is altered in any way it will be returned unconsidered by the Committee. This form should be used for research in categories A, B and D Do not use this form for research being conducted in collaboration with the NHS/HPSS (category C). SECTION A Chief Investigator Title of Project Student and course (if applicable) Additional Investigators Declaration – Chief Investigator: I confirm that this project meets the definition for research in category* (please insert)this project is viable and is of research or educational merit;all risks and ethical and procedural implications have been considered;the project will be conducted at all times in compliance with the research description/protocol and in accordance with the University’s requirements on recording and reporting;this application has not been submitted to and rejected by another committee; andPermission has been granted to use all copyright materials including questionnaires and similar instruments Signed: Date: Once complete, this application and all associated materials must be submitted for peer review *In addition, you should complete form RG1d for all category D research and form RG1e for both category B and D research Peer Review Those conducting peer review should complete form RG2 and attach it to this form (RG1). RG1, RG2 and all associated materials should then be returned to the Chief Investigator. Depending upon the outcome of peer review, the Chief Investigator should arrange to submit to the Filter Committee, resubmit the application for further review or consider a new or substantially changed project. The application must not be submitted to the Filter Committee until the peer review process has been completed (except as permitted below) Please note that peer review can be conducted by the Filter Committee if time and capacity allow. This is at the discretion of the Chairperson of each Filter Committee and is subject to change. Filter Committee The application must be considered by the Filter Committee in accordance with the requirements of the University The Filter Committee should complete form RG3 and write to the Chief Investigator indicating the outcome of its review Depending upon the outcome of the Filter Committee review, the Chief Investigator should arrange to proceed with the research OR submit to the University’s Research Ethics Committee OR resubmit the application for further review OR consider a new or substantially changed project The Filter Committee should retain a complete set of original forms. SECTION B 1. Where will the research be undertaken? 2. a. What prior approval/funding has been sought or obtained to conduct this. research? Please also provide the UU cost centre number if known b. Please indicate any commercial interest in/sponsorship of the study 3. Duration of the Project Start: End: Duration: 4. Background to and reason(s) for the Project Please provide a brief summary in language comprehensible to a lay person or non-expert. Full details must be provided in the description/protocol submitted with this application (see Notes of Guidance) 5. Aims of the Project Please provide a brief summary in language comprehensible to a lay person or non-expert. Full details must be provided in the description/protocol submitted with this application (see Notes of Guidance) 6. Procedures to be used a. Methods Please provide a brief summary in language comprehensible to a lay person or non-expert. Full details must be provided in the description/protocol submitted with this application (see Notes of Guidance) b. Statistical techniques Please provide details of the statistical techniques to be used within the project description/protocol (see Notes of Guidance) 7. Subjects: a. How many subjects will be recruited to the study (by group if appropriate)? b. Will any of the subjects be from the following vulnerable groups – YES NO Children under 18 Adults with learning or other disabilities Very elderly people Healthy volunteers who have a dependent or subordinate relationship to investigators Other vulnerable groups If YES to any of the above, please specify and justify their inclusion c. Inclusion and exclusion criteria Please indicate, with reasons, the inclusion criteria for the project Please indicate, with reasons, any exclusion criteria for the project d. Will any inducements be offered? If ‘Yes’, please describe e. Please describe how and where recruitment will take place 8. Ethical implications of the research Please provide an assessment of the ethical implications of the project 9. Could the research identify or indicate the existence of any undetected healthcare concern? Yes No If Yes, please indicate what might be detected and explain what action will be taken (e.g. inform subject’s GP) 10. Risk Assessment ** Please indicate any risks to subjects or investigators associated with the project **If you wish, you can use form RG1c – Risk Assessment Record (available from the Research Governance website) to help you assess any risks involved 11. Precautions Please describe precautions to be taken to address the above 12. Consent form It is assumed that as this study is being conducted on hu
