module specification

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 business 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

N/A

Topic LO Addressed

Topic LO Addressed
1. Introduction to business problem solving  LO1
2. The bulletproof problem-solving approach: A seven-step process LO1
3. Defining problems: Understanding the business problem and its context LO1
4. Disaggregating problems: Problem structure & solution driver logic trees  LO 2
5. Prioritising solution drivers: Staying on the critical path LO2
6. Workplans: Undertaking efficient problem solving  LO2
7. Simple analysis: Back of the envelope calculations  LO3
8. Big guns of analysis: Sophisticated tools of analysis LO3
9. Synthesising findings: Turning data analysis into a compelling narrative LO3
10. Long time frames & high uncertainty: Solving problems in complex contexts LO1, 2, 3
11.  Wicked problems: Unpicking wicked problems LO1, 2, 3
12. Becoming a great problem solver: Applying the process LO1, 2, 3

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 projects for their final 60 credit module or areas of interest.

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.

1. Solutions to.Scenario-based problem solving tests: Based upon readings and case studies, students will be presented via Weblearn with 3 problem solving scenarios from which they have to select the appropriate responses

2. Business problem Solution to a case study based complex problem : At the end of the module students will submit a solution for a Business Problembased on a case study.. 70% of the overall mark

Core Text:

Conn, C. and McLean, R. (2019) Bulletproof problem solving. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/londonmet/detail.action?docID=5724043.

Bell, E., Bryman, A., Harley, B. and Bryman, A. (2019). Business research methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Other Texts:

van Aken, J. E., Berends, H. and van der Bij, H. (2007) Problem Solving in Organizations: A Methodological Handbook for Business Students. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9780511618413.

Checkland, P & Poulter, J (2006), Learning for Action: A Short Definitive Account of Soft Systems Methodology and its Use, for Practitioners, Teachers and Students. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Gill, J. and Johnson, P (2010). Research methods for managers  London; Sage

McNiff, J (2016), You and Your Action Research Project, London: Routledge,.

Newton R (2010). The Management Consultant; Mastering the Art of Consultancy Harlow England; Financial Times/Prentice Hall

Richard, N (2010), Consultant ebook, The, Harlow: Pearson Education UK,

Saunders, MN, Lewis, P, & Thornhill, A (2017), Research Methods for Business Students, Harlow, United Kingdom, Pearson Education Limited.

Silverstein D (2012) The Innovator’s Toolkit: 50  Techniques for Predictable and Sustainable Organic Growth. John Wiley & Sons; 2nd edition.

Whitney, DD, & Trosten-Bloom, A (2010), The Power of Appreciative Inquiry : A Practical Guide to Positive Change, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Incorporated, Oakland.

Wickham, L, & Wilcock, J (2016), Management Consulting 5th edn : Delivering an Effective Project, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, United Kingdom.

Journals:

Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods
Harvard Business Review
Journal of Business Research
Journal of Small Business Management
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
London Business School Review
MIT Sloan Management Review
MIT Technology Review
Small Enterprise Research

Websites:

www.grouppartners.net
www.mckinsey.com
www.mindmapping.com
www.bain.com

Electronic Databases:

Bloomberg
Fame
Mintel

Talis Link –

https://bblearn.londonmet.ac.uk/webapps/blackboard/content/launchLink.jsp?course_id=_45494_1&tool_id=_2924_1&tool_type=TOOL&mode=cpview&mode=reset