module specification

This module is about that very process of transforming data into information that will be useful to users, one being the writer of the report and another a potential specialist in the industry itself, i.e. a future employer. The undertaking of the investigation and project will enable the student to pursue a robust enquiry into the industry or sector in which they are hoping to find employment.
Furthermore, this module will help students to prepare for the graduate job market by ensuring they have up-to-date application material and online profile as well as gaining further personal experience of the application process. Researching the report and completion of associated activities will enable students to excel at interviews.

This module aims:

• To enable students to undertake an investigation using secondary sources of data, present and report on that investigation in a professional manner.
• To enhance employability by offering the opportunity to research an industry or sector where employment is being sought
• To identify and prepare for employment opportunities

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:

Academic reading
Researching
Analysing data
Presenting research
Completing tasks and projects
Writing professional reports
Raise commercial awareness
Application of knowledge and presenting data
Career management

Styles of report for different users
Business Research Project Skills
Evaluation of literature sources
Business Research Software
Accessing economic, financial and market data
Assessing the reliability and validity of data
Analysing & synthesising data
Presenting data orally and in writing
Drawing and defending conclusions
Making and defending recommendations
Oral presentation of data
Evaluating reports
Production of a professional report
Training needs analysis on personal skills for the graduate jobs
Developing on and offline profile
Identifying job opportunities
Progressing applications
Preparing for interviews

This module will be delivered mainly through weekly workshops, but potentially also lectures and seminars. A key starting point for the workshops will be an explanation to the students for the choice of this method of delivery and exploration and advice as to how individuals can maximise their own learning. Concepts of action and experiential learning will be revisited and students reminded to focus particularly on the opportunities the classroom sessions provide to engage in, and reflect upon, their aspirations as soon to be graduate. This module is essentially student driven. However, whilst the area of investigation is to be determined by the individual student, there are certain generic skills that can be supported in formal classroom sessions. In addition to tuition on the advanced use of library data bases and other resources, there will also be classroom sessions to support the peer evaluation and assist students in developing a critical voice.  The approach to learning is essentially action orientated with the teaching starting from what the students’ needs to do and the theory of researching being explained in the context of underpinning the action. The main focus is the use of data, to enhance employability and business knowledge, researching and pursuing job opportunities and preparing for interviews. 
Given the dynamic and very competitive nature of the job market it is envisaged that students will be exposed to a series of talks by a number of external speakers working in different fields [i.e. finance, HR, marketing, management, voluntary sector, public sector] from the world of work including some former students. This will be supplemented by talks from the Londonmet Career Services. This will increase students’ urgency to develop an early focus in pursuit of employment. Guidance will also be given to those who want to pursue further studies at Masters level within the university or elsewhere.
Advice on CV writing will be provided so that students can better market themselves. In addition, interview techniques will be practiced in class using mock interviews. Students will each prepare an action plan to improve their chances of employment.
Weblearn: will be used for the distribution of the module booklet. It will also be used as an interactive mechanism between students and tutors, for example, to direct students to particular readings or to provide news about the module or the module content. It will also be used for the timely provision of generic feedback following formative assessment.
LinkedIn: Students will be required to prepare personal profiles which could be used to market themselves via the LinkedIn tool

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Appreciate the variety of secondary data available to business researchers
2. Assess the robustness and validity of various data sources and employ a range of analytical techniques to summarise data
3. Evaluate other business reports in the context of the above
4. Use data to draw reasoned conclusions and recommendation
5. Design and produce a professional business report
6. Identify job opportunities from published sources and produce application material

The assessment strategy is designed to enable students to produce a professional report that will not only enhance their employability but equip them with transferable skills useful in any management position. They will be required to commission and undertake a management investigation project themselves, present it to their tutor and peers. Peers will be encouraged to provide constructive feedback to their colleagues to help them improve their final submission. Their own presentation will be assessed.
Once feedback has been given they are required to continue their research and prepare a professional final year project report.
In addition to the main report and presentation, the assessment requires participation in a job search, by identifying and applying for an appropriate real life job and the preparation of a linked in profile.

This module will require students to generate their own reading list as part of the development of their project; however, below are suggested texts to aid generic areas of research, literature, project planning and career management:

Bowden, J. (2008). Writing a report: how to prepare, write and present effective reports. Oxford, How To Books.
Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2007). Business Research Methods. Oxford: Open University Press.
Davies, M.B. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project. England: Palgrave MacMillan
Done, J. & Mulvey, R. (2011). Brilliant Graduate Career Handbook. London: Prentice Hall.
Hatton, A. (2007) The definitive business pitch: how to make the best pitches, proposals and presentations. England: Financial Times Publishing
Jankowitz, A. D. (2005). Business research projects. London, Thomson Learning.
Marsh, R. (2012). Skills for employability. Part two. Wrexham, Christal.
Saunders, M. Lewis, P. Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students. 5th Edition England: Prentice Hall.
Schein, E. H. (2006). Career anchors: participant workbook. San Francisco, CA, Pfeiffer.
Seely, J. (2002). Writing reports. Oxford, UK, Oxford University Press.
Swift, L. Piff, S. (2005) Quantitative Methods for Business, Management & Finance. 2nd ed. England: Palgrave MacMillan.
Trought, F. (2012). Brilliant employability skills: how to stand out from the crowd in the graduate job market. Harlow, England, Pearson.
Woodruffe, C. (2007). Development and assessment centres: identifying and developing competence. London, Human Assets.

Websites to be used – for research on sector, future career paths, raising self-awareness
https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk/studentservices/careers/career-planning/research-your-sector/research-your-sector_home.cfm
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/What_jobs_would_suit_me___Prospects_Planner_/Show_login_page/p!eLaXgjk
The London Metropolitan University Library website is a good source of information - books and journals:
http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/
The London Metropolitan University Library and Business School also provides access to the Bloomberg Research and Trading Room.  Youtube will also be used.