BUS3005 : Advanced Business Topics
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Stefanie Reissner
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 20.0 |
Aims
This module is a research-led alternative to the dissertation, consultancy project and advanced business practice module. Drawing on student learning across their programme of study, the module aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage in depth with contemporary research in management.
Students will be introduced to the latest research in the core disciplines of their programme (such as management, marketing, human resources, international business, innovation and enterprise) in class. They will select one topic for independent investigation and:
• undertake an in-depth literature review on the chosen topic;
• critically assess and interpret these studies;
• apply appropriate methods to collection and analysis of the extant research;
• interpret the implications of these studies in relation to current business practice;
• critically consider their own approach to the in-depth literature review;
• reflect on their experiences of conducting this work;
• produce an individual, independent report considering the outcomes of their analysis, their approach to the review, the methodologies and methods applied and any implications for practice.
Outline Of Syllabus
There is no set syllabus for this module because it will draw on contemporary issues affecting business and cover the latest research advances in the field. The topics covered will include a selection of management, marketing, human resources, international business, innovation and enterprise.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introductory lecture |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Topic lectures, present in person if possible. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | To complement introductory and topic lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Method and skills refresher seminars, present in person if possible. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Timetabled and flexible supervision time. Present in person if possible. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 366:00 | 366:00 | To include preparation for supervision sessions, conduct of desk research and writing up |
| Total | 400:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module consists of a mix of lectures, group teaching, and supervision sessions. At the start of the academic year, students will be introduced to the topics available for study through lectures and structured guided learning activities. Targeted refresher sessions on key resources, skills, and methods will also be offered.
The majority of the module will be spent on guided independent study, in which students conduct their literature-based research and produce the research report. Their efforts will be supported by timetabled supervision sessions to provide ongoing formative assessment, formative feedback, and support. Students are also entitled to up to two hours' surgery time (incl. email exchanges) to be arranged directly with their supervisor.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research paper | 2 | M | 100 | 10,000-word in-depth literature review with reflective element |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Draft chapter(s) |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Draft chapter(s) |
| Research proposal | 1 | M | Project outline |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Draft chapter(s) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module provides students with the opportunity to research a specific contemporary business topic on the basis of an in-depth literature review. For the assessment, students are required to produce a research report that combines in-depth, advanced knowledge of a topic area with an understanding of methodology and method as well as implications for scholarly knowledge and management practice. Formative assessment and feedback is provided on an ongoing basis as part of research supervision.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BUS3005's Timetable