Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LM Individual Capstone Project
School	Birmingham Business School
Department	Management
Module Code	07 38194
Module Lead	Caroline Chapain and Yuanzhu Zhan
Level	Masters Level
Credits	60
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-10 hours Project supervision-8 hours Practical Classes and workshops-10 hours Work based learning-140 hours Guided independent study-412 hours Total: 600 hours
Exclusions
Description	The Capstone project is a module for which preparation and training will run primarily in Semester 2 parallel to the students deciding on the type of pathway they want to focus on and as such the type of individual research project they want to undertake to support this over the summer. As such, the module will integrate a training programme in methods of research and data analysis related to sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. In the first part of the module, students will gain insights on different aspects of their projects, and alternative forms of projects they can choose to take depending on the pathway they chose. This will include designing research questions and methodologies for projects linked to sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as developing an understanding of sustainable data and indicators and how to analyse and report them as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis, such as Excel based statistics. In the summer term, students will produce an in-depth project on a topic of their choice within the field of sustainability, innovation and/or entrepreneurship. Students on the MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be able to select either to complete a traditional dissertation, a company-based project, or a business research informed proposition and plan. The elements of the project portfolio will depend on the type of project students choose to allow students in each pathway/ type of project to shine. Company-based projects will operate on a competitive basis and students will need to apply and be successful in the recruitment process. Those students who wish to undertake a company-based project but are unsuccessful in obtaining a position/ company-based project will complete the traditional dissertation assessment. Students who opt for the business research informed proposition will have the opportunity to access some support from the Business Incubator. All students will also need to complete a reflexive essay as part of their research project portfolio.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Critically identify and examine different forms of data and assess their relevance to research and practice within the context of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship endeavours. Critically discuss research design and philosophies within the context of research and decision-making. Apply technical skills required to manipulate different forms of data, such as qualitative and quantitative data, to inform sustainable and responsible decision making or research conclusions. Use literature to inform the design of a research or business project within the context of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in various cultural, social, economical and political contexts. Apply qualitative and quantitative data analysis to inform sustainable and responsible decision making or research conclusions. Define a research or project proposal problem, including searching for relevant sources, critically evaluating and synthesising material and/or data that can be taken both into a research context and a business setting within the context of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. Design and plan an independent research project, including the selection of appropriate research methods, which will allow research objectives to be met within a given timeframe. Draw evidence-based conclusions, including an evaluation of the role and/or impact of such conclusions for sustainable and responsible business practice; and if appropriate a business plan. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect and to have a reflexive practice to evaluate one's own beliefs, judgments and practices.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1000-word Sustainable Quantitative Data Analysis Report (5%) 1000-word Sustainable Qualitative Data Analysis Report (5%) 2,000-word equivalent project proposal (15%) 12,000-word Project Portfolio including a reflexive piece of work (75%) Reassessment: Reassessment by failed component
Other
Reading List