This module enables you to develop work-based solutions to real-world problems through a reflective learning approach. Through discrete, identifiable work-related activities focused on enhancing organisational knowledge and innovation, you develop personal and professional knowledge through a process of reflection, critical thinking and action. The module enables you to demonstrate an autonomous approach to professional learning and development within a work-based context to enhance your employability.

This module develops your awareness and understanding of the factors that impact research design for business and management students. You explore the ethical principles underpinning business research, research methodologies, data type, collection and analysis, research methods and how to present a research proposal and dissertation.

Using a range of self-diagnostic tools to evaluate your personal strengths and areas for development, you develop a strong sense of awareness of your own skills and values and are introduced to a range of alternative debates on individual, group, leader and organisational behaviour. The skills developed will help your ability to perform effectively over time, with an awareness of differing cultural contexts and operating environments.

You will integrate your learning and development and synthesise knowledge and understanding of theory and practice through its application to organisational issues, which are demonstrably concerned with development within the organisation. You are supported throughout the process by a supervising tutor who will monitor progress and ensure that you are appraised of your on-going performance. Usually the dissertation should be completed within one year.

You develop a critical understanding of the international business environment, concentrating particularly on the impact of cultural differences on individuals and organisations, and the effects of developments in the global economy. Teaching on the module is divided into two parts. The cultural aspects look at topics such as the nature of culture and its implications for management, communication, conflict and negotiation. The economics part develops the tools needed to analyse some of the principal issues facing business in the global economy, for example, international trade, economic development and growth, shifts in world economic activity and the effects of policies on the environment.

Effective organisations need to develop a strategic approach to the attraction and retention of staff, analysing their key employment markets and gaining an understanding of their dynamics so as to enable them to compete more effectively, both now and in the future. Indeed, human resource planning to enable an organisation to meet its future demand for skills is an increasingly important HR role. This module focuses on the practical and strategic aspects of the key HRP processes including recruitment and selection, employee retention and employee release.

This module aims to facilitate an informed critical examination of the concepts relevant to the discipline of human resource development, and develop the professional competence required to perform effectively in roles associated with the design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development.

You develop a systematic understanding of the nature of organisations and how they function and a critical awareness of the current challenges facing contemporary organisations. You are encouraged to critically reflect on the leadership skills and values required to better support organisations through the difficult challenges they may encounter.