CAPSTONE PROJECT - 2020/1

Module Overview

The Capstone Project is designed to enable students to develop an advanced ability to select, define, research, analyse, develop solutions and reach evidence-based conclusions to an issue relevant to their programme of study by undertaking an independent research project.

The module is conceived as the final project, integrating the learning from the entire programme and offering an opportunity to apply it to a relevant area of study by conducting an original piece of research under academic supervision.

The module supports two simultaneous and interrelated learning trajectories - professional development and academic research. At the end of the Capstone Project module, students will have developed advanced professional and research skills relevant to their programme of study. They will have completed a substantial research project focused on their own academic and professional interests.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

LANHAM-NEW William (SBS)

Number of Credits: 45

ECTS Credits: 22.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

n/a

Module content

The Capstone Project module includes taught sessions on business research methods as well as an independent integrative research project. Under the guidance of an academic supervisors, students undertake a research projects focused on an issue of their choice, relevant to their programme of study. They define and investigate the issue to propose evidence-based conclusions and recommendations. They present the results of their work in the Capstone Project Report.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

n/a

Assessment Strategy

The summative assessment for this module consists of a 8,000-word Capstone Project Report. The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:
Evidence of advanced subject-specific knowledge in the chosen area of study;
Ability to carry out a major applied research project in an area relevant to the programme of study;
Ability to report findings of research in writing clearly and effectively;
Ability to arrive at sound conclusions and recommendations based on original research;

Module aims

• To provide students with the experience of designing and conducting a substantial independent project.
• To provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills from their MSc programme to research in their chosen area of study.
• To enhance students' ability to develop effective, evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
• To demonstrate an awareness of any ethical dilemmas that arise at the course of conducting research in the area of business and management.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to ensuring that students achieve the learning outcomes for the module, relating to the professional and academic development of the student taking the Capstone Project module.
The academic supervisor advises on the research project via regular supervisory sessions. If students work on their research projects at remote locations, this support may be provided via phone, email or teleconference.
In addition, the module includes taught sessions dedicated to research methods and the development of personal and professional skills. These sessions are scheduled throughout the year and prepare students for the independent research phase of the module.
The learning and teaching methods include:
Self-directed learning pertains to engaging with learning materials and undertaking desk-research required for classroom participation and assessment.
Independent research: students learn through applying the knowledge and skills from the programme to their research project in an integrative and original manner;
Individual Supervisory Sessions support students in their project work through systematic review of progress, discussion and formative feedback from an academic supervisor. These may be conducted face-to-face or online (synchronously).
Lectures focus on business research methods and include exercises and activities designed to help students with the design and delivery of their research project.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM488

Other information

n/a

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.