FINAL WORKPLACE RESEARCH PROJECT (APPRENTICESHIP) - 2021/2

Module Overview

The Applied Workplace Research Project is one that represents the learner’s skills, knowledge and behaviours as stated in the standard. It provides a substantive evidence base from a business-related project to demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge. The project will take place towards the end of the learnership – likely to be during the final year – and will also be part of the Management Degree activity.

The End Point Assessment integrates the project outcomes and presentation into the overall synoptic assessment. Each project must enable the following to be demonstrated:

• The application of knowledge and skills to meet the outcomes in the standard

• The approach to planning and completion of the project

• The application of behaviours from the standard

It is designed to assess learners in a consistent way, irrespective of their workplace. Because of the significance of the project, the employer and Surrey Business School will work together with the learner to agree a project that is achievable within the employer’s business constraints whilst meeting the needs of the standard.

The project should be conducted as part of the learner’s normal work. The employer should make allowance, in terms of time and resource, for the project to be undertaken. Any elements which need to be undertaken outside of normal work should be agreed between the employer, the learners and Surrey Business School so that learners are not disadvantaged in any way from performing their job and meeting the requirements of the project.

The completed project work will be submitted to the Surrey Business School for assessment as part of the degree, and to the independent assessor at End Point assessment who will ensure that it demonstrates competence across the Learnership Standard

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

HOLLAND Anna (SBS)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Through completion of the work based final research project the learners will be able to demonstrate:

• Project management skills

• Applied problem definition skills and techniques

• Assessment of context & background

• Selection of appropriate methodology (using quantitative and qualitative research as appropriate)

• Analysis & discussion (business data, case studies, critical appraisal of evidence)

• Appropriate and justified recommendations

• Comprehensive implementation and delivery plan

• Applied evaluative conclusion (key findings of project)

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

• Not applicable

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to enable learners to demonstrate the learning outcomes, knowledge, skills and behaviours covered within the module, and to further develop the application of theory to their workplace practice.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Assessment 1

This is a substantive work-based project (Maximum 5000 words) set within the context of the organisational strategy of the learner’s workplace, thus making efficient use of resources available to demonstrate the learner’s application of knowledge, skills and behaviours. As a synoptic assessment, learners should follow the guidance listed below to ensure sufficient opportunities to demonstrate the learning outcomes from the Standard are evidenced:

The project must:

• Evidence application of knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the Standard

• Demonstrate an effective approach to planning and completion of the project

• Evidence application of behaviours from the Standard

• Be well-structured and demonstrate good written presentation skills

• Demonstrate effective management of self to complete the project within agreed timescales

The project should:

• Follow the principles of project management as appropriate

• Include financial considerations as appropriate

• Consider sales and marketing as appropriate

• Include innovation and digital technologies as appropriate

• Include leading people as appropriate

• Include managing people as appropriate

• Include collaborative relationships as appropriate

• Demonstrate effective management of self as appropriate

• Demonstrate effective management of self as appropriate

• Demonstrate effective management of self to complete this project within agreed timescales

• Demonstrate factors affecting problem solving and decision making as appropriate

Assessment 2

In preparation for End Point Assessment, and in line with the Apprenticeship Assessment Plan learners will prepare and deliver a mock project presentation. The presentation focuses on the outcomes of the Work Based Project. The learner will video record a 15-minute presentation which describes the objectives and outputs of their work-based project, and will demonstrate:

• What the apprentice set out to achieve

• What they have produced in the project

• How they approached the work and dealt with any issues

• Confirm the demonstration of appropriate interpersonal and behavioural skills

The primary focus of the presentation will be on the work undertaken during the project.

While the mock presentation will receive an assessment mark and feedback for the purpose of this module and for achievement of the Degree, it should be noted that this not in any way indicative of the final grade which will be assessed and awarded through Independent End Point Assessment.

Formative assessment

Learners will work regularly in groups and as individuals, participating in classroom or online discussion forums, webinars etc., to demonstrate their understanding of the subject contents and application.

Feedback

Learners will be given formal feedback on their assessments in line with the University’s policy on assessment and feedback, and within the current three-week feedback period. Learners will receive regular, informal feedback on their contribution throughout the module.

Module aims

• • Strategically innovate or address an existing business problem within the learners current organisation
• • Encourage learners to demonstrate their capabilities of analysing business problems and critically evaluating potential solutions
• • Draw on previous learning including project management, problem definition and data analysis to support the development and outcome of the project through the application of theoretical concepts, models, tools and techniques

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The hours listed within the overall student workload section represent off-the-job learning.

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to incorporate a blended learning approach, centred around the key online learning design principles of – Learner-centred; Useful; Engaging; Flexible; Consistent; Supportive and Accessible.

In line with the Learnership Off the Job Training guidance, the teaching and learning undertaken on this module will reflect the following categories of training:

1. Teaching of Theory – may include lectures, role play, simulation exercises, online learning, research and networking)

2. Practical Training – may include shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions

3. Learning support and time spent writing assignments and partaking in assessments

4. Reflective learning and self-evaluation to impart new knowledge, skills and behaviours only.

Learners completing this module will undertake a combination of campus-based sessions and online directed learning activities supported through SurreyLearn. Learners, with support from their employers, will be expected to demonstrate accountability and commitment to effectively managing their agreed off-the-job training hours to complete required learning activities and assessments. Learners should take an active part in any asynchronous activities such as forums, wikis, blogs etc., as well as synchronous activities (i.e. virtual meetings, webinars etc.) as appropriate. Participation in these activities will be essential to the successful achievement of the learning outcomes in this module.

Learners will be expected to review the progress of their project with their Employer to actively seek support as required to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timescales, and to a high quality.

Learners will be allocated a Project Supervisor to provide support and guidance as required.

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: MAN3192

Other information

Through completion of the learning and assessments for this module, it is expected that most learners will be able to produce suitable evidence for their Portfolio of Evidence to fully or partially meet specific assessment criteria for the following areas of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Standard. Learners may also refer to the CMDA Assessment Plan for further information. Learners are expected to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours as appropriate to their project, however it is expected that the following outcomes will be demonstrated in all projects: Operational Strategy 1.3. Support the development of organisational strategies and plans (S) 1.5. Produce reports that clearly present information and data, using a range of interpretation and analytical processes (S) 1.6. Gain wide support to deliver successful outcomes (S) Project Management 2.3. Plan, organise and manage resources in order to achieve organisational goals (S) 2.4. Identify key outcomes, develop and implement plans and monitor progress, and provide reports as required (S) 2.5. Proactively identify risk and create plans for their mitigation (S) 2.6. Initiate, lead and drive change within the organisation, identifying barriers/ challenges and how to overcome them (S) 2.7. Use widely recognised project management tools (S) Digital Business and New Technologies 5.3. Identify service/organisational improvements and opportunities for innovation and growth, using qualitative and quantitative analysis of information and data and benchmarking against others (S) Communication 6.4. Communicate clearly, effectively and regularly using oral, written and digital channels and platforms (S) Developing Collaborative Relationships 9.1. Approaches to stakeholder, customer and supplier management, developing engagement, facilitating cross functional working and negotiation (K) Decision Making 12.3. Use evidence-based tools and ethical approaches to undertake problem solving and critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation to support decision making (S) Takes Responsibility (B) • Drive to achieve in all aspects of work • Demonstrates resilience and determination when managing difficult situations • Seeks new opportunities underpinned by commercial acumen and sound judgement Inclusive (B) • Open, approachable, authentic, and able to build trust with others • Seeks the views of others and values diversity internally and externally Agile (B) • Flexible to the needs of the organisation • Is creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs • Positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and need for change • Open to new ways of working and new management theories Professional (B) • Sets an example, and is ethical, fair, consistent and impartial • Operates within organisational values and adheres to the requirements of relevant • professional bodies. Learners will have access to full guidance from the selected End Point Assessment Organisation prior to planning and undertaking the project. K – Knowledge S – Skills B – Behaviours Degree apprenticeships are delivered over three teaching blocks: • Teaching Block 1 - September - December • Teaching Block 2 - January - April • Teaching Block 3 - May - August

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 2021/2 academic year.