Academic and Employability Skills and Research Methods and Masters Dissertation

Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of choosing, justifying and implementing an appropriate & systematic research methodology and methods for the successful completion of a major research project in a given time and with appropriate resources.

Learning Outcome 2: Knowledge and understanding of a range of hard and soft skills and competencies required for research, employability, and entrepreneurship.

IPSA 1 Systematically identify your pathways-specific complex business problem, plan and execute a major research project on a contemporary business, and then present your report to the relevant stakeholders thus demonstrating skills to solve complex business problems.

IPSA 2 Be able to critically apply, analyse, synthesise and evaluate a range of discipline-specific concepts, theories and models, as well as demonstrate competency in choosing & implementing an appropriate research methodology, and collecting and analysing data for your chosen research topic.

PVA 1 Demonstrate curiosity and critical awareness of professional, ethical, social, legal and sustainability issues in research and also about the processes involved in the research, including reflection upon your own ethical values, job relevant skills, meeting targets, self-direction, originality, independence and the contribution of the research to the topic area.

Instructions on Assessment
This strand will be assessed by one summative assessment: A Personal Development Plan (for your chosen field of work) of 1,500 words which comprises the following three components:

Part 1: Academic Report (750 words)
Write a critical evaluation of employment, career and entrepreneurial opportunities within your chosen field of work. Use a range of relevant literature, both academic and professional sources, to inform your writing.
Present your writing as an academic report. Divide your report into relevant sections which may include some of the following:
Knowledge, skills and competencies
Employment sectors / Roles / Career paths
Employment opportunities
Entrepreneurial opportunities
Challenges
Rewards

Decide which sections are most appropriate for your field and include an introduction and conclusion.
Your ‘chosen field of work' must be clearly related to your study pathway specialism. For example, if you are studying Business with Finance, Investment Banking is a relevant field, whereas Hotel Management is not.

Part 2: Self-analysis and Action Plan (750 words)
Write a self-analysis that identifies your strengths and weaknesses in relation to your chosen field of work/career path. Include three action points for personal development to enhance your readiness for your career goals. Use a range of relevant literature, both academic and professional sources, to inform your reflection.

Part 3: Portfolio of completed tasks
Provide evidence of completed tasks and ‘Turnitin' submission receipts.
(A. Library search task sheet / B. Evaluate sources task sheet / C. Annotated reading list / D. Report outline / E. Personal SWOT analysis / F. SMART action plan). These should be appendices to your assignment.
Professional presentation of your assessment and portfolio completion.
You must present all three components (Part1, Part 2 and Part 3) as one document. (Use MS Word or equivalent)
You must present your work to the academic standard commensurate with Level 7 following APA style guidelines on formatting and style.