Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this final project module is to enable IMBA students to undertake a significant piece of independent applied research in the field of management and its related disciplines. 

In many ways serving as the culmination of the International MBA programme, the final project can integrate knowledge from various management disciplines in order to focus on a real business problem. Indeed, the project has a more business-focused format than a traditional dissertation, and it is expected that students will make recommendations for business practice, either for their own companies or the wider sector and industry.

Learning outcomes

A.Identify, apply and critically evaluate an appropriate methodology for investigating a management issue or problem.
B.Locate, understand, and critically evaluate previous research and theory, of relevance to the project topic. 
C. Demonstrate the real-world impact of the project, and make useful recommendations for organisations and their management. 
D.Apply data gathering and analysis skills to perform problem diagnostics, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate solutions to a management issue or problem.
E.Successfully produce a scholarly, well-written, coherent and well-presented piece of work. 
F.Demonstrate an analytical and critical approach to problem definition, and derive appropriate research questions (and/or hypotheses) therein.  
G.Accurately, coherently and persuasively communicate the project content and methodology in an oral presentation.

Method of teaching and learning

The module runs during the second year of the IMBA, namely semester 3 and semester 4. And the teaching and learning contains two parts:

First, independent research is undertaken by the student with the support and advice of a supervisor from IBSS faculty.

Second, students are expected to devote at least 590 hours of unsupervised time to private study during the entire second year of the study to complete this module.

Third, students are required to attend 5 seminars of two hours each, delivered by the module leader, providing general advice and guidance on project structuring, problem definition, research methods and data analysis.