NX0328 - Contemporary Issues in Business

What will I learn on this module?

On this module, you will learn about critical thinking and reflection, and doing so, you will develop the necessary critical skills to perform both of these effectively as a learner in higher education. You will learn about the necessary academic skills required to undertake a critical review of existing literature on a contemporary issue within the business and management disciplines. On completing this, you will be able to a critical literature review on a subject appropriate to your degree programme.

Here, you will be introduced to the module, before identifying how to select a contemporary issue within business and management. You will learn about the development of critical thinking and what is meant by a literature review as well as the importance of being able to write a literature review.

You will learn how to get started in this development; by searching for sources and developing essential research skills including reviewing literature and critical evaluation, before going onto develop you own critical literature review which represents the module assessment.

How will I learn on this module?

There will be a small number of supporting lectures (4 lectures each of 1 hour duration) at various points in the delivery of the module presenting key features of the module content, but the main vehicle for learning will be a 2-hour weekly seminar.

This Module builds on subject specific modules and allows you to develop your critical analysis of published research in your chosen discipline area. It is intended that the literature review will be closely allied to your preferred field of professional employment (and degree title).

The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal workshop sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading.

Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the e-learning platform.

Independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection and research.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The lecture and seminar sessions you will receive will be provided by a subject expert relating to your chosen degree programme.

Formative support and feedback will take place through the use of workshop discussion and reflection, blended learning and online support. Further formative assessment will come from you working close with your workshop tutor in the identification and analysis of the business problem/issue, e.g. a range of journal papers will be reviewed and critically analysed in the workshops. Criteria (including a detailed marking scheme) will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected and how you will be assessed on your performance.

Feedback on your summative performance in this module will be provided through oral feedback on your topic and progress on your work. The completed literature review will be returned with annotated comments and a breakdown of component marks along with justifications for the marks given.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Learned how to research, critically evaluate and apply theory to a contemporary issue. [MLO1]

Conducted an extended literature review involving the critical evaluation of appropriate concepts, theories, models, frameworks and principles against business and management practice (i.e. synthesis of theory and practice). [MLO2]

How will I be assessed?

This module will be assessed by the submission of a 5,000-word literature review on a current issue within the business and management disciplines / their programme; related research area. This will assess MLO1 and MLO2.

Formative assessment will take place through the use of workshop discussion and reflection, blended learning and online support. Further formative assessment will come from you working close with your workshop tutor in the identification and analysis of the business problem/issue, e.g. a range of journal papers will be reviewed and critically analysed in the workshops. Criteria (including a detailed marking scheme) will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected and how you will be assessed on your performance.

Feedback on your summative performance in this module will be provided through oral feedback on your topic and progress on your work. The completed literature review will be returned with annotated comments and a breakdown of component marks along with justifications for the marks given.

Pre-requisite(s)

None.

Co-requisite(s)

None.

Module Abstract

If you are a Level 6, direct entrant onto a Newcastle Business School top-up degree programme, you will take this module. You will be expected to undertake an individual investigation into an applied business problem related to your programme specialism. To do this, you will develop a topic based on existing research with the support of a workshop tutor allocated according to subject specialism. This individual investigation will draw on relevant academic theories, concepts and frameworks and will result in a critical synthesis of business practice and academic theory.

On this module, you are taught through a series of workshops and lectures. This workshop programme is supported by directed reading and advice specific to your investigation of a specific business issue/problem and will support the development of your professional awareness and competence.

In semester 1 of study on your top-up degree programme, a session will be delivered introducing this module and a list of topics relevant to the current issues within the area of your study. You are then required to select a topic of your choice (which could relate to some aspect of your employment, academic interest or potential future study) or choose a topic from the list of suggested topics. The module itself will then commence in semester 2 of your programme.

The module is particularly is particularly useful in that it makes you aware of current issues and areas of importance within your chosen academic discipline, which gives you an advantage in the employment market, whilst this contemporary knowledge base supported by the relevant investigative study skills are particularly useful for those students aspiring to higher level studies such as Masters’ programme.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Location Hong Kong

City Hong Kong

Start September

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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