Critically evaluate the impact of the external environment on organisations. Knowledge & Understanding. Enquiry LO2. Analyse and apply selected investigative techniques to interpret complex business challenges and propose

LO1. Critically evaluate the impact of the external environment on organisations.

Knowledge & Understanding. Enquiry

LO2. Analyse and apply selected investigative techniques to interpret complex business challenges and propose innovative and sustainable solutions.

Enquiry. Learning. Analysis. Application. Problem Solving. Communication

LO3. Plan, manage and implement a live consultancy project.

Application

LO4. Critically assess the practical implications for an organisation, stemming from your research

Analysis. Problem Solving

LO5. Reflect upon and evaluate your research, skills and personal development.

Analysis. Reflection

Assignment set by:	Miss. Adiba Hurain (adiba.tutor@cecos.ac.uk )
Assignment verified by:	Dr. Sajid Kazmi

For all elements of this module, you will be required to work alongside an employer and act as a consultant to identify an area of research which is valuable to the organisation. It is suggested you choose an organisation from the list provided on the Moodle which is best suited to your current areas of interest and/or career aspirations. You will be involved in real-time problem solving, recommending actions to your client.

Brief for 2025-26

Assessment 1: Project Proposal word document outlining organisational problem as well as possible and proposed solutions. (1,000 words) (20%) (LOs 1 & 2)

A proposal word document, consider exploring the following areas:

• Introduction of chosen Company (20%)

• Background /history of chosen company.

• Aim of issue to be investigated.

• Research project objectives.

• Critically evaluate the impact of the external environment on your chosen company.

• Influencing Literature (40%)

• Students present academic Literature that must demonstrate their understanding of the literature selected and explain the relevance to their research project.

• What theories/concepts are you going to be to applying to your organisation: what research, why the research, how much research and when are you going to be conducting this research

• Proposed Methodology (25%)

• This section should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the research process and differences between quantitative and qualitative research. [Research onion application]

• Gantt Chart/planning documentation.

• Chosen research methods secondary/primary research.

• Presentation of document (15%)
  • Fully referenced and confirming to Harvard guide
• Professional, clear, and informative. Creativity in design method chosen.

• Ethical Approval

For you to be able to conduct this research and work alongside a client of your choice you must ensure you have the Universitys ethical approval. You will submit your ethical approval documentation to Turnitin.

*Please note, these are not the definitive areas, and you should include information that you feel is relevant to your project.

Assessment 2: Poster Presentation- outlining the entire research project. Poster will showcase the context, the problem/issue, the methodological approach, key findings, conclusions, and a reflection on your personal and professional development.

(one Page 1000 words) (20%) (LO5)

[PLEASE view template on Moodle for assistance with layout of poster]

Produce a poster to showcase the content of your project. Ensure the poster has the following: –

• Introduction to Company (10%)
  • Background /history of the company.
• Aim and objectives.

• Methodology (15%)
  • Secondary research to include relevant literature, theories, and concepts.
• Primary research if conducted.

• Analysis of the key findings (25%)
  • Pictorial data with supporting evaluating analysis

• Conclusions and recommendations (25%)
  • What are the recommendations you are making to your organisation?
• Conclude project referring to your aim.

• Reflection you must use a reflective model. (10%)
  • Reflecting on the project, what changes would you make if you were to conduct the research again?

• Document presentation and referencing (15%)
  • Confirms to the Harvard guide.
• Academic underpinning
• Showcases the results of the study well.
• Attractive and information document

Assessment 3. Project Report- Written report outlining the business issue/problem, the methodological approach taken, and the findings from the research process. This must also include conclusions and practical recommendations for the organisation based on the investigation undertaken (4,000 words) (60%) (LOs 3 & 4)

[PLEASE view template on Moodle for assistance with layout of Report]

Using the feedback and research conducted in assessment 1, now plan, manage, and implement your project plan. You are required to research and draw on wider sources of both academic and industry related sources and data to fulfil the module assessment requirements. Students must ensure they conduct a critical reasoned evaluation from research methods chosen and draw robust conclusions and make recommendations relating to the project topic aim. You must also reflect on the research skills and development you have made throughout this module. You may consider exploring the areas in the structure below:

Chapter 1. Introduction of Company [15%]

• Background/history of the company.

• Aim, Objectives, and research questions.

• Brief overview of the external environment of your company.

Chapter 2. Literature Review [15%]

• What is currently known about this topic.

• Use literature to inform your project objectives.

Chapter 3- Project Methodology [15%]

• Research Philosophy Research onion.
• Analysis of data -quantitative and qualitative.
• Proof of Ethical Approval (Must be attached in appendices)

Chapter 4- Project Findings [15%]

• Discussion of findings relevant to the aims and objectives set.
• Have any patterns been identified in the data collected?

Chapter 5- Conclusion and recommendations [20%]

• What are the main conclusions: – were the project objectives achieved success/limitations of the research.
• What are the recommendations: – do they have reference to appropriate underpinning theory and/or frameworks.Are the recommendations provided realistic and achievable for the client?Have you critically assessed the practical implications for your company?

Chapter 6- Reflection [10%] [include a reflective model.]

• Make comments on how the experience has impacted your skills set and employability prospects.If you were to complete this project again, what would you do differently?

7.0. list of references and 8.0. Appendices [10%]

• Gantt chart schedule including milestones.
• Communications with client
• Recommendations tools created.

Task Marks and Word Count 60%	Weighting	Word count-4,000
Chapter 1- Introduction	15%	600 words
Chapter 2- Literature Review	15%	600 words
Chapter 3- Project Methodology	15%	600 words
Chapter 4- Project findings	15%	600 words
Chapter 5- Conclusions and recommendation.	20%	1,150 words
Chapter 6- Reflection	10%	4500 words
7.0. List of references and 8.0. Appendices	10%	n/a

Maximum Word Length

State the number of words used on the assignment front sheet. You may include diagrams, figures etc. without word penalty. A sliding scale of penalties for excess length will be imposed according to the amount by which the limit has been exceeded.

1-10% excess no penalty

11-20% excess 10% reduction in the mark

21-30% excess 20% reduction in the mark

31%+ excess the work will be capped at a pass

1. None of the above penaltieswill be used tochange your mark which is above the pass mark,to one that is below the pass mark. Therefore, the maximum penalty for exceeding the word limit will be a reduction to a pass grade.

Note: Title, reference list, appendices, tables (succinct with bullet points), graphs and figures used within the main body of the report are excluded from the word count.

Useful Information:

Library resources, study and research skills: http://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/libraryresources/

Exceptional Circumstances:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/exceptional-circumstances-procedure.jsp

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/info_centre/handbook/exceptional/

Regulations: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/Acadregs.jsp

Academic Conduct: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/academic-conduct-procedure.jsp

BUSS60001. Consultancy Project. Assessment 1, 2 and 3 Generic Undergraduate assessment Criteria Level 6