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This syllabus should be read in conjunction with the Course Specification Document; the University
Catalogue; and the relevant Programme Specification (via the University’s website http://www.richmond.ac.uk)
Course Description:
The senior project forms the culmination of a student’s studies in the business major. It consists of a
research project and seminars, in which a variety of issues, some topical, are discussed. Some discussions
will relate directly to the project. The project requires a significant level of enquiry and research in
business and management, and will typically investigate a hypothesis or issue on a relevant topic. Following
a literature survey in the early part of the semester, students will conduct individual research work on an
agreed topic. The supervisor(s) will facilitate the process through regularly-scheduled meetings.
Prerequisites:
MGT 304 or MGT 5210
Aims and Objectives:
The Course provides students with the opportunity to work independently to develop their ability to make
critical and evaluative judgments. It is expected that this will provide an opportunity to integrate
learning with practice, developing the student’s ability to be an effective, reflective manager. By
completing their project, students should demonstrate that they are able to produce work that is relevant to
their pathway / concentration and in professional practice, and has an academic standing at honours level.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a successful student should be able to
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Select, evaluate and apply critical management thinking to an organisational issue or problem.
2. Critically evaluate the techniques and processes used to investigate an important organisational issue or
problem.
3. Synthesise information to arrive at a coherent conclusion.
4. Critically evaluate the implications for the recommendations presented.
5. Critically reflect on their development of knowledge, skills and techniques used during the preparation
of the dissertation.
Cognitive Skills
1. Understanding some of applications relating to the use of research.
2. Being able to synthesise information supported by primary and secondary research.
3. Evaluate critically work undertaken by themselves and others.
4. Present findings successfully.
5. Research material from a variety of sources and evidence critically.
Practical and/or Professional Skills
1. The ability to apply theoretical models to finding resolution for business problems.
2. Develop an awareness of the professional and managerial requirements of a manager both in attitude and
skills
Key Skills
1. Effective oral and written communication skills in a range of media.
2. Ability to develop strong analytical skills through listening and reflecting.
3. Knowledge and understanding in the context of the subject.
4. Time management: organising and planning work.
5. Independent working.
6. Planning, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating own learning and development.
Threshold criteria
• Be able to complete a preliminary investigation in order to arrive at a research question that is judged
by the supervisor(s) to be manageable and plausible for further follow up.
• Be able to demonstrate use of information (e.g., descriptive statistical analysis and other basic tools),
in conjunction with good writing skills, to present a straightforward analysis of some cause and effect
factors within organizational decision making.
• Be able to combine basic research skills (asking questions and following through) with knowledge from
course material within the major (finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, fashion management & marketing,
international business) in order to conduct an investigation with several recommendations and conclusions.
Programme outcomes are listed in the programme specifications found at
http://www.richmond.ac.uk/content/academic-schools/academic-registry/program-and-course-specifications.aspx
Programme Outcomes
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7
B2, B2, B3, B4, B5
C1, C2
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5
Course Schedule Summary (optional):
These will be discussed in the very first class.
Teaching Methods:
The teaching method is a combination of some large group meetings and independent research that is
supervised by an instructor. Student and supervisor will agree on a research question, which will then be
further investigated by the student. The topics need to relate to a current issue in business and or
management. It can be expected that the student and supervisor meet once/twice a week to discuss the
student’s research progress and for the student to receive feedback on partial work submitted to the
supervisor.
Assessment Criteria:
The overall grade of the Senior Project will be calculated as follows:
Written Project (8,000-10,000 words): 85%
Oral Presentation (up to 10 minutes): 15%
Submission dates
A minimum of three bound copies (preferably spiral-bound) are required. The date for the oral presentation
is 10th April 2015 and the deadline for submission of the project will be 17th April 2015.
This course conforms to the Richmond University Writing Intensive Assessment Norms found at
https://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
The written work will be assessed on the basis of the following:
1. Quality of underlying thesis
2. Quality of Analytical Framework
3. Quality and Extent of Literature Review
4. Methodological approach chosen for investigation
5. Structure and Coherence
6. Writing Style and Presentation
7. Validity of recommendations
8. Conclusions
The precise balance for the above will vary from project to project.
You will have to make an oral presentation of your work to a group of interested peers and faculty. The oral
presentation will be assessed according to verbal skills, non-verbal skills and content.
All assessment criteria conform with Assessment Norms (Writing Intensive Assessment Norms) found at
https://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx).
This class follows the Late Submission of Coursework Policy and Feedback Norms outlined below and found at
https://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
Marking Scheme:
A
4.0 The candidate has demonstrated that s/he has mastery over the skills and knowledge set out for the
course of study. S/he has the ability to apply meaningfully the skills and knowledge to problems, and
related issues, as these relate to a wide range of settings. In addition the candidate has demonstrated that
s/he has an excellent grasp of the skills and knowledge set out for the course of study. S/he has the
ability to apply his/her skills to a wide range of issues. S/he ought to be able to critically evaluate
issues.
A –
3.7 The candidate has demonstrated his/her ability to grasp complex material. S/he can analyze independently
and has a very good ability at applying his/her knowledge and skills to well-defined problem sets.
B +
3.3 The candidate has demonstrated his/her ability to grasp material well beyond the reach of the average
candidate. S/he can articulate a case very well and has good problem-solving skills for well-defined problem
sets. S/he is capable of independent work.
B
3.0 The candidate has reached a good overall standard. His/her skills and knowledge set permit him/her to
conduct an adequate analysis of many difficult problems within her/his field of study. S/he has demonstrated
his/her potential for some independent work.
B –
2.7 The candidate displays some ability to do good work. Only with some direction and supervision is it
possible for him/her to make a good contribution to his/her field. His/her skills and knowledge set are just
adequate to allow him/her to do some independent work in her field.
C +
2.3 The candidate’s skills and knowledge set are sufficient to allow him/her the opportunity of performing
work in his/her field which meets minimum acceptable standards. Ability to perform independent work is
limited.
C
2.0 The candidate’s skills and knowledge set are only sufficient to permit work in his/her field. His/her
ability to perform independent work is very limited.
C –
1.7 The candidate’s skills and knowledge set are barely sufficient to permit work of average quality in
his/her field. Ability to perform independent work is very limited.
D +
1.3 Whilst quite weak the candidate has demonstrated potential to do work of only average quality. No basis
for working independently at a good level.
D
1.0 The candidate is too weak to make a meaningful contribution other than under the closest of supervision.
Problem-solving skills are not well developed at all.
D –
0.7 Really indistinguishable from a failing grade. The candidate has showed just a trace of a relevant skill
set thought of as minimum requirements for the field of study.
F
0.0 The candidate has failed to reach minimum passing standards.
Other Academic Information (optional):
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