Introductory description

The work-based project module offers students the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of work-based research, that adds value to the organisation, acting as the major project portion of the academic programme. The module helps students to identify an appropriate work-based scenario that can be used to produce a piece of work with appropriate academic rigour for the level of programme and that adds value to the organisational context. Proposals will be generated by students in discussion with managers, colleagues and University academic staff. With the project being focused on the workplace supervision will be undertaken by both the University and the organisation to ensure alignment with parallel objectives. In the case of Degree Apprenticeship students the work-based project will constitute the End Point Assessment for integrated standards. The work based project is expected to cover all specialist KSBs for each stream (as defined in the DTS Standard) and relevant core KSBs in the project.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Work-based and self-directed learning
Management and organisation of self and work-based project
Developing practitioner research skills and applying them within a specific work context
Selecting a project and generating research questions
Formulation of relevant objectives to address academic and organisational needs
Scoping and management of the project
Development of a robust proposal
Carrying out literature research
Primary research methods
Data analysis methods relevant to the chosen topic
Presentation of results
Presentation of the project to meet academic and organisational needs through written and verbal methods

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Generate a project proposal that defines a research area that will enable the demonstration of work-based skills and clearly addresses a specified business need
• Critically analyse literature relevant to the chosen research topic
• Evaluate and apply appropriate research methods to enable the achievement of the stated aims and objectives to meet the specified business need
• Analyse the ethical principles associated with the project from research and business perspective, adhering to relevant professional codes throughout
• Critically present the outcomes of the project and demonstrate the successful achievement of the project in line with the specified business need
• Critically reflect on the KSBs used to achieve the project
• Present and discuss the project outcomes effectively using an appropriate range of media

Indicative reading list

Workman B and Nottingham P (2015) Work-based projects, in Helyer R (Ed.) (2015) The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook, 2nd Edition. London: Palgrave, ISBN 978-1-137-41383-3
Costley, C., Elliot, G.C. and Gibbs, P. (2010) Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers. London: Sage. ISBN 978-1848606784

Additional reading will be based on the nature of the topic and research methods chosen by the student.

Research element

The work-based project represents the significant project on the programme and also fulfils EPA requirements for degree apprenticeship students. As with all major projects it will develop the ability to make a reasoned selection of approaches to the research methodology, data collection techniques and data analysis and will further develop skills in explaining how these are appropriate to the aims and objectives of the WBL project.

Subject specific skills

This will depend on the topic of the project, but elements of the course will be referenced and applied throughout the project to include, where relevant, the knowledge, skills and behaviours that apprentices are required to demonstrate.
The project is seen as an opportunity to aggregate the subject skills developed throughout the course and synthesise them to address an identified, real world, business need. . The project will be expected to cover all specialist KSB and relevant core KSBs given in the DTS Standard (https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/digital-and-technology-solutions-professional-integrated-degree-v1-1)

Transferable skills

The ability to identify, analyse, synthesise and evaluate a range of sources of knowledge and evidence including secondary and primary methods of research.

Demonstrate an in depth understanding of ethical principles and a systematic understanding and coherent application of professional codes relevant to the WBL project.

An ability to critically reflect upon how the WBL project has been planned and put into operation.

An ability to present the outcomes of the research project using a range of methods depending on the requirements of the audience.