Business Project Assessment :The project requires each student to complete a piece of independent, supervised study based around the structure/ criteria shown below. This should complement the student’s taught programme (while avoiding duplication) and facilitate a detailed understanding of these business issues. Each individual project is, by definition, a unique piece of work. However, it should be remembered that each project must use a variety of academic theories/ models to discuss and analyse the areas mentioned in the Scheme of Work below:
• Students choose ONE Multinational company
• Each student then has to research and discuss two aspects out of the three areas suggested. These two core areas should be interlinked as shown below, – in relation to their chosen company. This must be from a worldwide perspective and using relevant theory as a framework.
Structure of the Project
• Title page
• Introduction (500 words)
1) Choose 2 from the 3 suggested areas below: Research relevant academic models and literature and apply to your chosen company.
2) Comparative Analysis of the company’s competitive position in its various markets (1800 words)
3) What does the company need to consider when trading across borders – (1800 words
4) What considerations should your company look at when trying to create Social Impact (1800 words)
5) In addition to the above, Critically evaluate and analyse academic theories related to your two chosen areas, and discuss what your company needs to consider to enhance their business. (1000 words)
• Conclusion linked to the earlier critical analysis (700 words)
Ø Total: approximately 5000 words
• Full bibliography/ reference list using the Harvard system ( Note: Appendices are not permitted)

Progression:
The business project module starts 22nd June 2015.
The Learning Outcomes are :
• Knowledge and understanding; (a) understand how to critically review a variety of theories relevant to the study, (b) Identify and explore key company data.
• Subject Specific skills ; (a) Pursue a clear set of aims and objectives; (b) Draw appropriate conclusions from the study.
• Key skills; (a) critically analyse empirical data using appropriate theoretical frameworks; (b) Create and sustain a substantial and coherent written argument based on independent study.

• Layout, indicative content and exploration of 2 out of 3 required themes explained in Lecture 1.

Students are asked to select ONE Multi National Company; to choose the 2 themes that they will concentrate upon; and to carry out some general reading, thematic and theoretical research for the start of the module. This should help to put into context the selection of a MNC and choice of themes/ theoretical framework.
In June/July 2015 the initial three lectures will be carried out along with some workshops which help to confirm the choice of MNC for each student. Areas of research will be identified with support material uploaded to Nile to help students identify a good “company / themes / theories” fit.
The lectures and workshops have been structured around some of the following areas, with supporting research links and material provided for the students on Nile , so that they are encouraged to carry out more individual research :
• Required format/ structure; word counts; Literature review research; Academic writing and Referencing
• The growth of Globalisation – influences and outcomes
• The Role of Multi National Companies and the environments within which they sit
• MNC growth and competitiveness and the market influences they have.
• Trading across Borders and the implications for MNC’s
• Leadership of MNC’s
• Corporate Social responsibility; the impact of MNC’s
Work will then move into individual monitoring of progression, and to facilitate as much 1-2-1 review work as possible, along with the lectures and workshops. Groups will be managed so that students will be seen individually each week.
The content of these meetings are recorded on individual monitoring sheets, filled in by Supervising lecturers, where the students’ work is monitored, reviewed and agreed upon for the next stage.
Each meeting/workshop therefore covers :
• Student explains how much work and progression has been achieved since the last meeting
• Lecturer reviews this work at each meeting and advises where appropriate.
• New targets are set and agreed between lecturer and student, and the student and lecturer sign the monitoring form (student takes copy if required).
• This means that the individual work is being monitored and directed each week and is on track for the submission date agreed with University of Northampton.
• This system also highlights the students who do not attend regularly and they are contacted by lecturers to ensure that contact is maintained.
• Progress levels are proactively encouraged where required, as is the requirement for independent research.
• Deadline for 80% completed work to be set when Supervisor 1-2-1’s start.
Isobel Wood. 22nd June 2015.