BA Business Information Management Work-Based Project September 2003

Session Objectives To give you a brief introduction to the style and content of the Work-Based Project Module, so that you understand what is required of you, and what sorts of things you need to undertake. To provide you with the information you will need in order to carry out preliminary tasks effectively

What exactly is the Work- Based Project? This is a module accredited by Liverpool Hope in which you undertake tasks largely decided by you either within or for an organisation. There is a great deal of flexibility in what you can do, how you do it, and when you do it within the semester.

What sorts of things are intended? The idea behind WBP is that you are carrying out a project over which you have a large measure of control, rather than just undertaking ‘work experience’. This project should be challenging and worthwhile.

For example? modifying or creating a web- site creating a marketing ‘multimedia’ package undertaking market research analysing or presenting data modifying or creating a database delivering IT or other training automating accounts/stock control

What is the purpose of it? The main purpose is to allow you to apply skills learnt during your time at Hope in a real-world context. An important subsidiary purpose is that this experience will help you develop as an autonomous learner.

How much work is involved? Exactly the same as on any other 15-credit module, 150 hours of student learning. In this case you are expected to spend about 10 days (approx hours) in the workplace, 40 hours of which will be doing the project. The other time is for research and write-up.

Are there any lectures or seminars? There are two lectures: this one (introduction) and one more at the end of the semester (reporting). You will also be entitled to four separate individual half-hour tutorial sessions with your project tutor. In addition you will be given a ‘reporting’ slot in January.

How will I know what to do? You have been given a brief version of the module handbook. You will need to read this carefully. The full version is on the MCC. You can log in under your name (password = your student ID)

Do I have to find my own placement? The short answer is ‘yes’. As stated earlier, an important aspect of the module is autonomy, and part of this is that you find the placement. There are three ways suggested: ‘Cold Calling’ to organisations you would wish to work with or work for. Business Bridge Using your part-time job. There are some additional possible placements held in reserve.

How do I introduce myself to an employer? On the MCC is a letter of introduction from Liverpool Hope. You need to make an electronic copy of this letter, amend it with your details, and print it off.

What sort of things can I do in the workplace? This is really up to you. You are free to negotiate, within certain constraints, any project which fits certain basic Academic Criteria.

What are the criteria for the project? It should take around 40 hours to complete. It must be academically challenging. You must either be learning or applying new skills. It must require the use of ICT. It must have value and be relevant to the organisation.

How do I find out who my project tutor is? The BIM Notice Board just outside the IBITE school office have lists of students and their tutor. It is up to you to initiate contact with your tutor.

What happens in the tutorials? The content and structure of each of the four tutorials is clearly- defined. You will find all the details on the MCC. You will need to prepare for the tutorials in advance.

Who decides on my project? You do! However, you must negotiate the project with your employer, and discuss it in depth with your project tutor. The end result of this process will be a negotiated learning agreement which specifies what you are doing and what the outcomes will be.

What exactly is a ‘Negotiated Learning Agreement’? It is a document which describes what you intend to do, and where and when you intend to do it. It will contain project outcomes and learning outcomes. It will contain agreed percentages and deadlines for submission. It will be discussed and agreed with your project tutor, and your employer.

How do I complete my Negotiated Learning Agreement (NLA)? A copy of the NLA is in your brief handbook, and you can get an electronic copy from the MCC. There is also a set of guidelines on the MCC explaining precisely how to fill in the NLA. This is the first major task of the module. You will be expected to have a draft of this ready to be discussed at the first full meeting with your tutor, either next week or the week after.

What else am I expected to submit for Assessment? There are four elements of Assessment Negotiated Learning Agreement (10%) Project Action Planning (20%) Project Portfolio(30%) Project Report(40%)

When are the deadlines for these Assessments? You must submit to the School Office: A Negotiated Learning Agreement by Friday October 17 th, 3.00pm. Your Action Planning, Portfolio and Report by Friday January 9 th, 3.00pm. You will be called for a viva or presentation during the week of January 12 th -19 th.

How do I keep on track? The MCC will contain advice on a week-by- week basis, telling you what you should be doing and when. However, this makes the assumption that you are undertaking your work-based project as a one-day per week placement over 10 weeks.

When do I need to start? There is a suggested programme in the handbook, which suggests that: This week you should be making contact with a possible employer and your tutor. Next week you should be putting together a learning contract. The week after, you should be putting together and submitting an action plan. These are the earliest dates by which you could reasonably be expected to do these things. However, if you have not got under way by the end of next week, you will probably disadvantage yourself.

What do I do now? Firstly, get on to the MCC and read the information. Secondly. make contact with your tutor to say ‘hello’, and to make your first real appointment. Thirdly, start thinking about possible placements and projects. Finally, examine the NLA in the handbook, and begin to complete it.

Where can I find more Information? If you don’t know what to do, consult 1. The Module Handbook (brief version) 2. The MCC: The BIM/IBITE Notice Boards 4. Your Project Supervisor 5. Tony Fleet (NB... as a last resort!)