Research and Professional Skills (CRN 72253)

Generic Module Assessment Feedback

Summer 2008 – Masters Awards (EMBA, FTMBA)

Overall module performance of students was good, with the cohort of 44 candidates
achieving an overall average module mark of 54%. Highest and Lowest assessment marks
for the module were 65% and 21%.

The examination paper produced a good spread of marks across the group, discriminating
appropriately the abilities of candidates with respect to their subject ability. Better
answers managed to critically integrate more theory and to apply the tools and techniques
selectively and pointedly. A few candidates failed to fully address the question, either
through misinterpretation or sheer lack of focus. This particularly impacted upon their
marks.

As per previous cohort all candidates completed answers to both compulsory questions,
indicating that the time element was sufficient. Some candidates however invested
insufficient allocated time in one of the two questions consequently affecting their overall
assessment performance potential.

Examination Question Review

SECTION A (Compulsory)
Candidates were expected to discuss their individual development during the module’s
assessed group consultancy project (coursework 40%). The context of this discussion was
challenges faced within a consultancy group working context.

Poor candidates presented a descriptive account of their skills development throughout

the module.
Good candidates were able to critically reflect using a number of examples of experienced
project challenges to emphasise specific actions in relation to identified skills
development issues.

Very good candidates were able to critically reflect on course materials and how these
related to their individual skills development experiences.

Once again very few candidates were able to demonstrate a clear understanding of
reflection by referring to their preparation for a challenge, their experiences and
feedback received during, their reflections and feedback received subsequently and their
consequent action plans and development going forward.

Most candidates were able to clearly communicate and appropriately structure their
analysis and discussion

SECTION B (Compulsory)
Candidates were expected to present a project proposal for the business scenario
presented in the brief case study provided during the exam.

Poor candidates offered unclear or multiple project rationale and/or a descriptive outline
of one or all key proposal components with little justification and/or appropriate
supporting evidence. Good candidates were able to critically outline how existing
research will be sourced and used to contextualise and underpin the proposed project.
Good candidates additionally critically justified relevant research design components.

Few candidates were able to support their justification with relevant reference to
appropriate assessment criteria – e.g. validity, replicability, generalisabilty. Most
candidates were able to present adequate project planning considerations. A small
number of candidates additionally considered appropriate access or research ethics
considerations.

Individual results and reassessment instructions will be made available 26th June ’08.
Reassessment deadline 1pm, 8th August 2008.

SJ Woods (Module Leader) – June 2008