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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Make IT Happen: Challenge Based Project
Module Code BAA1093
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Description

Students are presented with a live digital transformation challenge by industry partners. The brief is to define the problem, engage in primary and secondary research, sense-check solutions and provide tangible, supported and viable recommendations. The module provides an opportunity for learners to exercise their creative, questioning, analytic and writing skills in a focused and practical manner while gaining formative feedback and input from industry mentors, academic leads and relevant stakeholders. The outcome involves a substantive piece of written work including core recommendations which can be creatively disseminated via innovative media.

Learning Outcomes

1. critically explore the existing evidence relevant to their assigned digital challenge
2. evaluate and apply different research tools and techniques useful for gaining further insights and understanding
3. demonstrate a capacity to use appropriate theory, frameworks and analytical tools to resolve business problems
4. draw realistic and justified conclusions, making practical and actionable recommendations for change
5. disseminate key recommendations through creative means
6. understand the value of formative feedback and develop skills working in diverse teams


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lectures/Seminars36Scheduled contact time (lectures/workshops/tutorials)
Independent Study60Independent research and reading
Fieldwork40Fieldwork / data collection related to the challenge
Assignment Completion50Group project work and collaboration
Assignment Completion30Preparation of analysis and recommendations
Assignment Completion20Preparation of presentation / creative dissemination
Assignment Completion14Reflection and engagement with formative feedback
Total Workload: 250
Section Breakdown
CRN21131Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorJoanne LynchModule TeacherRegina Connolly
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)Strategic situation analysis report25%n/a
Reflective journalReflective learning log15%n/a
Group presentationClient presentation35%n/a
Report(s)Final report25%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Challenge-Based Learning (CBL)
Principles of CBL, working with external partners, defining and understanding real-world challenges.

Understanding the Challenge Context
Exploring organisational context, stakeholder perspectives, and problem framing. Understanding industry, organisational or societal challenges presented by the client.

Evidence Gathering and Insight Generation
Reviewing relevant literature and industry evidence. Using research tools and techniques (e.g., interviews, surveys, observational methods, digital analytics) to gather insights relevant to the challenge.

Research Tools and Methods
Selection and application of appropriate research approaches to investigate the challenge. Use of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to develop understanding and inform decision-making.

Theory, Frameworks, and Analytical Approaches
Application of relevant academic theory, conceptual frameworks, and analytical tools to interpret findings and structure problem analysis.

Problem Analysis and Insight Development
Synthesising evidence and research findings to identify key issues, opportunities, and underlying causes related to the challenge.

Solution Development and Recommendation Design
Developing realistic, evidence-based recommendations and potential solutions that respond to the client challenge.

Communicating Insights and Recommendations
Communicating findings through reports, presentations, and creative dissemination formats suitable for client audiences.

Collaboration and Team Working
Working effectively in diverse teams, managing roles and responsibilities, and engaging constructively with peers and stakeholders.

Reflective Practice and Formative Feedback
Using formative feedback from peers, tutors, and clients to refine ideas, develop solutions, and support learning.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Eliseo Vilalta-Perdomo,Jorge Membrillo-Hernández,Rosario Michel-Villarreal,Geeta Lakshmi,Mariajulia Martínez-Acosta: 2022, The Emerald Handbook of Challenge Based Learning, Emerald Publishing Limited, 978-1801174916


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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