Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The practicum project is an extended analysis of a significant practical problem or situation in the area of business management. The analysis is normally carried out by a team of 4 to 5 students under the supervision of faculty and for a business organization. It is effectively a consulting project carried out for that business organisation - the Practicum Client. The main output is a Practicum Report of approximately 15,000 – 20,000 words, as well as a presentation of the analysis and conclusions to assessors and to the Practicum Client. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Apply appropriate models, processes and tools of management consultancy to develop and manage the dynamics of the practicum project with the client 2. Clearly identify and critically analyse a significant issue of concern or relevance to a business organistion 3. Develop and execute a work programme for the practicum team to gather insight from diverse sources, including a substantial piece of primary research, into the nature of the issue under study 4. Carry out a literature review which will identify, synthesize and critically assess the relevant academic and practitioner literature with respect to the issue being analysed 5. Consider a range of methodological options for research and justify use of the most appropriate research approach for the issue being analysed consistent with the ethical standards of the university as well as any reasonable requirements or constraints of the practicum client 6. Develop and execute a plan to acquire, analyze, and interpret empirical data consistent with the research approach being taken 7. Demonstrate an ability to conduct an extended and complex piece of analysis and to synthesize, interpret and communicate that clearly and effectively to the client and academic assessors as conclusions and/or recommendations supported by evidence without being overwhelmed by the literature or by the data 8. Demonstrate an ability to work in a variety of team roles while participating as part of a complex and internally diverse team on an extended project for a client 9. Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of the research carried out and its analysis in relation to the complexity of the domain of business knowledge and with respect to the validity of other possible perspectives 10. Demonstrate an awareness of the broader implications to society of the issue being studied. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
The specific content will be dictated by the particular issue being analysed but some general content is as follows: Whereas a dissertation will typically start with a research question, a practicum is based around a significant practical, real-world issue or problem that is directly relevant to a business organization. While a review of the relevant academic literature is a core element of a dissertation, the practicum will also include a rigorous analysis of the issue under study, which is likely to include a substantial analysis of relevant practitioner literature as well as relevant learning from the academic literature. The practicum team will act under the guidance of an academic advisor but they are also expected to liaise with and manage the relationship with their practicum client effectively as a consulting project. The practicum must include a substantial piece of primary research carried out with an appropriate research methodology consistent with the ethical guidelines of the university as well as any reasonable constraints or requirements of the practicum client. Practicum teams are expected to integrate relevant theories, frameworks, concepts, and ideas from modules across the programme, as well as to read widely and appropriately around the topics for further insight. Students will be expected to demonstrate their creative, analytic, and critical thinking skills, and to communicate their work clearly and effectively – both through a well-structured Practicum Report, as well as by delivering a presentation to a group of assessors and to the practicum client | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||