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Guide for Host Organisations

15th November 2021

 Business Management Live Project


What is the Live Project?
A real-world based project carried out on a consultancy basis by a small student team from our Business Management degree programmes.

Key features

  • The Live Project is a module which students take in their third year of study.
  • You decide on the topic for the project. It could be a problem which you need to solve, or a business opportunity or issue you would like to explore.
  • Your student team will conduct research and will present their findings and recommendations in a comprehensive report and in a business presentation.
  • Students are based in Edinburgh Napier University, not your premises.
  • Students attend weekly lectures and tutorials at Edinburgh Napier throughout the project.
  • Each team is assigned a University tutor who will provide support and academic expertise.

 Examples of past projects                                                                     

  • Recommendations on social media strategy to a community-run museum.
  • Advising on how a charity could improve their workplace well-being policies.
  • Suggestions on potential growth opportunities for a small confectionery business. 
  • Proposals on the development and design of a training programme for social enterprises.
  • Analysis of the ‘glamping’ market in rural Scotland and recommendations for a farm considering diversifying into eco-tourism. 

 Benefits to your organisation

  • Get a fresh perspective on a business issue from a team of university students looking to develop a solution. Our students are innovative and enthusiastic with lots of ideas. They are eager to gain experience of working on real management issues and to learn from your professional expertise.
  • Play a part in the development of future management professionals. As a result of participating in the live project, students will develop skills needed for graduate employment such as team working, communication and problem solving.
  • See the potential of future graduates as they develop with a view for recruitment. The live project can be an effective way to assess individuals and if they would ‘fit’ with your organisation.

Frequently asked questions

  • What costs are involved? There is no charge for the work undertaken by our students.
  • What paperwork do I need to complete?  Before the project starts, we will ask you to complete a short project brief outlining the background, aims and objectives of the project. The module team will agree the details of the project with you. This brief then forms the basis of the project. At the end of the project, you will be asked to provide brief written feedback on the business report and presentation. 
  • What are the key dates/deadlines?  The live project starts in January and ends in late April/early May. There are some important dates that we will ask you to note, including dates for presentations and feedback. A full list of key dates is available in a separate document.  
  • When will I meet my student team?  The team will contact you as soon as they receive their project brief to arrange a preliminary meeting. This meeting needs to take place as close as possible to the start of the project in order that students can discuss your requirements in detail and to ensure that they fully understand what is expected. 
  • What about confidentiality?  The students will sign a confidentiality agreement at the beginning of the project. This agreement stipulates that the students will keep confidential all information relative to the host organisation, which is not in the public domain, and the findings from the research in the Live Project.
  • When and where is the presentation?  Presentations will take place at the end of the project here at Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus. We will agree the date and time with you near the start of the project. The host organisation representative may attend virtually via Microsoft teams.   

Your commitment
Below is a summary of what to expect:

  • Prepare and agree project brief 
  • Initial meeting with student team and, if required, occasional follow up by phone/email
  • Provide brief feedback on final report 
  • Attend and provide feedback on business presentation

 Assessment
Students are assessed through:

  • Team written report of approx. 8000 words delivered before presentation (worth 60%)
  • Team oral presentation at end of module. 30 mins plus rest of hour for questions (worth 20%)
  • Peer assessment of participation and contribution of each member of the team (worth 20%)

I’m interested in hosting a live project. Who should I contact?
Please email the Placement Team on nbsplacements@napier.ac.uk in the first instance, who will then put you in the touch with the module team to discuss your project further. 

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