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Student Research in Warwick Business School
Undergraduate
In the Curriculum
CORE Practice
CORE (Creative, Organised, Reflective, Enterprising) Practice is core for all WBS first year students. It has been designed to complement, challenge and enhance students’ subject pathways though exposure to real world and interdisciplinary perspectives, and at the same time, developing the necessary skills for creative and innovative approaches in 21st century business practice.
Business Planning: Integrative Project
This core first-year WBS module encourages students to try their hand as an entrepreneur in a group exercise. IT enables students to gain an understanding of the problems and opportunities inherent in establishing a new business. The module enables students to reflect on the entrepreneurial process, team dynamics, and their own personal development.
Global Integrative Project
This core second year module enables students to develop a critical understanding of major trends and issues in global business. It increases students’ understanding of how global firms analyse their business environment. It enables students to experience and develop an understanding of multi-disciplinary management through the use of an international issue-based assignment/project which develops project management, decision making, teamworking, and business research skills.
Critical Issues in Management
This core final year module presents students with a range of contemporary business-related issues and complex problems in the management of modern organisations. It has a particular focus on situations which are relatively unstructured and where there is no "one right answer". Students work in teams to present bespoke case studies and interrogate other teams on the presentations of theirs. CIM case studies represent a starting point for consideration and discussion of wider issues emerging from the case, which students are expected to research further, making both academic and thematic links as they do. Such additional research around cases is key in this module, either for non-assessed/assessed group presentations, or for in class research notes for the non-presenting teams. The module is based on continuous individual and group engagement with further research beyond module and case materials, around topical issues.
Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Digital Innovation Project 1
In this first-year module for the BSc Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, students learn how to use collaborative, creative, digital technology design and entrepreneurial skills to develop a new digital innovation concept with real business potential. This is a chance to integrate, apply and extend the knowledge they have gained from the course and to work with classmates as entrepreneurial teams.”
Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Digital Innovation Project 2
In the final year, BSc Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship students take on the Digital Innovation Project 2 module which allows them to apply what they have learnt throughout the course to an innovation project as the culmination of their studies.
International Business in Context
This core module taken by students of the BSc International Business whilst on their compulsory year abroad with a particular focus on activity during a compulsory Year Abroad Seminar, currently held in Venice. Students will demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the major issues and problems associated with business in the country of their year abroad. Whilst at the Seminar, they will also undertake self-directed research on an international business topic through a project on Venice, as preparation for the assignment on the country of their year abroad.
Examples of departmental student research projects
URSS Projects (2017)
- Frantisek Friedl - The use of evolutionary algoritms in the design ofadaptable investment systems
- Georgia Moyseos - Greek and Turkish Cypriots working together
Postgraduate
Research opportunities for postgraduate taught students
In the curriculum – MBA
Students on our MBAs have the opportunity to undertake research in their own workplace at numerous points in their study programme, applying a variety of organisational, leadership, strategic and financial theories and models to solve particular contextual problems or challenges. This holistic approach to developing student research skills concludes with the consultancy project, which aims to equip students with the ability to combine knowledge, conceptual material and analytical skills with their own business experience to solve complex issues. Research methods training is worked through via a series of face to face and online resources (dependent on the particular MBA) and students learn how to create a literature review, the importance of research ethics, and the variety of qualitative and quantitative methods that can be employed in data collection. For MBA students, the consultancy project can work as a conduit to transitioning between functional areas or sectors in their evolving career development, allowing students to look critically at real management issues from a new angle. The 15,000 word limit for the dissertation-style project allows for a full and thorough examination of a particular area of interest.
Examples of MBA consultancy projects:
- Equity crowdfunding and its role in future start-up and small business finance
- Implementation of a knowledge management strategy in a business critical group
- An overview of offshoring within investment banking
In the curriculum – MScs
Most of our MSc courses offer the opportunity to undertake a dissertation, accompanied by relevant research methods training. Dissertations can vary in length from 6,000 to 12,000 words depending on the subject matter and proportion of the overall course weighting. Our MSc courses are primarily full time so students differ from the MBA in that they don’t have a current working environment in which to base their dissertation; instead we offer a variety of corporate partners with whom students undertaking our more specialist courses can work on specific business projects. Companies we have worked with include Jaguar Land Rover, the NHS, GE Healthcare, BT and Ford.
Examples of MSc dissertation projects:
- The impact of non-financial disclosures on analyst coverage and on the properties of analyst forecasts
- A comparison of value-at-risk approaches under different market circumstances
- Ownership structure & CSR: an exploratory study of the Indian banking industry
- Advertising standardisation and adaptation in the Chinese automotive industry
For our MSc Business students, we offer our innovative Business in Practice module. A combination of academic lectures, practitioner insights and personal work skills development, the Business in Practice module culminates in an innovative business simulation exercise and firm analysis assignment. Whilst non-traditional in its research element, this module requires students to collect and analyse data on real organisations and be able to effectively interpret this data to develop credible solutions and recommendations for a particular corporate problem.
Student research opportunities outside of the Department
A
- Academic Support Librarian
Your Academic Support Librarian provides targeted support in your subject area, helping you to develop information and research skills during your course.
Support and training is available in:
- literature searching
- finding, using, and evaluating information
- referencing and avoiding plagiarism
- reference management tools
- using digital tools
Browse a full range of Library courses, visit and enrol on the dedicated Moodle learning pageLink opens in a new window.
It is an excellent starting point for any student researcher. You can access subject support with dedicated discipline key electronic sources, contacts, resources, professional bodies, as well as guidance and other resources related to studying and conducting research in your faculty and disciplineLink opens in a new window.
For interdisciplinary research and projects spanning your department and degree interests, please visit the full list of library subject supportLink opens in a new window or contact the library at academicsupport@warwick.ac.uk or library@warwick.ac.uk
The Library can also buy materials for your subject. Contact the Library with requests for book purchase, skills training or for any assistance with your research at academicsupport@warwick.ac.uk
- Academic Writing Day
Academic Writing Day is a full day writing workshop that runs from 10am to 4pm and include topics such as:
- stages and requirements of writing
- organisation and structure of assignments and essays
- paragraph construction
- language and style academic style
- ethics in writing and research, referencing
- reporting (paraphrase/summary)
The day covers all major aspects of academic writing for taught students, and is a combination of lectures and seminars. The topics aim to address in depth the challenges posed by essay/assignment writing. Check out the workshop page and book your place at the next Academic Writing Day.
After attending the Academic Writing Day you can continue developing your research skills at the Academic Writing Open Fora.
B
- British Conference of Undergraduate Research
The British Conference of Undergraduate Research promotes undergraduate research in all disciplines. The Conference meets annually every Spring in a different British university. Undergraduates of all levels are invited to submit papers, posters, workshops and performances to the Conference. Abstracts are peer-reviewed and those accepted will be invited to attend the conference. The call for papers is usually published in the autumn.
An undergraduate research conference is just like any other academic conference. There will be spoken papers, lectures, poster presentations and workshops — but each one will be delivered by undergraduate students presenting work they have done either as part of their course, internship, or individual project. For two days, you will be able to talk to undergraduate researchers from your own disciplines, and you will also learn a lot about how other disciplines approach research problems.
If you are an undergraduate student, this is a great opportunity to meet students from other universities and share your work. Many courses include opportunities to develop independent research. You might be working on a dissertation, or you may have devised your own topic for an assessment. You might have worked with an external company, or worked with a researcher over the summer to help them with their research project. All research is welcome at this conference, in any discipline taught in Higher Education.
Find out more on the BCUR website.
Please note: Conference fees are usually covered by student's own university. Check with your department before submitting to the Conference and/or registering to attend.
D
Applications are invited for thirteen PhD studentships in Social Science Genetics across eight European Universities that constitute the European Social Science Genetics Network (ESSGN). The Doctoral Network is funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and includes:
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL)
- University of Bologna (IT)
- University of Bielefeld (DE)
- University of Bristol (UK)
- University of Oslo (NO)
- University of Oxford (UK)
- University of Uppsala (SE)
- VU University Amsterdam (NL).
We invite applications from eligible students for studentships that commence in Sept/Oct 2023.
E
- EndNote training
EndNote is software which helps you to organise your references and to automatically format citations, reference lists and bibliographies in Word. It is an essential tool for any student researcher.
Useful downloads, videos, training material and support
Want to know more about managing your references, saving time and avoiding plagiarism? Sign up to one of EndNote Online Workshops.
The workshop will introduce you to your enhanced EndNote Online (formerly EndNote Web) account, enable you to add references to your library and use the Cite While You Write function in Microsoft Word to generate citations and bibliographies.
More support and help with Endnote endnoteweb@warwick.ac.uk (EndNote Online) or helpdesk@warwick.ac.uk (Endnote Desktop)
G
- Global Research Priorities (Energy) bursary
Since 2012, the Energy GRP have been supporting up to 5 Undergraduate Summer Placements, each with a bursary of up to £2,000. The Energy GRP bursaries are affiliated with the University's Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS), and are to help with living costs and expenses associated with a research project and will be paid directly to the student. The project normally lasts between 4 and 10 weeks and supports energy research. Students from any department are welcome to apply and the Energy GRP encourage applications from both science and non-science disciplines.
The scheme is open to all Warwick undergraduate students, usually non-finalists.
The Energy GRP are particularly interested in projects that develop connections between departments and with external partners.
Find out more on the Energy GRP website
- Global Research Priorities (Materials) bursary
The Materials GRP support up to eight Summer Placements, each with an award of up to £2,000. The Materials GRP bursaries are affiliated with the University's Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS), and are to help with living costs and expenses associated with students’ chosen projects. The project lasts between eight to ten weeks and must involve the study of Materials. The level of support depends on the length of the project, based on a calculation of £200 per week, up to a maximum of 10 weeks, or £2,000.
Students from any department are encouraged to apply, but they must secure their own project before they apply.
Priority is given to (in the following order):
new collaborations (i.e. where the two academic supervisors have not previously worked together)
new projects (i.e. where there is an existing link between supervisors, but a new area of research is being explored)
existing collaborationsFind out more on the Materials GRP website
I
- IATL Interdisciplinary Modules
The Institute for Advanced Teaching & LearningLink opens in a new window (IATL) hosts a range of interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate modules that encourage students from different departments and faculties to formulate relevant questions and propose novel ideas via independent and collaborative research. Students are encouraged to further develop those ideas for publication.
Browse the latest list of UG and PG modules available this academic year and register your interest in taking a UG or PG IATL module, or contact the team via iatl.modules@warwick.ac.uk
Please note: UG modules are available to all undergraduate students in years 2, 3, or 4, and PG modules to all Master's/PGT students, but require home department approval. Speak to your personal tutor or Director of Studies to find out more.
- IATL Project Support
As a global community, changing circumstances have inspired many of us to reflect more deeply than ever on the importance of cultivating community and imagining possible futures for education. In response, IATL has reconceptualised the project support we offer to develop innovative approaches to fostering community and imagining the future of learning at Warwick. IATL will be offering workshops, resources, expertise and funding of up to £1500 to support projects. Areas in which IATL shares practice include co-creation, interdisciplinarity, cultivating communities of learning, practices of teaching and learning, innovative assessment practices, student as researcher, wellbeing practices and international teaching and learning. This opportunity is open to both students and staff and widens the focus to emphasise support and the development of communities of practice, as well as on funding.
Visit IATL's Project Support page to find out more information on these and other research and funding opportunities, requirements, and deadlines.
You are welcome to discuss any aspect of these research opportunities and your application with the IATL team. Please contact the team at IATL.Projectsupport@warwick.ac.uk
- IATL Student Ensemble
The Student Ensemble is a trans-disciplinary group of Warwick students and an alumni network that facilitates learning through performance practice. Established at the CAPITAL Centre in 2009 (with funding from the Higher Education Academy), this group has since worked with international practitioners and local communities at the Emerge Festival and Laboratory as well as visiting professionals and graduate companies.
Find out more on the IATL website
- International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR)
Led and sponsored by the University of Warwick and Monash University, the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR) is an annual, two-day academic conference. Using video-conferencing technology, ICUR provides undergraduate researchers with a unique opportunity to present and discuss their own research – in any discipline in real-time, without having to leave their home university.
ICUR challenges undergraduate students to rethink their work in an international context. As a forum, it requires presenters to consider the perspective of students from different backgrounds, and to anticipate what may be shared across cultures and local contexts. This challenge translates to research questions as well, encouraging students to examine global and regional trends in their research field, and how these might conflict with local concerns and specificities.
Since its establishment in 2013, more than 2000 students from 17 institutions on 5 continents have presented at ICUR. At Warwick alone, 568 students have presented since ICUR began.
Find out more on the ICUR website.
L
- Library Study Blog
The blog is designed to connect students with information, support and their community. It contains posts offering tips and secrets on a wide range of study skills for example improving presentations, avoid plagiarism pitfalls, preventing library fines and much more. Posts are written both by Library staff and by students about their study experiences.
M
- Master's Academic Writing Programme
Master's Academic WritingLink opens in a new window is the first step into research writing. Your examinations are mostly based on (module) written assignments, leading to your dissertation. Your writing should be able to demonstrate not only your ability to analyse, critically engage with material and develop complex arguments, but also aspects of originality. You can find a range of courses on academic writing, critical thinking and discipline specific literature reviews. Browse the coursesLink opens in a new window and select those that suit you best.
- Master's Skills Programme
The Master's Skills ProgrammeLink opens in a new window brings together several of the development opportunities that are offered to Warwick Master’s students in one place.
- Organising yourself and your time
- Planning and managing projects
- Academic study skills
- Critical thinking
- Critical writing
- Speed reading
- Taking notes effectively
- Planning and managing projects
- Effective literature searching
- Introduction to Master's Writing
- On Track - dissertation workshops*
*Your school may also offer specific dissertation support - check with your personal tutor
There is also support available for group research projects:
- Becoming more assertive
- Working in a team
- Intercultural training
- Leading a group project
- Planning and managing projects
For a full list of workshops visit the Programme pageLink opens in a new window and sign up for the workshops that interest you and develop your skills!
Workshops run across all three terms and can be used towards the Warwick Skills Portfolio AwardLink opens in a new window.
If you think the Programme is missing a workshop that you are interested in, please email the the Programme team the details at skills@warwick.ac.uk
- Monash-Warwick Alliance funding
Monash University and the University of Warwick have formed a strategic alliance that aims to enhance the experiences of students at both universities through the development of new models of education and research collaboration.
The Student-led Activity Scheme provides support for activities that seek to integrate the student bodies of both universities, develop ”globally-engaged students” through working as part of international teams, increase both the impact and profile of existing student-led activities at both universities, and transfer knowledge and innovation in student activities across both campuses.
Examples of activities which can be considered for support include academic-related events (e.g. summits, student conferences), cultural and intercultural activities, including sporting events, and skills development events.
The Student-led Activity Scheme provides support of up to a maximum of £15,000 (for expenses incurred by Warwick students).
Find out more on the Monash-Warwick Alliance website
P
- PG Hub
The Postgrad Hub (PG Hub) is a dedicated space for postgrads, enabling them to access support, work in a collaborative environment and socialise with peers. Click on the link to check availability, latest updates, support, and exclusive postgraduate and research events.
R
- Reinvention Journal
Reinvention is an online, peer-reviewed journal, dedicated to the publication of high-quality undergraduate student research. The journal welcomes academic articles from all disciplinary areas. All articles undergo rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and refereeing by two or three anonymous referees. Reinvention is published bi-annually and only houses papers written by undergraduate students or papers written collaboratively by undergraduate students and academics.
Reinvention is published through the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning and is an open access journal. Students are encouraged to make their work as interactive as possible and to include tables, diagrams and links to films, photographs and other websites where appropriate. Papers should be between 2,000 and 5,000 words in length, not including the abstract, bibliography and any appendices. They receive thorough feedback on their paper, regardless of whether it gets published or not.
Students also receive training on writing for publications, learning about what a journal article is, how it’s structured, and how to critically revise one’s publications.
Find out more on the Reinvention website
- Research and Study Skills (for UG and Master's students)
- The Student Development team at Student Opportunity offer training and support to develop your research and study skills. You might find the following workshops particularly interesting:
- Being a researcher
- Defining your research question
- Designing academic posters
- Exploring research methodology
- Planning and managing projects
- Working with your supervisor
For a full list of workshops visit the Undergraduate Skills ProgrammeLink opens in a new window or the Master's Skills ProgrammeLink opens in a new window web pages. Sign up for the workshops on MyAdvantageLink opens in a new window. Workshops run across all three terms and can be used towards the Warwick Skills Portfolio AwardLink opens in a new window. If you think a workshop that you are interested in is missing, please complete our bespoke workshop request form.You can also visit one of the drop in session with a Writing mentorLink opens in a new window, a Numerical Skills MentorLink opens in a new window, book a 1:1 academic skills appointmentLink opens in a new window, or explore online learning and skills development resources on Warwick's Skills Youtube channelLink opens in a new window.
U
- Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (URSS)
The Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (URSS) gives students the chance to become directly involved in the research work of the University, experience what it's like to be a member of a research team and take part in cutting-edge research. URSS is a competitive scheme that provides living expenses (up to £1,000) and skills development training to support successful applicants who wish to carry out a summer research project as an addition to their undergraduate degree course. Undertaking a summer research project via the URSS is more than just doing a project – it will give you dedicated skills training opportunities too. The Scheme gives you both a taste of research, invaluable for those looking to pursue postgraduate study, and also adds further value to your degree from Warwick. URSS has been in place since 2002, with students on the scheme having travelled to Europe and further afield to undertake the research.
Find out more on the URSS website.