Industry Project in Accounting, Finance and Management

Module overview

This module offers a practice-oriented alternative to the traditional dissertation for postgraduate students within the Southampton Business School. Unlike a traditional dissertation, this project involves the preparation of a sustainability report for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), charity, or non-governmental organisation (NGO), identified either by the Knowledge, Exchange and Enterprise Team or by the student. This format enables the integration of academic research with practical application, supporting the development of both analytical and professional skills. It is important to note that student selection for this project will be conducted through an interview process, as the module assessment will involve direct client engagement.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Engage effectively with stakeholders and real-world organisational contexts, developing professional skills, adaptability, and reflective awareness.
Communicate written ideas and arguments.
Collect and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative information.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to interpret findings and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Conduct rigorous, ethical research using appropriate methodologies, data sources, and analytical techniques.
Design and execute an independent research project with academic and/or professional relevance.
Critically evaluate the implications of research findings for business and sustainability practice.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of sustainability reporting concepts and frameworks, and their relevance to real-world business contexts.
Evaluate current research, literature, and industry practices to inform the design and scope of an applied research project.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include: 1. Individual supervision 2. Research skills workshops 3. Formative feedback opportunities However, other teaching and learning activities may be undertaken by some students depending on their particular project. Learning activities include: • Private study guided by the unit handbook • Guided study and research activity as advised by personal supervisor • Practical experience • Personal reflection

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	42
Independent Study	558
Total study time	600

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Supervision sessions

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment:
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	80%
Literature review	20%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%