AP2EX1-Food Business Group Project I (Including Career Planning)

Module Provider: Agr and Food Econ
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AP2EQ1 Research Methods and Data Analysis
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Elena Millan
Email: e.s.millan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Working in teams, participate in a Consultancy project for a client organisation, where you'll apply and further develop skills in consumer and market research. Hone your skills in team working, networking, project management, and effective communication, including project proposal writing. The project is conducted in two parts, the first one involving the client briefing, planning and organising the market research, and the second part involving implementation and presentation of the research findings (AP3EX1).Ìý ÌýIn the Career Planning section of this module, you'll learn how to plan systematically for your future career, evaluate career opportunities and develop the develop skills required for effective job applications.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for students - working in groups - to participate in a consultancy project for a commercial client in the food industry in order to develop research and analytical skills, usually in relation to market research. In carrying out the project students will also acquire skills in team working, project management, and effective communication (report writing and oral presentation). The project is split into two parts with the second part being in the Autumn Term of Part 3 (AP3EX1).

The module also includes 5 credits of Career Planning (AP1SCP & AP2SCP) designed to encourage students to think about, and plan more systematically for, their future careers. This takes place late during Enhancement Week in Parts 1 and 2. This module component aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop self-awareness in the context of career decision making, knowledge of the career opportunities that are available to them, and the skills to make effective applications.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Food Business Group Project (5 credits) By the end of the first part of the project students will have demonstrated their ability to review the literature relevant to their project, develop a research plan setting out clear aims and outcomes and the steps in the research process, and planned any necessary fieldwork.


2. Career Planning (5 credits) Students will be able to:
   
   
   
   1. Identify, assess and art iculate their skills, interests, values and personality traits in the context of career decision making.
   
   
   2. Develop careers information retrieval, research and decision making skills, using a variety of sources including the Internet and interviews.
   
   
   3. Recognise and be able to write an effective application; identify the purpose and processes of recruitment interviews and how to perform effectively.
   
   
   
   

Additional outcomes:

1. Food Business Group Project Students will develop familiarity with the use of statistics and data processing software within an applied perspective. Students will develop effective written communication skills for a marketing and professional environment.


2. Career Planning Students will develop business awareness through understanding broad trends in the graduate labour market and the personal attributes and achievements that employers require. They will develop oral communication and team working skills through practical group exercises. IT skills and information handling skills will be developed through use of the Internet. They will develop Personal Development Planning abilities through the reflective exercises and forward-looking nature of Career Planning, which will significantly contribute to PARs and other PDP activities.

Outline content:

1. Food Business Group Project

• Networking to establish links with client companies and to agree on project brief


• Research company profile and the market in which it operates


• First meeting with client to discuss background to project and project brief

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