Business Project (B-KUL-HBA36C)
Aims
The student has acquired thorough knowledge in business studies and developed a great business sensitivity which he is able to use in a targeted way when analysing and solving business problems (LR1)
Uses the analysis of a (business) economic problem to develop and propose a solution in line with the organisational strategy (LR 1c)
The student is able to select relevant methods of research, apply them correctly, process the results in a scientific way and apply a critical mind to them (LR 6)
Clearly formulates the problem in dialogue with the supervisor(s) but with a sufficient degree of autonomy, defines the research thesis and derives research questions from it for a (business) economics problem with practical relevance (LR 6a)
Based on the critical analysis of various quantitative and qualitative research methods, makes an informed choice about a relevant research method to solve a (business) economics problem relevant to practice. (LR 6b)
In line with the given practical relevance and the definition of the (business) economics problem, chooses and uses the appropriate techniques to acquire, analyse and interpret data. (LC 6c)
Assesses the impact on reliability and validity of the results when developing the research design. (LR 6d)
From qualitative and quantitative research findings, draws scientific conclusions that bear practical relevance. (LR 6e)
Based on a comprehensive analysis of the research findings, produces informed recommendations to support or enhance the policy of the organisation. (LR 6f)
Displays an inquisitive attitude: accuracy, critical reflection, scientific curiousness, justification of choices made. (LR 8)
Identifies (business) economic challenges with practical relevance and relates them to insights developed in the field. (LR 8a)
Takes into consideration alternative explanations and methods when analysing and solving a (business) economic problem with practical relevance. (LR 8b)
Identifies the limitations of research and questions the research findings. (LR 8c)
Sets forth a logical and coherent argumentation to support choices made when solving a (business) economic problem with practical relevance. (LR 8d)
Ensures the relevance, precision and scientific character of his own work and takes into account possible feedback. (LR 8e)
Critically reflects on his own behaviour and approach, in the context of lifelong learning. (LR 8f)
Shows interest in current affairs and broadens his background knowledge. (LR 8g)
Is able to function as a team member in various roles. (LR 9)
In a team and depending on the context, takes on management, executive or supportive tasks and as such contributes actively to a joint result. (LR 9a)
Listens to the opinion of others and constructively deals with various opinions and cultures. (LR 9b)
Is able to clearly communicate and report in the language of instruction. Is able to use in a business context at least two other languages orally and in writing and masters all techniques and skills for efficient and effective business communication.(LR 10)
Uses the language of instruction to communicate orally and in writing with an audience of specialists and non-specialists, and such in a way that is correct on the level of grammar and vocabulary; uses a style that is common in a (business) economics context.
Displays management skills and entrepreneurship, focusing on operational problem solving. (LR 11)
Independently or in team, efficiently carries out a clearly defined assignment. (LR11a)
Demonstrates creativity, takes initiative, assumes responsibility, and sets priorities when carrying out economic (business) assignments. (LR11b)
Analyses an economic problem in its context, combines data to solve this problem and uses the accumulated multidisciplinary knowledge. (LR11c)
Suggests and evaluates alternative solutions to a problem. (LR11d)
Evaluates the feasibility of a project by correctly estimating the required resources and the related risks. (LR11e)
During a discussion or conversation, explains and defends a view on (business) economic problems. (LR11f)
Is familiar with relevant ICT applications and uses the knowledge and skills to solve (business) economic problems. (LR11g)
Uses management skills and entrepreneurship in a business context. (LR11h)
In this course the student solves in group a management problem for a company. The following phases are completed in a constructive dialogue with the coaches:
• Conversion of the problem in a clear problem definition and well-defined research objectives
• Search for scientific literature that fits with and clarifies the research domain
• Selection of a useful and appropriate research method and the development of a research design
• Collection of the quantitative and qualitative data taking into consideration the impact of their relevance and the scientific reliability
• Analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data with the objective to formulate recommendations for the project company
• Communication and defense of the research findings and recommendations to the project company and the coaches, written and oral, in a clear and critical way.
Previous knowledge
The Bachelor's Thesis (i.e. Business Project and Career Development) can only be registered for if the students graduate. Both courses should be taken up at the same time. Only English, Economics and Ethics or courses from the elective tracks Language choice 1, Languages and Management and European Studies can be postponed with a maximum of 6 credits.
Order of Enrolment
Mixed prerequisite:
You may only take this course if you comply with the prerequisites. Prerequisites can be strict or flexible, or can imply simultaneity. A degree level can be also be a prerequisite.
Explanation:
STRICT: You may only take this course if you have passed or applied tolerance for the courses for which this condition is set.
FLEXIBLE: You may only take this course if you have previously taken the courses for which this condition is set.
SIMULTANEOUS: You may only take this course if you also take the courses for which this condition is set (or have taken them previously).
DEGREE: You may only take this course if you have obtained this degree level.
SIMULTANEOUS(HBA37C)
The codes of the course units mentioned above correspond to the following course descriptions:
HBA37C : Career Development
This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
HBA37C : Career Development
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
Y05078 : Bedrijfsproject
HBH80E : Bedrijfsproject
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
6 ects. Business Project (B-KUL-HBA36c)
Content
The main objective within the business project is conducting a research on behalf of an organisation. This organisation is for instance a company, a government agency or a non-for profit organisation.
Throughout the course of the project, there will be three milestones:
1. In October, students have to organize a meeting with the supervisor and the company coach to discuss the problem of the project company. In consultation with both coaches, the students will draw up a project plan.
Afterwards, the students will write a report of this first meeting, which will also include a first attempt at translating the general problem to one or multiple objectives and/or research questions. The group is expected to mail this report to the supervisor and the company coach and to post it on Toledo before the end of October.
2. Between the stage ‘Definition of research methodology/approach’ and the stage ‘Data collection/fieldwork’, the students have to draw up an interim report. In this report, they give an overview of their progress on the previous stages and set out the expected development of the following project stages.
Moreover, they will write a (individual) reflection report on the teamwork of the group. They will send by e-mail the interim report and the reflection reports to the supervisor and the company coach. The interim report should be posted on Toledo and the reflection report in the Blackboard portfolio of the student the last college week of the first semester at the latest.
In addition, they will organize an oral presentation and feedback session with the supervisor and the company coach to provide further comments on the interim report. The deadline for this meeting is the first college week of the second semester.
3. Students have to report to the supervisor and the company coach for the last time in the 11th college week of the 2nd semester at the latest. The final reporting should consist of:
- A final report: this is an integrated whole in which the problem, objectives, literature review, methodology, results, conclusions and well-founded pieces of advice will be discussed. The final report consists also an executive summary;
- An audio or video presentation for the board members of the project company.
This output should also be e-mailed to the supervisor and the company coach and be posted in KU Loket.
Moreover, the students have to organize an evaluation meeting with the supervisor and the company coach at the latest the last college week of the second semester.
Students will have the possibility to make some adjustments to the (individual) reflection report on the teamwork and e-mail the updated version to the supervisor and the company coach.
In sum, the following output, which will be completed by the students over the course of the project, must be posted:
- A report of the first meeting (deadline: end of October) on Toledo;
- An interim report (deadline: last college week of the 1st semester) on Toledo;
- Final reporting, including an executive summary and an audio or video presentation (deadline: 11th college week of the 2nd semester) on KU Loket.
All reports have to meet the formal requirements as prescribed by FEB (see Toledo). These formal requirements are binding and consequently part of the evaluation of the output.
Course material
All detailed information will be available on Toledo.
Format: more information
The business project is executed in a group of 3 students. During a kick-off meeting organised in the first week of the academic year, the project guidelines are discussed in-depth.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Business Project (B-KUL-H74935)
Explanation
The Business Project course will be evaluated on the components ‘attitude and process’ and ‘reporting’.
- The supervisor will evaluate the ‘attitude and process’ component in consultation with the company coach. The evaluation of the ‘attitude and process’ component is worth 25% of the final result, of which 10% is achieved in the first semester and 15% in the second semester.
- The evaluation of the ‘reporting’ component, performed by the supervisor, is worth 75% of the final result, of which 10% is based on the interim report and 65% on the final reporting.
If there is a clear inequality in the contribution of each of the team members, the supervisor can decide to individualize the evaluation results of the team.
If the students do not meet one of the deadlines described in the milestones, they will receive a zero grade for the ‘attitude and process’ component.
If students receive a fail mark for the ‘final result’ component, they cannot pass this course. The final grade will then encompass the lowest grade of the ‘attitude and process’ component and the ‘final product’ component.
There is a zero tolerance for this course.
Information about retaking exams
The second exam chance is different to the first exam chance.
Only students who have executed a business project during the current academic year, obtain a second exam chance.
The adjusted final reporting should be posted on Toledo and e-mailed to the supervisor and the company coach. The deadline is the end of August.
The evaluation of the second exam chance will be a weighed result based on the following evaluation components :
- Final reporting: 75%
- Attitude / process :25%
If students receive a fail mark for the ‘reporting’ component, they cannot pass this course. The final grade will then encompass the lowest grade of the ‘attitude and process’ component and the ‘reporting’ component.
There is a zero tolerance for this course.