University of Bath School of Management

Action learning

Action learning is a key theme throughout our business administration degree. It is a continuous process of learning and reflection which allows you to study your own actions and experiences in order to improve your performance.

You will engage in units which:

• introduce research techniques and principles, so that your work has a sound basis;
• introduce you to group dynamics and the importance of understanding how a team can improve its performance;
• require you to manage project activity;
• stimulate you to identify your own strengths and weaknesses and how you may take steps to develop your skills and knowledge.

Final year team project

The action learning theme culminates in the Final Year Team Project which is unique amongst undergraduate business degrees. This provides the opportunity to apply your learning to a real life business problem or issue, normally commissioned by a client organization.

Throughout the final year you work for one day a week in teams of four or five people on an in-depth action project. This involves designing the research plan in conjunction with your client, carrying out and writing up the research report and presenting it to the client and the University assessment panel. The project might be a piece of research on a new market opportunity, a comparative study of best practice in the industry or a study of employee or customer perceptions.

Students agree the project is one of the most demanding but rewarding aspects of the degree and a big plus for their CV - whatever fields they decide to enter. It tests skills of teamwork, communication, time management, negotiation, research analysis and the ability to come up with practical and creative solutions to a live business problem - in fact, all the key transferable skills employers look for in their graduates.

Organizations which commission projects range from multinational companies to small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations: