Project Lead: Dr Victoria Willis, School of Management

This project engages undergraduate School of Management students as co-creators of finance curriculum content by supporting them to develop case studies based on their recent work placements. Through a structured and supported process, students will transform authentic workplace experiences into teaching materials that are relevant, inclusive, and grounded in real-world finance practice.

Participating students will be employed as paid research assistants and attend an initial workshop covering case study writing, critical reflection, and linking practice to academic theory. Each student will produce a case study featuring a workplace scenario, a reflective commentary that connects the experience to core finance concepts (such as risk assessment, capital budgeting, or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) integration), and a classroom activity designed to promote peer engagement and critical thinking.

The project will result in a curated set of teaching-ready case studies that will be used in future seminars to enhance student engagement and employability. Where appropriate, company names and details will be included with employer consent. This initiative fosters experiential and inclusive pedagogy, aligns with principles of sustainability and partnership, and contributes to institutional priorities around employability, student voice, and curriculum innovation. The project will also serve as a basis for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) dissemination through conference presentations and publication.

Project report due Spring 2026