Got a business problem? The MMU Business School might have a solution

As a University, we strive to connect our students with the business community across the region to increase their employability chances, enrich their student experience and output, as well as offering businesses the chance to directly influence the next generation of business leaders and consultants.

Our ambition in launching the MSc Management and Consultancy is to blend traditional theory provision and application with strong experiential, problem-based learning where students will work with organisations to solve real problems. This programme aligns with Manchester Met’s driving ambition to discover and disseminate knowledge based on five strategic themes of place, ambition, partnership, community and sustainability.  This is, in part, achieved through the Business School’s mission to create socially and environmentally responsible students (hence, the critical perspectives we consider). This programme therefore is designed to equip learners with a plethora of knowledge and understanding of key societal and environmental issues facing our global world.

The activity provides the option for businesses to access vital resource in the form of skilled postgraduates working on a project specified by your organisation and agreed with the University.

What does it cost?

Nothing! It doesn’t cost you anything apart from ‘out of pocket’ expenses that students may incur in the delivery of the project on behalf of the organisation. Typical costs are not expected to be in excess of £100 (this will be dependent on certain aspects of the project, i.e. travel, printing, subsistence), although this will be agreed with the client at the outset of the project.

Types of project

Projects are normally on a business related topic, including:

• Business Development Planning
• Strategy
• Sustainability
• Digital Business Strategy
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Data Analytics
• Finance
• Marketing, Branding and Consumer Research

This is not an exhaustive list, and it depends on the nature of the problem that the client organisation is facing.  We will assess each project that you submit on its own suitability. We select projects on the basis that they are achievable and align with course curriculum.

How does it work?

In essence, students are presented with a real business problem.  Their task is to identify the nature and extent of the problem, analyse its cause and impacts, and propose workable and practical solutions for the client organisation.

Please let us know if you might be interested in taking part and we will arrange a conversation between yourself and Programme Leader, Dr Mark Crowder. Mark will discuss the activity with you in detail, and assess how your business might be able to engage with the activity.

If taken forward, we would assign you a group of 5-6 students who will meet you and begin to understand your business, before developing a tangible project brief.

Students will be able to start working on the brief at the end of May 2021, and will be actively working on the project until around the end of August 2021.

Upon completion, you will receive a report and/or presentation on behalf of the students.

Next Steps

If you are interested in having a conversation with us about how our students could conduct such a project on your behalf, please send an email to [email protected] ,