Module Code - Title:
AH4138
-
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING PROJECT 2
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is one of a new suite of Transferable and Applied Skills modules being developed for the BA Professional Pathways degree. This is part of an effort to blend subjects and modules traditionally available on arts, humanities and social science programmes with modules that respond to the increased demand in the workplace for transferable and applied skills.
This is the second of two Complex Problem Solving modules, replacing the more traditional FYP research project undertaken by most AHSS students. The aim of this module is to enable students to complete a comprehensive research project designed to allow them frame, understand and suggest resolutions for a complex, 'real world' problem. Students will be guided by an academic supervisor and will be supported by inputs from the 'world of work' where required.
This is an M Graded module linked with Complex Problem Solving Project 1 (Temp Code: 8677)
Syllabus:
Students on this module will be facilitated to identify and engage with a complex problem from a workplace experience, from within their community or in broader society, using principles and techniques of critical thinking and problem solving introduced earlier in the degree. Having framed their chosen problem during Semester 1, students will now continue the process of comprehensively assembling and critically analysing relevant evidence. Based on this analysis, students will then present and publicly defend possible solutions to their chosen problem and show how they have considered alternative options for problem resolution.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Formulate a problem statement and generate the necessary methodological instruments to investigate it.
- Locate and document essential sources of evidence and demonstrate proficiency in library research skills and other methods of information gathering
- Determine a provisional means of presenting the research, using communication and information technology to retrieve, analyse and present information
- Develop the capacity to apply curriculum-based knowledge in a real-world setting
- Develop competence to work effectively either individually or as a member of a project team
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Develop their capacity for self-direction, self motivation, organisation and autonomous action
- Demonstrate competencies in time and project management skills
- Display awareness of relevant research ethics protocols, where relevant.
- Listen, reflect and engage with opinions and arguments while presenting and defending their research in a public setting.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Problem solving is consistently identified one of the most sought after workplace skills (World Economic Forum 2020) and is specifically named as an important transferable skill in the Irish Governments 'National Skills Strategy 2025 - Ireland's Future'. This follow on module will use a combination of focused workshops during the first 3 weeks of the term, followed by autonomous student research, with supervision support, for the following 9 weeks. The final week of the semester will be used to showcase student presentations of their problem solutions. This module will encourage the emergence of 'curious' and 'agile' graduates, who can apply critical thinking and creativity to the process of problem solving.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Treffinger, Donald, Isaksen Scotte and Stead Dorval, Brian (2021)
Creative Problem Solving: An Introduction
, Routledge
Buijs, Jan, and van der Meer, Han (2013)
Integrated Creative Problem Solving
, Eleven International Publishing
Chevallier, Arnaud (2016)
Strategic Thinking in Complex Problem Solving
, Oxford University Press
Wilkinson David and Dokter Dennis (2023)
The Researcher's Toolkit: The Complete Guide to Practitioner Research
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
chris.g.mcinerney@ul.ie