OBU Research Project! How is it different for an ACCA?

Over the years of my interaction with ACCA/BSc students, I have found most of the students struggling to grip their research projects using their concept-oriented learning mindsets. Whereas this "academic" dimension of their study journey is more requiring a process-oriented rather than concept-oriented learning approach.  By this, I mean that the makers of this research and analysis project (RAP) module do not intend to add to the set of concepts students have already gained from their examined subjects in professional studies.  Instead, their focus is to assess the processes involved in utilizing those concepts in a substantial business project and on the processes involved in communicating their ideas in an effective manner.

Hence, the main outcome from this activity is your project report which is a key element in your personal portfolio which you will use in interviews and carry with you from job to job for life as an illustration of your capabilities.

From your first day appointed to a new job, as an ACCA and university graduate, you will be expected to be a ‘self-starter’ capable of independent work.  It is likely that your immediate supervisor will delegate a project to you to give you a chance to demonstrate your capabilities.  The project will have a strong business focus e.g. What are the business implications for our company in changing the technology partner? While you can expect some help from your immediate supervisor, they will not be impressed if they have to ‘nurse’ you through every step of the way through the project.  Companies will expect you, as a professional graduate, to be capable of conducting creative, innovative and productive research under minimal supervision.

Completing OBU RAP will prepare you for undertaking "independent" project work. The phases OBU RAPs commonly undergo are:  First, through consultation, you will have to develop and agree on a plan outlining the tasks associated with the project together with negotiated deadlines; followed by digging out of relevant facts (research); and ultimately develop, document, and then deliver your findings in an effective manner.  As mentioned above, this final outcome of your research endeavor not only constitutes a key element of your professional but personal portfolio as well. In businesses, live presentations are common means of delivering the message effectively. So a presentation using technology tools is also an integral part of your OBU RAP.

The opportunity to develop and sharpen the skills, that are required to successfully pass all the stages of OBU RAP, is provided through individualized mentoring at "Research Cabin".

Please like Research Cabin for further useful insights!

Khalique Ur Rehman, is a registered research mentor with Oxford Brookes University.
khalique.ia@gmail.com, 0092 336 417 9848