Applied Research & Professional Skills Development

Applied Research & Professional Skills Development are among the pillars of the master's programme. This is based on the view that the future business professional needs to be equipped with critical thinking skills along with analytical skills to be able to handle complex issues.

The module will run over the two semesters. The programme consists of eight workshops where we practice different skills that tie in with specific learning questions of the group and supports growth in different areas important for the interdisciplinary business professional. You are also invited to master your professional skills – design, execute and evaluate various learning experiments - in other settings than COL and workshops, such as network events, company visits, workplace, etc.  

Reflection  

Reflection is a key part of learning and gaining deeper insight into your own behavioral patterns in contact with a group. You are invited to use the journaling method on a regular basis – after meetings, workshops and while working on complex business problems in the module Innovation Assignment and the master thesis – in order to collect rich data, being able to discover patterns and design learning interventions. This also provides a sound basis for the portfolio. Your self-reflection of your competences should be validated by peers and external validators related with your professional environment and specific development goals.  

This module prepares you to have an innovative impact on society and business. You work client-oriented: you are required to find innovative solutions. By working together in a team of two students with a different disciplinary background, you are able to not only combine your knowledge and skills, but moreover transcend the boundaries of remaining in your own territory. By bringing your expertise and science together, you will create one integrated plan. As a team you will analyse, synthesize, and harmonise links between the disciplines into a coherent and coordinated whole. This creates a more condensed, specific and goal directed project and will deliver more sustainable solutions.