1. Introduction
As part of the programme Business Analytics, students are required to produce a 'paper'. This is an account of a research project undertaken by the student further to a specific problem statement. In many cases, the input for this research will be drawn from the existing literature, although it may also involve the use of computer-generated data. The student records his or her findings in a written report – the paper - and also gives a verbal presentation.
The objective of the report is to demonstrate the student's ability to describe a problem in a clear manner for the benefit of an expert manager. This calls for two definitions:
A clear manner: the manager has only limited time; the report should therefore be concise and 'to the point'.
Expert manager: the student should assume that the manager has some general expertise in the subject area.
Further, the paper should:
- emphasize the business-related aspects of the programme as well as the more fundamental aspects of mathematics and computer science. It is important to know that the research must be of practical importance.
- represent the results of relatively basic research (including any desk study required) which has been conducted entirely by the student concerned. 'Co-productions' are not permitted.
- present the results of that research in an appropriately academic manner. This requirement also applies to the verbal presentation.
- be completed within the allotted period (to include all required research activities).
The internship coordinator provides guidance at various phases of this process, most especially in the choice of subject, finding an internal supervisor, and organizing the final presentation. If you experience any problems during the process, the work placement coordinator should be your first point of contact.
