Journey through the CIPD Level 7 Business Research Project (7CO04)

Journey through the CIPD Level 7 Business Research Project

By – Rayhan Abdullah Zakaria (Tutor/Coach)

Let me tell you a story.  There once was a learner just like you are. Working a full-time demanding job, juggling a busy young family and enjoying all the joys of life. The learner had dreams of growing professionally, learning, helping others and playing a bigger role within the human resource management (HRM) field. This learner decided to undertake the dreaded Level 7 course which is the highest level of CIPD course that anyone can undertake. The learner knew it was a long arduous journey with many challenges along the way, but they thought that with the right support they may be able to complete their journey and attain their goal. So the learner started his quest first by seeking to enrol into an approved CIPD study centre, who has all the knowledge, experience and know-how of how to complete this arduous journey.

The Learning Provider

The learner tried out many approved learning providers (ALP) but among many only one stood out. This particular ALP listened to the learner and did not just treat the learner just like another learner. The ALP was more interested in building a relationship with the learner, and understanding the learner so that they could advise and direct the learner appropriately. The learner made up their mind and decided to go with this particular ALP and so the CIPD quest begins.

The Business Research in Practice Module

As many assume the Busincess Research in Practice module – 7CO04 or 7BRP is a mandatory module. This is by far the best module as per many of the learners. This is because it is this module which gives the learner freedom to choose a topic on which they are interested. This often is a topic which is a real-life business issue where the learner is employed

. This means it allows the learner to take ownership of a real-life business case and add value to the organisation by making a positive difference to the organisation. This module allows the learner to use evidence to define and construct the research issue, solutions, recommendations and conclusions. This is an amazing module as it also allows the learner the option for critical reflection which is key in self-development.

There have been some truly amazing projects completed in this module such as working with EDI issues, redefining the world of work after the pandemic, empowering underrepresented employees on to the leadership arena, reward vs motivation, performance, turnover issues defining organisational culture post-pandemic and technological innovation. So let’s explore the journey our learner took.

The Research Project

Here the learner sat with the business leaders and looked at key issues which are affecting the business. The key here is to identify a topic which adds genuine value to the business as well as to the people within the business. Some of the key themes which the learners witnessed among his cohort were a big focus on employee engagement, turnover, well-being, performance and EDI. The other key stage here is to look through all the fantastic work which has been already done on the particular topic and identify what could be used to build on. Remember, Newton said, I stand on the shoulders of giants. Meaning we do not redefine the field of knowledge but only add to it, This module allows you to do just that.

The Method 

Once the learner decided upon a topic and a research question that hopefully may add value to the organisation, now the thought turns to how do we make it happen. This is an age-old question which has been faced by all practitioners and researchers, as to how I go about and solve the issue, what I need to do, and how I do it. Besides knowing how to do the work, this phase also allows the learner to distinguish between methods because at the end of the day there are many ways to get to Mecca.  The question is what is the best way and the learner gets to decide as this module gives the learner the full freedom.   As well as thinking about how to do the work, here the learner also pauses to understand the concept of business ethics and how this shapes the entire method which covers everything. Remember this whole module is evidence-driven and can be argued it is also scientific. This stage allows the learner to plan and map the whole work while taking key decisions. Remember Dr King said I have a dream so this section allows the learner to map out how to make their dream into a reality.

The Analysis Stage

Our learner gathers all the data and evidence but the question is what do we do with it all?  At the moment it is just numbers and words all mixed, so here the learner gives meaning to it all. This is where the magic happens as it is here that answers start to shine through the chaos of numbers and words.  It is here that the learner analyses ethically all data and evidence to get to the key findings which will, later on, shape the recommendations.  Some learners find this overwhelming but not our learner as he has worked hard to acquire the skills and know-how of ways to handle large sets of data.  So our learner navigates carefully through the ocean of data to reach their goal which is the recommendations and conclusion.

The Recommendations and the Conclusions

Here all the fantastic discoveries are made and possible recommendations are laid bare.  The key message here is that our learner tells the business leadership team what needs to be done to achieve the collective goal.  These are a thing or things which add real value to the organisation.  In an essence depending on how major the solution it is, it often elevates the learner within the business.  It shines a light on their achievements but most importantly it adds genuine value to the organisation.

In Conclusion 

Hopefully, now it gives you an insight into why this module is so interesting and why most learners like this a lot.  You may see the freedom this module gives you at the same time allowing you to add genuine value to your organisation.  There are instances that learner has enjoyed this module so much that it has led them to various rewarding paths.  As for the learner in this sh

ort piece what happened to them you ask?  Well he ended up securing an Human Resource Director role and making his tutor very proud in the process.

Did you wonder who the tutor was? It is indeed I, the one who is telling you this story is the tutor of our learner.

I hope to start a similar journey with you too.

Rayhan

CIPD Advanced Diploma Coach – Business Research in People Practice