Evaluating the impact of research-focused experiential learning opportunities within a UK-based undergraduate management program<strong> </strong>

Mazzetti, AS

doi:10.4337/9781035315079.00016

Evaluating the impact of research-focused experiential learning opportunities within a UK-based undergraduate management program

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Angela Mazzetti ORCiD

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This is the authors' accepted manuscript of a book chapter that has been published in its final definitive form by Edward Elgar, 2025.

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Abstract

Proponents of the ‘trickle down’ approach to research argue that early opportunities to practice research need to be embedded into the curriculum to better prepare students for final-year research projects. Drawing on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, this chapter explores the benefits and challenges of such interventions for a UK based undergraduate management program. Since implementing a range of research-focused experiential tasks, student performance in the final-year research project has improved. Students also highlight that early interventions have helped to develop both their research skills and confidence. However, students also note that they are not always fully prepared to engage with research-focused experiential learning tasks due to a combination of poor time management skills and conflicting study and personal demands. Additionally, they suggest that there needs to be a regular review of curriculum content to maintain the balance between theory and practice.