This module aims to immerse the learner in applied research that will critically evaluate and examine the design, development, and piloting of circular economy interventions within an organizational and/or project-based workplace context. The module will introduce contemporary research paradigms, methodologies, and methods within an applied work-based research framework that will include setting out research aims and objectives; undertaking a focused literature review; critically evaluating and selecting an appropriate methodology i.e., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods; recognizing the ethical dimensions and limitations.

The aim of the module is to support learners in translating the knowledge and competences gained in the 'Circular Economy Principles for a Sustainable Built Environment' and 'Circular Economy Leadership and Organizational Transitions' modules into an applied research task that will address a current, circular economy-related, and possibly ill-defined challenge or opportunity that is based in practice.

1. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate evolving applied work-based research paradigms, methodologies, and methods, which are applicable within a built environment setting.

2. Evaluate and critically assess the applicability of built environment and circular economy research strategies and frameworks at different scales across the value chain.

3. Critically examine the feasibility and applicability of emerging concepts of communities of practice and learning organizations within a built environment and circular economy context.

4. Prepare a project-based and/or organizational applied work-based research plan of work that will set out the: aims and objectives; selected methodology; implementation and benchmarking framework; and critical reflection milestones.

5. Undertake a detailed and focused applied research study within a workplace context that will critically evaluate and examine the design, development, and piloting of circular economy interventions.

6. Critically evaluate different communication tools to translate and present applied work-based research findings to different audiences.

This module aims to build on the findings from the Applied Work-Based Research module by providing an opportunity to further examine and evaluate the implementation of circular economy interventions within an organisational and/or project-based workplace context with a view to producing a scholarly and academic output. The module will embed research methodologies within an academic-industry reciprocal learning framework to demonstrate how to translate applied work-based findings into an academic context. The learner will prepare a minor thesis (35,000 words) and journal paper (5,000 words).

1. Prepare a minor thesis research proposal that demonstrates an ability to synthesize, analyze and evaluate the applied work-based research findings with a view to identifying opportunities for a more detailed investigation.

2. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate how evolving applied work-based research methodologies and strategies can inform academic practice i.e., teaching, learning and research, and vice-versa.

3. Prepare a research plan of work that will set out the: aims and objectives; selected methodology; implementation and benchmarking framework; and critical reflection milestones.

4. Examine the challenges and opportunities of translating research evidence into project, organizational, value chain and sector-wide policy and practice.

5. Prepare a minor thesis document and journal paper.

6. Critically reflect on the role of the practitioner-researcher-leader within different contexts i.e., project, organization, sector, community of practice, and its relationship to lifelong learning pathways and continuous professional development.