Upskilling the workforce: live projects and business undergraduates

This chapter explores the use of the live project (LP) as a context within which to develop the employability skills of undergraduate business students. Learners worked in partnership with businesses to solve a real business problem. Working in small groups, guided by their business partner, students developed an array of skills, such as team working, communication, problem-solving, time management, organisational skills, and critical thinking. This type of authentic learning provides an environment where students feel confident to apply their knowledge and skills. By offering a description of the student journey through the LP, this chapter contributes to existing knowledge by explaining a learning environment which places the learner in an authentic situation. The contribution made by the critical description given in this chapter will add to existing knowledge around the concept of live project and the benefits gained by both learners and business clients.