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This study presents findings from an innovative approach within the Liverpool Business School to developing the understanding of graduate readiness using a multi stakeholder approach. Based on primary research undertaken with student teams, the module leader and professional business consultants, all who collaborate to create real life value on unique projects for a real life business client from the Liverpool City Region in the Level 6 Business Consultancy module, a kaleidoscopic model of graduate readiness is proposed. A combination of Clarke’s (2018) six dimensions of graduate employability (human capital, social capital, individual attributes, individual behaviours, perceived employability, labour market forces) and LJMU’s nine key employability skills (LJMU Skills Checker, 2023) is used to explore graduate readiness from the three actors perspectives. That is, the student, the business consultant and the module leader. Using individual semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups (Bell, Harley & Bryman, 2022) the concept of graduate readiness in students in semester 2 of Level 6 is explored with a number of key themes emerged. These themes will be presented at the conference with each actor (student, business consultant and module leader) presenting their view separately which will then be combined to present a kaleidoscopic model and perspective. Currently this research is in progress. It is proposed that this bricolage approach (Gordon, 1999) not only develops the theoretical understanding of graduate readiness but also allows the Liverpool Business School to work with industry partners (business consultants and project clients) to collaboratively understand and developed graduate readiness to ensure that this is aligned to the needs of the regional skills based. Graduate readiness – a kaleidoscopic view. Co-creating and supporting student projects using a multi stakeholder approach, PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource., Student Experience Proceedings, 2023: Students at the Heart Conference

This presentation explores how students are adding real business value to organisations in the Liverpool City Region through their Level 6 business consultancy module. Based on a learning and teaching strategy of developing students knowing by apprehension a focus of doing business has been developed that puts students at the heart of the doing (Kolb 2015). By students working on real life projects that are unique to each student team or individual, students are provided with a supported opportunity to make the connection between the body of knowledge they have acquired through their undergraduate studies to concrete real life business problems (Schilpp 1949). As part of the strategy of the Liverpool Business School to develop business practice, this module has been developed and evolved over the past three years. In the academic year 2021/22 198 Level 6 students undertook 54 unique live projects from organisations in the Liverpool City Region and were supported by 1 of 10 bespoke business consultants who met with the student teams on a weekly basis. These projects were sourced by the LJMU Business Clinic and weekly progress was monitored to ensure adequate support was provided. A number of initiatives have been developed alongside Level 6 to develop and support students as they learn to do business. The key learning points are that using ecosystem thinking (Barile et al. 2016) has helped develop this module, many stakeholders have been included with the student voice being key to success. It is proposed that this type of thinking could be used to develop similar modules at LJMU. Reflections will also be provided on progress to date and details given of an emerging programme of research that is being developed to ensure that an appreciative inquiry approach to doing business is undertaken (Cooperrider & Srivastva 1987, 2017)., Student Experience Proceedings, 2022: Students at the Heart Conference

Objective: The HOME BP (Home and Online Management and Evaluation of Blood Pressure) trial aimed to test a digital intervention for hypertension management in primary care by combining self-monitoring of blood pressure with guided self-management. Design: Unmasked randomised controlled trial with automated ascertainment of primary endpoint. Setting: 76 general practices in the United Kingdom. Participants: 622 people with treated but poorly controlled hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg) and access to the internet. Interventions: Participants were randomised by using a minimisation algorithm to self-monitoring of blood pressure with a digital intervention (305 participants) or usual care (routine hypertension care, with appointments and drug changes made at the discretion of the general practitioner; 317 participants). The digital intervention provided feedback of blood pressure results to patients and professionals with optional lifestyle advice and motivational support. Target blood pressure for hypertension, diabetes, and people aged 80 or older followed UK national guidelines. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the difference in systolic blood pressure (mean of second and third readings) after one year, adjusted for baseline blood pressure, blood pressure target, age, and practice, with multiple imputation for missing values. Results: After one year, data were available from 552 participants (88.6%) with imputation for the remaining 70 participants (11.4%). Mean blood pressure dropped from 151.7/86.4 to 138.4/80.2 mm Hg in the intervention group and from 151.6/85.3 to 141.8/79.8 mm Hg in the usual care group, giving a mean difference in systolic blood pressure of −3.4 mm Hg (95% confidence interval −6.1 to −0.8 mm Hg) and a mean difference in diastolic blood pressure of −0.5 mm Hg (−1.9 to 0.9 mm Hg). Results were comparable in the complete case analysis and adverse effects were similar between groups. Within trial costs showed an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of £11 ($15, €12; 95% confidence interval £6 to £29) per mm Hg reduction. Conclusions: The HOME BP digital intervention for the management of hypertension by using self-monitored blood pressure led to better control of systolic blood pressure after one year than usual care, with low incremental costs. Implementation in primary care will require integration into clinical workflows and consideration of people who are digitally excluded. Trial registration: ISRCTN13790648.

Objective The HOME BP (Home and Online Management and Evaluation of Blood Pressure) trial aimed to test a digital intervention for hypertension management in primary care by combining self-monitoring of blood pressure with guided self-management. Design Unmasked randomised controlled trial with automated ascertainment of primary endpoint. Setting 76 general practices in the United Kingdom. Participants 622 people with treated but poorly controlled hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg) and access to the internet. Interventions Participants were randomised by using a minimisation algorithm to self-monitoring of blood pressure with a digital intervention (305 participants) or usual care (routine hypertension care, with appointments and drug changes made at the discretion of the general practitioner; 317 participants). The digital intervention provided feedback of blood pressure results to patients and professionals with optional lifestyle advice and motivational support. Target blood pressure for hypertension, diabetes, and people aged 80 or older followed UK national guidelines. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the difference in systolic blood pressure (mean of second and third readings) after one year, adjusted for baseline blood pressure, blood pressure target, age, and practice, with multiple imputation for missing values. Results After one year, data were available from 552 participants (88.6%) with imputation for the remaining 70 participants (11.4%). Mean blood pressure dropped from 151.7/86.4 to 138.4/80.2 mm Hg in the intervention group and from 151.6/85.3 to 141.8/79.8 mm Hg in the usual care group, giving a mean difference in systolic blood pressure of −3.4 mm Hg (95% confidence interval −6.1 to −0.8 mm Hg) and a mean difference in diastolic blood pressure of −0.5 mm Hg (−1.9 to 0.9 mm Hg). Results were comparable in the complete case analysis and adverse effects were similar between groups. Within trial costs showed an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of £11 ($15, €12; 95% confidence interval £6 to £29) per mm Hg reduction. Conclusions The HOME BP digital intervention for the management of hypertension by using self-monitored blood pressure led to better control of systolic blood pressure after one year than usual care, with low incremental costs. Implementation in primary care will require integration into clinical workflows and consideration of people who are digitally excluded. Trial registration ISRCTN13790648 .