We are really excited to be working with Benifex on this project. It has been designed to be authentic to the role of global HR professionals with the application of research techniques, a consulting approach, and evidence of problem-solving skills to address the business issue with actionable recommendations. Together with Benifex we hope to support the development of, and inspire, the next generation of HR leaders.
Dr Penelope Simpson, Programme Director, MSc Global Human Resource Management
02 April 2026
King's Business School launches online consulting project with leading global software company
Students on the online MSc Global Human Resource Management will work on a live industry challenge with Benifex, applying research and HR theory in practice.
King’s Business School has launched a new Research and Consultancy Project module for students on its online MSc Global Human Resource Management programme, in partnership with global employee benefits and reward platform Benifex.
The module gives students the opportunity to work on a live organisational challenge, taking on the role of HR consultants and developing evidence-based recommendations informed by academic research and current industry practice.
The collaboration is led by Gethin Nadin, Chief Innovation Officer at Benifex and Executive Fellow at King’s Business School, alongside a wider Benifex project team. Academic leads at the Business School include Dr Penelope Simpson, Programme Director for the online MSc, and Vicky Richards-Hobman, co-tutor on the module.
Designed for online learners, the project combines digital learning materials with live engagement, enabling students to complete consultancy-style work within a structured academic framework.
The initiative forms part of the Business School’s wider focus on applied learning, supporting students to develop research capability, critical thinking and professional skills for global HR roles.
“This programme gives students a level of practical, hands-on exposure that is rare in HR education. They’re not just learning theory, they’re working with real organisational challenges, data, andcommercial constraints. By stepping into the role of a Benifex consultant, students are developing the skills that actually matter in practice: research discipline, ROI modelling, data interpretation, and trend forecasting. That kind of applied learning is exactly what’s been missing in much of higher-level HR education, and we’re proud to be helping close that gap.”
Gethin Nadin, Chief Innovation Officer at Benifex
The launch marks a further step in the development of practice-based learning within King’s Business School’s online programmes, highlighting the role of collaboration between academia and industry in preparing students for careers in global HR.