Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module is designed to provide students with the necessary training to undertake advanced level research in Business and Management. The module has two aspects. First, it focuses on the nature of research in the area, and the social sciences (philosophy of science) in general, examining the study skills necessary to manage and undertake a research project; and secondly, it provides students with opportunities to be familiar with the important empirical and theoretical research in Business and Management. Such skills are intended to provide a central foundation for undertaking a dissertation at an advanced level.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will enable you to develop an understanding of the nature and scope of advanced
research in Business and Management. It focuses on research leading to the production of your
Master's dissertation project and covers key skills areas, including, ethics, effective research
management, research proposals, research design and strategy-making, data collection and
research methods, recording and interpretation of results and writing up. It is practical and
interactive in focus, employing research case studies and weekly readings to help you develop a
good working knowledge of both the literature and research practice.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should:
• have gained an understanding and be aware of the nature and scope of advanced research in
Business and Management
• be aware of, and familiar with, the facilities available for conducting literature searches and
obtaining relevant data to facilitate the empirical investigation.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should:
• have developed the ability to operate independently on a research topic and exercise
appropriate judgement in the selection of material,
• be able to effectively organise, structure and manage a research project at an advanced level,
including undertaking critical appraisal, of relevant literature,
• have further developed the skills of inquiry, research design, data collection and information
retrieval, bibliographic search, measurement and analysis, interpretation and presentation, self-discipline and time management and the ability to work autonomously.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

A combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, and PC lab sessions are designed to give students a thorough overview of research methodologies and opportunities to hone practical skills as well as knowledge.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Both summative assignments will assess whether the students can apply the theories and techniques developed in lectures to their own plans and research proposals.
The written exercise in semester 1 will help the student to identify and consolidate their research ideas and directions. In semester 2 the ongoing assessment of student progression during computer Lab sessions where students are supported through a number of exercises using SPSS and NVivo. Interventions occur to support students so that equal progression occurs across the group. Learning checks as the summative assessment are linked to the suitable progression of each student in addressing set tasks.

General Notes

N/A