AFM4051 : Contemporary Issues in Business, Accounting and Finance
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Gordon Mayze
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 20.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The module aims to develop research skills of analysis and evaluation in the context of contemporary issues in business accounting and finance through an individual topic of choice.
Outline Of Syllabus
What is research into contemporary issues in business, accounting and finance.
Choosing a topic.
What is a literature review.
Developing and writing a research project.
Students will be required to complete a total of 10,000 word project, in which the student will be address a contemporary issue, of their choice, relevant to business, accounting and finance. The project will be an in depth study of a specific issue or topic and thus will focus on depth of analysis rather than broad subject coverage.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 295:00 | 295:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | 8 x 2 hour PiP workshops in Semester 1 across 4 weeks at beginning of semester; and 2 x 2 hour workshops in Semester 2 across 2 weeks. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | 3 Drop-in Clinic Sessions in Semester 1, and 3 Sessions in Semester 2 before students submit their research project |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | 2 in-person meetings per Semester. To be arranged between students and advisors. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | For Stage 3 cohort in May |
| Total | 400:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
As an individual research project the module requires few lectures and instead workshops will be used. Lecture materials will be used to provide a framework that set the parameters of the study as well as support from the central library and skills team. The early part of the module will assist students with identifying a topic and developing their project plan. Students will receive formative feedback on their project proposal. A project supervisor will be appointed for each student who will provide guidance and support to the student.
Due to the rather prescriptive aspects of some of the professionally orientated modules in years 2 and 3 of this degree programme, it is envisaged that students will need some extra support in understanding and adapting to the more open-ended, discursive and analytical nature of what will be required for the project. The contact time and significant drop in surgeries will be directed towards providing that support. Much of the student learning will take place through reading and analysing issues and researching for the assessment.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research paper | 2 | M | 65 | 6,000 word research report inc reflective skills statement |
| Research proposal | 1 | M | 5 | Research Proposal submitted early in Semester 1 (‘one pager’) |
| Essay | 1 | M | 30 | 4,000 words literature review and methodology |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 1 | M | Feedback is given via supervisory meetings across semester 1 and 2. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials will be front loaded so as to take place before the placement. The literature review (4,000 words) will be completed during semester one and submitted before placement.
Students will develop, research and write their project in Semester 1 and 2, supported by a project supervisor.
Completion of a 6,000 word project will allow students to explore an issue relevant to their overall programme of study. The project will also allow/require students to develop their skills and abilities to:
• research the subject area
• apply depth of analysis and discussion
• analyse the linkage between the literature and practice
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- AFM4051's Timetable