Module code
BML245
Title
Research Skills
Programme
University of Chichester Business School
Level
4
Credits
15
ECTS*
7.5 3hrs per week + tutorials
Contact time Acceptable for
Mandatory for all routes in the Business School
Excluded combinations
n/a
Mandatory/Optional
Mandatory for all routes in the Business School
Module Co-ordinator
Dr Andy Clegg
Description The aim of this module is to introduce students to the field of business and management research with the express aim of preparing them for their final year management project, or equivalent personal study. The module will take the students on a structured and applied journey, looking at the rationale and contextualisation for use of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The first part of the module will focus on the philosophical underpinnings and basic elements of research design and how they shape and inform the research process. Within this part of the module, students will be introduced to qualitative methodologies. The second part of the module will introduce students to the use of computer-based statistical techniques for the analysis and presentation of quantitative data using SPSS. Whilst students will engage with the philosophical issues of research, emphasis will also be placed on developing a well-constructed research approach, which maximises the benefits of a ‘mixed methods’ approach, capitalising on the advantages of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Outline Syllabus & Teaching & Learning Methods The module will be based around a series of introductory lecture sessions, accompanied by comprehensive online Moodlebased resources, including support notes, online simulations, quizzes and self-directed activities. Practical sessions will be used to help students contextualise the application of quantitative methodologies, and will focus on the analysis and presentation of data using SPSS and Excel. Indicative areas in the module include: n
Understanding research – concepts and paradigms
n
Choosing a business research project and practical issues
n
Reviewing and evaluating existing knowledge through a literature search
n
Research design: problem or research question, project limits, methodological decisions, writing a project proposal
n
Introduction to qualitative research methods e.g. interviews / focus groups / observation
n
Working with quantitative data - data types, manipulation, interrogation and presentation
n
Designing, launching and analysing questionnaire surveys
n
Creating data files and using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS
Intended Learning Outcomes
How assessed**
On successful completion of this module students will be able to: §
Identify the purpose, main types and qualities of viable research and embody these within the production of a small-scale research project
§
Critically analyse and evaluate different philosophical research positions, and how different epistemological perspectives may imply different methodological approaches
§
Formulate, justify, plan, structure and manage a research proposal based on a preliminary investigation of a suitable topic
§
Relate and critically apply the appropriate use of quantitative and quantitative methodologies to their own research strategies recognising the advantages and limitations associated with particular methodological approaches
§
Acquire, analyse, interpret and present data appropriately using Bristol Online Surveys, SPSS, Excel and other appropriate tools
Assessment Scheme - Formative
Assessment A
Assessment A and B Assessment A and B
Assessment A and B
Assessment A
Weighting %
Formative: Online resources and self-directed activities will provide students with formative assessment as they progress through the module. To support the team research project and individual research proposal, students will also have the opportunity to meet with the module tutor to discuss their intended research, and subsequent line of analysis. To allow the module tutor(s) to fully support this process and to provide clear and articulate guidance, the students will be asked to complete a log all group meetings and a record of the work programmes agreed and assigned to different members of the group. Assessment Scheme - Summative (a) Research Poster (2,450 word equivalent): Students will be asked to present a research poster which will outline the overall themes and results of their research project. Students will then be invited to discuss and critically reflect on the research process as a part of the ‘live marking’ of their poster with the module tutor(s) Assessment Criteria •
Evidence of clear research aims and objectives informed by background research
•
Clear and logical structure of the poster demonstrating progression against the identified research objectives
•
Clear extrapolation of answers and analysis based on the use of the appropriate statistical techniques and the interpretation of SPSS output
•
Inclusion of qualitative methodologies and outputs to support the research results
•
Ability to present results accurately, succinctly and to a high standard using appropriate formats and referencing conventions
•
Quality of the demonstrated critical reflection of chosen research methodology and results as part of the ‘live marking’ of their poster with the module tutor(s)
0%
Weighting % 70%
(b) Research Proposal (1,050 word equivalent): Students will select a research topic of their own interest relevant to their degree route and will be required to submit a methodological proposal that outlines the aim, research objectives and expected outcome of the proposal, preliminary literature review and the presentation of a suitable methodology.
30%
Assessment Criteria • • • • •
Formulation of viable research objectives and defined research outcomes. Evidence of engagement with the academic literature to support a critical awareness of existing theory and previous research Critical evaluation and justification of a proposed methodological framework Presentation of a viable project plan and appropriate research timetable Correct application of appropriate referencing conventions.
Reassessment Scheme
Weighting %
The resit for this assessment will consist of a detailed research proposal (100%; 3,500 word equivalent).
100%
Assessment Criteria • • • • •
Formulation of viable research objectives and defined research outcomes. Evidence of engagement with the academic literature to support a critical awareness of existing theory and previous research Critical evaluation and justification of a proposed methodological framework Presentation of a viable project plan and appropriate research timetable Correct application of appropriate referencing conventions.
Indicative Reading Lists/Key Texts/Websites/other resources th
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods. 4 Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Clark, M., Riley, M., Wilkie, E. and Wood, R. (1998), Researching and Writing Dissertations in Hospitality and Tourism, Thomson Business Press, London. Dancey, C. (2014) Statistics Without Maths for Psychology, Pearson, Harlow. Denscombe, M. (2012) Research Proposals: A Practical Guide, Open University Press, Maidenhead (available as an e-book) Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Jackson, P. (2015) Management and Business Research, Fifth Edition, Sage, Los Angeles. Field, A. (2013), Discovering Statistics Using SPSS, Fourth Edition, Sage, London Finn, M., Elliott-White, M. and Walton, M. (2000) Tourism and Leisure Research Methods, Longman, London. Hinton, P., Brownlow, C., Mcmurray, I. and Cozens, B. (2004) SPPS Explained, Routledge, London. Jarman, K. (2013) The Art of Data Analysis – How to Answer any Question Using Basic Statistics, Wiley, Chichester. Morgan, G.,Leech, N., Loeckner, G. and Barrett, K. (2010) SPSS for Introductory Statistics: Use and Interpretation, Routledge, London. Ng, W. and Coakes, E. (2014) Business Research: Enjoy Creating, Developing and Writing your Business Project, Kogan Page, London (available as an e-book). Pallant, J. (2013) SPSS Survival Manual – A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis using IBM SPSS, McGraw-Hill, Maidenhead. Saunders, M. and Lewis, P. (2012) Doing Research In Business And Management: An Essential Guide To Planning Your Project, Pearson Education, Harlow (available as an e-book). White, B. and Rayner, S. (2014) Dissertation Skills for Business and Management Students, Second Edition, Cengage Learning, Melbourne. Wilson, N. (2014), Business Research – Enjoying Creating, Developing and Writing Your Business Project, Kogan Page, London.