MANG6322 Foundations of Research in Accounting and Finance
Module Overview
There are two broad objectives to the module: • The first objective is to introduce students to academic research concerned with social sciences in general and accounting, finance and management research, in particular. The course will therefore enhance students’ knowledge of the research process and methodology and enable them to be aware of the problems associated with research. • The second main purpose is to prepare students for their dissertations. Guidance will be given as to how to proceed with their research, the choices available to them and an awareness of problems they may face.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
to introduce you to academic research concerned with social sciences in general and accounting and finance research in particular. The course will therefore enhance your knowledge of the research process and research methodology, and give you an awareness of the problems associated with research. To prepare you for your Master’s dissertation. Guidance will be given as to how to develop research topics, design your research project and undertake your research, making clear the choices available to you and problems that you may face.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- research methodologies;
- academic papers and research.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- prepare a research proposal with a rigorous methodology and appropriate research methods;
- pursue specialist areas individually but with guidance from a supervisor.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- solve complex problems and written communication skills;
- manage your own milestones and progress;
- apply qualitative and quantitative skills;
- apply bibliographical skills.
Syllabus
After an introductory lecture the module will focus on four research paradigms: positivistic, functionalist, interpretive and radical. Each paradigm will be presented and discussed in a two hour session each week. The sixth and seventh sessions will concentrate on designing a research project and the methods available to pursue empirical research.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will involve 22 hours of contact time in 2 hour sessions over an 11 week period. The first seven weeks will comprise lectures, including examples of current research undertaken by the School’s staff, followed by discussion with all module participants. Between week seven and eight (over the Easter vacation) students will undertake a preliminary literature review for their dissertation and prepare a research proposal. The last four weeks will comprise small groups (probably three or four students) with each student presenting their dissertation proposals for discussion with a staff supervisor and the other group members. Supervisors will advise students of further reading to be undertaken and suggest research methods for their empirical research.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Teaching | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Bob Ryan, Robert William Scapens and Michael Theobald (2002). Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting.
Erica Hallebone and Jan Priest (2009). Business and Management Research–Paradigms and Practice.
John Gill and Phil Johnson (2010). Research Methods for Managers.
Jill Collis and Roger Hussey (2014). Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students.
Assessment
Formative
Coursework
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay (1200 words) | 25% |
| Group presentation (20 minutes) | 25% |
| Research proposal (2500 words) | 50% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay (1200 words) | 50% |
| Research proposal (2500 words) | 50% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research proposal (2500 words) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Textbooks
Recommended texts for this module may be available in limited supply in the University Library and students may wish to purchase the mandatory/additional reading text as appropriate.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.