Module overview
This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop an appreciation of management research in theory and practice. There are two broad objectives: (1) to enhance your knowledge of the research process and enable you to be aware of the problems associated with research, and (2) to prepare you to carry out your own research, in most cases your dissertation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critically assess the main types of contemporary business research;
- develop your own research proposal.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critically identify and evaluate a body of literature;
- formulate research aims, objectives and questions;
- critically evaluate the main methodologies uses in business research;
- defend your chosen approach for data collection and analysis.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the main methodologies and methods used in business research.
- the paradigms deployed by business researchers;
Syllabus
Foundations of management research: ontology, epistemology, axiology and links to methodology and methods; positivist/phenomenological research; conducting a literature review, research ethics, collecting and analysing data using quantitative and qualitative methods; formulating questions and questionnaire design; interviews; participant observation; exploratory data analysis; data pre-processing; case study methodology; grounded theory; ethnography.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The programme employs a range of teaching and learning methods tailored to online delivery and the needs of working professionals. One of the primary methods used is asynchronous learning, where students can access materials on their own schedule. This includes multimedia resources - but not just video lectures, but also podcasts, animations, and interactive simulations; and reading materials like PDFs or e-books. These resources allow learners to engage with content at their own pace. In addition, discussion forums provide a space for students to ask questions and participate in debates with their peers without the need for everyone to be online at the same time. The asynchronous learning is complemented by synchronous components, such as webinars. These sessions, typically held via Microsoft Teams, give students the opportunity to interact with instructors in real-time, asking questions or participating in discussions. All of these methods are designed to accommodate different learning approaches and ensure that students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios relevant to their professional contexts. With a strong emphasis on self-paced learning, supported by ongoing instructor guidance.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Online Course | 26 |
| Guided independent study | 34 |
| Independent Study | 90 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2024). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class activities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: There will be many opportunities to gain feedback from the tutor and/or peers about your level of understanding and knowledge prior to any formal summative assessment. In particular, discussion in synchronous sessions will provide an opportunity for feedback from peers and tutors.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External