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
Learning Outcomes
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:
- apply qualitative and quantitative skills;
- apply bibliographical skills.
- manage your own milestones and progress;
- solve complex problems and written communication skills;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- academic papers and research.
- research methodologies;
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 |
---|---|
Teaching | 24 |
Independent Study | 126 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Jill Collis and Roger Hussey (2014). Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
John Gill and Phil Johnson (2010). Research Methods for Managers. London: Sage.
Bob Ryan, Robert William Scapens and Michael Theobald (2002). Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting. Thomson.
Erica Hallebone and Jan Priest (2009). Business and Management Research–Paradigms and Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Coursework
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Where necessary and upon student request, face-to-face meetings will be arranged for feedback discussion with the students concerned.
- 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