Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI51415: Research Seminar in Business and Management

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI51415: Research Seminar in Business and Management

Type Tied Level 5 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • Perspectives on the Modern Organisation Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research I Behavioural Research Methods I Qualitative Research Methods I

Corequisites

  • As specified in Special Regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Deepen students' knowledge in their area of specialisation: macro-organisation theory; work, management, and organisation; or behavioural decision-making;
  • Provide the opportunity for students to develop a research proposal in one of these three areas.

Content

  • Selected topics in macro-organisation theory; work, management and organisation, or behavioural decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • have gained a detailed knowledge and critical awareness of the nature and scope of advanced research within their area of specialisation;
  • be able to critically review scholarly literature in their area of specialisation;
  • be able to develop innovative theoretical questions relevant to their own research and propose appropriate methods for addressing the questions;
Subject-specific Skills:
  • have a detailed understanding of methods employed for research and advanced academic enquiry in the field;
  • be able to use the ideas in the field in research projects of their own design
Key Skills:
  • have the ability to critically review a specialised area of knowledge and apply it in innovative ways in complex situations;
  • have the capacity for sustained independent and innovative work and learning at an advanced level, and the ability to learn through critical reflection on practice and experience;
  • be able to think independently, including problem-solving ability and the ability to make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields;
  • be able to understand complex research, critically analyse it, and communicate ideas about it to peers;
  • have the ability to exercise personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, including an ability to evaluate and resolve any ethical dilemmas which may arise.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • A seminar format will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module. Summative assessment by written assignment will test students' ability to apply what they have learned in their area of specialisation in proposing a research project. The assignment seeks to test the ability of the student to critically assess relevant research literature, identify relevant research issues and questions, and recommend the use of appropriate analytical techniques in macro-organisation theory; work, management and organisation; or behavioural decision-making.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 10 Weekly 3 hours 30
Preparation and Reading 120
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written research proposal Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written research proposal 4000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment, and feedback, may take a number of forms such as oral feedback on work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during seminars; discussions with teaching staff during consultation hours, or via e-mail.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University