Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI42R15: METHODS OF INQUIRY (DL) (from 2010)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI42R15: METHODS OF INQUIRY (DL) (from 2010)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1DU17
Tied to N1DR17
Tied to N1DU14

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To equip students with the necessary training both to be able to assess the academic research and literature in the fields of business and management and to prepare them to undertake the dissertation.

Content

  • Understanding Quantitative Research
  • Discrete-Choice Scales
  • Behavioural Coding
  • Performance Outcome Metrics
  • Understanding Qualitative Research
  • Interview and Focus Group Techniques
  • Ethnographic Research and Management Research Ethics
  • Developing Management Research

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of how empirical research is conducted in a business context;
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • be able to conduct advanced literature searches to identify important literature and outstanding research questions;
  • be able to write an evaluative review of the literature;
  • be able to conduct a Masters-level research project from beginning to end. This involves the following: identifying an interesting and practical research question at an appropriate advanced level; developing a method for answering the question; conducting the research, including managing all aspects of the research project.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

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

  • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
  • The summative assessment is in the form of a written assignment which will test students’ knowledge and understanding of key issues and techniques associated with undertaking research in business and management.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 4,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Essay (1,500 words).


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