Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module ECON43015: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance)

ECON43015: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None.
Tied to L1K209
Tied to N1KL07

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module aims to: provide students with the quantitative skills necessary to pursue empirical research in the areas of accounting and/or finance and/or financial management at an advanced level; provide students with the econometric knowledge and skills necessary for them to understand the empirical literature in the areas of accounting, finance and financial management; develop students’ understanding of the quantitative techniques necessary for them to undertake research in accounting and/or finance and/or financial management at an advanced level.

Content

  • The main topics covered will include: i. Probability distributions. ii. Simple regression analysis. iii. Multivariate regression analysis. iv. Hypothesis testing (parametric and non-parametric). v. Further topics in regression analysis (diagnostic tests.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module students should:
  • have a specialist knowledge of key statistical and econometric principles and methods;
  • have developed critical understanding of selected econometric methods, allowing them to study data with regression analysis and interpret results.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • be able to use a range of statistical/econometric tools to conduct their own empirical investigations into complex accounting and financial issues.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication;
  • Planning, Organising and Time Management;
  • Problem Solving and Analysis;
  • Using Initiative;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer Literacy.

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

  • A combination of lectures, seminars and guided reading will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module. The summative written project will test students' knowledge and critical understanding of the material covered in the module, their analytical and problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 Weekly 2 hours 18
Seminars 4 Fortnightly 1 hour 4
Computer classes 4 Weekly in second half of term 1 hour 4
Preparation and reading 124
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written project 3,000 words (maximum) 100%

Formative Assessment:

Work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar, or posted on DUO; feedback on 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