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

Department: Business School (Business)

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

Tied To

• N1DR17: Business Administration (Finance) (Distance Learning) (for students entering between January - September 2010) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)
• N1DU14: Business Administration (Distance Learning) (for students entering between January - September 2010) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)
• N1DU17: Business Administration (Distance Learning) (for students entering between January - September 2010) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

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

• By the end of the module, students should:
• have a critical appreciation of how empirical research is conducted in a business context;

• 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.

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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Essay (1,500 words).