Module BUSI4N760: Theory into Practice (Level 4) (Fudan DBA)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI4N760: Theory into Practice (Level 4) (Fudan DBA)

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To ensure that students are familiar with relevant and rigorous theories of business studies or finance.
• To ensure that students are aware of some of the neighbouring theories that can supply additional insights and/or research methods.
• To develop the level of integration of students’ field knowledge.
• To develop students’ ability to identify a suitable research topic, and generate theoretically relevant research questions that can be answered rigorously and scientifically.
• To develop students’ ability to identify suitable research methods to answer their research questions.
• To develop students’ ability to appreciate ethical issues in research.

Content

• Logic and argumentation
• Models and methods
• Suitability of different analytical methodologies
• Data structures
• Data collection methods: Unstructured, semi structured and structured interviews; Questionnaire design; Experiment design; Survey data; Panel data; Finance databases, such as Datastream; Archival data
• Research ethics

Learning Outcomes

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the relevant theoretical basis for their research topic
• Understand contemporary developments in research methods in business or finance
• Have an advanced understanding of research design issues in business or finance
• Have a comprehensive understanding of key methodological considerations in business or finance research
• Understand limitations on data availability in business or finance
• Understand the time demand of different data collection methods as well as limitations on data availability in business or finance
• Understand ethical challenges and other practical issues concerning research access and confidentiality
• Devise/propose a research design incorporating appropriate research methodology

• Ability to skilfully conduct research in business or finance
• Ability to critically assess existing research in business or finance
• Ability to unify or synthesise theories relevant to business or finance

• Ability to make an initial formulation and articulation of a research problem
• Ability to understand how the research problem is developed into a set of research questions
• The ability to evaluate the research that answers a particular research question
• Ability to evaluate data coding
• Ability to assess the data analysis

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

• The module will be delivered in a workshop format over an intensive two-day teaching block taking the students through all the relevant phases of research design.
• By commenting on each other’s suggestions students will acquire both the capability and the attitude to critically evaluate and improve research designs.
• Learning will also occur through tutor-supported learning groups.
• The summative assessment of the module is by a 15,000 word written assignment based on an extensive literature review and field knowledge. This is designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to articulate a researchable issue.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Group-based presentations and tutor feedback within workshops. Individual 2500 word assignment.

■ 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