Module BUSI50015: METHODS OF INQUIRY (DL) (to 2009)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI50015: METHODS OF INQUIRY (DL) (to 2009)

Tied To

• N1D414: Business Administration (Distance Learning) (For students entering before January 2010) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)
• N1D417: Business Administration (distance learning) (for students entering before January 2010) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)
• N1D617: Business Administration [Finance] (distance learning) (for students entering before January 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

• Introduction to Research Methods
• Choosing the Right Method for your Research
• Introduction to Qualitative Research
• Designing and Conducting Interview Research
• Analysing and Writing Up Qualitative Research
• Designing Case Studies
• Questionnaire Survey Design
• Quantitative Data Analysis

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 this 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: identify an interesting and practical research question at an appropriate advanced level; develop a method for answering the question; conduct 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 to 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).