Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module BUSI4T115: Advanced Management and Marketing Theory

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4T115: Advanced Management and Marketing Theory

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2021/22 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To facilitate students’ in-depth engagement with current theories in Management and Marketing relevant to doctoral-level study.
  • To develop students’ critical understanding of different theoretical traditions and evaluating their impact on current research.
  • To develop students’ doctoral-level skills in verbal discussion and writing (about) theory.
  • To facilitate academic community building between doctoral students and academic faculty.

Content

  • Key theories in Management and Marketing fields and related research.
  • Compare and contrast management and marketing research streams with an awareness of their key research approaches
  • Recognise the cultural context of the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of research in management and organisation
  • Identify hidden assumptions of different research approaches
  • Recognise how research approaches are developed in response to particular questions of research in management and organisation.
  • Understand the limits and risks of mixing and matching theories and research methods with incompatible philosophical underpinnings
  • Writing (about) theory and presenting research contributions systematically.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Critical understanding of theory, including different epistemological assumptions, theoretical traditions and current developments in the field
  • Critical understanding of implications of such logics to contemporary research
  • Critical understanding of the process of theory development
  • Critical understanding of best-practice examples from academic faculty that link theory to current research
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to develop innovative, rigorous, and relevant research questions
  • Ability review and critique academic theory
  • Ability to communicate theoretical contributions, verbally and in writing
Key Skills:
  • Ability to undertake advanced academic reading and writing at doctoral level
  • Ability to communicate, receive and implement academic feedback
  • Ability to delineate and communicate research contributions, including theoretical and managerial implications
  • Ability to actively engage in and contribute to academic debates

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

  • The module will be delivered in a blended format, including workshops with lecture-type delivery elements and class discussion; and guided work in small groups that helps students develop a deeper understanding of doctoral-level research.
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to facilitate students’ critical thinking about applications of Management and Marketing theories to their own doctoral research. A group presentation complements the individual essay to facilitate their academic communication and teamwork skills.
  • The assessment is designed for students to learn from each other, strengthen the building of a doctoral community, and develop their teamwork skills for collaborative research.
  • Comprehensive reading and self-study materials will be provided online.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (classroom) 4 Over 4 days 5 hours 20
Tutor supported small group work (online) 4 As required 2 hours 8
Preparation and Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 75%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual Essay focusing on how learning in the module will inform the student's thesis 3000 words 100% Same
Component: Group Presentation Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Presentation on how epistemological assumptions influence the specification of research questions and theory development within a research stream. 15 min presentation and 15 min Q&A 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A 1000-word comparative analysis of two contrasting journal articles with a focus on their underlying theoretical assumptions and their consequent strengths and weaknesses.


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