Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module BUSI4N515: Applied Behaviour Analysis (Fudan DBA)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4N515: Applied Behaviour Analysis (Fudan DBA)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1R760

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide a comprehensive and critical understanding of the principles, concepts and implementation of applied behaviour analysis within a business, management and Finance context.
  • To equip students with the advanced conceptual and practical skills necessary to identify and develop a professional and ethical behavioural intervention programme.
  • To develop the skills needed to evaluate and critique behaviour-analytical research.

Content

  • The lectures and practical classes within this module will be organised around the following themes/topics:
  • Action research, behavioural research and the Scientist-Practitioner approach;
  • Understanding behavioural change;
  • Accessing, cultivating and managing a research setting;
  • Defining and measuring behaviour;
  • Variable definition and hypothesis-generation;
  • Designing a behavioural intervention programme;
  • Data analysis quantitative, qualitative;
  • Managing, evaluating and reporting behavioural intervention projects;
  • Ethical issues and debates in behavioural intervention research.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have:
  • a critical awareness of the origins of applied behaviour analysis as a mode of action research and its potential within a business and management context;
  • a critical appreciation of the fundamental principles of applied behaviour analysis.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have acquired the technical skills necessary to design, plan, implement and evaluate a doctoral-level behavioural intervention programme.
Key Skills:
  • Ability to make an initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research
  • Ability to understand and resolve the problems and issues in undertaking doctoral research
  • Effective written communication
  • Advanced skills of self-awareness and time management

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 three-day teaching block. Workshops will comprise a balanced mix of lecture- and seminar-type delivery combined with small group discussions and other activities as appropriate to the nature of the material.
  • Learning will also occur through tutor-supported, as well as self-supported learning groups. In addition, guided reading will address key topics. This range of methods will ensure that students will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to enable them to develop a thorough understanding of this specialist field of study.
  • The assessment of the module, by individual written assignment, 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshop 3 Daily 8 24
Tutor-supported Learning Groups via webinars and other e-learning tools. With follow-up support as necessary using videoconferencing software. 16
Self-supported Learning group (self-organised by students, monitored by Fudan Office) 10
Preparation & Reading (reading list provided consisting of current published articles relevant to module content, available within library) 100
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research 3,000 words max 100% same

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 the modules. Individual 1000-word outline of summative assignment with individual feedback provided.


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