Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module BUSI49M15: METHODS OF INQUIRY (TAUGHT)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI49M15: METHODS OF INQUIRY (TAUGHT)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1KS17
Tied to N1KR17
Tied to N1N317
Tied to N1N417

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • METHODS OF INQUIRY (ONLINE) - BUSI42R15

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
  • Management Research Ethics
  • Developing Management Research

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of how empirical research is conducted in a business context;
Subject-specific Skills:
  • 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.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading and specially-written self-study material.
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion), timetabled in blocks 3 1 per day 8 hours 24
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 4,000 words maximum 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

The formative assessment is to contribute and present, in a group, a research project proposal.


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