Module ACCT42715: Research Methods & Design

Department: Accounting

ACCT42715: Research Methods & Design

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• On the successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake an independent research project under appropriate supervision;
• distinguish between research philosophies, ontologies, epistemologies;
• identify appropriate research methods, plan a research project and complete a review of relevant literature.

Content

• Research philosophies including Positivist, Realist, Interpretivist and Pragmatist approaches to research.
• Methods of accounting research.
• Techniques of critical analysis.
• Project management skills for research.
• Accounting research technologies.
• Accounting research ethics.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should be able to show:
• demonstration of the extended knowledge of a relevant topic of interest and completed a critical review of relevant literature;
• development of their knowledge of approaches to research and be able to distinguishment between Positivist, Realist and Interpretivist paradigms;
• appreciate empirical research outputs.

• By the end of the module students should be able to:
• identify appropriate research methods and analytical techniques for application in an accounting context;
• acquire skills of independent research and project management;
• demonstrate an ability to present and analyse data in a clear and appropriate manner.

• Independent research development skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively: communicating complex ideas.
• The ability to think critically and creatively and to argue coherently.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.

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

• The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment, live scheduled webinars and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Zoom or Microsoft Teams). The hours as depicted in the Teaching Methods and Learning Hours table are indicative.
• The formative assessment serves to encourage students to study regularly and to monitor their learning progress. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Zoom or Microsoft Teams).
• 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 accounting and audit context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students undertake a series of activities aligned to the module content, receiving ongoing feedback on the theoretical knowledge and how it is applied.

■ 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