Module BUSI54060: Theory into Practice (Level 5) Durham

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI54060: Theory into Practice (Level 5) Durham

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To ensure that students are familiar with relevant and rigorous theories of business and management research within their field of study.
• To ensure that students are aware of all the neighbouring theories that they can take advantage of in terms of borrowing insights and/or research methods.
• To develop the level of integration of students field knowledge.
• To develop students' ability to identify a suitable research topic, and generate theoretically relevant research questions that can be answered rigorously and scientifically.
• To develop students' ability to identify suitable research methods to answer their research questions.
• To develop students' ability to appreciate ethical issues in research

Content

• Models and methods
• Logic and argumentation
• Rigor and relevance in business and management research theories, models and methods
• Suitability of different analytical methodologies
• Observation plans
• Data structures
• Data collection methods: Participant and non-participant observation; Unstructured, semi structured and structured interviews; survey data; archival data, experiments
• Ethical challenges associated with the conduct of research into organisations

Learning Outcomes

• Have an up-to-date knowledge of the relevant theories.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of neighbouring fields.
• Understand contemporary developments in subject specific research methods.
• Understand ethical challenges and the appropriate responses.
• Have an advanced understanding of research design issues.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of subject specific methodological considerations.
• Understand limitations on data availability and management of research access.
• Understand the time demand of different data collection methods.
• Understand issues concerning research and confidentiality.
• Understand ethical challenges associated with the conduct of research into organisations, and the appropriate responses.

• Ability to skilfully conduct research.
• Ability to critically assess existing research.
• Ability to develop novel theory.
• Ability to test newly developed theory.
• Ability to unify or synthesise theories.

• Ability to make an initial formulation and articulation of a research problem.
• Ability to transform the research problem into a set of research questions.
• The ability to design the research to answer a particular research question.
• Ability to design and execute data collection.
• Ability to design data coding.
• Ability to design and execute the data analysis.
• Effective oral communication skills.

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

• The module will be delivered in two parts, Theory into Practice Part 1 will be in the form of an intensive five-day workshop taking students through all the relevant phases of research design.
• By commenting on each other's suggestions students will acquire both the capability and the attitude to critically evaluate and improve research designs.
• Learning will also occur through tutor-supported learning groups.
• Theory into Practice Part 2 will be delivered over three days in person and online via webinar.
• Assessment of the module is by:
• A 15,000 word written assignment based on the student's own research proposal.
• A timed presentation and oral defence of the student’s proposal, during Theory into Practice Part 2. Delivered to a panel comprising academic supervisors and peers, chaired by the Programme Director or nominated representative. All students must attend the whole workshop.
• The assessment is designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to articulate a researchable issue. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis; each component must be deemed to be of doctoral standard.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative Assessment: Individual presentation and feedback during Workshop Part 1. Individual 2,500-word written assignment.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.