Module Pre-requisites: There are no pre-requisites for this module
Module overview
The module is designed to provide the learner with the opportunity to undertake a self-managed analytical piece of work which draws on theoretical models and perspectives studied in business/management modules previously taken. In addition the module involves supports and assesses Personal Development Planning (PDP).
The module provides the learner with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to undertake independent research by providing a literature based academic investigation into a business/management related issue. In terms of PDP, students will be expected to develop a critical evaluation of their own learning with regards to evaluating their achievements, ability to plan for learning and their personal and professional development.
Learning Outcomes:
Learning outcomes Assessment criteria Assessment methods
By the end of this module the learner will : The learner can:
1. Be able to undertake independent research into an identified related topic
Complete a self directed piece of work that involves self-reliance, flexibility, planning, researching and managing information, reflection and resilience 4,500- 5,000 word report
2. Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of academic literature relating to the topic selected Carry out an extensive literature review and critically evaluate existing research related to your selected topic 4,500- 5,000 word report
3. Be able to critically appraise ideological perspectives behind decision making Review and evaluate the ideological perspectives adopted within the literature reviewed 4,500- 5,000 word report
4. Be able to demonstrate skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical thinking Present an effective discussion of relevant theory, construct a personal case/ argument which draws on an evaluation of concepts presented in literature and develop appropriate conclusions and/or recommendations
4,500- 5,000 word report
5. Be able to communicate complex ideas by means of a report Produce a well written report that demonstrates correct use of English and the ability to reference sources and produce a bibliography in an acceptable format 4,500- 5,000 word report
6. Understand and reflect upon your own skills and abilities as a researcher carrying out an academic piece of work, monitor and review your own progress and reflect on your own learning Critically review your own work and seek and respond to feedback where required 4,500- 5,000 word report and 500-1,000 word reflective report
7. Plan for successes in personal, educational and professional development Identify opportunities for further learning and personal development 500-1,000 word reflective report
8. Demonstrate academic integrity Be able to produce an assessment which generates an acceptable TurnitinUK report 4,500-5000 word report and 500-1000 reflective report
Indicative lecture outline
Due to the independent nature of this module no syllabus is prescribed. The learner will be required to select a title from a range of business/management related titles that will be made available to them. The titles will change annually to reflect topical issues and the content of the module will be related to the title selected by the learner. Each title will provide scope for the learner to demonstrate their ability to independently research, analyse, synthesise and evaluate appropriate literature. The chosen topic should not overlap substantially with any other module assessment which the learner has taken or intends to take.
Learning and teaching strategy
This module is designed to develop the learner’s ability to undertake independent research into an identified topic with limited tutor guidance. There will be introductory workshops for both on and off campus students at the beginning of the module as listed in the module calendar on the following page. In addition, there will be two, one-hour tutorials with the tutor responsible for the title you have chosen, during the semester. Students will be expected to demonstrate their work progression at these tutorials.
Module Calendar:
Week Week Commencing
Theory Topic
1 26th Jan 2015 Module Introduction – HE6
Writing an Investigative Report
2 2nd Feb 2015 Writing a Reflective Report
Overview of Topics
3 9th Feb 2015 Question and Answer Session
Topic Selection & Tutorial
4 16th Feb 2015 Allocation of Supervisors
Contact your supervisors
5-14 26th Jan – 11th May 2015 Independent Study
14
11th May 2015 (deadline is Tuesday 12th May 2015 by 5pm)
Investigative Report Submission
Independent study = 192hrs + workshops 6hrs + supervision 2hrs = Total 200 hours
Assessment methods
The learning outcomes identified in this module will be assessed through the medium of an extended piece of coursework, presented in report format (4,500 – 5,000words) and a reflective report (500 – 1,000 words) which will require the learner to critically reflect on the process of undertaking the investigative study.
Assessment weighting:
IS Report 90%
Reflective report 10%
Students will be required to submit hard copies of assessments and also to use the TurnitinUK software to maintain the academic integrity of their work.
Recommended reading with reference to doing a literature review and utilizing it to provide support for your answer to the question you have chosen will be found in any of the following Research Methods textbooks.
Saunders, M. & Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2003) Research Methods for Business Students, Harlow, FT-Prentice Hall, (3rd Ed)
Bell. J. (Current Ed) Doing Your Research Project: Open University Press
Bryman, A. (2007) Business Research Methods 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Cassel, C. and Symon, G. (2004) Essential Guide to Qualitative Methods in Organizational Research, London, Sage.
Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (Current Ed) Research Methods for Managers: London: Sage
Gray, D. (2009) Doing Research in the Real World, Sage, London
Hair, J.F. & Money, A.H. & Samouel, P. & Page, M. (2007) Research Methods for Business, Chichester, John Wiley
Lancaster, G. (2005) Research Methods in Management, Oxford, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann
Saunders, M. & Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2003) Research Methods for Business Students, Harlow, FT-Prentice Hall 3rd (Ed)
Saunders, M. (2006) Research Methods for Business Students 4th ed. Harlow: Financial Times Hall
The following Research Methods text books are available for students to view electronically via the University Library Catalogue (students will need to log in to Athens first).
Collins, J. and Hussey, R. (2003) Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students (2nd Ed.) Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; Palgrave Macmillan (e-book accessible via library catalogue)
Fisher, C and Buglear, J. (2004) Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business Students, Harlow: Prentice Hall/Financial Times (e-book accessible via library catalogue)
Lancaster, G. (2005) Research Methods in Management: A Concise Introduction to Research in Management and Business Consultancy, Oxford: Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann.
Thomas, A. B. (2004) Research Skills for Management Studies, London: Routledge, (e-book accessible via library catalogue)
Some texts relating to the question you have chosen to do for the assessment will be provided by the lecturer who initially wrote that assignment question. These initial texts will be limited and are a guide to the direction your research should take.