| Title: | Research Methods |
|---|
| Long Title: | Research Methods |
|---|
| Field of Study: |
Business & Management
|
| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 ) |
| Module Coordinator: |
DON CROWLEY |
| Module Author: |
ANGELA WRIGHT |
| Module Description: |
Critically analyse literature to construct a conceptual framework and identify key issues and debates. Critically assess qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with particular reference to business environments. Develop skills to undertake and present a realistic practical based research proposal that will involve the use of research methods appropriate to Masters Level. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| LO1 |
Select a research topic and design a model for investigation that is both feasible and practical. |
| LO2 |
Develop a conceptual framework for a research study from a review of literature. |
| LO3 |
Apply research to decision making such as feasibility option appraisal and evaluation. |
| LO4 |
Employ appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies from a range of theoretical schools to address research agendas. |
| LO5 |
Evaluate issues of reliability, validity and ethics when concluding research and how these apply to the business context of their research. |
| LO6 |
Produce a comprehensive coherent research proposal document strongly supported by literature. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
|
|
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
|
| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
|
| No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
|
Research Methods
The nature of advanced level research, its role in business, and ethical concerns.
The research process at Master’s degree level will involve choosing a research question, choosing a research design and the evaluation of alternatives.
The concept of how to search for information and literature. What sources are appropriate such as (journals, trade journals, Web, impact rating, quality of the source etc.). How to access online databases such as (INSPEC, Compendex, IEEE, CiteSeer, ACM Portal). Searching the Web in a systematic and cohesive manner. The correct management of the information found, and the correct and accurate referencing of same.
Collating and writing of a concise literature review. Appraisal of the research instrument and sample size.The construction, design, administration and analysis of questionnaires and interview guides. In-depth interviews and focus groups. Data preparation and processing. Testing of accuracy, reliability and validity. Presentation/report writing skills.
|
|
Research Approach
Quantitative and qualitative methodologies together with mixed methods and triangulation. In-depth structured and semi-structured interview techniques. Focus Groups Research Techniques. Projective Techniques. Accessing the correct sample.
|
|
Computer Application Training
Computer Applications Training: Basic applications (data bases/spread sheets), Statistical packages, Creating a data set, Assigning measurement levels to variables, Running frequencies, Re-coding variables, Crosstabs, Extracting tables and charts including histograms, Running cross-tabs and use of multiple response tables, Running statistical significance tests.
Working with 'survey monkey' and online surveys for best results.
|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|
| Course Work | 100.00% |
| Course Work |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Presentation |
An in-class presentation of the research idea that will act as a lead into the research proposal. The presentation will explore an initial viable research idea for the research thesis. Also, a 2 page written submission of the initial literature in relation to the field of study is submitted. |
1,2,3,4 |
40.0 |
Week 8 |
| Written Report |
The completion of a research proposal that will act as a lead for the research thesis module. |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
60.0 |
Sem End |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
| Reassessment Requirement |
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
|
The institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Class based instruction |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Case study work, research & specified readings |
4.0 |
Every Week |
4.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Direct contact with Student |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Case study work, research & specified readings |
4.0 |
Every Week |
4.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
Module Resources
| Recommended Book Resources |
|---|
- Yvonne McGivern 2013, The Practice of Market Research, Pearson UK [ISBN: 9780273773115]
- Jill Collis, Roger Hussey 2009, Business Research, 3rd Ed., 14, Palgrave Macmillan UK [ISBN: 9781403992475]
- Gina Wisker 2008, The postgraduate research handbook, 2nd Ed. Ed., Palgrave London [ISBN: ISBN: 978-0-230-52130-8]]
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
|---|
- Rowena Murray 2011, How to Write a Thesis, 3rd Ed., Open University Press [ISBN: 9780335244287]
- Levin P. 2008, Excellent Dissertations, Student Friendly Guides, all, Open University, McGraw-Hill London [ISBN: 13-978-033521822-6]
- Les Oakshott 2009, Essential Quantitative Methods, 4th Ed., Palgrave Macmillan UK [ISBN: 9780230218185]
- Alan Bryman, Emma Bell 2007, Business research methods, 2nd Ed., all, Oxford University Press Oxford [ISBN: 9780199284986]
- Brannick T & Roche W 1997, Management of Business Research, all, Oak Tree Press Dublin
| | This module does not have any article/paper resources |
|---|
| Other Resources |
|---|
- Website: Centre for Writing Studies, Illinois, USA
|
Module Delivered in
|
