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UNIVERSITY

of the
WEST of SCOTLAND
School of Business and Enterprise
Module:
Research Methodology and Proposal
Module Code:
BUSN 11094
Session 2015-16
Trimester 2
Teaching Staff:
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq (module coordinator)
Room: G334; Paisley Campus
Email: mohammed.ishaq@uws.ac.uk
Dr. Uma Mohan
Room 16, 1 Floor,
UWS London Campus
Pocock House, London
Email: uma.mohan@uws.ac.uk

1.

AIM, LEARNING OUTCOMES, TEACHING METHODS,


ASSESSMENT, DEADLINES AND TEXTBOOKS

MODULE AIMS:
This module consists of two closely intertwined areas crucial to any research-based
programme of study: methodology and research proposal. In the methodology
element, the aim is to critically examine the range of methodological approaches for
conducting research in the field of business and management focusing on both
qualitative and quantitative methods and their philosophical underpinning. The
research proposal element of the module will allow students to demonstrate how
they will apply their selected methodological approach to a well-structured, coherent,
realistic, achievable and well-argued proposal for a programme of professional
research and development.

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES:


At the end of this module, you should be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the range of methodological

approaches and the philosophical underpinning which characterise academic


research;
Using a systematic approach, critically appraise research design,
methodology and methods and interpreted results of published accounts of
research;
Critically appraise, evaluate and summarise the literature pertinent to your
chosen programme of study;
Identify research and professional development questions within your area of
professional management; and
Prepare a detailed proposal of your programme of research in terms of
rationale, objectives, methods, milestones, resources and ethical
considerations.

TEACHING METHODS:
The module will be taught using a combination of formal lectures and seminar
workshops. The approach to learning and teaching places the emphasis on
participation and support. Students will be encouraged to take a pro-active approach
throughout with seminars/tutorials particularly aimed at encouraging debate and
discussion between students. Focused group discussions, syndicated breakout
discussions and individual support during tutorials will be strategies aimed at
ensuring a quality student experience on the module.

ASSESSMENT:
Assessment is based on coursework only. The coursework will constitute a research
proposal which will account for 100% of the overall mark for the module. You should
note that to pass this module, you must obtain an overall mark of 50%.
Your coursework must be submitted no later than the date and time specified,
unless an extension has been obtained from the Module Coordinator, Dr. Mohammed
Ishaq in advance of the submission date. Extensions will only be given for reason of
illness. In all cases a medical certificate/letter signed by a doctor must be submitted.
Marks will be deducted for late submission of work without permission, according to the
University regulations. Please plan your work carefully. Further details of the
coursework can be found on page 5.

MODULE REVIEW:
Various opportunities are given for student feedback on the module. If you have any
problems then please raise them, in the first instance, with the module coordinator. A
module review questionnaire will be circulated before the end of the module.

MODULE READING:
The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and
ultimately for the learning outcomes. Students are also encouraged to source their
own reading relevant to the module.
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2011), Business Research Methods, 3rd edition, Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Bryman, A. (2012), Social Research Methods (4th ed.), Oxford: Oxford University
Press
Cassell, C. and Symon, G. (2012), Qualitative Organisational Research: Core
Methods and Current Challenges, London: Sage.
De Vaus, D.A. (2013), Surveys in Social Research, 6th edition, London: Routledge.
Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Y (Eds) (2013), 4th edition, Collecting and Interpreting
Qualitative Materials, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., and Jackson, P.R. (2008), Management Research,
London: Sage.
Hinton, P (2004), Statistics Explained: A Guide for Social Science Students, 3rd
edition, London: Routledge.
Jankowicz, A. (2004), Business Research Projects, 4th edition, London: Thomson
Learning Business Press.

Marshall, C. and Rossman, G. (2006), Designing Qualitative Research: Qualitative


Data Analysis, 4th edition, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.
Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2013), Cite them Right: the Essential Referencing Guide,
9th edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012), Research Methods for Business
Students, 6th edition, London: Pearson Education Ltd.
Yin, R. (2003), Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 3rd edition, Thousand
Oaks: Sage.

2.

TAUGHT PROGRAMME

LECTURE PROGRAMME
WEEK
1
2

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

TOPIC
Introduction to module
Understanding research
philosophy in the context
of social sciences and
business
and
management
Research questions, aim,
objectives and hypothesis
testing
The literature review and
published accounts of
research
Research design and
methodological approach
to research
Data collection methods
1
Data collection methods
2
Analysing data
Working with quantitative
data
Independent study: work
on your research proposal
Assessment session the
research proposal and its
components
Module review

SEMINAR/WORKSHOP PROGRAMME
Seminar workshops will take place every week following the lecture. Full details of the
topics to be covered during the tutorials will be provided at each tutorial on a week by
week basis and/or via Moodle. The tutorial topics will build on areas covered at the
lectures. Tutorials will be highly interactive with students expected to be active
participants in driving debate and discussion. Students will be expected to be fully
prepared for tutorials.

3.

MODULE ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Further help and advice for the coursework will be provided in class.
As well as constituting the formal assessment for this module, it is expected that the
proposal will provide the foundation on which the DBA thesis topic undertaken from
year 2 will be built upon. Therefore the importance of this assessment for both the
module and the overall programme cannot be understated. Regular support and
advice in helping you prepare for this assessment will be provided throughout the
duration of this module, including a special session in week 12 of the trimester.
Assessment Task
You are required to compile a research proposal that will allow you to demonstrate
the application of your selected methodological approach to a well structured,
coherent, realistic, achievable and well-argued proposal for a programme of
professional research and development.
The research proposal should be written in the form of a report and should cover
specific areas (see below) that will have been covered during the delivery of the
module. The report should be structured along the following lines that could also be
used as the basis for sub-headings:
Executive summary
Table of contents
Title, introduction and rationale for the proposed research
Research questions/aim/objectives and conceptual framework
Literature review
Research approach, design and methodology
Access issues and ethical considerations
Timeline/milestones
Conclusion
References

Specific submission requirements


5

Maximum word count is 5000 words (+/- 10%). Marks maybe deducted for
submissions that are excessively long or short. Please indicate the word count
on your report.
Your report should be typed in word format and submitted via turnitin on or
before the due date.
Please use a minimum font size of 12 and line spacing of either 1.5 or 2. Dont
forget to insert page numbers into your document.
Your report should be submitted no later than the date and time specified,
unless an extension has been obtained from the module coordinator in
advance of the submission date. Extensions will only be given for reason of
illness. In all cases a medical certificate/letter signed by a doctor must be
submitted. Marks will be deducted for late submission of work without
permission, according to the University regulations.

Marking Criteria and Breakdown of Marks


In assessing your report, the following criteria will be applied:
Structure/Organisation and Presentation: Is the report clearly structured?
Does it follow the suggested structure? Are all key areas covered? Does the
report acknowledge sources and use the Harvard system of referencing? Is
the report word-processed, grammatically correct and of the appropriate
length? Is there a robust conclusion? Overall, does it adhere to the specific
submission requirements? (20%).
Knowledge and Understanding: Is the research area/problem clearly
outlined? Is a credible rationale for the area of investigation provided? Are
appropriate research questions identified and are objectives SMART? Is the
review of literature critical and does it demonstrate wider understanding of
research area and appropriate theories and frameworks? Overall, does the
student demonstrate knowledge of chosen research area? (40%).
Skills and Application: Does the proposal demonstrate an understanding of
research methods and approaches and their application to the design of the
proposed research, including taking account of sampling, access and ethical
issues and challenges? Overall, does the student demonstrate a grasp of the
skills required in the application of research methods and approaches in the
design of a specific programme of research? (40%).
.

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