Research

Methodologies
Department: Accelerated MBA
Module Code: MOD003410
Level: 7
Academic Year: 2015/16
Globe Campuses: Peterborough and London
.

www.anglia.ac.uk

Module Guide

Contents
1.

2.
3.

4.

5.

Key information, Introduction to the Module and Learning Outcomes

2
1.1 Key Information................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Introduction to the Module..................................................................................2
1.3 Learning Outcomes............................................................................................. 3
Employability Skills in this Module
3
Outline Delivery and Reading Lists @ Anglia 4
3.1 Delivery periods.................................................................................................. 4
3.2 Outline Delivery................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Reading List and Learning Resources..................................................................5
3.3.1 Essential Reading 5
3.3.2 Recommended reading 5
Assessment on this Module
5
4.1 Assessment Submission Dates............................................................................ 6
4.2 The Assignments................................................................................................. 6
4.2.1 Element 010:
Research Evidence Review (Literature and evidence
sources)
7
4.2.2 Element 011: Research Design Proposal
8
4.3 Assessment Information and Marking Criteria...................................................10
4.3.1 Element 010: Marking Criteria for Research Evidence Review
10
4.3.2 Element 011 Assignment: Marking Criteria for Research Design Proposal
11
4.4 Re-assessment Information............................................................................... 12
4.4.1 The Topics for the Reassessment Assignment:
12
4.4.2 The Marking Criteria for the Reassessment Assignment:
12
Links to Other Key Information 14

Page 1

Module Guide

1. Key information, Introduction to the Module and Learning Outcomes

1.1 Key Information
Module title: Research Methodology

Campus: Peterborough
Module
Leader:
Agnes
Taylor
Email:
Agnes.Taylor@anglia.ac.uk
Module Tutors: Kazi Khaled

Campus: London
Module Leader: Roger Telfer
Email:
roger.telfer@lsclondon.co.uk
Module Tutors: Agnes Taylor

Every module has a Module Definition Form (MDF) which is the officially validated
record of the module. You can access the MDF for this module in three ways via:

the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

the My.Anglia Module Catalogue at www.anglia.ac.uk/modulecatalogue
Anglia Ruskins module search engine facility at www.anglia.ac.uk/modules

All modules delivered by Anglia Ruskin University at its main campuses in the UK and at
Associate Colleges throughout the UK and overseas are governed by the Academic
Regulations. You can view these at www.anglia.ac.uk/academicregs. An extract of the
Academic Regulations, known as the Assessment Regulations, is available at this
website too (all new students will have received a printed copy as part of their welcome
pack).
In the unlikely event of any discrepancy between the Academic Regulations and any
other publication, including this module guide, the Academic Regulations, as the
definitive document, take precedence over all other publications and will be applied in
all cases.

1.2 Introduction to the Module

The module:

Introduces students to the essential principles, practices and processes related

to the rigorous selection, design, carrying out, analysis, evaluation and
completion of a major piece of academic and/or business and management discipline related research

Provides students with an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects

of research design and evaluation including ethical issues and literature/evidence
searches and provide them with the necessary skills to undertake a sustained
and individual programme of research.

Supports the development of the students abilities in critical analysis,

evaluation, the making of informed judgments and the communication of these
in (a) academic and (b) professional business and management contexts

Develops the students practical and professional abilities in applying and

reviewing business and management research in both academic and simulationlive situations.
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Module Guide

Module assessment comprises one Research Evidence Review (Literature and evidence
sources) 2000 words maximum, and one Research Design Proposal 2000 words
maximum.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

This module, like all modules at Anglia Ruskin, is taught on the basis of achieving
intended learning outcomes. On successful completion of the module, the student will
be expected to be able to demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and
understanding

Intellectual,
practical,
affective and
transferable
skills

LO 1. Logically and systematically formulate research questions and

describe and critically evaluate differing research methods,
approaches, and use of evidence including the formation of
hypotheses, or other research models, or paradigms, and justify and
defend the selection and use of specific research methodologies as
these relate to a proposed project;
LO 2. Integrate and plan key research activities and schedules
including the setting of timetables and research objectives, and the
acceptance of accountability for all aspects of the conduct of a
research project

LO 3. Critically identify and apply appropriate research methods to

carry out a sustained and extended piece of research which will
result in the write up of the work undertaken, the critical
consideration of the evidence considered, and the formation of
conclusions based on the research processes followed ( the
Dissertation-Project)

The assessment is based on meeting these learning outcomes, shown explicitly in

section 4, where the assessment task is linked to these learning outcomes.

2. Employability Skills in this Module

It is important that we help you develop employability skills throughout your course
which will assist you in securing employment and supporting you in your future career.
During your course you will acquire a wide range of key skills. In this module, you will
develop those identified below:
Skill

Skills acquired in this

module

Communication (oral)
Communication (written)
Commercial Awareness
Cultural sensitivity
Customer focus
Data Handling
Decision making
Enterprising
Flexibility

x
x
x
x
x
x
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Module Guide

Initiative
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership/Management of others
Networking
Organisational adaptability
Project Management
Problem Solving and analytical
skills
Responsibility
Team working
Time Management
Other

x
x
x
x
x

3. Outline Delivery and Reading Lists @ Anglia

3.1 Delivery periods
These modules will be delivered several times during the year. Ensure that you
understand which trimester you will join:
Trimester
2016

Trimester Dates

Delivery
Campus

TRG 4 February
TRG 5 April

Feb-May 16
April July 16

TRG
TRG
TRG
TRG

June Sept 16
Aug- Oct 16
Oct 16 Jan 17
Nov 16 Mar 16

London
Peterborough
London
London
Peterborough
London
Peterborough

6
1
2
3

June
August
October
November

&

3.2 Outline Delivery

The table below indicates how the module will be delivered. However, this schedule is
indicative and may be subject to change.
Week

Lecture

Student-managed
learning reading
from essential text
book

Semester - MBA2
Sessio
n1

Sessio
n2

An introduction to the module; its requirements;

the assessment; the students role.
Developing a topic/question/hypothesis.

Lectures; discussion; case studies 1a and 2b; Q&A

Case study 2a: discussion/lessons learned

Research Proposal development and management
The Literature Review

Lectures; discussion; case studies 2b and 2c; Q&A

Page 4

Saunders et al, Chapters

1&2

Case study 2a. for Session

2
Saunders et al, Chapter 3

Case study 2d. for Session

Module Guide

Sessio
n3

Case study 2d: discussion/lessons learned

The Literature Review (cont.)
Developing a Conceptual Framework
Research Philosophies and Research Design
Discussion of Major Project choices.

Lectures; discussion; case studies 3b and 3d; Q&A

3
Saunders et al, Chapter 3
Saunders et al, Chapters
4&5

Semester - MBA3
Sessio
n4

Case study 4a: discussion/lessons learned

Data collection methods
Sampling
Data analysis descriptive and inferential statistics
Validity & Reliability

Sessio
n5

Lectures; discussion; case studies 5a, 6a, and 7a;

Q&A
Case study 14a: discussion/lessons learned
Validity & reliability
Ethics
Writing your research proposal

Sessio
n6

Individual work on issues pertaining to assessment

Case studies 14b and 14c

Special
Session
1

Ethics in Research
Overview of the meaning of ethics
Planning to undertake primary research in an
ethical manner

Special
Session
2

Ethics in Research
Applications for approval for ethical research

Saunders et al, Chapter 7

Saunders et al, Chapter 8
Saunders et al, Chapters
12&13

Saunders et al, Chapter 9

Saunders et al, Chapter 6
Saunders et al, Chapter
14

Undertake the online

course
(explained
during the class)

3.3 Reading List and Learning Resources

3.3.1 Essential Reading
Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill: Research Methods for Business Students (7th
edition)

3.3.2 Recommended reading

Bryman A. and Bell E. (2015) Business Research Methods, (3 rd edn), Oxford:
Oxford University Press
Easterby-Smith, M.; Thorpe, R. & Jackson, P. R. (2015) Management and
Business Research, (5th edn) London: SAGE Publications Ltd

Fisher, C. (2010) Researching and Writing a Dissertation: An Essential Guide for

Business Students, (3rd edn) Essex Pearson Education Limited
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Module Guide

4. Assessment on this Module

The assessment for this module consists of two elements (plus ethics).
Element

Type of
assessment

010

Assignment 1:
Research
Evidence
Review
(Literature and
evidence
sources)
Assignment 2:
Research
Design Proposal

011

Ethics

Word
or
time
limit
2000

% of Total
Mark

Submission
method

50%
TurnitinUK
Grademark

2000

50%
TurnitinUK
Grademark

Completed
Ethics Forms

0%

TurnitinUK
Grademark

All forms of assessment must be submitted by the published deadline which is detailed
above. It is your responsibility to know when work is due to be submitted ignorance
of the deadline date will not be accepted as a reason for late or non-submission. Any
late work will NOT be considered and a mark of zero will be awarded for the assessment
task in question.
You are requested to keep a copy of your work (excluding exams).

4.1 Assessment Submission Dates

Trimester
2016

Trimester Dates

Delivery
Campus

TRG 4 February
TRG 5 April

Feb-May 16
April July 16

TRG 6 June
TRG 1 August
TRG 2 October
TRG
3
November

June Sept 16
Aug- Oct 16
Oct 16 Jan 17
Nov 16 Mar 16

London
Peterborough & TBC
London
London
Peterborough
London
Peterborough

4.2 The Assignments

Page 6

Submission Date

Module Guide

Overview of the two assignments

There are two elements or parts to this assignment which are related but separately
assessed:
-

Firstly, you are required to create a business research proposal aimed at a

business-related problem or opportunity
Secondly, you must prepare a Literature Review and Evidence Review on
that research proposal, fully referenced.

As explained above there are two integrated parts to this assessment:

Assignment 1 known as element 010

Research Evidence Review (Literature and evidence sources)

Assignment 2 known as element 011

Research Design Proposal

The research proposal must include a background which describes the basic situation
underlying your project. It must include a statement of the problem or opportunity that
is the aim of your project. It must describe the rationale for your project, why you wish
to carry out this research and the benefits that will accrue from its successful
conclusion.
You must create research objectives that, when successfully completed, will have the
information that enables you to solve the problem or capitalise on the opportunity that
is the aim of your research.
It must also include a literature review that evaluates the context for your research,
and sources academic research and models that are relevant to the project. It should
include a critical evaluation of relevant theoretical and practical references and include
breadth of understanding and depth of critical evaluation. Reviews will require analysis
and evaluation of evidence and sources and be informed by theory and appropriate
practice.
You must evaluate and fully describe the research methods that will be necessary to
successfully complete the research.
Data collection methods must be selected and described which are consistent with the
research philosophy necessary for its completion: these can include secondary and/or
primary data sources. The methods by which the data you collect will be analysed and
need to be justified.
Finally, ethical, validity and reliability issues relevant to the research must be discussed
and a time plan for its completion must be calculated and displayed as a Gantt chart.
Further points:

Case Study, Business Development Plan and Dissertation topics can be used if
required but it is not mandatory
Discussion and debate on the above mentioned topics should be seen.
It is expected that you use current peer-reviewed journals and articles to ensure
that you have an in-depth understanding of your topic particularly for the
Literature Review.
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Module Guide

There must be sufficient linkage between theory and practice.

Harvard style of references should be used.

You must ensure that the research title and research objectives/questions are included
in both Assignment 1 and assignment 2.

Structure
Ensure that the assignment has the following structure and contains the details
outlined:

4.2.1 Element 010: Research Evidence Review (Literature and evidence

sources)
As explained above, this should be an analysis and synthesis of the literature pertaining
to your topic. You should ensure that you read up-to-date sources and assess current
academic concepts and models relating to that topic and the research question and
objectives developed.

Introduction

The Main Body

Is the domain explained?

Is there a rationale for the chosen topic?
Is there a wider point of reference?

Is there a clear structure?

Does the review flow into a logical progression?
Does the review convey the thinking of the writer?
Use of secondary sources, citation, references, synthesis, critique,
chronology, seminal works, models?
Is the current position conveyed?
Is there a set of emergent conclusions?

Conclusion

Is there a clear concluding statement?

Is there a clear implication for further research?
Are research questions specified?
Are there emergent themes?
Is the literature review conclusive?

4.2.2 Element 011: Research Design Proposal

Research Title

Research Question

Research Objectives
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Module Guide

A background to the research proposal:

Research Methodology philosophy, reasoning, design

Is there a logical and cohesive structure to the proposal?

Are all the relevant sections included?
Is the approach adequately explained?
Is the scope of Literature outlined relevant to the research objectives to
address the research questions?
Is the relevance of the literature, models, theories and frameworks for
thinking justified?
Are the proposed research methods appropriate to the research task?
Have the data types been defined and classified?
Have target populations and samples been defined and justified?

Data Analysis

Is the overall context for the research well established?

Is the research topic interesting from an academic and practical perspective?
Is there a statement of the problem?
Is there a rationale for the topic?
Is it clear what aspects of the chosen topic will be researched?
Do the boundaries of the research make sense?
Is there a clear statement of the aim of the research?
Are research objectives included which are specific?
Are research questions matched to the research objectives?

Is the proposal for analysis linked back to the literature and the research
questions?
Have analysis methods been specified?
Is there an adequate time plan for the research?

Ethics, Validity and Reliability >>>>> SEE BELOW<<<<<

Are validity and reliability issues discussed?

Are the ethical issues in the project understood and dealt with?
Are the intended outcomes for the research made known and is there a clear
understanding of the value added?
Gantt chart

Link to Learning Outcomes

The
Design
covers:

Research LO1: Logically and systematically formulate research

Proposal questions and describe and critically evaluate differing
research methods, approaches, and use of evidence
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Module Guide

The
Design
covers:

Research
Proposal

The
Research
Design
Proposal
and
Literature
Review cover:

including the formation of hypotheses, or other

research models, or paradigms, and justify and defend
the
selection
and
use
of
specific
research
methodologies as these relate to a proposed project
LO2: Integrate and plan key research activities and
schedules including the setting of timetables and
research
objectives,
and
the
acceptance
of
accountability for all aspects of the conduct of a
research project
LO3: Critically identify and apply appropriate research
methods to carry out a sustained and extended piece
of research which will result in the write up of the work
undertaken, the critical consideration of the evidence
considered, and the formation of conclusions based on
the research processes followed ( the DissertationProject)

Page 10

Module Guide

Ethics in Research
All ARU students undertaking major project modules which include elements based on
research involving the collection of primary empirical data must comply with Anglia
Ruskin Universitys ethical approval requirements. You must comply with Anglia Ruskin
Universitys Research Ethics Policy and Code of Practice and therefore if your final
project will include any form of primary research, you need to apply for Ethical
Approval.
This means that in the first 2 weeks of MBA3 you must attend three special sessions on
Ethics in Research (the actual dates will be shown on your timetable). During these
sessions, the ARU process for Ethical Approval will be explained and discussed. All
students have to complete a rigorous and detailed application form, explaining their
primary research methodologies and explaining how you will conform to ARUs Ethical
Code of Practice.
These means than in the first week of MBA3, you must have a clear idea of your
proposed final project: both the option and the primary research methodologies.
NOTE: Completing and passing an online module on ethics as well as
submitting the form for Ethical Approval, are compulsory. There are serious
consequences for any student failing to do submit these forms and which
could adversely affect your grade for the final project.
All coursework assignments and other forms of assessment must be submitted by the
published deadline which is detailed above. It is your responsibility to know when work
is due to be submitted ignorance of the deadline date will not be accepted as a
reason for late or non-submission.

4.3 Assessment Information and Marking Criteria

4.3.1 Element 010: Marking Criteria for Research Evidence Review
Topic

Weighting

Literature Review Introduction:

Is the domain explained?
Is there a rationale for the chosen topic?
Is there a wider point of reference

10%

Literature Review The Main Body

Is there a clear structure?
Does the review flow into a logical progression?
Does the review convey the thinking of the writer?
Use of secondary sources, citation, references, synthesis, critique,
chronology, seminal works, models?

35%

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Module Guide

Literature Review Conclusion

Is there a clear concluding statement?
Is there a clear implication for further research?
Are research questions re-examined?
Are there emergent themes?
Is the literature review conclusive?

35%

Literature Review sources utilised

20%

Are up-to-date resources utilised?

Have an adequate number of academic journals been used?

4.3.2 Element 011 Assignment: Marking Criteria for Research Design

Proposal
Topic

Weighting

20%

Research Proposal design and scope

Is the overall context for the research well established?

Is the purpose adequately explained?
Is the research topic interesting from an academic and practical
perspective?
Is it clear what aspects of the chosen topic will be researched?
Do the boundaries of the research make sense?

Research Proposal Philosophy, Reasoning, Design and Data

Collection
Are the research questions well-conceived?
Is there a logical and cohesive structure to the proposal?
Are all the relevant sections included?
Is the approach adequately explained?
Is the scope of Literature outlined relevant to the research
objectives to address the research questions?
Is the relevance of the literature, models, theories and frameworks
for thinking justified?
Are the proposed research methods appropriate to the research
task?
Have the data types been defined and classified?
Have target populations and samples been defined and justified?

50%

Research Proposal Data Analysis, Ethics, Validity & Reliability

Is the proposal for analysis linked back to the literature and the
research questions?
Have analysis methods been specified?
Are ethical issues considered?
Are reliability and validity issues covered?
Is there an adequate time plan for the research?
Have academic protocols for referencing been met?
Are the intended outcomes for the research made known, so there
is a clear understanding of the value added?

30%

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Module Guide

TurnitinUK Grademark assignments

This assignment is submitted online via Turnitin Grademark

The direct link to Turnitin UK Grademark is: http://www.turnitinuk.com

4.4 Re-assessment Information

The mark for this module is the average of both elements of the assessment (i.e. the
marks for each assignment are added together and then divided by 2). You must
achieve a mark of 40% in order to pass this module AND a minimum of 30% in both
elements. Should you not do so, you will be able to undertake a re-sit assignment which
is explained below. Your mark for this resit will be capped at 40% (which means that
40% is the maximum grade you can achieve for this module). Results are published
through eVision though feedback is available through Turnitin

Trimester
2016

Delivery
Campus

TRG 4 February
TRG 5 April

London
Peterborou
gh
TRG 6 June
London
TRG 1 August
Peterborou
gh
TRG 2 October
London
TRG
3 Peterborou
November
gh

Original submission
date

18 Apr 16

Re-assessment
Submission
Provisional Date
(via Turnitin by
14.00)
22 Aug 16

Please note these resit dates might vary slightly.

Please confirm with the administrative teams in your campus.

4.4.1 The Topics for the Reassessment Assignment:

Re-assessment for Element 010 Research Evidence Review (Literature and

evidence sources) (weighting 50%)

Undertake a literature review as described above (assignment 010) but for a new
topic

Re-assessment for Element 011 Research Design Proposal (weighting 50%)

Design the research proposal as described above assignment 011) but for a new topic
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Module Guide

4.4.2 The Marking Criteria for the Reassessment Assignment:

Element 010: Marking Criteria for Research Evidence Review (Literature

and evidence sources)
Topic

Weighting

Literature Review Introduction:

Is the domain explained?
Is there a rationale for the chosen topic?
Is there a wider point of reference

10%

Literature Review The Main Body

Is there a clear structure?
Does the review flow into a logical progression?
Does the review convey the thinking of the writer?
Use of secondary sources, citation, references, synthesis, critique,
chronology, seminal works, models?

35%

Literature Review Conclusion

Is there a clear concluding statement?
Is there a clear implication for further research?
Are research questions re-examined?
Are there emergent themes?
Is the literature review conclusive?

35%

Literature Review sources utilised

20%

Are up-to-date resources utilised?

Have an adequate number of academic journals been used?

Element 011 Assignment: Marking Criteria for Research Design Proposal

Topic

Weighting

20%

Research Proposal design and scope

Is the overall context for the research well established?

Is the purpose adequately explained?
Is the research topic interesting from an academic and practical
perspective?
Is it clear what aspects of the chosen topic will be researched?
Do the boundaries of the research make sense?

Research Proposal Philosophy, Reasoning, Design and Data

Collection
Are the research questions well-conceived?
Is there a logical and cohesive structure to the proposal?
Are all the relevant sections included?
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50%

Module Guide

Is the approach adequately explained?

Is the scope of Literature outlined relevant to the research
objectives to address the research questions?
Is the relevance of the literature, models, theories and frameworks
for thinking justified?
Are the proposed research methods appropriate to the research
task?
Have the data types been defined and classified?
Have target populations and samples been defined and justified?

Research Proposal Data Analysis, Ethics, Validity & Reliability

Is the proposal for analysis linked back to the literature and the
research questions?
Have analysis methods been specified?
Are ethical issues considered?
Are reliability and validity issues covered?
Is there an adequate time plan for the research?
Have academic protocols for referencing been met?
Are the intended outcomes for the research made known, so there
is a clear understanding of the value added?

30%

5. Links to Other Key Information

Assessment Offences: As an academic community, we recognise that the principles
of truth, honesty and mutual respect are central to the pursuit of knowledge. Behaviour
that undermines those principles weakens the community, both individually and
collectively, and diminishes our values. There is more information on these principles
and the types of Assessment Offences here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/modguide4.aspx
Penalties for poor academic practice can be severe so ensure you are aware of what is
expected and how to reference correctly.
There
is
a
guide
to
http://anglia.libguides.com/plagiarism

Good

Academic

Practice

here:

The direct link to TurnitinUK is: http://www.turnitinuk.com

Feedback in TurnitinUK: Link to more details on the viewing feedback is here:
https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Feedback.aspx
How is My Work Marked and Flowchart of Anglia Ruskins Marking Process:
After you have handed your work in or you have completed an examination, Anglia
Ruskin undertakes a series of activities to assure that our marking processes are
comparable with those employed at other universities in the UK and that your work has
been marked fairly, honestly and consistently. More information about this is given
here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/modguide5.aspx
University Generic Assessment Criteria: This module is at level 7 information on
the criteria that the university uses to mark your work can be found here:
http://www.anglia.ac.uk/criteria

.
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