| Unit name | Management Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EFIMM0149 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18) |
| Unit director | Dr. Kasia Zdunczyk |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
n/a |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
In this unit we will explore the fascinating world of research. We will ask philosophical questions about the nature of reality and knowledge; reflect on the relationship between theory and empirical research in social science; and develop a critical appreciation of management research methods and practice.
You will become familiar with the main research strategies, designs, and methods. You will engage with the research process and learn how to develop a research project: from formulating a research question, through critically reviewing the literature, to gathering and analysing data, and interpreting the findings.
At the end of the unit, you will be ready to develop a research proposal of your own in readiness for your dissertation or global challenges project. Beyond that, you should be well prepared to draw on your understanding of management research methods in your professional life, enhancing your career prospects.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
(1) examine a given situation with a view to identifying an appropriate research question and associated research objectives
(2) select a research methodology appropriate to a research question and objectives
(3) design a viable research project and provide a rationale for their research approach and design
(4) demonstrate a reflexive and critical assessment of the ethics of their proposed project
The unit is designed to offer a combination of learning activities, including lectures and seminars, structured online learning, online drop-in sessions, group work, structured reading, and independent study.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Pre-seminar submission - group assignment: ILOs 1-4.
There will be an opportunity for formative feedback throughout the seminar sessions as you will be working in small groups, and share and present your work. The aim of your pre-seminar submission is to help you learn the skills necessary to conduct management research in a systematic and in a systematic and cumulative way. This is important to help you build on your learning from each session as you progress through the unit, which ensures that you can apply the learning from the unit in practice.
The feedback on pre-seminar submissions and the results of your ongoing assessment through MCQs will provide you with real-time systematic opportunity to monitor your own progress as you go through the unit. This can be discussed with the Unit Teaching Team on a weekly basis during the Advice and Feedback Hour and during office hours.
In addition to feedback received from Seminar Tutors, students are expected to provide and receive critical and constructive feedback from their peers.
All ILOs 1-4 are covered.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
There are two elements of summative assessment on this unit:
(1) MCQ - open book - (30%: broken down into 5 x 6% MCQ tests) - individual assessment: ILOs 1-4.
The aim of the MCQ tests is to help you understand the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of management research methods in a systematic and cumulative way. This is important to help you build on your learning from previous sessions as you progress through the unit, which ensures that
you form a comprehensive picture of the theory and practice discussed in the unit. The MCQ test takes an open-book format, meaning you will be allowed to refer to the set materials in order to answer the questions: the emphasis is on engagement with the unit content and not on memorising it.
(2) Summative online timed assessment (70%). - individual assessment:
ILOs 1-4.
The aim of the online timed assessment is to offer you the opportunity to showcase your learning from the unit in an in-depth manner, drawing upon the full range of theories, concepts, and ideas covered in the lectures and
seminars. It is also a chance for you to demonstrate your individual accomplishment by drawing upon your personal investment in broader reading and reflection related to management research methods.
When assessment does not go to plan
The re-assessment weightings on this unit will not be the same as the original assessment. This means if you do not pass the unit overall, then you will be reassessed with a single piece of assessment weighted at 100%, covering all Learning Outcomes 1-4 for the unit. Your re-assessment for this unit will take the format of a 1,500-word coursework assignment weighted at 100%.
Please note, if you passed some components but did not reach the overall unit pass mark, those passed components will be disregarded and not included in the reassessment mark. Your overall mark in the unit will then be solely based on the reassessment work done in the summer reassessment period
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EFIMM0149).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
