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BUSI49M15: METHODS OF INQUIRY (TAUGHT)

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • METHODS OF INQUIRY (ONLINE) - BUSI42R15

Aims

  • To equip students with the necessary training both to be able to assess the academic research and literature in the fields of business and management and to prepare them to undertake the dissertation.

Content

  • Understanding Quantitative Research
  • Discrete-Choice Scales
  • Behavioural Coding
  • Performance Outcome Metrics
  • Understanding Qualitative Research
  • Interview and Focus Group Techniques
  • Management Research Ethics
  • Developing Management Research

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of how empirical research is conducted in a business context;

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • be able to conduct advanced literature searches to identify important literature and outstanding research questions;
  • be able to write an evaluative review of the literature;
  • be able to conduct a Masters-level research project from beginning to end. This involves the following: identifying an interesting and practical research question at an appropriate advanced level; developing a method for answering the question; conducting the research, including managing all aspects of the research project.

Key Skills:

  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading and specially-written self-study material.
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Workshops (a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion), timetabled in blocks31 per day8 hours24 
Preparation and Reading126 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Written AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay4,000 words maximum100Same

Formative Assessment

The formative assessment is to contribute and present, in a group, a research project proposal.

More information

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