module specification

LT5081 - The Applied Research with Field Trip, designed around the model of research-informed teaching, aims to develop critical awareness of the range of appropriate, quantitative and qualitative social sciences research methodologies, and the underlying philosophical and ethical principles of research in the context of creative industries.

The emphasis is on learning through problem-solving and self-managed projects stimulated by development of students’ ability to relate theoretical material to real world case study, making clear links between theory, research methodology, data collection and analysis. Students design and plan their case study research before departure on the field trip and are encouraged to include mixed methodologies (interviews, questionnaires, participant observation and visual methodologies). Supporting research software will be introduced as data analysis tool.

Additionally, the module aims to create group cohesion and the sense of course belonging, which is fundamental to improving retention rates as well as overall levels of student satisfaction.

The content will vary to some extent, based upon the particular destination that is being visited.

The main aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to design and practice research skills in an unfamiliar environment via a residential field course held in an established destination of creative industries activity.

1. To explore the process of development and implementation of creative industries and discover challenges and issues facing creative industries managers, with particular reference to events, music, sport and tourism sectors;
2. To facilitate design of valid, self-managed research framework applicable to case study destination;
3. To develop experience in fieldwork data collection techniques and data analysis methods supported by research software;
4. To assist students in the acquisition of transferable skills, such as problem solving, collaborating, decision making, cross cultural awareness and inter-cultural communication.

• Research framework design
• Field research methods
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods and supporting software
• Data presentation

Module will be taught in the block pattern. Six class-based sessions will be held prior to residential field trip and debriefing session will be held on the return from the field study, where key aspects of the visit will be reviewed.

In-class sessions will be divided into 1-hour lecture and 2-hours IT lab workshop. Initial session will focus on key policy and management issues in the subject-specific area of creative industries (events, music, sport and tourism) within the chosen field trip destination. Following sessions will aim to demonstrate principles of reliable and valid research framework design, available range of field research methodologies and data analysis methods. IT lab-based workshops will serve as arenas of practice in research design and data analysis software usage.

The essential part of the module is the residential field course, held in an established creative industries destination, in the second part of the Spring term, at an appropriate time varying due to university and holiday schedule. The precise location will change depending on current development in European destinations and evolving academic partnerships. Destinations will be regularly reviewed as to their suitability for the learning objectives and practicality.

The research element of the field study is designed to enable students to practice field research techniques and to prepare for the final year dissertation. In destination, students will be split into teams and will work in groups on self-managed projects developed and designed in class. Research projects will be destination specific and will form the basis of the individual reports for the final assessment. The research will require student to use field data collection methods. Students will present their initial group project findings to the whole group before leaving the destination, giving an opportunity for peer discussion and feedback.

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the development and implementation of creative industries in a case study destination, with particular reference to events, music, sport and tourism sectors
2. Demonstrate and evaluate key quantitative and qualitative research skills, including planning and carrying out a variety of field research methods, e.g. survey, observation, audit, visual methodologies
3. Analyse collected data using a variety of techniques supported by research software
4. Effectively communicate specific research findings
5. Work and evaluate performance as a part of a group on a specific aspect of the field research, developing personal skills such as teamwork, leadership, and initiative.

Students’ achievements will be evaluated through two assessment components: group project research framework and an individual research report supported by data presentation. Report topics will correspond to the field trip research areas.

1. Group project research framework (poster) 30%
2. An individual research report (2500 words) 70%

* In exceptional circumstances (assessed individually) an alternative assessment will be offered to students who cannot participate in the field trip. A selection of tourism sites within a Greater London will be given and individual reports will be based on the data collected by students at these sites.

Research themes agenda:
Byers, T., Slack, T. and Parent, M. (2012) Key Concepts in Sport Management, SAGE.
Jones, P., Holmes, D., (2011) Key Concepts in Media and Communications, SAGE.
Quinn, B. (2013) Key Concepts in Event Management, SAGE.
Smith, M. et al (2010) Key Concepts in Tourism Studies, SAGE.

Research methodology:
Key text:
Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods, 4th edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Supporting readings:
Denscombe, M. (2010) The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill/Open University Press, Maidenhead.
Hall, M.C. (2010) Fieldwork in Tourism. Methods, Issues and Reflections. Routledge.
Orne, J., Bell, M. (2015) An Invitation to Qualitative Fieldwork. A Multilogical Approach. Routledge.
Rose, G. (2012) Visual methodologies: an introduction to researching with visual materials, SAGE, Los Angeles.