module specification

This module aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

• The Empirical and Theoretical Contexts of Research and Research Approaches - LO1-LO3
• The Research Process: Planning and Designing
• Literature Review
• Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methodologies - LO4-LO8
• Data Collection & Analysis
• Discussion of Research Findings & Conclusions
• Limitations of Research
• Presentation and Referencing
• Ethical Dimensions of Research

The module aims to provide a supportive environment in which students can develop their analytical, research and employability skills in the context of a research project relating to subjects related to business and management.  The module will encourage students to build on the knowledge and skills they have acquired at levels 4 and 5 and to carry out independent research leading to the submission of a final project report consistent with academic standards.

Formal teaching will consist of a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops / individual supervision. The lectures will deliver the core academic and theoretical content of the syllabus. The first part of the module will focus on research approaches, methods and techniques. The focus will be on the identification and analysis of research questions with global reach and/or implications, setting objectives related to their investigation and designing a logical structure for a research project related to the question/s to be investigated. The 2-hour lectures will be supported by a one-hour seminar/supervisory workshop which will explore the content of the lecture from the previous week. Students will be required to prepare material in advance and the seminar will serve as a forum for them to share opinions, clear doubts and crystallize thoughts. Extant theory and/or practice related to the topic will be identified and examples used to encourage exploration of the topic by further directed reading.  A variety of teaching tools will be used including presentations, web material, videos, group discussion, quizzes and online discussion. Students will have the benefit of workshops/one-to-one supervision from the module tutor to guide them as they undertake independent research and write up of their research reports. Students will use the University’s virtual learning platform to access supporting class materials, weblinks and discussion forums.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills:

1. choose and present relevant research questions/issues in business and management related subjects with global reach and/or implications;

2. set objectives related to their investigation and design a logical structure for a research project related to the question/s to be investigated;

3. evaluate appropriate ethical research methods, techniques, and tools useful for the analysis and successful completion of a research focused project.

Develop Academic Research Skills:

4.produce a focused literature review, surveying the literature in the chosen area of study;

5.synthesise the information in that literature into a summary with particular relation to the chosen research questions;

6. critically analyse the information gathered and identify any gaps in current knowledge, and formulate areas for further research.

Generate Transferable Skills:

7. plan, design and organise independent and scholarly research, investigating and using knowledge to provide analysis and evaluation of specific issues and problems;
8. develop analytical, critical thinking and research skills by working independently in terms of problem identification, literature review, research methodology, data collection, data analysis, conclusions and presentation of an empirical research project.

Lectures and seminars and one-to-one supervision sessions/workshops will be used to provide diagnostic and formative feedback to students, facilitating self-reflection, direction and personal development.

By Week 2, students will be given a Formative Assessment Task relating to the research process to be submitted in Week 4.  The task will require students to identify and analyse research questions in subjects related to Business and Management (BAM), set objectives related to their investigation and design a logical structure for a research project related to the questions to be investigated.  Students will be required to understand and evaluate relevant ethical research approaches, methods, and techniques, facilitating the identification and use of appropriate research methods for their final research project. 
In Week 4, students will be required to submit the formative assignment that they received in Week 2.
In Week 5, students will receive feedback on their formative assignment and they will be asked to reflect on their feedback. This will support and develop their learning and will help them in preparing for writing the summative dissertation report.
In Week 6, students will have the opportunity to discuss the formative assessment feedback in class.
By Week 22 students will be required to submit a draft dissertation report for feedback and further direction

By Week 27 students are required to complete and submit a Summative Dissertation Research Report comprising 4500 words, and a Reflective Report comprising 500 words.  The total number of words should be 5000.  The Word count includes everything in the main body of the text (including headings, tables, in-text citations, quotes, etc). The end-list of references, appendices and footnotes are NOT included in the word count.

The final Dissertation Research Report of 4500 words requires students to demonstrate an understanding of a particular theoretical framework through which the critical examination of an issue can proceed, and to carry out a review of literature relevant to their research question/s. Students will have to demonstrate research skills, and adopt a relevant research methodology, drawing on a range of sources, and employing different information search strategies, enabling them to arrive at valid and reliable research conclusions.

The Reflective Report comprising 500 words should record a reflective account of the research journey, recounting the skills and capabilities acquired from the research project, the rewards and challenges experienced, and the impact on personal development and employability.

Library Talis Link:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/414F5B1A-022D-62EF-67D6-60EE0386A5D4.html?draft=1&lang=en-GB&login=1

Core Texts:
Joyner, R. L,, Rouse, W. A. and Glatthorn, A. A. (2018) Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide 4th Ed., Corwin
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research Methods for Business Students, 8th Ed., Pearson Education Limited.

Other Texts:
Berenson, M., Levine, D. & Krehbiel, T. (2011) Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications, 12th ed., Prentice Hall.
Brooks, C. (2019) Introductory Econometrics for Finance, 4th ed., Cambridge University Press.
Brown, A. and Dowling, P. (2010) Doing Research / Reading Research: Re-interrogation Education, 2nd ed., Routledge London.
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods, 4th ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Creswell, J. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed., London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Saunders M.N. and Lewis, P. (2018) ‘Doing Research in Business and Management: An Essential Guide to Planning Your Project’. Pearson.

Academic Journals:
Hannigan, B. and Burnard, P. (2001) ‘Preparing and writing an undergraduate dissertation’ Nurse Education in Practice, Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2001, Pages 175-180
Kourula, A., Pisani, N. and Kolk, A. (2017) Corporate sustainability and inclusive development: highlights from international business and management research Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Volume 24, February 2017, Pages 14-18
Sheard, M. and Golby, J. (2007) Hardiness and undergraduate academic study: The moderating role of commitment Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 43, Issue 3, August 2007, Pages 579-588

Electronic Databases:
Emerald Management eJournals
IngentaConnect
Science Direct