module specification

The module aims to help students familiarise themselves with fields of inquiry that could then inform their own DBA project choices. You will be trained in the processes of knowledge creation and knowledge application and you will learn about how to write a literature review that identifies specific research gaps worthy of exploration. The module builds on the core principles of the entire DBA programme and, therefore, focuses on a) students’ contribution to knowledge and practice, b) the examination of contemporary organisational issues, c) an agenda of sustainable and socially responsible management practice and d) students’ professional career and research skills development.

As such, the aims of the module are to support students to:

• Write in an appropriate academic style
• Develop an awareness of research paradigms in developing a literature review
• Learn the techniques needed to develop a literature review
• Understand the process of theory/knowledge creation and theory/knowledge application to practical examples in problem-solving
• Identify research gaps in academic and practitioner literature
• Gain expertise in a social science and scientific research fields by examining key debates and recent developments in terms of theory
• Understand what appropriate theory to integrate with professional practice
• Write a literature review in a subject area of their choice

The indicative syllabus will begin with a series of seminars that will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the knowledge creation and knowledge application processes. Students will then learn to identify contemporary management issues (research gaps) as per the DBA course principles. In the third stage, students will study the process of crafting literature reviews and will learn the necessary skills to write clear, convincing academic and practitioner research arguments. The aim of the taught sessions is to help students design a sustainable, responsible and impactful research topic and to develop their own personal research path.

The indicative schedule is as follows:

PART 1
Academic writing skills: writing abstracts, literature reviews, crafting methodologies and using references

PART 2
• What is a theoretical research paradigm?
•  The methodology of a literature review
•  Library tools: searching literature using keywords and other techniques

PART 3
•  Reading, deciphering and critically evaluating classical research papers A
•  Reading, deciphering and critically evaluating classical research papers B
•  Considering conceptual or theoretical debates and learning to identify valid research gaps A
•  Considering conceptual or theoretical debates and learning to identify valid research gaps B

• In-class peer review session [Assignment 1]

PART 4
• Reading practitioner literature
• Professional research development/models
• Developmental one to one session with supervisor/lecturer [Assignment 2]
• Wrap-up

The module is taught through a series of seminars and workshops where students learn the necessary skills to identify their research topic and prepare a literature review. For the most part, reading and analysing papers and reflecting on contemporary management topics will consume most of their in-class learning time. Independent study and writing  will be supported by peer-reviews and individualized feedback throughout the duration of the module.

1. Synthesize a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of a research area to enhance responsible management practice in organisations
2. Evaluate research informed by literature reviews and strategically identify research gaps or problems
3. Develop critical writing, reading and reflection skills; develop skills in giving and receiving critical but constructive feedback (peer review)
4. Discuss confidently from an informed position the use and contribution of research within different organisational contexts as a vehicle for policy and/or practice improvement

Coursework 1 [LOs 2,4] Using the pro-forma provided, students write in an appropriate doctoral-level style a 1,500-word essay that critically reviews a particular theme in the literature (academic or practitioner) provided by the lecturers.
a) Then, students work in pairs: Each student will be asked to review a fellow student’s work and vice-versa. Finally, each student will provide a reflection on the review they received (500 words). (30%) 2000 words in total

Summative (week 14)
Coursework 2 [LOs 1,3,5]
Students write in an appropriate doctoral-level style a 4,000-word literature review of a practice-related topic of their own choice that will prepare them for the next stage in the programme (70%) 4,000 words

The module will include resources from academic publications, practitioner journals and books that immerse students in the knowledge creation and knowledge application process. The resources will also focus on the methodology behind a sound literature review. The indicative bibliography is as follows:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/30F5EDC0-F464-AC6F-7689-1BF8E59968FA.html?lang=en-US&login=1

Core Texts:
Hart C. (2018). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination, 2nd ed. London, Sage Publications

Silvia P. (2018). “How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing”, 2nd ed. Washington: American Sociological Association.

Wallace M. (2021). “Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates”, 4th ed. London: Sage Publications.

Additional Resources:

Baer M and Shaw J. (2017). Falling In Love Again With What We Do: Academic Craftsmanship In The Management Sciences: , Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 60 (4), 1213-1217
Colquitt J. and Zapata-Phelan C. (2007). Trends In Theory Building And Theory Testing: A Five-Decade Study Of The Academy Of Management Journal. Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 50 (6), 1281-1303
Gioia D and Pitre E. (1990). Multiparadigm Perspectives on Theory Building. Academy of Management Review, Vol. 15 (4), 584-602
Kilduff M.  (2006). Publishing Theory. Academy of Management Review, Vol. 31 (2), 252-255
Pollock, T. (2013). Being Scheherazade: The Importance of Storytelling In Academic Writing. Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 56 (3), 629-634
Ragins, B. (2012). Reflecting on The Craft of Clear Writing, Academy of Management Review, Vol. 37 (4), 493-501
Rindova, V.  (2009). Publishing Theory When You Are New To The Game. Academy of Management Review, Vol. 33 (2), 300-303
Short, J. (2009). The Art of Writing a Review Article. Journal of Management, Vol. 35 (6), 1312-1317
Tranfield D, Denyer D and Smart, P.  (2003) Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review. British Journal of Management, Vol. 14, 207-222
Wright, P._(2017). Making Great Theories. Journal of Management Studies, Vol. 54 (3), 384-390