module specification

Since this module will be taught in the final year of a three-year degree, students will be required to build on previously gained knowledge and research skills. It requires students to pick up research threads introduced and developed in previous analytical modules, identify a topic of their interest and deepen their knowledge further through research, data collection, analysis and write up of a dissertation.

Their research will involve the review of a wide range of publications (secondary data sources) around the broad area of investigation and this will lead to the formulation of a research proposal for their dissertation.  Students will pursue a robust enquiry into a theme emerging from their investigations in their chosen industry, and as the theme emerges, the research methodologies, appropriate methods of data collection, data processing and analysis are evaluated. Both the process and the knowledge and skills gained will inform their approach to their future career. For example, students will be required to identify whether secondary data sources alone will be sufficient to satisfactorily answer their research question. Their ability to critically analyse, synthesise and present data in a useable format will contribute to their management capability. This process will therefore inform their research, as well as potentially their future path.  The undertaking of an investigation into a management topic, analysis of data, evaluation and synthesis will help them to prepare for the graduate job market or post graduate studies.

The aim of the module is to allow students to:
• Decide on a suitable research area
• Propose a feasible study investigating their field of interest
• Present their plan and defend it accordingly
• Conduct extensive literature research into their chosen topic
• Develop a suitable proposal including a literature review and methodology
• Conduct the study accordingly by analysis and interpreting data
• Report their investigation in the form of a professional dissertation

Review of the philosophy and approaches to research; LO2
Evaluation of literature sources; LO1
Conducting a literature review; LO1
Project planning and report writing; LO2
Research methodologies LO2
Accessing economic, financial and market data; LO3
Discussing reliability and validity of data; LO2
Analysing & synthesising data; LO3
Making and defending recommendations; LO3
Ethical considerations of research; LO2
Evaluating reports; LO3

This module will be delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops at the beginning of the term but will gradually move towards more independent learning supported by 1-2-1 supervision.

Concepts of action and experiential learning will be revisited and students will be reminded to focus particularly on the opportunities the classroom sessions provide to engage in, and reflect upon, their research and analytical skills. 

Since the module is partially student driven, the area of investigation is to be determined by the individual student. There are certain generic skills that can be supported in formal classroom sessions. In addition to tuition on the advanced use of library data bases and other resources, there will also be classroom sessions to prepare for the design of research methodology, research methods, data collection, analysis and write up.

The approach to learning is essentially action orientated with the teaching starting from what the students need to do and the theory of researching being explained in the context of underpinning the action. The main focus being the use of data to enhance understanding of an emerging theme and the development of their research study.

This will be supplemented with talks from current researchers and links to external research forums.

Weblearn: will be used for the distribution of the Module booklet. It will also be used as an interactive mechanism between students and tutors, for example, to direct students to particular readings or to provide news about the module or the module content. It will also be used for the timely provision of generic feedback following formative assessment.

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

1. Undertake an extensive literature survey into a specific area identifying strengths and weaknesses of previous work. 
2. Select appropriate methodologies and techniques to investigate complex problems and identify appropriate sources of assistance. 
3. Conduct a critical in-depth analysis of a complex problem or situation, generating appropriate conclusions and/or recommendations.

The module will be assessed using two elements:

Assessment comp 01 (30%) Proposal with literature review

Assessment comp 02 (70%) Dissertation

Essential Books/on line resources including Weblearn

This module will require students to generate their own reading list as part of the development of their literature review; however, below are suggested texts to aid generic areas of research, literature review and research planning:

Essential reading:

Blumberg, B., Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business research methods. Maidenhead, McGraw-Hill Education.

Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford: Open University Press.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches. Los Angeles, SAGE Publications.

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches. 3rd ed. London, Sage.

Oliver, P. (2012) Succeeding with Your Literature Review: A Handbook for Students. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Quinlan, C. (2011). Business Research Methods. Andover, England, Cengage.

Quinlan, C., Babin, B. J., Carr, J., Griffin, M., & Zikmund, W. G. (2015). Business research methods. Andover, England, Cengage

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2016). Research methods for business students. Harlow, Pearson Education Limited.

Swift, L. Piff, S. (2005). Quantitative Methods for Business, Management & Finance, [2nd edn]. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Zikmund G., Babin B., Carr J. and Griffin M. (2013). Business research methods, London: Cengage.

Zikmund, W. G., & Babin, B. J. (2007). Exploring marketing research. Mason, OH, Thomson/South-Western.

Background reading:

Websites to be used – for research on sector or organisations.

The London Metropolitan University Library website is a good source of information - books and journals: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/

The London Metropolitan University Library and Business School also provides access to the Bloomberg Research and Trading Room.  YouTube will also be used.

Please also have a look at the International Journal of Undergraduate Research, where, if accepted, you can publish your final masterpiece. Please see below:

Burge, S. (2013), 'The motivational reasons behind consumer choice in branded coffee shops', Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research, BCUR/ICUR 2013 Special Issue, http://www.warwick.ac.uk/reinventionjournal/issues/bcur2013specialissue/burge/
Date accessed [15th of March 2017]

Jeric, J. (2013), 'Editorial: What Do Best British Students Do,' Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research, British Conference of Undergraduate Research 2013 Special Issue, http://www.warwick.ac.uk/reinventionjournal/issues/bcur2013specialissue/editorial/
Date accessed [15th March 2017].