module specification

This triple weighted (60 credit) module is core for the MA International Hotel and Restaurant Management.
 

LT7003 Research Methods for Leisure and Tourism

The dissertation is a 60 credit weighted module and is designed to provide an opportunity for students to undertake a substantial research project in the area of international hotel and restaurant management or another closely related sector within the hospitality industry. It may take the form of a theoretically-informed but empirical case study, where the student has carried out independent empirical research. In this event, evidence would be required that the student understood the relevance of the underlying theoretical debate to the empirical issues. It is generally necessary to demonstrate an analytical and independent approach to the debates, and a willingness and ability to arrive at substantiated conclusions, paying due regard to the relevance of the available empirical evidence. The dissertation is the largest piece of assessed work undertaken on the award, and is seen as the clearest expression of the student's ability to study at Masters level.

1. To undertake a detailed investigation into a topic specifically related to the context of International Hotel and/or Restaurant Management

2. To demonstrate an appropriate application of research methodology and methods and skills.

3. To demonstrate the ability to collect and marshal data, present it in a competent manner, and subject it to a detailed and coherent analysis, with due regard to the theory, policy and practice in relation to the chosen topic.

4. To critically reflect on the relevance of the findings within the wider context of the subject field.

5. To develop recommendations on future research and, where appropriate, to discuss the policy implications of the findings of the research.

The dissertation topic should be sufficiently well-focused to facilitate an in-depth study but broad enough to develop an informed overview of the topic area. The required length of the dissertation is normally 15,000 words, exclusive of title and contents page, figures, tables, quotations, appendices and bibliography.

The dissertation requires commitment from the student and students should expect demonstrate their abilities as independent learners during the process of developing and completing it. However, learning support is also provided via the following methods.

1. Learning support for issues of collective interest to students is provided through a programme of dissertation workshops that also provide an arena for exchange between students.
2. The dissertation supervisor provides each student with the necessary critical inputs from academic staff. Following the submission of the dissertation proposal, students will be paired with an appropriate supervisor who possesses expertise in the area of interest to the student and/or the methodological approach to be adopted.

Following the allocation of a supervisor the student should arrange an initial meeting with the supervisor who will assist in:
a. clarifying the terms of the research;
b. suggesting areas of reading;
c. reviewing the proposed methodology;
d. establishing a timetable for the research which also includes initial dates for further meetings between the student and supervisor;
e. advising the student about appropriate standards and conventions concerning the assessment;
f. providing means of contact in addition to tutorials

Both the student and the dissertation supervisor should keep a written record of the supervision process were the purpose and outcome of each meeting should be signed and kept by both parties using the "Dissertation Tutorial and Supervision" form provided. The student can also expect the supervisor to comment on draft work submitted during the dissertation process.

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

1. conduct independent research at postgraduate level into an area of academic and organisational interest

2. critically appraise research methodologies

3. understand and reflect upon their own skills and abilities as a researcher and as an academic

4. manage a research project through from conception to final report stage

5. critically review academic literature and research methodologies relevant to the research, and bring together academic literature and empirical research findings to create an intellectually substantiated view

6. develop thorough detailed analysis and synthesis of theory, policy and practice in relation to the chosen topic.

All the above learning outcomes will be assessed through the dissertation. In assessing achievement against these outcomes the following dissertation characteristics will be sought:

1. an extensive literature search and critical evaluation of previous research related to the area under investigation;

2. a clear outline of the research proposal supported by relevant aims;

3. the adoption of an appropriate and clearly constructed research methodology and
methods;

4. well managed collation of data, whether obtained through fieldwork research or by other methods;

5. thorough analysis of data and comprehensive analysis of findings;

6. clear, relevant and well-argued conclusions;

7. the ability to relate theory to policy and practice in the subject field;

8. a high standard of writing, clearly presented and using English correctly.

Babbie, E (2006) The Practice of Social Research, (9th edition) Wadsworth/International Thomson
Burton, D. (ed) (2000) Research Training for Social Scientists, Sage, London
Bryman, A and Bell, S (2007) Business Research Methods (2nd edition), Oxford University Press
Carson, D. Gilmore, A. Gronhaug, K. and Perry, C (2001) Qualitative Marketing Research, Sage
Clark, M., Riley, M. Wilkie, E. & Wood, R.C. (1998) Researching and Writing Dissertations in Hospitality and Tourism Thomson Learning, London
Collis, J and Hussey, R (2003) Business Research: Qualitiative and Quantitative Approaches (2nd edition) , Sage, London
Punch, K.F. (2000) Developing Effective Research Proposals, Sage, London
Saunders, M. Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2007) Research Methods for Business Students (4th edition), Financial Times, Prentice Hall, Englewood-Cliffs
Veal, A.J. (2006) Research Methods for Leisure and Tourism (3rd edition) Pitman, London