module specification

This module facilitates empirical research, critical thinking and analytical insights. Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the methods, approaches and tools of academic research and the ability to appropriately seek out data required for research into a selected topic. Students develop analytical, critical thinking and research skills in independently undertaking and reporting on an empirical research project, and develop time management and independent learning skills.

The empirical and theoretical contexts of research and research approaches
Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies: Case study, observation, experimentation, ethnography, interview, survey, Statistical and other forms of analysis
The research process: planning and design
Ethical dimensions of research LO1
Search and evaluation of available literature in the given subject or chosen topic area:
Surveying the literature in the chosen area of study, with particular reference to the chosen research question/s
Synthesising the information in that literature in a coherent summary
Critically analysing the information gathered by identifying gaps in current knowledge, showing limitations of theories and points of view Formulating areas for further research and identifying areas of debate/controversy
Presenting literature in written format in a structured manner LO2
Secondary and primary data collection: Sources of data, research databases, sampling
Analysis of data collected, coding and data organisation as appropriate
Discussion of research findings and conclusions
Validity and reliability of conclusions
Limitations of research
Presentation and referencing LO3

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

1.  choose and present relevant research question/s in banking, finance and/or economics with global reach and/or implications, set objectives related to their investigation and design a logical structure for a research project related to the question/s to be investigated; evaluate appropriate ethical research methods, techniques, and tools useful for the analysis and successful completion of a research focused project
2.  produce a focused literature review, surveying the literature in the chosen area of study, synthesising the information in that literature into a summary with particular relation to the chosen research questions, critically analysing the information gathered and identifying any gaps in current knowledge, and formulating areas for further research
3.  plan, design and organise independent and scholarly research, investigating and using knowledge to provide analysis and evaluation of specific issues and problems in banking, finance and economics; develop analytical, critical thinking and research skills by working independently in terms of problem identification, literature review, research methodology, data collection, analysis, conclusions and presentation of an empirical research project

Diagnostic and formative assessment will take place on a weekly basis in seminars to develop understanding as well as theoretical, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.

By Week 2, students will be given a formative assessment task to be submitted in Week 4.
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 the summative assignment.
In Week 6, students will have the opportunity to discuss the formative assessment feedback in class.

The assessment strategy comprises an individual presentation, coursework and a final research report.

The first part of the assessment will be a individual submission of poster/slide/video

The second part of the assessment will be the submission of coursework that 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.

The final component of assessment requires students to complete a research report. Students must use cognitive skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application. They must 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.

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

Books
Core Texts
Brown, A. and Dowling, P. (2010) Doing Research / Reading Research; A Mode of Interrogation for Education, 2nd ed., Routledge London. E-book and print available: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1660204~S1
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods, 4th Ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford
Saunders M.N. and Lewis, P. (2018) ‘Doing Research in Business and Management: An Essential Guide to Planning Your Project’ Pearson, Harlow, Essex

Other Texts
Barth, J. R., Lin, C. and Wihlborg, C. (2013) ‘Research Handbook on International Banking and Governance’ Edward Elgar Publishing
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research, Wiley
Saunders M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2015) ‘Research Methods for Business Students’ 7th Ed., Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, Essex. E-book: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1717157~S1
Ullah, A. and Giles, D. E. A. (Eds) (2016) ‘Handbook of Empirical Economics and Finance’ CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group

Academic Journal Articles (accessible electronically)
Brooks, C. and Schopohl, L. (2018) ‘Topics and trends in finance research: What is published, who publishes it and what gets cited?’ The British Accounting Review, Available online 10 February 2018
Etro, F. (2016) ‘Research in economics and public finance’ Research in Economics, Volume 70, Issue 1, March 2016, Pages 1-6

Electronic Databases:
Science Direct
Emerald Management eJournals
IngentaConnect