Summary of content

The module will introduce students to the theoretical and methodological issues relevant to their field of study. This will cover research design; collection, analysis and presentation of data; research ethics.

Students will develop a research project proposal outlining their plans to carry out an investigation of a business/management issue or problem relating to professional practice in their programme specialism. In developing this proposal, students will be required to demonstrate critical awareness of business/professional practice as well as relevant research paradigms, approaches and techniques.

The proposal will be enacted in the Masters Research Project module which can take one of three formats:

Dissertation
The Dissertation involves primary data capture and analysis or analysis of secondary data.

Research Project
The Research Project is normally secondary data based and draws on the relevant business/management/professional practice literature appropriate to the student's programme of study.

Systematic Review
The review would normally use and approved method e.g. Cochrane Collaboration.

Consultancy Project
The Consultancy Project is normally primary data based and requires the student to adopt the role of a consultant. Students intending to take this option are required to secure an agreement in principal from the client organisation.

Module structure

Assessment methods