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BUSI50015: METHODS OF INQUIRY (DL) (to 2009)

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To equip students with the necessary training both to be able to assess the academic research and literature in the fields of business and management and to prepare them to undertake the dissertation.

Content

  • Introduction to Research Methods
  • Choosing the Right Method for your Research
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Designing and Conducting Interview Research
  • Analysing and Writing Up Qualitative Research
  • Designing Case Studies
  • Questionnaire Survey Design
  • Quantitative Data Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of how empirical research is conducted in a business context.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of this module, students should:
  • be able to conduct advanced literature searches to identify important literature and outstanding research questions;
  • be able to write an evaluative review of the literature;
  • be able to conduct a Masters Level research project from beginning to end. This involves the following: identify an interesting and practical research question at an appropriate advanced level; develop a method for answering the question; conduct the research, including managing all aspects of the research project.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
  • The summative assessment is in the form of a written assignment to test students knowledge and understanding of key issues and techniques associated with undertaking research in business and management.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading)150 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Written AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay4,000 words maximum100 

Formative Assessment

Essay (1,500 words).

More information

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