To ensure students understand the steps in the research process and various research approaches for different research objectives. Moreover, enable students to relate different data collection methods to research need, ways to analyse and interpret research data and the know-how a research proposal can be written.

Major developments and methodological discussions in Accounting and Finance research are critically reviewed.
This module examines research designs commonly used in business decision making. Topics include research design, implementation and finally interpretation of research as these are related to problems in an organizational setting. This course will also cover issues on access and research ethics. This course provides a guide to the research process and with the needed knowledge and skills to undertake research as well as highlights some common research pitfalls.

At the end of this module, students will learn a range of research approaches, strategies and methods for handling their research projects. Skill development in statistical applications software is also one of the objectives of this course. Students are required to submit a research proposal as part of the course requirements

Data Analysis and Interpretation (Test) (30%) (LO 4) - based on the data that would be provided by the tutor

Individual Contemporary issues in Accounting and Finance Research proposal of 3,000 (70%) (LOs 1-3) - This should research topic, aims and objectives, research questions, philosophy and methodology (sample and population)

The learning strategy for this module is based on students committing a total of 200 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 52 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 148 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

1. Demonstrate a competent understanding of research methods, and methodological and philosophical underpinnings applicable to research and applied projects, within the broad field of accounting and finance.

Learning, Knowledge & Understanding.

2. Undertake a critical review of recent and relevant research appropriate to the development of the field of accounting and finance understanding and the solution of managerial problems.

Learning, Analysis, Enquiry & Application.

3. Plan and produce an organised and logically planned and executed research or consultancy approach that will contribute to accounting and finance theory and/or practice and/or policy.

Knowledge, Understanding & Problems Solving.

4. Collect, analyse and interpret accounting and finance related research data.

Analysis and Application.

VLE learning support material.

Module handbook.

Directed texts.

Supporting research methodology lecture material.

Selected PPBL case examples

Academic Journals

Industry reports

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., 2018, Research Methods for Business Students, London, FT Prentice-Hall.

Brooks, C., 2019.żEViews Guide for Introductory Econometrics for Finance. Cambridge University Press.

You will identify and justify an appropriate research topic of relevance to the broad area of accounting and finance and produce a research proposal which reflects a critical awareness of a range of research philosophies, strategies, and methodologies and evaluate their relevance to your proposed topic.