Demonstrate a good 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

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

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

Individual Contemporary issues in Accounting and Finance Research proposal of 2,000 (100%) (LOs 1-3) - This should cover research topic, aims and objectives, research questions, philosophy and methodology (sample and population).

To ensure students understand the steps in the research process and various research approaches for different research objectives 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. Students are required to submit a research proposal as part of the course requirements

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.

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 100 learning hours (including assessment) of which there will be 24 hours of tutor-led learning and 76 hours of independent and self-directed study.



Concepts, theories and principles will be explored, practised and demonstrated. Practical skills enhanced by recommended videos and talks. LinkedIn Learning will be used to direct self-study learning throughout the study block. Cognitive and personal skills developed in open-ended problem-solving exercises. Oral feedback will be given during sessions. The assessment will examine the wider learning outcomes expressed in the descriptor.



You will undertake ‘formative’ assessments during the module to help you monitor your learning and provide you and us with ongoing feedback on your progress, that helps you prepare for the ‘summative assessment(s) during or at the end of the module.



In-class sessions play a crucial role in the learning process, where formative assessments are essential for providing ongoing feedback to both students and the teaching team. Examples of formative assessments include quizzes, class exercises, draft submissions, and peer reviews, all of which help gauge students' understanding of the course material. These assessments enable instructors to identify areas where students may need additional support and adjust teaching strategies as needed. This practical implementation ensures that even in a remote learning environment, students receive the necessary support and preparation for their summative assessments.



Feedback and feedforward on this module in the dual award program would follow the steps implemented:

Unified Rubrics: Develop shared grading rubrics and feedback templates for both institutions. This ensures that students receive consistent criteria, depth, and format feedback, whether the module is taught by one institution or co-taught.

Encouraging Reflection: Students would be encouraged to reflect on the feedback they receive and discuss how they will implement it. This practice ensures that feedback is understood and applied consistently, contributing to a cohesive learning experience.

Shared VLE: Use a shared Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to submit assignments and deliver feedback. This ensures that all feedback is stored in one place, allowing both institutions to monitor and align the feedback provided.

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

Module study guide and handbook

The University Library and Learning Resources - books and academic journals

The module VLE

Learning support materials and booklets

Internet

Microsoft Office Excel

Microsoft Office PowerPoint

Computer-based quizzes

Data Analysis Software i.e.; Bloomberg terminal, EViews, STATA and SPSS