1.UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Knowledge & Understanding

2. UNDERTAKE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATING APPLICATION OF DATA COLLECTION AND SAMPLING METHODS
Application
Enquiry

3. REPORT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE RESEARCH AND REFLECT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE PROCESS Analysis
Reflection

4. DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCE IN WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATION USING A RANGE OF TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY
Communication

Much of research today involves collaboration which further results in interpretation of vast amounts of data. Relevant information is required to be extracted towards knowledge and learning. This module will introduce you to specific software tools and applications such as SPSS for data analysis.

This module enables students to complete a business focused practical research project either related to their career interests or to their student experiences. It will include:

- Developing a research rationale and research objectives
- Data collection methodology, including use of IT and social media
- Sample planning
- Data analysis and interpretation

Students will propose a research project to include a rationale based on secondary research findings, research objectives, suggestions for data collection and a sampling procedure. Students will engage in data collection after practising and evaluating a variety of methods. The findings will be analysed, interpreted and presented in a verbal presentation as well as a written report.

Skills acquired in other modules will be utilised (e.g. the innovation process) to develop a research topic. Time and project management skills will be developed as will communication, numeracy, critical writing and interpersonal skills.

Tutor led sessions will follow a general pattern of introduction of a topic and provision of frameworks and models for student learning, followed by application by students to appropriate data or case study materials. Students will be expected to perform set exercises, these will include the analysis, discussion and presentation of case-based work both individually and as part of a learning group. Formative assessment will be provided throughout the module. Digital tools will be used to enhance learning.
Students will be expected to obtain supplementary information from a number of paper or electronic sources as part of their preparation, as recommended by the tutor.

Bryman, A. & Bell, E. 2015, Business research methods, 4th edn, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2009). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, 5th Edition (https://iaear.weebly.com/uploads/2/6/2/5/26257106/research_methods_entiree_book_umasekaram-pdf-130527124352-phpapp02.pdf)

Open Textbook Library (free online):
Barbara Illowsky – Susan Dean (2012): Collaborative Statistics (https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/BookDetail.aspx?bookId=11)

VLE learning support material to be provided for independent /self-directed learning

Open Textbook Library

Selected contemporary problem/practice based case examples

Online Learning, Resources, Tools, and Data.

Individual written report (2000 words) on the research findings (100%) which will incorporate a reflective statement (500 words) on how the experience has impacted on the student's skills set and employability prospects (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)


ASSESSMENT FOR BUV STUDENTS ONLY

The Final exam will focus on the main points mentioned in the module descriptor: “This module enables students to complete a business focused practical research project either related to their career interests or to their student experiences. It will include: Developing a research rationale and research objectives - Data collection methodology, including use of IT and social media - Sample planning - Data analysis and interpretation” The final exam will include: - Open questions on research rationale and research objectives. (LO1) - Multiple choice questions on sampling and data collection (LO2) - Open ended question on data analysis and results, based on an output from SPSS or similar software (LO3 and 4) - Open ended question/ reflection on improvement of research results (LO4)

Much of research today involves collaboration which further results in interpretation of vast amounts of data. Relevant information is required to be extracted towards knowledge and learning. This module will introduce you to specific software tools and applications such as SPSS for data analysis.