Major developments and methodological discussions in business and management research are critically reviewed. More practical challenges associated with `Mode 2' knowledge production are also sensitively addressed within a project management framework. Arguments concentrating on the key theme of establishing knowledge claims by developing a core understanding of ontology, epistemology and methodology are examined. In addition practical methods for delivering solutions-focussed projects are introduced; analytical skills and knowledge are developed in order that students may produce a critical research proposal for a comprehensive dissertation or project.

Libraries for textbooks and journals
Lecture notes and handouts
The Internet

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., 2009, Research Methods for Business Students, London, FT Prentice-Hall.

Other assigned contemporary text(s) deemed appropriate dependent on the focus of the student's assignment, for example: qualitative and/or quantitative texts; conceptual-theoretical / applied consultancy and other academic sources.

An individual research proposal of 2000-3000 words that could feasibly be adopted for a masters' level traditional research dissertation (experimental-scientific/conceptual-theoretical) or a more practically-focussed project (applied consultancy)

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 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.

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, methodologies and evaluating their relevance to your proposed topic.