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)

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.

Module learning hours are broken down into 24hrs of ‘scheduled learning and teaching activities’ comprising predominantly lectures/seminars/tutorials, which take place during study days arranged at the start and periodically through the module, but may include some on-line activities. This is supported by 72hrs of ‘guided independent study’, comprising pre-reading ahead of study days, formative tasks submitted on-line, for review and feedback from the tutor and the student cohort, supplemented by additional directed reading, self-help tests and completion of assessment tasks/revision.

For the remainder of the learning hours students are expected to regularly engage with the learning material on Blackboard, by working through the material to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and/or phone.

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.

1. DEMONSTRATE A COMPETENT UNDERSTANDING OF RESEARCH METHODS, AND METHODOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS APPLICABLE TO RESEARCH AND APPLIED PROJECTS, WITHIN THE BROAD FIELD OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT. (Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)
2. TO UNDERTAKE A CRITICAL REVIEW OF RECENT AND RELEVANT RESEARCH APPROPRIATE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIELD OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT UNDERSTANDING AND THE SOLUTION OF MANAGERIAL PROBLEMS. (Analysis, Application, Enquiry)
3. TO PLAN AND PRODUCE AN ORGANISED AND LOGICALLY PLANNED AND EXECUTED RESEARCH OR CONSULTANCY APPROACH THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT THEORY AND/OR PRACTICE AND/OR POLICY. (Communication, Problem Solving, Reflection)