Individual written report (2000 words) or group written report (4000 words) (Tutor to specify whether Group or Individual) on the research findings (100%) which will be accompanied by a reflective statement (500 words per person) on how the experience has impacted on the student's skills set and employability prospects (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)

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.

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

A range of resources, including, University library and IT facilities, the Internet, journals and databases

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M.(2010) How to Research (4th Edition) Maidenhead: Open University Press (ISBN 9780 335 21746)
Bradley, N. (2010) Marketing Research tools and techniques (2nd Edition) Oxford University Press (ISBN 978019956434)
McDaniel, C., & Gates, R. (2010) Marketing Research Essentials (7th Edition) Wiley USA, ISBN 9780470169704
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., 2009, Research methods for business Students (5th Edition) Financial Times Prentice Hall, ISBN 978-0-272-71686-0

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.