Module Descriptors
RESEARCH SKILLS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES
MKTG50159
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Linda Phillips
Email: L.A.Phillips@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PROJECT PROPOSAL weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
A draft Project Proposal (to be investigated in the Work Based Project in Public Services module), including a summary of the topic, aims and objectives, explanation of the methodology to be adopted, timescales and sources of information. (2,000 words) (100%) (Learning Outcomes 1-4)
Module Texts
Bryman. A. & Bell, E. (2011) Business Research Methods Oxford University Press
Gill,J.and Johnson,P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers, Sage
Dawson, C. A (2007) Practical Guide to Research Methods: A User Friendly Manual for Mastering Research Techniques & Projects How To Books
Gill,J.and Johnson,P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers, Sage
Dawson, C. A (2007) Practical Guide to Research Methods: A User Friendly Manual for Mastering Research Techniques & Projects How To Books
Module Resources
Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Blackboard website
Blackboard website
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 36 hours of class support and 114 hours of independent and self directed study.
The class sessions will include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions based on student experiences in the subject area. Students will be encouraged to integrate any work based experiences with new knowledge and skills developed in the classroom as the module progresses.
The class sessions will include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions based on student experiences in the subject area. Students will be encouraged to integrate any work based experiences with new knowledge and skills developed in the classroom as the module progresses.
Module Indicative Content
This module examines different research methodologies and how they can be applied to the field of public services. It provides the tools and techniques required to develop a research proposal related to public services, which will be investigated in the Work Based Project in Public Services module. This will include:
Research & Investigation
Covers the skills required to research a topic effectively, including:
- The development of research and planning skills; literature search, review
- Sources of information; data, descriptive statistics, quantitative methodology, qualitative methodology, ethics in research, awareness of other research methods, designing a questionnaire, conducting interviews
- Referencing
- Setting aims and objectives
Draft Project Proposal
Covers the various aspects of developing an effective project proposal, including:
- Outline of the project
- Aims
- Objectives
- Methodology - initiation, planning, execution, control, validation, close out and evaluation.
- Timescales
- Sources of information
Research & Investigation
Covers the skills required to research a topic effectively, including:
- The development of research and planning skills; literature search, review
- Sources of information; data, descriptive statistics, quantitative methodology, qualitative methodology, ethics in research, awareness of other research methods, designing a questionnaire, conducting interviews
- Referencing
- Setting aims and objectives
Draft Project Proposal
Covers the various aspects of developing an effective project proposal, including:
- Outline of the project
- Aims
- Objectives
- Methodology - initiation, planning, execution, control, validation, close out and evaluation.
- Timescales
- Sources of information