A 6,000 words assignment that will outline a rationale for a research design, including identification of methods, ethical safeguards and the benefits of the planned project to users and participants. The rationale should be related to an area of policy and practice.

Explore the relationship between philosophical presuppositions in researching management and methodological issues involved in research design. Grounding in epistemology and ontology that allows participants to critically comprehend ongoing debates in management theory and research. Develop a critical awareness to the understanding of how taken-for-granted assumptions and values influence versions of reality and are socially constructed. Review epistemologies and methods in social science and principles of the major intellectual traditions in qualitative and quantitative research (e.g. positivist; hermeneutic; constructivist). Consider the legal and ethical basis of precautionary and protective aspects of research practice and implications of ethical requirements for research design.

Tutorials, seminars and workshops

Module handbook with bibliographical guidance. Blackboard, VLE platforms.Library electronic access with guidance and bibliographical search guidance.

Carr, W. and Kemmis, S. [1986] Becoming Critical Falmer Press: Lewes
Denzin N K and Lincoln Y S (1996) Handbook of qualitative research London: Sage
Gill J and Johnson P (2002) Research Methods for Managers London: Sage Publishing
Johnson, P. and Duberley, J. (2000) Understanding Management Research London: Sage
McKinlay, A. and Starkey, K. (1997) Foucault, management and organization theory: from panopticon to technologies of self. London: Sage
Punch, K.F. (2005) Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. London: Sage.
Ramcharan, P & Cutcliffe, J (2001) Judging the ethics of qualitative research: considering the 'ethics as process' model, Health and Social Care in the Community, 9 (6).

Candidates must have relevant prior learning and professional experience.