- The nature and purposes of research.
- Formulation of a research topic and preparing a research proposal
- Conducting a literature review related to the research topic
- Methodology and data collection
- Research management

Assessment methods which enable student to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Module:
- Research proposal (minimum 3,000 words) weighting?

Present to the class a 15 minutes research proposal identifying the project area, the key literature, research questions (if paradigm approximate), the research paradigm data collection methodology (including instruments) and proposed analyses methods.

Outcome 1, 2, 3, 4,5,6

Approval for dissertation and allocation of supervisors will be given after a suitable proposal has been identified and presented. Possible topics will cover a range of issues of the programme title. Students, for example, may wish to research their own practice in the discipline or may wish to diversify in interdisciplinary research. This might take the form of action research in relation to practice based projects, design, development and critique of current and proposed assessment methodologies.

- Dissertation (9,000 words) weighting

Conduct a formal investigation to a publishable standard, into an aspect of management practice.

Outcome 1, 2, 3, 4,5,6

To pass this module student must obtain overall 50% marks

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 600 learning hours, of this there will be 30 hours of supervision class support and 570 hours of independent and self directed study.

The research supervision classes will be conducted through out the block 3 period. Supervisors will provide support and guidance to students include research methods seminar. Seminars will include guest speakers responsible for research project. The majority of the module is conducted through independent learning and reference to an assigned supervisor, who will convene at mutually agreed intervals. Communication between both parties can be, if agreeable, through face-to-face, e-mail and telephone.

This integrative module addresses a number of the Quality Benchmark Standards, most particularly the ability to acquire and analyse data and information, evaluate published research and conduct research into teaching practice. The research seminars and most particularly the project develop ability in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

none

Bell, J. (1999) Doing your research project. Buckingham: OU press
Hart, C. (2005) Doing Your Masters Dissertation (Essential Study Skills series), Sage.
Patton M. Q., (2001) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, 3rd edition, Sage.
Creswell, J. W. (2003), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage
Myers, M. D; 1997, Qualitative Research in Information Systems," MIS Quarterly (21:2) Sage
Lee, A. , Liebenau J. and DeGross, J, I. (1997) Information Systems and Qualitative Research (IFIP International Federation for Information Processing), Springer

Selected reading from the area of specialisation

Journals:
Journal of Research Practice
Selected Journal from Pathway Specialisation

The VLE (NETED)
The Internet
Word Processing software for use in the coursework
Spreadsheet software like EXCEL/SPSS
Printed and electronic journals.