Research Skills Development

MGDI72090 Research Skills Development 15 Full year Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Epiphania Kimaro Unit coordinator Gianluca Iazzolino Unit coordinator Global Development Institute 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 Introduction to researchPlanning and conducting researchDesigning researchLiterature and secondary dataData collection methods: questionnaires observation, interviews, etc.Analysing qualitative and quantitative data This unit acts as an introduction to research methods. We explain how it fits into your MSc programme as a whole, in relation to your dissertation. We look at what is distinctive about research, as compared to other forms of activity, and look especially at what might be special about management research and information systems research. We discuss ways in which research is affected by the context in which it is carried about – here focusing on the context of developing and transitional economies. The unit aims to: -provide postgraduate students in the development informatics programmes at GDI with an understanding of research methodologies and techniques - provide training to design and undertake data gathering and analysis, and critically analyse research literature on development informatics in terms of its methodological foundations. - provide students with a good grasp of the conventions of using documentary and data sources in the preparation and presentation of written reports or papers. State the nature and scope of information systems and management researchOutline the main research strategiesOutline the principal research methods that are available to use in the context of thosestrategiesUse a research method or methods appropriately in your dissertation and in later researchProduce a research proposal for your dissertationMake a start on your dissertation, using your research proposal as a frameworkUnderstand specific features of research in developing, transitional and international contexts -link theory to real-world practice. - critically analyse ICT4D research models - critically analyse research techniques. - assess the reliability of data analysis and interpret the results of that analysis - apply ICT4D research skills, using a variety of tools and methods - apply sensitivity to human and practical issues in research. - design and scope a research project - demonstrate competence in assessing, presenting and interpreting data in a critical way from a range of primary and secondary sources - group working - discussion and debating skills - literature reviewing  Each face-to-face 2-hr lecture session includes lecture presentation, case study material, student group activities and exercises, and group discussion. Tutorials provide further practical exercises and ICT4D case studies. Additionally, students are expected to engage with e-learning materials provided via VLE to support learning. These include lecture slides and exercises, extensive session notes, model solutions to exercises, links to research papers and websites, etc.  The course is highly participative, encouraging students to share knowledge and experience. It is also practical, encouraging students to apply research tools, techniques and theory to real-world case studies, with a particular emphasis on developing country contexts. 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 60% 7 Oral assessment/presentation 40% <ul><li>Dissertation research outline (2,000 words) 60%</li><li>10 minute group video presentation (1,000 words) 40%</li><li>Re-sit assessment: extended dissertation research outline (4,000 words) — 100%</li></ul> Assignment feedback provided via VLE MSc Digital Development MSc Digital Development PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Digital Development MSc Digital Development (PT) PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N Saunders, M., P. Lewis and A. Thornhill (2016) Research methods for business students, London: Pearson (7th edition) Lectures 20 Tutorials 8 0 122