Research Methods and Skills in Organisational Contexts

MGDI77770 Research Methods and Skills in Organisational Contexts 15 Full year Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Mohammed Ibrahim Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The module is delivered over two semesters. A key element of the module is that it offers students an opportunity to develop literature-related research skills at an early stage of their studies. The module focuses on research methods and skills used in organisational context so that students can appreciate how research methods and theoretical/practical application are related. The module is designed to support the development of postgraduate research scholarship from the beginning of the master’s programme to writing up dissertations. The module, which is delivered during the first and second semesters involves lectures, tutorials, MyLearning Essentials sessions and workshop. The lectures will include developing skills required to critically evaluate published literature relevant to the management of people, systems, and/or projects in organisational settings. This will further facilitate the development of study skills and promote a deep understanding of academic issues under scrutiny across the MSc Organisational Change and Development and the MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects programmes.The sessions covered in this module will enable students to develop skills for searching library materials, critical writing and developing arguments, referencing standards and avoiding academic malpractice, skills in research design and dissertation proposal writing. The unit aims to:Develop students’ knowledge and skills in order to enable them to:1. learn how to conduct research linked to the management of people, systems, and/or projects in organisational settings;2 undertake and present the findings of a research project on a subject within the central field of knowledge of their degree programme;3. operationalise this knowledge of research methods and these research skills in an applied fieldwork context. Knowledge and understanding•             define and critically explore literature on a specified subject using paper-based library stock, electronic databases, electronic journals and other web-based sources of data, such as government policies and reports.•             through the presentation of a dissertation research proposal:i)             demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of key research terms and methodologies;ii)            show their ability to construct a well-designed and realistic research plan for gathering primary data in an organisational setting;iii)           explain the importance of ethics to the work of researchers.Intellectual skills•             formulate a set of clearly stated research aims, research objectives, and research questions and/or hypotheses;•             construct and present in writing a critically-focused and concisely written literature review together with an associated bibliography using standard conventions for citing academic literature;•             through the construction of a learning log, demonstrate their ability to engage in critical self-reflection when undertaking research-based activities.Practical skills•             work critically  in an applied/field setting in order to design, operationalise and present the findings of, an organisationally based research-based project;Transferable skills and personal qualitiesDuring this course unit, students will be encouraged to develop::•             their ability to review and analyse critically contrasting information.•             their self management skills including their ability to manage time effectively.•             skills which they need to articulate clearly their point of view particularly in response to questioning.•            willingness to question and develop their understanding, perspectives and values in response to listening to others.•             the ability to identify key contextual variables which affect their behaviour and the behaviour of others.•             the ability to engage in critical thinking, reflection, and self-awareness. Responsibility for their own learning. Module OverviewIntroduction to Research in Organisational ContextsIntroduction to Library ResourcesIntroduction to My Learning EssentialsAcademic WritingReference Management Software Conducting a Literature ReviewSearching Academic Literature : Tools/ApproachesCritical Reading and Writing (Developing Arguments)Working with Theories and FrameworksAcademic ReferencingAcademic Integrity Writing a Dissertation ProposalChoosing a Dissertation TopicIdentifying Research Problem/GapDeveloping Research Questions/ObjectivesEthics in Research Three Research Approaches: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed MethodsData CollectionData Analysis and Discussion <div>The teaching and learning methods are designed to balance more formal lecture-based inputs with opportunities for the students to engage with the subject area in a participative and applied manner.  A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used. These are likely to include formal lectures, group-based workshop activities, tutorials, and practical work in a fieldwork setting. The content of this module will be delivered at strategically-located points throughout Semester One and Semester Two.  As an indication, the introduction to the module, inputs on conducting research using literature, and the assessment of the literature-based essay will take place in Semester One.  In Semester Two, there be lectures, seminars and tutorials on the subject of research methods relating to organisational contexts, and students will be required to submit their dissertation proposals. </div>  <ul><li>Literature Review (700 words) — 25%</li><li>Summative Assessment (1,800 words) — 60%</li><li>Summative Reflective Journal (1,500 words) — 15%</li></ul> Feedback is provided in writing, approximately 14 days after submission of each assignment MSc Man & Imp of Dev Project MSc Man & Imp of Dev Project PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Man & Imp of Dev Project MSc Man & Imp of Dev Project PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Organisatnl Change & Devel MSc Organisatnl Change & Devel PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Organisatnl Change & Devel MSc Organisatnl Change & Devel PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N Anderson, V. (2013) Research Methods in Human Resource Management: investigating a business issue (3rd edition). London: CIPDBarrett, C. and Cason, J. (2010) Overseas Research: A Practical Guide, Routledge, London (ebook). Bell, J. (2018) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (7th edition). Maidenhead, England: Open University Press Davies, M (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacmillanFisher, C. and Buglear, J. (2007) Researching and writing a Dissertation: a guidebook for business students, FT Prentice Hall, Harlow. 2nd Edition (ebook).Gill J. and Johnson, P. (2011) Research Methods for Managers (4th edition). London: Paul Chapman Horn, R. (2012) Researching and Writing Dissertations: A Complete Guide for Business and Management Students (2nd edition). London: CIPD Robson, C. and McCartan (2016) Real World Research (4th edition). Chichester: WileySaunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research Methods for Business Students (8th edition). Harlow: PearsonYin, R. (2018) Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th edition). London: Sage Publications Lectures 8 Seminars 2 Tutorials 3 0 137