| Unit name | Research Methods and Professional Development |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MGRCM0044 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Tomlin Kraftner |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
In addition to exploring important professional skills, in this unit you will engage with the research process and learn how to develop a research project: from formulating a research question, through critically reviewing the literature, to gathering and analysing data, and interpreting the findings. At the end of the unit, you will be well prepared to draw on your understanding of important professional skills and management research methods in your studies and professional life, enhancing your career prospects.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit provides the foundations concerning the research process and developing a research project required for your programme’s capstone project, alongside exploring key professional skills as you plan your professional life after your programme of study.
An overview of content
This unit explores different research methods, asking you to consider philosophical questions about the nature of reality and knowledge; to reflect on the relationship between theory and empirical research in social science; and to develop a critical appreciation of management research methods and practice.
You will become familiar with the main research strategies, designs, and methods and engage with the research process, learning how to develop a research project: from formulating a research question, through critically reviewing the literature, to gathering and analysing data, and interpreting the findings.
Alongside this, you will explore key professional skills, reflecting on your current and future development as you consider your professional life after your programme of study.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
At the end of the unit, you will be equipped with the understanding of the research process required to develop a research proposal for your capstone project. Beyond that, you will be well prepared to draw on your understanding of your current state of personal and professional development in identifying future developmental needs for your professional life.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to
The unit is designed to offer a combination of learning activities, including lectures and seminars, structured online learning, online drop-in sessions, small group work, structured reading, and independent study.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
There will be opportunities for peer and instructor formative feedback and support throughout the unit, and in particular through collaborative learning and inquiry in small groups.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
There are two elements of summative assessment on this unit:
Peer assessment will form part of the marking scheme for the group presentation task in line with each student’s contribution to the task. Marks for the group presentation task are awarded based on the work submitted but also in light of the equity share statement completed and submitted by the group members.
When assessment does not go to plan
The group presentation task (40%) is a must-pass assessment component for this unit. Consequently, if deemed eligible for reassessment by the School Exam Board in accordance with the university’s regulations and procedures, this can be retaken by the entire group if failed on the first attempt. This retake will be identical in format to the original assignment. Depending on the nature of the failed first attempt, this reassessment could ether entail a revised version of the first submitted attempt or an entirely new piece of work.
In cases where an Individual student fails the unit overall due to the quality of their individual online timed assignment (60% towards total unit mark); this assignment can be retaken when the student is deemed eligible for reassessment by the School Exam Board in accordance with the university’s regulations and procedures. This retake will be identical in format to the original online timed assignment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MGRCM0044).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
