
MSc International Human Resource Management and Comparative Industrial Relations / Course details
Year of entry: 2022
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Course unit details:
Workplace Research and Analysis Skills
Unit code | BMAN60261 |
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Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Offered by | Alliance Manchester Business School |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This methods course is divided into two parts. Part I introduces students to qualitative methods of research. Part II focuses on theories and applications of statistical methods.
Induction sessions with the MSc Programme Director introducing the dissertation process and the research methods issues that are specific to each programme will also be held in relation to the dissertation proposal part of the assessment. This will allow students to make connections between their research methods training and their choice of methods for their dissertations.
Pre/co-requisites
Aims
Students shall gain an understanding of:
- the overall research process
- qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis
- the strengths and weaknesses of said methods
- the use and limitations of secondary data analysis
- the interpretation and presentation of results
Learning outcomes
Students shall be able to:
- formulate a research problem
- present a clear research strategy
- design a survey instrument
- understand which methods are most appropriate for tackling different types of problems
- employ qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis
- use computer software to analyse data
- interpret and write up results
Assessment methods
Exam (35%): this is a two-hour multiple choice exam linked to testing students’ understanding of quantitative research, survey methods and statistics
Coursework (35%): this is a qualitative research assignment linked to testing students’ ability to carry out qualitative research and analyse the qualitative data collected (1,500 words)
Dissertation proposal: (30%): this assessment links to testing students’ ability to formulate research problems and present a clear research strategy. They will be required to draw on the research methods knowledge covered in the course to identify the appropriate methods to address their research problem. This will be assessed by dissertation supervisors and will be submitted in the second semester (3000 words)
Feedback methods
Informal advice and discussion during a lecture, seminar, workshop or lab
Online exercises and quizzes delivered through the Blackboard course space
Responses to student emails and questions from a member of staff including feedback to a group via an online discussion forum
Written and/or verbal comments on assessed or non assessed coursework
Recommended reading
Field, A. (2013) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (3rd or 4th Edition). London: Sage.
Saunders, M.; Thornhill, A. and Lewis, P. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students (Fourth Edition). Harlow: Pearson.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 27 |
Practical classes & workshops | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 113 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Anne McBride | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Informal contact methods
Office hours
Online Learning Activities (blogs, discussions, self assessment questions)
Drop in surgeries (extra help sessions for students on material they may be struggling with)