MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects

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 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 qualities

During 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 Overview

Introduction to Research in Organisational Contexts

Introduction to Library Resources

Introduction to My Learning Essentials

Academic Writing

Reference Management Software

Conducting a Literature Review

Searching Academic Literature : Tools/Approaches

Critical Reading and Writing (Developing Arguments)

Working with Theories and Frameworks

Academic Referencing

Academic Integrity

Writing a Dissertation Proposal

Choosing a Dissertation Topic

Identifying Research Problem/Gap

Developing Research Questions/Objectives

Ethics in Research

Three Research Approaches: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods

Data Collection

Data Analysis and Discussion

The assessment is likely to have two components:

• a 1000-word literature-based essay: 15%
• a 2250-word dissertation proposal: 60%
• a fieldwork-based assignment/learning log: 25%

Note.

Resit assessments will reflect the original assessment tasks and marking criteria

Feedback is provided in writing, approximately 14 days after submission of each assignment

Anderson, V. (2013) Research Methods in Human Resource Management: investigating a business issue (3rd edition). London: CIPD

Barrett, 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 Macmillan

Fisher, 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: Wiley

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research Methods for Business Students (8th edition). Harlow: Pearson

Yin, R. (2018) Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th edition). London: Sage Publications