STRM044

Postgraduate Business and Economics

BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJECT MODULE

STUDENT STUDY GUIDE, 2016

Tutor:
Dr. Leroi Henry (PhD, FHEA)
Email: Leroi.henry@northampton.ac.uk
 Project and Research Methods Module - Overview
This guide is designed to give students an overview of the independent
research and related research methods skills training programme offered
across Northampton Business School at MBA level (level 7). The module is
set out flexibly, so as to reflect the different types of research project
which students may choose to undertake.

Overall aim(s) for the module

To provide the student with the opportunity to:

i) Acquire a grounding in taught postgraduate level (level 7) approaches

to research, and related research skills

ii) Carry out a sustained, independent research project, involving an

individual piece of conceptual, applied or work-related research,
culminating in the writing of a project report of approximately 12,000-
15,000 words.

Content of module:
The module comprises two main elements:

(i) Research methods training

(ii) Project report (assessed 100%)

Research methods training

The approach will comprise a series of workshops delivered by staff from

the University of Northampton Business School, in which students will be
provided with an introduction to generic research principles, approaches
and options, linked to training in field-specific research traditions,
approaches, methodologies and methods. You will also have access to the
University’s battery of support servives, via CFap, which includes the
options to attend additional classes on other aspects of research methods.

Please see the NILE site for details of preparatory work to be completed
before the workshop and the workshop agenda.

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Project
Working initially from their research topics and proposals, students will be
given access to individual and group support from specialist supervisors
located within their various fields of independent research study, with a
view to facilitating the design and implementation of their research
projects and their writing up in conceptual, applied and work-related
dissertation / project report form.

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Module engagement and formative feedback
A staged approach to student engagement and progression with the
module is to be followed, reflecting the successive milestones passed
during a student's independent research journey, from (i) attending
research skills training classes, to (ii) putting forward a draft research
topic, to (iii) making contact and engaging with supervisors and
submitting a proposal, to (iv) scoping an academically rigorous and
feasible research proposal, to (v) completing a draft literature review
chapter, to (vi) completing a draft research methodology and methods
chapter, to (vii) completing and submitting the final project report.
Formative assessment will be provided at each intermediate stage in the
journey, reflecting the achievement of learning outcomes in relation to
stated assessment criteria.

This assessment strategy will provide the basis for a holistic and ongoing
assessment of students' developing, independent research-related
capabilities throughout the course of their module-related studies,
providing students with formative as well as summative feedback until the
dissertation is completed. Students will be required to demonstrate an
ability to map out their research through the research proposal, together
with an ability to build a conceptual framework based on the literature
and to identify, defend and implement an appropriate research
methodology and design, based on good research practice. The writing of
the completed project report will provide a well-established test of their
ability to conduct in-depth, independent and focused research and to
present that research in ways consistent with good scholarship in their
chosen field of study.

Students will also be expected to provide regular evidence of progress by

the timely submission of the component assignments through which the
module is assessed. Students will also be expected to maintain regular
contact with their supervisors, throughout the period from the latter's
appointment to the submission of the final project report, in order to help
an assessment to be made of their progress towards the completion of
their independent research project, and of the authenticity of the work
carried out and presented for assessment.

As a quality assurance measure, students who do not maintain regular

contact with their supervisors and provide regular evidence of progress
may be required to attend a viva-voce examination following the
submission of their final dissertation or project reports.

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 Assessment

Assessment Items Weighting Learning Outcomes

Final 100% A - I inclusive
project report
(approximately
12,000-
15,000 words)

Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria will need to vary according to the modes
of research that students pursue. The general criteria below will
need to be weighted accordingly for any particular project:

 The study is justified in terms of academic theory and business /

management practice

 Logical / feasible rationale, aims and objectives are provided

 A clear conceptual framework is provided and clear research questions

and /or hypotheses are articulated, linked to the literature in the field

 Research methodology and methods appropriate to the research

question / problem / issue examined are selected and are clearly justified

 The final project report structure follows conventions in the field

 The project report contains a logical narrative

 The project report contains evidence of significant critical analysis and

evaluation

 The presentation of text and data reflects taught postgraduate (level 7)

scholarship and rigour.

Students will also be expected to provide regular evidence of progress by

the timely submission of the component assignments through which the
module is assessed. Students will also be expected to maintain regular
contact with their supervisors, throughout the period from the latter's
appointment to the submission of the final project report, in order to help
an assessment to be made of their progress towards the completion of
their independent research project, and of the authenticity of the work
carried out and presented for assessment.

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Assessment submission
Your final dissertation or report must be submitted to the STRM044 Nile
site via the Turn-it-in portal on or before the submission date of 27
January 2017

Module Timetable

This is detailed on the module website. The scheme of work details the
research methods classes and the dissertation timelines the key dates in
submitting your dissertation, the main activities are:

 Workshop

 Topic Registration

 Suggested proposal submission to supervisor

 Literature Review submission to supervisor

 Submit draft of project to supervisor

 Project submission deadline

Grade award criteria for final dissertation or report

Please see Appendix.

Research Ethics
It is the responsibility of each inquirer to ensure that inquiry involving
human subjects meets high scholarly and ethical standards. The inquirer
needs to be honest, thoughtful and complies with professional and
disciplinary standards and methodological approaches. During the module
we will examine the University of Northampton’s code of ethics: look at
the documents related to ethics on the NILE site and also the University’s
site.

In addition you may consult:-

American Association for the Advancement of Science, US Office of

Research Integrity, September (2000), ‘The Role and Activities of
Social Scientist in Promoting Research integrity’, US Office of
Research Integrity,

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 (http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/report.pdf) (30 September
2003)

Ess, C. and Association for Internet Research, Ethics Committee

(2002),’Ethical decision-making and Internet research,’ – Document,
AoIR, (http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf)(30 September 2003).

It is important that a completed ethics form is attached to your

proposal.

You must complete an ethics form and have it agreed and signed
by your supervisor before any data is collected and certainly
before you submit the proposal.

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 Research Methods Training
The aim of the research methods training provided by the module team
will be to prepare you for the report and to provide the necessary
underpinnings for your research.

We will help you to consider all the stages in the research process and the
characteristics of effective business research. This will include:

 Examination of different approaches to research and the strengths and

weaknesses of different methods and techniques.
 The importance of the literature search, analysis and review
 The formulation of a research question(s) and/or hypothesis
 Selecting a research design and using appropriate techniques
 Interpreting results, drawing conclusions and making
recommendations

All students must be familiar with the STRM044 Nile site, as useful
information and links can be found here.

In particular, students will be able to access the following information:

 Module Guide
 Detailed student guide to dissertation and report preparation
 Research methods core materials and links to useful websites
 General announcements and updates
 Details of the additional-optional methods’ workshops

Feedback arrangements
Via research methods classes and your dissertation supervisor

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Suggested Texts
A great deal of the reading that you will be doing for your research will be
on issues that are specific to your own project. This is a highly individual
matter, on which your supervisor will advise you during your research
project. As you proceed, you will no doubt be preparing a bibliography of
relevant materials on your topic, plus references to research methods,
and in particular, the research methodology you choose to adopt.

The research methods training course will broadly follow the following text:

Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Lewis P (2012), Research Methods

for Business Students- Sixth Edition, Pearson Education.
This e-book is available via bookshelf on the NILE site

And also-

Cooper, D. and Schindler, P.(2010) Business Research Methods,

Eleventh Edition, MH

Additional texts
There are a number of good, additional texts on research in general and
management research in particular. These provide an overview of the
area and indicate the diverse nature of the field. It is worthwhile exploring
a wide range of texts because they may stimulate your thinking and
generate ideas for your research approach – as well as preparing you for
writing your research proposal. This list offers some general introductory
or background reading on research in general and management research
in particular.

Please ask if you are anxious to begin reading on a specific topic! Do not
run out of reading.

Blaikie, N. (1993) Approaches to Social Enquiry, Polity Press, Cambridge.

Bryman, A. (1994) Research Methods and Organization Studies,

Routledge, London.

Burrell, G. and Morgan, G. (1994) Sociological Paradigms and

Organizational Analysis, 3rd ed. Aldershot, Arena.

Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K. (2011) Research methods in

Education, 7th ed., London: Routledge.

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Collis J and Hussey R (2009), Business Research: A Practical Guide for
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Third Edition, Palgrave
Macmillan.

Coolican, H. (2007) Research Methods for Psychology, HS

Cooper, H. (1998) Synthesizing Research: A Guide for Literature Reviews.

3rd ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Creswell, J. W. (1998) Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing

among five traditions, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

Davis, G. and Pecar, B (2010) Business Statistics Using Excel, Oxford

Denscombe, M. (2007) The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social

research, 3rd ed., Maidenhead: Open University

Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Y., eds. (1994) Handbook of Qualitative Research,

Thousand Oaks CA: Sage

Field, A. (2010) Discovering Statistics using SPSS, Third edition, London:

Sage

Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K. (2010) Research Methods in Business

studies, 4th ed, London; Prentice Hall

Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (eds) (2002), Research Methods for Managers.

Sage, London.

Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science

Research Imagination, Sage, London
Miles, M. and Huberman, A. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis, 2nd ed.,
Thousand Oaks CA: Sage

Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS Survival Manual, Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill

Punch, K. (2011) Introduction to Social Research, 2nd ed., Thousand Oaks

CA: Sage

Perri 6* and Bellamy, C. (2012) Principles of Methodology, London: Sage

Robson, C. (2011) Real world research, 3rd ed., Chichester: Wiley

Silverman, D. (2010) Doing qualitative research, London: Sage

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Tabachinick, B. and Fidell, L. (2007) Using Multivariate Research
Statistics, Prentice-Hall

Teddlie, C. and Tashakkori, A. (2009) Foundations of Mixed Methods

Research, Thousand Oaks CA: Sage

Yin, R. (2009) Case Study Research, London, Sage.

Zikmund, W., Babin, B., Carr, J. and Griffin, M. (2010) Business Research
Methods, 8th ed., South-Western

Online research course:

http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/

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Appendix 1 - grade criteria: level 7

An A Work which fulfils all the criteria of the grade below, but at
outstandin an exceptional standard
g
Distinction
A very A Work of distinguished quality which is evidenced by an
strong authoritative comprehensive, detailed and systematic
Distinction knowledge base and understanding for specialised area of
study. A key feature will be the ability to work with
creativity and originality using knowledge and insights at the
forefront of the area of study. There will be a confident
grasp of disciplinary methodologies for the discipline/area of
study which will be consistently reflected in both own
research and advanced scholarship, effectively integrating
advanced skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and
application on a firm foundation of critical facility. Work will
be characterised by strong technical expertise to high
professional standards, and there will be sustained evidence
of confident, autonomous operation and judgment in
complex and unpredictable professional situations both in
relation to working with others and in relation to own
functioning. Self-direction, creativity, practical
understanding will be combined to demonstrate the qualities
expected of an effective self critical independent learner
exercising excellent measured judgment, and will be a
consistent feature of work.

A clear A- Work of very good quality which displays most but not all
Distinctio of the criteria for the grade above.
n
An B+ Work of highly commendable quality which clearly fulfils the
outstandi criteria for the grade below, but shows a greater degree of
ng merit capability in relevant advanced intellectual or specialised
skills.

12
A very B Work of commendable quality demonstrating a detailed
strong and systematic knowledge base and understanding in
Merit specialised areas, informed by critical awareness of current
issues, research based/theoretical insights at the forefront
of the area of study. This will be supplemented by a good
comprehensive understanding of disciplinary methodologies
relevant to own research or advanced scholarship, which will
be reflected in work which integrates skills of advanced
analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application with critical
awareness. There will be some evidence of originality in
application of skills/knowledge, underpinned by good
technical expertise which permits confident, autonomous
operation in a range of complex and unpredictable
professional situations. The ability to work autonomously,
as a self critical independent learner exercising good and
considered judgment, will be a consistent feature of work.
A Merit B- Work of good quality which contains most, but not all of the
characteristics of the grade above.

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An C+ Work which clearly fulfils the criteria for the grade below, but
Outstandi shows a greater degree of capability in relevant advanced
ng Pass intellectual or specialised skills.

A Very C Work of capable quality which clearly demonstrates a

Good systematic understanding of knowledge in specialised areas
Pass and a critical awareness of current issues, research
based/theoretical knowledge at the forefront of the area of
study, together with a sound understanding of
methodologies applicable to own research or advanced
scholarship. There may be limitations to the application of
this knowledge and/or conceptual understanding of advanced
scholarship, but there will be evidence of critical awareness
in relation to analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application.
The ability to exercise initiative as an independent and self
critical learner in complex and unpredictable professional
contexts will be demonstrated, as will threshold levels of
technical expertise, although the scope of expertise may be
limited.

A Pass C- Work of satisfactory quality which contains most, but not all
of the characteristics of the grade above.

Fail F+ Work which indicates some evidence of a systematic,

coherent and analytical engagement with key aspects of
the field of study, including familiarity with current
scholarship, and evidence of ability to utilise specialised
skills, but which also contains significant limitations.

F Work that falls well short of the threshold standards in

relation to one or more of knowledge, intellectual, subject
based or key skills at this level.

F- Work of poor quality which is based on only minimal

understanding, application or effort. It will offer only very
limited evidence of familiarity with knowledge or skills
appropriate to the field of study at this level.

G Nil submission

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Guidelines are drawn using the following as reference points:
 The Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales
and Northern Ireland (QAA, 2001)
 Credit and HE Qualifications: Credit guidelines for HE qualifications in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (CQFW, NICATS, NUCCAT, SEEC,
2001)
 SEEC Credit Level Descriptors 2001

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UNIVERSITY MODULAR FRAMEWORK -MODULE SPECIFICATION

All items with a star (*) cannot be changed without approval.

SCHOOL * Northampton Business School

DIVISION * NBS Business, Leadership & HRM

FIELD* BUSINESS & INTERNATIONAL MGT

MODULE TITLE* Business Research Project

MODULE CODE * LEVEL* CREDIT VALUE* CO-ORDINATOR

STRM044 7 50 Dr Leroi Henry

DELIVERY Standard, Distance Learning

MODE(S)*
DELIVERY ALL
LOCATION(S)*
PRE-REQUISITES*:
None
CO-REQUISITES*:

None

RESTRICTIONS*:
This module is only available on MBA Programmes
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS*:

This module has no supplementary regulations

DESCRIPTION*:
In the current international economic environment managers are
frequently required to undertake project and consultancy work in addition
to their core responsibilities. Frequently these projects are focused upon
investigating new opportunities or potential strategic changes in order to
retain and extend competitive position within a turbulent business
environment. They may also be required to undertake consulting
assignments.

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This module aims to equip managers and aspiring managers with the
necessary skills to undertake independent project work and consulting
assignments within a business environment. It will achieve this via
asking participants to conduct an independent piece of research based
upon an actual business case situation which may be industry or
corporate-specific focused. Specifically, participants are invited to pursue
one of two possible approaches:

1. An inductive study whereby participants are required to carry out

a research project within a particular corporate or industry setting
and derive some general management principles or theories.

2. A deductive approach whereby participants are required to examine

or test the validity of an existing management theory to a particular
management context.

OVERALL AIM(S) FOR THE MODULE*

The overall aims of the module are:

 To facilitate the development of advanced level independent

working and critical problem solving skills in a largely unstructured
framework. Participants will be asked to define both the business
problem and select the most appropriate data sources.

 To develop participant knowledge of and proficiency with, a range of

management research methodologies including quantitative and
qualitative interventions.

 To develop data gathering, synthesising, analysing and consultancy

skills.

 To enable to development of an appreciation of the case study

technique as a vehicle for understanding managerial problems and
issues. In particular, participants should be able to comprehend the
complimentary nature of various research approaches and
methodologies and the value of triangulation in research design.

 To develop and enhance participant report writing skills. The

module aims not just to develop an academic writing style but to
also enable participants to cultivate a professional corporate style.

 To develop research and report presenting skills in both written and

oral form.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES*: (Max of 10)
On successful completion of the module, participants will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

a) Identify, understand and deploy various research methodolgies,
both quantitative and qualitative, in order to conduct research into a
range of management problems and issues.

b) Critically examine and articulate the importance of the varying

philosophical positions that influence management research and the
researcher.

c) Identify and apply the key data triangulation techniques required to

analyse business case problems and issues.

d) Demonstrate and enact the chief ethical considerations that impact

management research.

Subject Specific Skills

e) Apply a range of quantitaive and qualitative research techniques to

management problems and issues.

f) Use approriate software such as SPSS and Nvivo to analyse

quantitative and qualitative data.

g) Source, identify and critically review primary and secondary data

material.

Key Skills
f) Develop and demonstrate the ability to work independently and to
manage the entire research process from question formulation
through to analysis and interpretation of results.

h) Develop and demonstrate an appropriate report writing style that

balances the demands of brevity, comprehension and criticality and
is approriate for both academic submission and for corporate
requirements.

i) Develop report presenting skills in both written and oral forms

including defence strataegies and summarising skills.

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INDICATIVE CONTENT:
Introduction to Management Research

 This section will focus upon the key debates, approcahes,

techniques and stylistic conventions required in the busdiness aqnd
management research.

Introduction to the case study technique

 This part of they module will introduce participants to research

philosophy and approach, data sources (both primary and
secondary) and the triangulation technique.

Sourcing secondary material

 Students will be required to explore and critically evaluate the
different sources of secondary data that might inform management
research projects. This will include traditional academic sources
togethger with corporate and industry reports.

Case Technique
 Students will be required to both understand the value and practice
the techniques of case analysis and triangulation. As such an
emphasis will be placed upon mixed-methodology in in order to
encourage students to build up a balanced analysis of their research
questions..

Primary research
 This part of the module will explore in detail the main quantitative
and qualitative interventions available to managers. This will include
training on relevant software packages such as SPSS, AMOS and
Nvivo.

Writing skills
 Participants will be required to appreciate and explore the various
writing genres and styles in both academic and professional practice
writing, develop the use of their own voice and to structure
arguments.

JUSTIFICATION OF TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

STRATEGY*:

Participants will be allocated a personal supervisor early on in the process

and encouraged to develop their research idea in a series of 1-1
meetings. Participants will also be encouraged to identify an industry

19
mentor or advisor with whom they have an existing relationship who can
support the development of their work in collaboration with the internal
supervisor. This will be complemented in the early stages by the taught
elements of the module, outlined below.
The use of IT, especially spreadsheets and use of the Internet as a
research/ information resource, will be considered essential.
The teaching and learning strategies adopted for this module are
appropriate for all modes of learning and are designed to enable the
participants to meet the rigorous requirements of MBA study: that is, to
be able to develop cognitive, critical intellectual and relevant personal and
interpersonal skills at a leadership level. Therefore, the teaching, learning
and assessment strategy is designed to ensure that participants consider
concepts and theories in a practical context. Moreover, the strategies
ensure subject/function specific knowledge and learning occurs, but there
is also consideration of the pervasive or integrative issues that cross all
topics of MBA study such as ethical behaviour, corporate social
responsibility and the development of competencies that will enable
leaders to operate globally.

A Module Handbook will give a session by session indication of the topics

to be covered including appropriate readings. Student pre-reading and
preparation for lectures and seminars will be compulsory and made
available in advance in the module handbook. Members of the group will
be expected to read widely to keep in touch with current business issues.
Those with work or other relevant experience will be expected to share
this experience with others.

The Lectures – which may ordinarily be available as podcasts on the VLE

(NILE) – offer the opportunity for participants to cover key concepts,
theories and perspectives. Each session will incorporate a tutor-led
discussion of the major topic concentrating on the more complex issues
and considering the application and current relevance of the topic to
members of the group. Slide sets will be provided for each lecture.
Additional reading lists will support each topic area. Guest Speakers will
occasionally be used to ensure practical and theoretical contribution is
varied and challenging.
The Seminars offer the opportunity for collaborative learning, tutor-
participant interaction and formative assessment. For distance learning
modes, the Seminars are replaced with interaction opportunities on the
VLE (NILE), encouraging both synchronous and asynchronous interaction
between module participants. The seminars allow the testing of ideas in
real life business case study analysis and issues based discussions on
module relevant topics and pervasive issues.
The Lectures and Seminars offer the opportunity for the consideration of
key research approaches and to offer

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In addition, for all modes of delivery, there will optional workshopa on
advanced research techniques such as covering a range of more advanced
techniques such as: ethnographic research, content analysis, action
research, advanced regression and factor analysis. Students will also be
encouraged to present papers on their own research progress at this
event.

There will be support from the NILE platform which will provide additional
information and help administrative arrangements such as submission
through the Turnitin process. The contact time will have to be
supplemented by independent study using books and journals and also
relating to individuals own experiences.

TEACHING, LEARNING + ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES STUDY

HOURS approx
Workshop 20
Supervision 8
Preparation, pre-reading and analysis (7x6hrs) 45
Project Work 427
TOTAL 500

CONTEXT*

This module is taught by UN staff to student cohort(s) full or part time on

campus, by distance learning and at other locations.

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE*

Assessment Items UnitsWeighting

Learning Outcomes
AS1 - Management Research Project 100% a-i

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