Module: Research & Professional Portfolio

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Research & Professional Portfolio
Module Code	AC585
School	DCUBS
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Orla Feeney Semester 2: Orla Feeney Autumn: Orla Feeney
Module Teachers	Orla Feeney
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	25
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None

Description

The aim of this module is to give participants an understanding of the processes involved in undertaking social science research with a particular emphasis on research in accounting. Their understanding of the research process will be enhanced by exposing them to a number of philosophies in, methodologies applied to and topics in accounting research. The module also aims to equip participants with a set of appropriate analytical and critical thinking skills by encouraging them to question what they read, to develop their own ideas and engage in academic debate with their peers and academic tutors. Participants will be expected to use these skills together with their knowledge of research in accounting in the development of their individual research portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

1. Distinguish the different stages in the research process
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of basic research methodologies, data analysis and interpretation. This includes thinking in a critical manner about the theoretical and practical implications of particular research methodologies
3. Demonstrate an ability to undertake a critical review of prior research literature culminating in the development of coherent arguments
4. Engage in academic debate with peers and academic tutors
5. Manage themselves and team members when undertaking independent study and group assessment

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Lecture	24	No Description
Group work	12	Group Assignment
Independent Study	250	Individual Reading
Independent Study	315	Individual Writing
Total Workload: 625

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Research
Types of research, ethics in research, research objectives and research questions, attributes of good research

The Research Process
Research philosophies and different research methodologies

Writing & Academic Literature
Audience identification, literature review and critique, resources and sources, argument development, structure and referencing

Developments in Accounting Thought
Exposure to mainstream, critical and interpretative perspectives in accounting

Critical Accounting Issues
Accounting as a profession; regulation of accounting; professional & organisational identity in accounting; corporate social responsibility, reporting and accountability; issues of corporate governance; educational challenges in accounting; practising critical accounting

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	Individual writing, engagement and reflection	25%	As required
Report(s)	Group work (oral and written presentation), engagement and reflection	25%	As required
Participation	Individual research project	50%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

MBS	MSc in Accounting

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