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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Researching HRM
Module Code HR557 (ITS) / MNA1079 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinatorJennifer Kennedy
Module TeachersBrian Harney, Lisa Van Der Werff, Margaret Heffernan
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Array
Description

The module aims to introduce students to the array of possibilities available to researchers when considering organisational research by providing an overview of research methods in the area of business and the social science. The module begins by examining the elements of a dissertation – from choosing a topic to the literature review and research proposal. It introduces the learner to epistemological and ontological issues of social science research and considers the theoretical and practical aspects of research design. Methods of data collection are identified. Examination and interpretation of data are explained.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the nature and purpose of research
2. Prepare a literature review
3. Identify the main stages in the research process
4. Examine the philosophical issues that underpin research
5. Choose and justify an appropriate research methodology
6. Assess the ethical implications of research in the social sciences through in-class discussion and research proposal



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Outline of research process, philosophy and qualitative and quantitative research
Tutorial20Asynchronous recordings
Directed learning12Preparation for class discussion
Directed learning5Exercises
Independent Study15Research
Independent Study24Sourcing and reading research articles
Assignment Completion25Research and write up research proposal
Total Workload: 125

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

Learning activities
The majority of lecture content will be delivered through asynchronous videos shared via LOOP. Classroom sessions will be activity based and will focus on applying research methods knowledge to the the planning and execution of academic research for a Masters dissertation/practicum. These activities are designed to build towards the final assessment so that students receive formative feedback from module facilitators and peers. Students will be assigned independent learning activities to complete in advance of these workshops.

The dissertation/practicum process
What is research; The research proposal; Philosophical foundations of Organisational Research; Ethical perspectives on applied research; Qualitative and Quantiative Methods; Data analysis; Research writing and reporting

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentResearch Proposal100%As required
Indicative Reading List

  • Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B.: 2019, Business Research Methods., 5, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
  • Saunders, M, Thornhill, A, & Lewis, P.: 2018, Research Methods for Business Students., 8, Prentice Hall,
  • Collis, J. & Hussey, R.: 2014, Business Research, 4th Ed, Palgrave,
  • Anderson,V. Fontina, R. & Robson, F.: 2020, Research Methods in HRM, 4th, CIPD., London,
  • Symon, G. and Cassell, C.: 2004, Qualitative methods and analysis in organizational research:a practical guide, Sage, London,
  • Creswell, John W.: 2018, Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 5th Ed, Sage,
  • Brannick,T.: 2001, Doing action research: in your own organization., Sage Publications.,
  • Rogelberg, S.: 2002, Handbook of research methods in industrial and organizational psychology, Blackwell Publishers.,
  • Schwab,D.E.: 1999, Research methods for organizational studies, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.,
Other Resources

None

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