Module: Research Methods

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	MG5006 (ITS) / BAA1058 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinator	Margaret Heffernan
Module Teachers	Caroline Mcmullan, Gavin Brown, Grace Fox, Lisa Van Der Werff
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	0
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

This module gives participants an understanding of the processes in undertaking research. The focus of the module will be research as part of business research in a specialist domain. The module will begin with an introduction to the research process, and will develop into an exploration of alternative approaches to research methods. Each stage of the research process will be examined: research design, ethcis, literature review, research methodologies and data gathering techniques, data analysis, drawing conclusions, making recommendations. By the end of the module participants will have a thorough grasp of the principles and practicalities of how to conduct research.

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. Recognize and appraise ethical issues that may arise while carrying out research

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	21	Self Study
Independent Study	20	Library Study
Assignment Completion	60	Preparation for Individual Assignment
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

Introduction
Introduction The research process - ethics in social research, research in operations and technology.

Designing a Research Project
creating a conceptual framework, the research statement/ question/ hypothesis, research aim and objectives, methodology and method rationale.

Developing a Theoretical Framework
Writing a literature review Research Methodology, quantitative qualitative and mixed methods approaches - designing an appropriate methodological framework

Data Analysis
Developing analytical frameworks, describing and interpreting data, the role of theory in data analysis

Conclusions & Recommendations
Coming to conclusions, making recommendations

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	Research Proposal assignment	100%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Saunders, M; Lewis, P; Thornhill, A.: 2009, Research Methods for Business Students, 5th, Prentice Hall,
Fisher, C.: 2007, Research and Writing a Dissertation, 2nd, Prentice Hall,

Other Resources

None