Module: Strategies for Academic Writing

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Strategies for Academic Writing
Module Code	BAA1000 (ITS: GS608BS)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to explore the doctoral research process from a writing perspective. During this module students will examine the literature review, the development of research questions, the nature and extent of original contribution, and skills and techniques required for doctoral level research and writing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Consider and develop the relevant skills, techniques and strategies required to undertake research and writing in their chosen field (e.g. information management).
2. Identify relevant journals and conferences of high national and international standing in their field of study.
3. Review, evaluate and synthesize the body of literature relevant to their research.
4. Develop an understanding of what constitutes a contribution to knowledge, and how to articulate and defend that contribution.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	12	Discussions based on prescribed readings and assignments
Lecture	12	Presentation and guest lectures
Assignment Completion	40	Assessed assignment (written and oral)
Independent Study	11	Readings
Directed learning	20	Specified readings
Directed learning	30	Assignment for class (for example, content analysis of a PhD thesis; review of literature and empirical articles; citation analysis
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12055	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Teresa Hogan	Module Teacher	Maura Mcadam

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	In this assignment the students assess their doctorate studies in terms of (a) the structure, scope, focus and content of their literature review; (b) the development of a research question; and (c) the 'original contribution' of their work. Submission of approximately 1,500 words.	75%	Week 1
Oral Examination	Students will present and defend key choices in the research process to date including the following: (a) research question (b) prior literature (c) research context and (d) research contribution. Presentation of approximately 20 minutes, followed by question and answers session.	25%	Week 1

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Topic 1
The doctorate degree and criteria used to evaluate doctorate research

Topic 2
The literature review. Alternative forms (and objectives) of literature reviews.

Topic 3
Analysis the impact of prior work through the analysis of citations.

Topic 4
Developing and formulating research question(s).

Topic 5
Writing, positioning and presenting doctoral research.

Topic 6
The nature of 'original contribution(s)'. How to articulate (and claim) an 'original contribution'.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Jesson, J. K, Matheson, L. and Lacey, F. M.: 2011, Doing your literature review traditional and systematic techniques, 1st Edition, Sage, London,
Philips, E. M. and Pugh D. S.: 2010, How to Get a PhD, 5th Edition, Open University Press,
Hart. C.: 1998, Doing a Literature Review, 1st Edition, Sage, London,

Articles:

Colquitt, J. and Ireland, R. D.: 2009, From the editors: taking the mystery out of AMJ's Reviewer Evaluation form, Academy of Management Journal, 52(2), 224-228, 47980
2007: Trends in theory building and theory testing: A five decade study of the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Journal, 50(5), 1281-1303, 47981, 1
Constructing opportunities for contribution: structuring intertextual coherence and 'problematizing' in organizational studies: Academy of Management Journal, 40(5), 1023-1062, 47982, 1, Whetten, D
Academy of Management Review: 14, 490-495, 47983, 1, Tranfield, D., Denyer, D. and Smart, P., 2003
14: 207-222, 47984, 1, Murray, J., 2005, Management research: who to talk with, what to say
8-21: 47985, 1, Remenyi, D. Money, A. Price, D. and Bannister, F., 2003, The Doctoral Viva: A Great Educational Experience or a Gun Fight at the OK Corral?, Irish Journal of Management

Other Resources

None