Module: Researching HRM

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Researching HRM
Module Code	MNA1079 (ITS: HR557)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Outline of research process, philosophy and qualitative and quantitative research
Tutorial	20	Asynchronous recordings
Directed learning	12	Preparation for class discussion
Directed learning	5	Exercises
Independent Study	15	Research
Independent Study	24	Sourcing and reading research articles
Assignment Completion	25	Research and write up research proposal
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11078	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Xuchang Zheng	Module Teacher	Eadaoin McCarthy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Research Proposal	100%	As required

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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.,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None