Module: Research Methods

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	MNA1109 (ITS: MT5140)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	0

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. Recognise and appraise ethical issues that may arise while carrying out research
7. Develop the capacity to apply curriculum-based knowledge in a real-world setting.

*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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11099	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Caroline Mcmullan	Module Teacher	Gavin Brown, Lisa Van Der Werff

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

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B.: 2019, Business Research Methods, 5, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None