MBA7018 Research Methods Module Handbook | RCL

MBA7018 Introduction

• In this module, you will have the opportunity to bring together multiple elements of the programme to design, plan and execute an extended piece of work in critical research or professional enquiry to address a real contemporary business, organisational, or sector issue, challenge, or problem.
• This module directly precedes the project output/dissertation and will enable you to develop a research proposal, a more fully developed version of which will form the first three chapters of your dissertation.
• You will be given a thorough grounding in fundamental research paradigms, strategies, and methods with opportunities, as appropriate, for more specialised research training according to project focus and interest.
• The skills required for conducting research in the phases of planning, data collection, and dissemination are introduced to students in this module, along with an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods.

MBA7018 Module Learning Outcomes

• Produce feasible objectives (congruent with MSc level study) and an understanding of the significance of the research context.-Assessment-1
• Produce a critical appraisal of relevant literature synthesised into an appropriate conceptual framework. Assessment 2-Research proposal
• Demonstrate a firm grasp of the differences between research philosophies and the justification of the one selected. Assessment 2-Research proposal
• Produce a critically informed research design with the appropriate combination of methods, sample sizes and selection criteria. Assessment 2-Research proposal

MBA7018 Learning Outcomes for this Session

After completing the activities for this week, you will be able to:

• Understand the structure of the Module, its benefits, the Module`s learning outcomes, the Learning and teaching strategies, the graduate attributes and the scheme of work
• Gain an understanding of the assessment method and the type of project
• Understand the basic concepts of research, its benefits
• Learn various aspects of this module, such as online resources, navigating the VLE platform, submission deadlines and class expectations

Learning & Teaching Strategies

Each session will be structured into three key sections to enhance your learning experience:

Prepare Before Class: This section includes pre-session readings, videos, or exercises to help you familiarise yourself with the core concepts before we meet.

Collaborate: During the live session, we will engage in interactive discussions, group work, and case studies to apply the concepts and foster collaboration.

Consolidate: After class, this section provides opportunities to review and reinforce what you've learned through reflection exercises or additional resources.

• Formal sessions address sections of the content in an ordered fashion to reflect the structure of the dissertation/research proposal.
• In addition to discussing the materials uploaded onto the VLE, tutors will use annotated drafts of your work as the centre of class-based discussions to permit improvement in one particular draft and learning throughout the cohort.
• You are encouraged to seek clarification by MS Teams or email of any points raised on your draft that you may not understand. An important resource at the proposal/dissertation stage is the University’s repository, where several research proposals/dissertations can be consulted to acquaint you with the format, style and structure of these submissions. 

Graduate Attributes

During these sessions, you will be developing essential graduate attributes that are vital for your professional growth and success:

• Critical & Innovation: You will develop critical thinking and innovative problem-solving abilities, allowing you to assess complex issues and generate creative solutions.
• Influence and Impact: You will learn to effectively communicate and lead, making a positive difference in teams and organisations.
• Critical Self-Management: You will cultivate skills in time management, self-reflection, and personal responsibility to thrive in dynamic environments.
• Professional Identity: We will focus on shaping your professional persona, helping you adapt and lead in ever-changing industries.
• Skills Mastery: You’ll refine both technical and soft skills, achieving mastery in areas critical to your field.

MBA7018 Module Information

MBA7018 Assessment Deadlines

House Rules

Please try to come in (join the physical) on time. Coming in late beyond 15 minutes will be marked as absent (see policy). 

Focus and engage in class. Ask questions. Participate and make notes. 

A self-directed learning activity, seminar and/or workshop will be delivered for the remaining half of the session (after the lecture). You can work individually or with your peers. Engagement is very much encouraged.

A 15-minute break will be given for each session. 
 
Expectations

To get the best from your studies and achieve your goals, the Business school expect you:

• To behave in an acceptable, respectful, and considerate manner toward fellow students, administrators, and academic staff.
• To attend and participate in lectures and tutorials.
• To be punctual in attending classes.
• To turn off mobile phones before entering the session
• To complete and hand in all assignments by the appropriate deadlines.
• To ensure you do not breach the College/University Regulations about cheating, plagiarism, and ethical issues.
• To comply with any College/University and external regulations affecting your studies.

For this Session

Introduction of the tutor and students
Introduction to the Module (MBA7018 Module Guide) and Module Calendar
- Show and discuss the module guide 
Discussion of the Assessment Briefs
Show Assessment brief 1
Show Assessment brief 2
*These are joined in one document 
Plenary Session (Tutorial on Learning Resources)

Activity

• What are your expectations from this module (MBA7018)?
• What do you think will be your greatest challenge?
• What do you think will be your greatest ‘take-away’ from this module?

15 Minutes