MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management
Programme Specification
1. Programme title / Research Methods for Business and Management2. Awarding institution / Middlesex University
3. Teaching institution / Middlesex University
4. Programme accredited by / N/A MSc Research Methods for Business and Management (MSc RMBM)
5. Final qualification / PGDip Research Methods for Business and Management PGCert Research Methods for Business and Management
6. Academic year / 2011 - 2012
7. Language of study / English
8. Mode of study / Full Time
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, normally first or second class. An MA, MSc or LLM in a relevant field will be an advantage. (In some cases, e.g. where the Master’s degree included a research-based dissertation, a research student may be allowed to register for a PG Diploma, rather than an MSc.) Mature applicants with relevant skills and experience may exceptionally be admitted.
10. Aims of the programme
The MSc aims to:
- provide students with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate published research reports, and to be aware of issues relating to research methodology, specific methods and topics;
- provide students with the knowledge and skills to carry out research, from research problem formulation to reporting, in an area chosen from the broad range of business, management and social science subjects;
- provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out an original research project on a substantive or a methodological research problem, up to MPhil or PhD level.
The PGDip aims to:
- provide students with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate published research reports, and to be aware of issues relating to research methodology, specific methods and topics;
- provide students with the knowledge and skills to carry out research, from research problem formulation to reporting, in an area chosen from the broad range of business, management and social science subjects.
provide students with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate published research reports, and to be aware of issues relating to research methodology, specific methods and topics.
11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of these programmes(MSc, PGD, PGC), the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of:
- the role of research in addressing organisational and professional problems;
- a range of methodological approaches to organisational, professional and social research;
- a range of approaches to research design, production of (primary and secondary) data;
- a range of approaches to data analysis problems;
- the strength and limitations of different methodologies and methods.
- a substantive area in business and management (depending on option studied)
- the process of doing a self-managed research project, resources available, and pitfalls
Students gain knowledge and understanding through lectures and self-directed study. These are developed and refined through seminars and workshops (including informal assessment from tutors). Specific case studies will be used. Experts in the field will make presentations to the students.
Assessment
Students’ knowledge and understanding is assessed by: essays; projects of varying lengths; oral presentations; software-based exercises; pilot production of a semi-structured interview (or other 'qualitative' material);critical analysis of published research; producing a research design.
Undertaking a dissertation (MSc only)
B. Cognitive (Thinking) Skills
On completion of these programmes (MSc, PGD, PGC), the successful student will be able to:
- deploy analytical skills in the completion of a critical study of a particular research report;
- critically reflect on evidence presented, and the methods of its production;
- produce reasoned arguments, justifying conclusions drawn;
- summarise and synthesise information from a variety of sources;
- develop a research design, based on approaches and methods appropriate for a given research problem.
- locate his/her own research in relation to an existing body of knowledge on a research topic.
Students learn summarising and synthesising skills through participating in lectures (including related discussions), seminars, workshops, and self-directed study. Analytical skills are learnt through the critical analysis of published research, and via the dissertation seminars (MSc only).
Assessment
Students’ cognitive skills are assessed by: essays; projects of varying lengths; critical analysis of published research; producing a research design; undertaking the dissertation (MSc only).
C. Practical Skills
On completion of these programmes (MSc, PGD, PGC), the successful student will be able to:
- learn and deploy a range of problem solving skills;
- work with IT software, such as SPSS or NVivo;
- locate and produce data appropriate for a research problem;
- analyse data using appropriate technology;
- use written and other (e.g. visual presentation) methods to present research findings.
- plan, carry out, and present a self-managed project, using appropriate research methods.
Students learn practical skills in statistical data analysis and software use through hands-on labs and workshops, informal workshop presentations, self-directed study and resource-based learning.
Assessment Method
Students’ practical skills are assessed by:
written reports; formal workshop presentations; exercise on extraction of data and use of SPSS to analyse; dissertation (MSc only).
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
MSc: 3 compulsory modules, 1 optional module, Dissertation (60 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma: 3 compulsory modules, 1 optional module
Postgraduate Certificate: 2 of 3 compulsory modules (normally)
Students can choose from the programme’s list of optional modules (see 12.2 below), or from additional selected optional modules from other Masters programmes.
Full-time or part-time basis.
12.2 Levels and modules
Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it references modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed below.
Level 7 (4)
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the following:
STX4700: Methodology and Research Design
STX4300: StatisticalData Analysis
HRM4710: Qualitative Research Methods
MGT4796: Dissertation / Students must also choose ONE from the following:
ECS4040: Quantitative Research Methods
SSC4311: Spatial Analysis (illustrative level 4 HSSC module choice)
OR: any other level 4 module agreed with the Programme Leader (see Programme Handbook)
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)
Module level / Module code
N/A
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules
See Curriculum Map attached.
14. Information about assessment regulations
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)
N/A
16. Future careers (if applicable)
Graduates will develop a range of knowledge and skills, as outlined in the programme specification. As the first year of MPhil / PhD study, this programme aims to provide preparation for an academic research career. The programme is also suitable for those aiming to take up (or to continue) work in business and social research, market and public opinion research, information management,or strategic planning in public or private organisations.
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
Provided by the designated programme leader, the module leaders, and the research supervisor(s) (where appropriate). All staff teaching on the programme are research-active. In addition the School has a rich and varied programme of seminars, presented by School staff, outsideresearchers, business leaders, and research students themselves. A wide range of learning resources is available in the University's multi-campus Library, many of them in on-line format.
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) / Business Masters Programmes (Specialist Type 1A)
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s)
- 20. Reference points
- MiddlesexUniversity Guide and Regulations
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, QAA
- QAA Code of Practice for Quality Assurance
21. Other information
Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/20121
Curriculum map
This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed.
Programme learning outcomes
Module Title / Module Code / Programme OutcomesA1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / A6 / A7 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B6 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6
Methodology and Research Design / STX4700 / / / / / / / / / / /
Statistical Data Analysis / STX4300 / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Qualitative Research Methods / HRM4710 / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Dissertation / MGT4796 / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
(Substantive) Option /
Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding / Practical SkillsA1 / The role of research in addressing organisational and professional problems / C1 / Learn and deploy a range of problem solving skills
A2 / A range of methodological approaches to organisational, professional and social research / C2 / Work with IT software, such as SPSS or NVivo
A3 / A range of approaches to research design, production of (primary and secondary) data / C3 / Locate and produce data appropriate for a research problem
A4 / A range of approaches to data analysis problems / C4 / Analyse data using appropriate technology
A5 / The strength and limitations of different methodologies and methods / C5 / Use written and other (e.g. visual presentation) methods to present research findings
A6 / MSc and PGD only: A substantive area in business and management (depending on options studied) / C6 / MSc only: Plan, carry out, and present a self-managed project, using appropriate research methods
A7 / MSc only: The process of doing a self-managed research project, resources available, and pitfalls / C7
Cognitive Skills / Graduate Skills N/A
B1 / Deploy analytical skills in the completion of a critical study of a particular research report / D1
B2 / Critically reflect on evidence presented, and the methods of its production / D2
B3 / Produce reasoned arguments, justifying conclusions drawn / D3
B4 / Summarise and synthesise information from a variety of sources / D4
B5 / Develop a research design, based on approaches and methods appropriate for a given research problem / D5
B6 / MSc only: Locate his/her own research in relation to an existing body of knowledge on a research topic / D6
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/20121