What will I learn on this module?
This module introduces your learning in a research rich learning environment. It outlines the nature and value of research within organisations, and you will develop the knowledge and skills to apply a variety of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods and tools to support business research and decision-making. The module is delivered using workshops, in which key knowledge will be addressed and you will be provided with the opportunity to develop your skills in conducting research and analysing data.
Within this module, you will cover a range of topics, including:
• Introduction to University learning resources
• The value of a research rich approach as a means of enhancing your learning and informing organisational and personal practice
• Using academic theory, models, principles and frameworks to help understand and inform organisational and personal practice
• Engaging with academic literature and published research outputs
• Academic Writing
• Ethics issues in research
• Qualitative research methods – interviewing and observation, analysing qualitative data
• Quantitative research methods – data collection and statistical analysis, comprising data types, sampling, questionnaire design and coding, survey dissemination, data presentation and summary, correlation and regression analysis, time series forecasting.
You will develop your understanding of research methods as a means of informing how you may conduct research within your organisation. Furthermore, you will be encouraged to consider your role as a researcher and the ethical considerations in the research process. You will develop skills regarding the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. In doing so, it will expose you to a wide range of techniques for use in modelling, analysis and interpretation of business problems. You will become aware of the role of modelling as an aid to business problem solving. Furthermore, you will gain an understanding of the role of MS Excel as an aid to data analysis and the development of various business problem-solving models. Through addressing these themes, you will also learn the significance of research proposals as well as how to structure them.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through workshops, tutor guidance, feedback, and independent directed and self-directed learning. Importantly, you will also learn at work, through reflecting on your experiences and applying your knowledge from the module to your practice in the workplace. The workshops will introduce you to theories and concepts and allow you to discuss with the tutors and your peers how these relate to your own work based experiences and practice. The workplace provides an opportunity for you to put your own knowledge and skills into practice and review your learning with your manager/mentor and your guidance tutor.
Your learning is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan, offering guidance on reading to prepare for workshops and help with the completion of the assessment. Within this plan there are also suggested learning activities, which guide you in your independent learning. These activities allow you to reflect and evaluate your knowledge and skills and in this area.
You will also be given work-based assignments and projects which will support your learning by providing an experientially based opportunity to apply your learning and evaluate your own practice in this area.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The Teaching and Learning plan will provide a number of prompts and guidance to support you academically. Support will also include opportunities to gain feedback from workshop tutors, guidance tutors and peers.
Your module is also supported by an e-learning portal, which houses all the module learning materials, workshop resources, interactive activities, assessment details and various other support facilities which are provided by the University.
In addition, in order to assist you in developing knowledge, you will have access to the University’s library facilities, including extensive electronic resources, eBooks and electronic academic journal articles.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
You will be expected to demonstrate:
Knowledge & Understanding:
Your appreciation of methods of enquiry into business-related issues/projects (MLO1)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Your capacity to identify opportunities to employ a research-based enquiry as a means of influencing organisational performance(MLO 2)
Your ability to apply your knowledge through identifying appropriate approaches for enquiry into business related issues and practices (MLO 3)
Mapping to CMDA Outcomes/Assessment Criteria
Skills – be able to:
5.3.1 Demonstrate the use of qualitative and quantitative analysis of information to identify service/ organisational improvements and opportunities for innovation and growth
5.3.2 Analyse information and data to benchmark against others.
12.1.2 Analyse complex data and draw sensible conclusions
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment will take the form of a 3,000 word assignment addressing all module learning outcomes
(MLO 1-3)
Formative assessment will occur through opportunities to receive feedback to develop and reinforce on your learning from peers and/or tutors.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module introduces your learning in a research rich learning higher education environment. You will be introduced to University resources available to support your learning during your time studying on the programme. You will also learn about the nature and value of research and develop an understanding of different qualitative and quantitative approaches to research and data analysis. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge in order to develop your capacity to conduct effective well-informed research in an organisational setting. This will include using data analysis software as a means of analysing and making sense of data collected. Development of this capability will enhance your organisational effectiveness and underpin your studies during the remainder of your study programme in which you will using an enquiry-based approach to the investigation of work-related issues as a means of enhancing your learning.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Part Time
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
