MODULE GUIDE 2023/2024
October 2023
Module: MGTM16
International Business Management Research Project
1 Introduction to the Module
Welcome to the International Business Management Research Project module. This Module Guide introduces the module, including details of module content and the skills and knowledge you are expected to demonstrate to produce a research project successfully.
The primary focus of this module is on research methods. Each unit will highlight some of the key aspects of the research process, such as writing a literature review, developing an argument, choosing a research strategy, understanding and adopting good ethical practices, and collecting, analysing, and presenting data.
A significant portion of this module is self-directed; thus, you are expected to engage with the preparatory and consolidation materials and attend all drop-in sessions to ensure you are ready for the assessment.
Conducting a research project can be extremely stimulating as you can explore a topic of interest in detail.
2 Module Synopsis
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Module Title
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International Business Management Research Project
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Module Code
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MGTM16
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Level
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7
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Credits
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60
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Pre and Corequisites
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None
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Module Leader
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Mohammad Adwan
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Learning Hours
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600 hours
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4 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
• Critically analyse and investigate a relevant research problem demonstrating a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current issues in international business management and an advanced critical understanding of the pertinent theories.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of research methodology, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques to create and interpret knowledge.
• Evidence self-direction, reflection, and originality to independently design an appropriate research strategy to investigate the identified problem, manage the project and deliver the research output in the required format.
5 Table of Units
A list of materials is provided on the canvas page. The materials will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the research process and its significance for developing an effective project. They are generally underpinned by systematic means and case study methods. This should ensure that the research undertaken is logical, coherent and replicable. This includes addressing research philosophy, induction/deduction and abduction issues, research approaches, methodological choices, research strategies, data collection and analysis methods and presentation of research findings.
You are expected to cover the fully allocated learning materials by engaging in proactive learning outside the sessions, such as undertaking additional reading to widen your knowledge and understanding of the course material. You will be expected to demonstrate this in your final project.
The Canvas page will be organized as of the following:
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Unit 1
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Professional Development and Key Academic Skills
Description:
In this unit, you will cover a range of academic approaches required for professional skill development. You will evaluate and interpret a variety of sources to formulate and support well-reasoned arguments. In the sessions, you will use logic, reasoning, critical analysis, and reflection to prepare you for research inquiry. You will define ethics in business research and discuss why ethics is important. You will learn about research participants, participant information forms, consent forms and how to gain ethical approval for your project. You will also be introduced to common dilemmas in ethics.
Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods for Business Students, 8th ed. Pearson, Harlow. (Chapter 2)
• Collis, J. & Hussey, R., 2013. Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students. London: Macmillan
International Higher Education. (Chapter 1)
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Unit 2
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What is Research?
Description:
You will define business research and discuss how to identify gaps in the literature, which will help you choose a research topic. Then, you will be introduced to Chapter 1, your introduction chapter.
Reading:
• Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B., 2022. Business Research Methods.
Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 1)
• Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K., 2018. Research Methods in Education, 8th ed. Abingdon: Routledge. (Chapter 8)
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Unit 3
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Literature Review
Description:
This unit will give you the skills to develop a critical awareness of your chosen topic. You will learn what a literature review is and how to search for appropriate sources. Using the session's case studies, you will distinguish the differences between descriptive and critical writing. In this session, you will create a plan for writing your literature review.
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Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (Chapter 3)
• Winchester, C.L. and Salji, M., 2016. Writing a literature review. Journal of Clinical Urology, 9(5),pp.308-312.
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Unit 4
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Research Philosophy
Description:
You will begin to consider the nature of reality and knowledge. This session will introduce the terms ontology and epistemology, which will become important as you consider your methodology's paradigmatic position. The seminar will be primarily focused on positivism and interpretivism. You will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned to real-life research topics.
Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (Chapter 4)
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Unit 5
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Secondary Research
Description:
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the key components of secondary research processes. You will also identify the characteristics of key aspects of good practice that are associated with secondary research. Additionally, you will learn how to analyse secondary data using systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
Reading:
• Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K., 2018. Research Methods in Education, 8th ed. Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon. (Chapter 28)
• Denscombe, M., 2009. Ground Rules for Social Research: Guidelines for Good Practice. London: McGraw-Hill Education (UK). (Chapter 10)
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Unit 6 & 7
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Qualitative Research Part 1&2
Description:
You will recognise the key characteristics of key qualitative research and reflect on its strengths and weaknesses. You will be able to compare various qualitative research strategies, including ethnography and phenomenology. This session will be focused on collecting data via interviews, focus groups, and visual methodologies. You will have the opportunity to analyse transcripts using thematic analysis.
Reading:
• Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B., 2022. Business Research Methods.
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6 Assessment Information
You will be required to submit one written research project of 10,000 words containing an introduction, literature review, methodology, presentation of results, discussion, and conclusions.
This is a summative assessment weighted at 100%. This will assess all the module learning outcomes. You are required to submit a copy of your work on Canvas (a hard copy is not required). The deadline date will be posted on Canvas.
You must submit your report through Turnitin and include a copy of the report with your submission. Your project should include a cover page detailing your full name (not informal names adopted in
English), course, student number, project title, and module number.
The last submission of the assignment before the submission date will be deemed the final submission for assessment purposes. All work submitted must adhere to the University Policy on 'Cheating,
Collusion, and Plagiarism'. Two staff members assess each project internally. A sample of work is also sent to the Programme External Examiner.
7 Project Supervision
You will be allocated a project supervisor. Your supervisor will support you through the project phase of your studies. The scheduled dates for meeting your supervisor should be mutually agreed upon between you and your supervisor. You must explicitly agree with your supervisor about how the supervision will work for you. Meetings without a specific section of your work to discuss are unlikely to be an effective use of time. If you have a question or a point to check, an email will be more effective. Writing a good section of material and submitting it before your meeting means the supervisor will have read and commented upon it. It is also a sound idea to have sometime as soon as possible after a supervision session so you can followup on the comments. Successful students have also found it helpful at each supervision session to plan out the next stage of work and the target dates for this.