MQM3RC07-Research Skills and Methods for Practitioners

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Ivan Sangiorgi
Email: ivan.sangiorgi@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with an understanding of key concepts in academic research and writing, including research design, conducting a literature review, reading academic sources, basic quantitative and qualitative methods, and presenting research both in writing and orally.

This module is for students studying the MSc in Regulation and Compliance (Degree Apprenticeship) only.

Aims:

This module seeks to develop students’ independent research skills – both through taught sessions and guidance to introduce key elements of good academic research practice but also in practice as students will choose their own research topic and conduct a critical literature review. This will form the basis for individual research projects that students will undertake in the following module (MQM3RC08) 

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:

1. Identify a research question


2. Build a reference list of relevant secondary works


3. Conduct a critical review of this literature


4. Find relevant primary source material and to understand the difficulties posed by different sources


5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of different research methodologies and techniques that could be used

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop their ability to work independently on a topic of their own choice and confidence in presenting their research ideas to an audience.

Outline content:

The module will prepare students to undertake independent research. Key concepts will be covered in four full-day sessions or eight half-day sessions, including lectures and seminar-based learning. In addition to assigned and independent reading on the general skills covered in the modules, the student will be expected to undertake substantial independent study to identify a research topic. The expectation is that this will form the basis for their individual research project in the following module (MQM3RC08). There will be the opportunity for discussion sessions to advise on the student’s independent study. The student will present on their potential research topic, discuss each other’s work and respond to questions from an academic discussant and the audience. They will also write a critical literature review on their chosen topic. 

Sessions: 

1. 
   

   Research design and literature review 

   
   

2. 
   

   Qualitative research methods 

   
   

3. 
   

   Quantitative research methods 

   
   

4. 
   

   Presenting your research 

   
   

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Taught content for this module will primarily be delivered through lectures and syndicated learning, which will be delivered in four full-day either at Henley Business School or at a central London location, or in eight half-day online sessions. Relevant materials and learning will also be shared through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that is intended to facilitate and aid the students’ learning journey within the MSc Programme. Students will also be expected to conduc t substantial guided independent learning using materials available via the university library.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Oral assessment and presentation (20%)

Students will give a 8 minute presentation introducing their chosen research topic to their fellow students and academics, followed by a 4 minute Q&A session. Presentations should include PowerPoint or PDF slides. Presentations will be assessed on their academic content but also clarity, fluency and responses to questions in the last session.

Written assignment, including essay (80%)

Students will write a critical literature review on their chosen study (maximum 4,000 words) submitted circa two weeks after the last week of sessions. 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formative feedback on their research ideas during the sessions. They will also deliver practice presentations on the fourth teaching day and receive/provide peer review, as well as getting feedback from academics.

Penalties for late submission:

Submission of coursework by your original deadline date or formally agreed extension to deadline date will not incur penalties. 

Submission of coursework within 30 calendar days of your original deadline date (or formally agreed extension to deadline date) will incur a 10 marks reduction. 

Submission of coursework more than 30 calendar days of your original deadline date (or formally agreed extension to deadline date) will incur a zero mark. 

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% weighted average mark

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%); to be submitted within 6 weeks of notification of module failure, date dependent on cohort entry and to be advised by the Programme Administrator.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 22 September 2022