MQ2ITR: Introduction to Research

Module code: MQ2ITR

Module provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour; Henley Business School

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Dr Andrea Tresidder, email: a.tresidder3@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: No placement specified

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students:

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 28 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Students will be introduced to the key elements of the research process and research design in the social sciences to support them in the planning and development of their Work-based Project in year 3. The output is an initial exploration of their research topic and a project proposal for their final project. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

• To know and understand: 
• Select a suitable topic for their work-based project 
• Compose an initial critical literature review on their chosen topic 
• Evaluate and justify a research strategy suitable for their project  
• Reflect on the impact of their project for the organisation 

Module content

The module covers the following topics: 

• Qualitative and quantitative research methods 
• Literature review strategies and critical analysis 
• Data collection and data analysis 
• Research ethics 

To meet the apprenticeship standards, the following additional learning outcomes will be covered during the teaching of the module:’ 

Behaviours 

• Seeks new opportunities underpinned by commercial acumen and sound judgement 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed, including face-to-face and online study of course materials in forms of lectures, recommended readings and supplementary study papers and case studies. In-class practical, group work and independent supported learning will also be conducted.  

The contact hours are shown for one semester in the table below for illustrative purposes only. The actual timing will vary depending on your cohort start date. 

Study hours

At least 7 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

This module is subject to the Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes policy, which can be found at:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties to work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark; 
• where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Facilitated learning activities are undertaken during the seminars and workshops, including formative feedback on these activities.  Submission of a signed project proposal for formative feedback and to secure stakeholder support from the student’s organisation 

Reassessment

Additional costs