2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
LUBS5866M Methods of Enquiry
15 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Yujie Hu
Email: Y.Hu2@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Jan to 28 Feb View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
The module will enable students to undertake research, critically analysing and assimilating complex information in the delivery of practical solutions to business related problems. In order to achieve this students will consider differing research approaches along with key design and analysis techniques. Hence they will be able to critique the various research strategies like primary and secondary data collection techniques with an appraisal of the levels of bias and error. Evaluating the issues of reliability and validity will be integrated throughout this module.Learning outcomes
Knowledge Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Evaluate appropriate research designs and methods when investigating organisational problems/issues in a range of applied contexts
2. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative methodologies
3. Summarise a range of innovative practices influencing business research
Academic Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
4. Outline systematic approaches to problem solving summarising the stages involved in designing applied research studies and the key decisions that need to be made
5. Generate potential solutions to organisational problems using complex, ambiguous and incomplete information.
Workplace Skills Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
6. Plan and design research studies to explore a problem(s) facing their organisation
7. Select and implement the appropriate tools and methods to gather data and information on issues/problems facing the organisation
8. Assess the data and propose solutions to the associated problem(s)
9. Assess the ethical implications of differing research designs and relate these to professional codes of practice
10. Champion projects/solutions to problems, within the context of a company structure
Interpersonal Skills Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
11. Manage incomplete, complex and ambiguous data in such a way that the critical issues contained in the data are extracted and communicated in a clear, engaging and inspirational manner
Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have developed the skills necessary to:
Subject Specific Skills:
- Appraise the primary and secondary research strategies in terms of gathering accurate and effective data
- Examine and debate when to use quantitative and qualitative methodologies
- Critically evaluate research designs reviewing possible impact within an organisational setting
- Provide answers to solve organisational problems via the justification and critical evaluation of the chosen research strategy
Transferable Skills:
- Create a be-spoke and critically justified research proposal that incorporates a plan and strategy
- Write and speak to a professional standard with clarity and focus
- Debate the research strategy in terms of possible error and bias competently
- Synthesise research information from a variety of sources
- Collect and analyse data in an engaging and clear manner
- Present data professionally and competently so that problems can be highlighted and solutions found
- Understand in detail the issues of accuracy of data and possible bias
Syllabus
1. The nature of business problems
2. Assessing the scope of business problems
3. Developing and planning systematic approaches to business problem-solving
4. Understanding types of data and issues surrounding its collection
5. Data collection using quantitative methods (e.g. surveys)
6. Presenting analysis of quantitative data
7. Collecting data using qualitative methods (e.g. participant observation, interviewing, focus groups, Delphi)
8. Performing and presenting the analysis of qualitative data
9. Using systems analysis to understand processes and quantify improvements
10. Using mixed methods to strengthen, support and validate an argument
11. Presenting solutions to a business audience
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Seminar | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Private study hours | 144.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 6.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Independent online learning refers to non-facilitated directed learning. Students will work through bespoke interactive learning resources and reflective activities in the VLE.Private study refers to directed reading and self-directed research in support of learning activities and discussions, as well as in preparation for assessments
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Weekly webinars provided opportunity to ask questions. Students emailed at end of every unit to provide feedback and identify difficulties. Numerous self-testing opportunities included in the online learning materials.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Assignment 2 (business report, 2,100 words max) | 70.00 |
| Assignment | Assignment 1 (slides + notes, 1,000 words max) | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Resit by failed element.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 19/12/2022
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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