Module on Independent Academic Research and Dissertation Writing

Research methods and data sources

This module develops student’s skills of independent academic research, review, analysis, argument and self-expression in a field of study. Students will explore their critical knowledge and understanding of research and develop their personal skills when managing a moderately large project. This module will enable students to integrate skills of analysis, judgment and communication in order to present results both orally and in the form of a structured scientific or philosophical thess.

1.Research methods and data sources;

2. The Scientific Method

3. An area of research study, which must be derived from each student’s, own study pathway.

4. Presentation and communication skills;

5. Preparing a dissertation and meeting the criteria by which it is assessed

Learning Outcomes for the module

Please use the appropriate headings to group the Learning Outcomes. While it is expected that a module will have LOs covering a range of knowledge and skills, it is not necessary that all four headings are covered in every module. Please delete any headings that are not relevant. You should number the LOs sequentially to enable mapping of assessment tasks.

Where a LO meets one of the UEL core competencies, please put a code next to the LO that links to the competence.

1. Digital Proficiency - Code = (DP)

2. Industry Connections - Code = (IC)

3. Emotional Intelligence Development - Code = (EID)

4. Social Intelligence Development - Code = (SID)

5. Physical Intelligence Development - Code = (PID)

6. Cultural Intelligence Development - Code = (CID)

7. Community Connections - Code = (CC)

8. UEL Give-Back - Code = (UGB)

At the end of this module, students will be able to: Knowledge

1. Identify and apply appropriate research methodologies. (EDI)

2. Make value judgements in defining issues and in undertaking analysis (SID) Thinking skills

3. Critically reflect on data produced (DP)

4. Critically reflect on the ethical consideration and broader research integrity of the chosen research topic (CC) Subject-based practical skills

5. Frame a research project (PID)

6. Critically review related literature subject (SID) Skills for life and work (general skills)

7. Data collection and analysis (DP)

8. Manage time effectively (SID)

9. Present an appropriately structured report. (CID)

10.Deliver a presentation on a chosen research topic.(CC)

To develop a Google Sites e-portfolio as evidence of developing skills and knowledge through the participation in 4 major challenges.  The portfolio will summarise the business angle of each challenge and reflect on the personal skills developed and potential areas for continuous improvement.

The Scientific Method

Develop business skills, including presentation skills, emotional intelligence, meeting skills and use of spreadsheets

The module will be organised around four compulsory challenges to help develop your skills required for success at university.  You must attend and get actively involved in each challenge.

You are required to populate an individual Google Sites e-portfolio to evidence your participation in the Challenges and to reflect on what you have learned through your involvement.  Please see document on Blackboard for how to create this Google Sites e-portfolio and a separate document on what to include in the e-portfolio.

The design of the e-portfolio is individual and the more creative the better with use of visuals and photos highly advisable to add interest. The e-portfolio must include coverage of the following -

The Challenges:  An analysis of each challenge which focuses on the business angle eg branding, finance, operations. What knowledge did you learn about how businesses actually work?

The Challenges are as follows-:

Presentation Challenge

The Skills: A reflection on the skills you have demonstrated during the challenges to include the following -

·Communication Skills/ Emotional Intelligence

·Time Management and meeting skills

·Business skills and competencies developed e.g. presentation skills, use of Excel etc.

Action Plan: An action plan on how you will develop these skills over the next 3 years at university.

The portfolio is a reflective piece but still requires you to demonstrate an evidence based approach to the coverage and consequently there is a need to support the discussion of both the challenges and the skills with reference to core module materials covered in seminar sessions and with additional external research.

The research will represent not only materials covered on the Graduate Challenge module itself but also from other level 4 modules eg coverage of branding from marketing lectures, the inclusion of teamwork in from Introduction to People Management, business analysis skills from Global Business Environment or Financial Accounting.  

As the e portfolio is a reflective piece you do not need to worry about formal style, you can write in terms of “I”, “my” etc.

The creation of the e-portfolio on the module will be only the start of the process and it can be developed further over your time at university as a useful tool for gathering evidence of your developing skills and will be useful when applying for jobs and internships.

Please reference your work according to the Harvard style as defined in Cite Them Right Online (http://www.citethemrightonline.com). This information is also available in book form: Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2016) Cite them right: the essential reference guide. 10th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Copies are available via the university library.

How your work will be assessed

Creativity of e portfolio, clear display of content, good use of visuals.

Research / Evidence-based writing

Analysis of Challenges

Assignment Parameters: Literacy skills/ referencing.                                     

You need to submit the “Submission form for e-portfolio” which is found on Blackboard under Assignment Brief information.  This document must include a link to your e-portfolio.  You must also have shared the folder permissions and e-portfolio with your module lecturer (see Guide to create your portfolio for further information.)

·This submission form should be submitted electronically. Please use the relevant Turnitin submission point in the Submit your work area in your Blackboard module shell.

·Once you have submitted your work, you will receive a digital receipt as proof of submission, which will be sent to your forwarded e-mail address (provided you have set this up). Please keep this receipt for future reference, along with the original electronic copy of your assignment.

Teaching/ learning methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes: For on campus students:

Individual supervision, supplemented by full group teaching in research methodology, presentation, interview and survey technique, literature searching, etc. Students are encouraged to develop transferable skills, particularly in information retrieval and analysis, time planning and scheduling, and report presentation and production Assessment methods which enable stud