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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Research Methods: Research Proposal
Reference BS4289 Version 5
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved July 2019 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with an understanding of academic research and an ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies and techniques for the purpose of individual investigation and research into professional development and practice within a subject specific area of their degree route.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Demonstrate research attitudes, knowledge, valuations, and skills of utility to professional practice.
2 Identify relevant and feasible areas of research in relation to professional practice, and for the purpose of individual investigation.
3 Identify major research approaches and methodologies and their relevance and appropriateness to research in a professional context.
4 Select a topic from the course and/or their own experience which will provide suitable scope for research in the dissertation.
5 Critically apply research approaches and methods, and project management techniques, in the design and planning of a research programme approved for research in the Honours dissertation.

Indicative Module Content
Research principles and approaches; qualitative and quantitative methodologies; case study design; data collection and management techniques; interpretation and presentation. Research management; planning and organisation; identifying researchable issues; use of literature, libraries and ICT; time and task management; sampling and engaging with primary research participants; research ethics and consent; one-to-one supervision and subject specific guidance.

Module Delivery
Workshops, directed independent learning, and the preparation of a research proposal under supervision from an academic within the subject area of their degree route.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 114 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description: Detailed research proposal

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 comprises 100% of the module grade. To pass the module, a D grade is required.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 CRESWELL, J., W., 2023. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. 6th. ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
2 DENSCOMBE, M., 2017. The good research guide: for small-scale social research projects. 6th ed. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
3 EASTERBY-SMITH, M., THORPE, R. and JACKSON, P.R., 2018. Management research. 6th ed. London: Sage.
4 COLLIS, J. and HUSSEY, R., 2013. Business research: a practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
5 BELL, E., BRYMAN, A. and HARLEY, B., 2022. Business research methods. Oxford university press.
6 CRESWELL, J.W., 2023. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. 6th ed. London: Sage.
7 SAUNDERS, M., LEWIS, P. and THORNHILL, A., 2023. Research methods for business students. 9th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education.

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