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MN50425: Independent research study (IRS)

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: School of Management
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 30
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Dissertation period
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 100%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take MN50358. This unit is only available to students on the MSc in Marketing.
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
The Independent Research Study involves a process of supervised research study for postgraduates aimed at developing an understanding of how:
* To develop the students' ability to carry out an individual, scholarly, research project in depth in at least one particular area of marketing.
* To give students the opportunity to identify a feasible research question and relate it to relevant literature and to develop a cogent, credible and sustained argument that addresses the research question.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students will be able to:
* Define, develop and answer an academic or practical research question in a chosen area of interest related;
* conduct a literature review and/or develop a suitable conceptual framework;
* develop a coherent academic argument with relevant empirical evidence and reference to appropriate theory;
* interpret the significance of any findings from relevant sources of quantitative or qualitative evidence;
* provide a justifiable interpretation on existing information or provide an original view or practical set of recommendations on an issue or problem;
* produce a project or thesis that conforms to acceptable standards of presentation and expression within the marketing field.

Skills:

* Comprehensive and appropriate written communication for relevant audiences (F/A).
* Ability to select, analyse and present numerical or non-numerical data where relevant (F/A).
* Ability to select, summarise and synthesise written information from multiple sources (F/A).
* Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (F/A).
* Ability to apply theoretical concepts and arguments to practical problems where relevant (F/A)
* Ability to formulate a research question or research brief, then develop and present a justifiable & coherent answer or set of practical recommendations (F/A).
* Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (F/A).
* Ability to work independently, without close supervision of guidance (F/A).

Content:
The IRS may address any area of marketing for which an adequate level of supervision can be offered and should make explicit reference to at least one important marketing issue or theme covered on the course. It will be the students' responsibility to choose their research area, organise their research activities and negotiate access with other organisations, if required.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

MN50425 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

School of Management
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/14 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.