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MN50492: Initial research proposal

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: School of Management
Credits: 30 [equivalent to 60 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 600
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Dissertation period
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: To assist candidates systematically (i) to identify and develop a workable PhD research question, (ii) to relate that question to relevant literature, (iii) to develop a cogent and coherent thesis that addresses the research question, (iv) to develop propositions or hypotheses to examine that thesis, (v) to explore, evaluate and justify appropriate and feasible research methodologies to investigate propositions/hypotheses, and (vi) to critically reflect on all the foregoing as an initial research proposal to subsequently possibly to comprise in a revised form part of the basis of the MPhil/PhD transfer examination.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, the students should be able to demonstrate the skills listed below.

Skills: Knowledge and Understanding
* demonstrate a good knowledge of the literature on the chosen research question
* present independent analysis, argument and/or application of theory in a coherent fashion
Intellectual skills
* define a researchable question/focus
* integrate evidence to support arguments
* appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of existing literature
* develop and present a detailed argument in an original or stimulating way
Professional practice skills
* identify and access relevant information sources
* understand and apply in a correct fashion key research presentation skills such as referencing, bibliographical information, comprehensible tables and diagrams
* communicate arguments in a coherent and interesting manner
Transferable/Key skills
* apply research management skills such as time and resource planning and monitoring, archiving of data
* develop good writing, presentation and dissemination skills
* competency in the presentation of research propositions/hypotheses.

Content: Any area of research for which an adequate level of supervision is available and can be offered.

Programme availability:

MN50492 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

School of Management

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.