UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Research Methods (CB9048)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Business School
3.
Start date of the module
2011, updated for September 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
40
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
Level M
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits (7.5 ECTs)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn & Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
MSc Human Resource Management
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1
Critically analyse and discuss existing HR literature and methodologies.
11.2
To identify an appropriate Employment Relations or Human Resource Management
topic and research question on which to write the dissertation.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1
Identify a dissertation topic relevant to human resource management (HRM); produce
an introduction that clearly identifies the objectives of the dissertation in context; and
provide an appropriate research question or hypothesis.
12.2
Carry out an effective literature search; accurately summarise the literature sources and
critically evaluate their relevance.
12.3
Be aware of the range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies that might
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
be used to analyse research data.
12.4
Competence in time and project management.
12.5
Develop transferable skills of independent learning.
12.6
Be aware of the ethical issues concerning research.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module develops the necessary knowledge and skills for students to be able to
successfully complete a scholarly dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff.
Topics to be covered include:

Introduction to HRM Project

Identifying suitable project topics

Literature search and Literature Review

Data collection and questionnaire

Research Methodologies

Preparing the dissertation proposal

Structuring a Project Report

Data Analysis
14. Indicative Reading List

Anderson, V. (2009) Research Methods in Human Resource Management. CIPD: London

Blumberg, B., Cooper, D.R., and P.S. Schindler (2011), Business Research Methods, 3rd
European Ed, McGraw Hill. ISBN: 139780077129972
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended module learning outcomes:
Hours
Subject LOs
Generic LOs
Lectures
12
11.1, 11.2
12.1 – 12.4, 12.6
Seminars
12
11.1, 11.2
12.1-12.3
Preparation for seminars
25
(e.g. guided reading provided by
tutor, working on case study material
provided by tutor, working on discussions
to be supervised by the tutor in seminars,
email contact with tutor)
11.1, 11.2
12.1-12.6
Private study to read and assimilate lecture21
material
11.1, 11.2
12.1, 12.3 – 12.6
Project Proposal Preparation
40
11.1, 11.2
12.1 – 12.6
Conducting Literature Searches
40
11.1, 11.2
12.1, 12.2, 12.4 – 12.6
Total hours
150
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module
learning outcomes
Presentation: This will be an individual fifteen-minute presentation where students should outline
their proposed project, including its importance for research and/or practice, proposed methods
and related literature. This will be worth 20% of the final mark. This will enable students to receive
feedback on their proposals prior to the final submission.
Project proposal: This will take the form of a 3,000 word individual written project plan, including a
literature review of published sources, highlighting issues, theories and models in the topic area, a
clear definition of the research question or hypothesis, an exploration of the terms used to
express this question and an explanation of the research methods to be used. This will be worth
80% of the final mark.
Weighting
Subject LOs
Generic LOs
Presentation
20%
11.1, 11.2
12.1 – 12.6
3000 project plan
80%
11.1, 11.2
12.1, 12.2, 12.4 – 12.6
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary,
including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for
students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for
students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with
the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided
where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Graduate Studies: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above
module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
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Director of Graduate Studies
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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