Academic Courses

By the end of this qualification you will be able to:

Organisational Resources Management

In this module, course participants will be introduced to various approaches to human resource management used to aid the development of business strategy, with particular emphasis on understanding the need to establish appropriate alignment between an organisation’s corporate strategy and objectives, and its human resource strategy. Candidates will be given the opportunity to design human resource strategies for organisations confronting mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures.

In addition, the contribution of marketing planning to the processes of strategy development is explored. On a practical dimension, candidates will be encouraged to implement marketing plans and apply portfolio models to the analysis of markets and competitors.

In order to analyse the linkages between marketing and operations in manufacturing, service and not-for-profit organisations, candidates will learn how to differentiate appropriate marketing strategies and evaluate approaches to matching operations capacity to demand through manufacturing technology, cost management, quality etc.

Finally, candidates will analyse and evaluate current technologies and their use as a platform for e-marketing and e-commerce, and the use of database marketing and data mining in focusing marketing operations.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically evaluate, appraise and analyse the management of human resources to aid the development of business strategy within an organisation
• Critically evaluate strategies for people recruitment, retention, training, learning and development which maximise the skills and contributions of people
• Critically appraise strategies for positive employee relations, performance management and reward
• Understand and critically appraise the importance of marketing within the development of business plans and strategies

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Management of Financial Resources and Planning

In this module, course participants will explore methods, by which resources are allocated and controlled effectively and efficiently within strategic implementation (such as budgeting, measurement, and control systems), evaluate strategic investment opportunities and financially appraise alternative strategic proposals and critically debate the tensions between financial and strategic objectives.

The role and importance of the international financial environment and financial markets will be evaluated along with a range of international investment decisions available to multinationals and overseas subsidiaries.

On a practical note, candidates will learn how to prepare and present strategic management accounting information, prepare and utilise risk management reports and apply techniques for evaluating environmental risk.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically consider the impact that resource decisions have both internally and externally on an organisation‘s performance and effectiveness
• Critically evaluate, appraise and analyse financial data, techniques and tools to aid decision-making in business strategy and planning
• Evaluate, appraise and analyse international aspects of financial strategy
• Identify and critically assess the management and performance of tangible and intangible resources in business strategy and planning
• Critically evaluate and appraise contemporary management accounting methodology to support the effective management and control of resources
• Analyse the risks attached to environmental change, the consequences and appropriate responses
• Critically appraise the importance of communication for information providers in organisations and appraise and develop your own communication skills

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Strategic Business Management and Planning

This module emphasises the need for strategic business management and planning in a global environment. Course participants will develop their tactical and operational decision-making skills by investigating the different levels of strategy and their relationship with tactical and operational decision-making. Using real-life examples of modern day organisations, candidates will learn how to critically appraise the use of practical concepts and models while evaluating theories supporting the relevance and value of an organisation’s vision, mission and objectives.

After completing this programme, candidates will have a true appreciation of the impact of the increasingly competitive global environment and the need for innovation and entrepreneurship in organisations.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically assess the nature, scope and need for strategic business management and planning in international profit and not-for-profit organisations
• Critically evaluate classic and contemporary models, concepts and tools in business strategy and planning
• Appraise processes by which organisations identify their goals and values
• Critically analyse the impact of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors on an organisation
• Identify the key forces that represent both opportunities and threats to organisations whether for profit or not-for-profit
• Critically evaluate the strategy process for an organisation to achieve competitive advantage

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Research Methods for Managers

This module provides course participants with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to effectively carry out a piece of small scale business/management research. A particular emphasis will be placed upon developing individuals towards their workplace based Masters dissertation / project. A focus is given to the specific issues faced by managers and researchers when carrying out research in an organisational setting.

These will include the philosophical aspects of enquiry in social settings, operating in political contexts, negotiating access to key individuals and data, and meeting the research outcomes expected by multiple organisational stakeholders. Consequently, this module will focus on providing individuals with the skills necessary to meet these challenges and therefore effectively plan, carry out and report upon their Masters level dissertation/project.

One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills.  Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the different approaches to research used in business / management and the social sciences
• Identify and justify decisions regarding their chosen topic, research questions and research methodology
• Synthesise and critically evaluate the current theoretical and methodological developments in their chosen field of study, making clear their own contributions to this body of work
• Demonstrate the required skills and abilities needed to successfully plan, organise, undertake and communicate the findings of a piece of small scale business/management research

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Major Project

In order to obtain a Masters degree you must prepare, submit, and pass a dissertation. Apart from this regulation requirement there are a number of reasons why the dissertation is a very important part of your studies. The dissertation allows you an opportunity to demonstrate, at an advanced level, several important intellectual and practical skills. These skills are valued by employers and as the dissertation is your own work it is proof that you have mastered them. In fact, sometimes your dissertation will help you to obtain an interview or find the position you want.

The dissertation is not a taught module and this means that the research and writing up of your findings is very much an individual effort that allows you to demonstrate both organisational and time management skills. You will have further honed your research skills and techniques and deepened your understanding of at least one major area of business and/or business related areas. Other high level skills which will be developed and improved include evaluation, synthesis, and critical thinking. Finally, a well-written dissertation enables you to demonstrate communication and presentation skills.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• With reference to a chosen significant and complex area for enquiry, establish a method for investigation/exploration of key concepts, models and principles
• Critically evaluate complex issues from a variety of viewpoints
• Develop effective arguments to support relevant conclusions
• Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies; being sensitive to the context
• Where appropriate, formulate solutions to business or management problems in discussion with peers, clients, mentors and others
• Reflect critically on the process and outcomes of the investigation/enquiry

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 15,000 word research report. You will be assigned a supervisor to guide you through your project and make sure you are on the right track.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Modules for this course include:

Research Methods for Managers

This module provides course participants with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to effectively carry out a piece of small scale business/management research. A particular emphasis will be placed upon developing individuals towards their workplace based Masters dissertation/project.

A focus is given to the specific issues faced by managers and researchers when carrying out research in an organisational setting. These will include the philosophical aspects of enquiry in social settings, operating in political contexts, negotiating access to key individuals and data, and meeting the research outcomes expected by multiple organisational stakeholders.

Consequently, this module will focus on providing individuals with the skills necessary to meet these challenges and therefore effectively plan, carry out and report upon their Masters level dissertation/project.

One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills.  Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the different approaches to research used in business/management and the social sciences
• Identify and justify decisions regarding their chosen topic, research questions and research methodology
• Synthesise and critically evaluate the current theoretical and methodological developments in their chosen field of study, making clear their own contributions to this body of work
• Demonstrate the required skills and abilities needed to successfully plan, organise, undertake and communicate the findings of, a piece of small scale business/management research

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Major Project

In order to obtain a Masters degree you must prepare, submit, and pass a dissertation. Apart from this regulation requirement there are a number of reasons why the dissertation is a very important part of your studies. The dissertation allows you an opportunity to demonstrate, at an advanced level, several important intellectual and practical skills.

These skills are valued by employers and as the dissertation is your own work it is proof that you have mastered them. In fact, sometimes your dissertation will help you to obtain an interview or find the position you want.

The dissertation is not a taught module and this means that the research and writing up of your findings is very much an individual effort that allows you to demonstrate both organisational and time management skills.

You will have further honed your research skills and techniques and deepened your understanding of at least one major area of business and/or business related areas. Other high level skills which will be developed and improved include evaluation, synthesis, and critical thinking. Finally, a well-written dissertation enables you to demonstrate communication and presentation skills.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• With reference to a chosen significant and complex area for enquiry establish a method for investigation/exploration of key concepts, models and principles
• Critically evaluate complex issues from a variety of viewpoints
• Develop effective arguments to support relevant conclusions
• Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies; being sensitive to the context
• Where appropriate formulate solutions to business or management problems in discussion with peers, clients, mentors and others
• Reflect critically on the process and outcomes of the investigation/ enquiry

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 15,000 word research report. You will be assigned a supervisor to guide you through your project and make sure you are on the right track.

Module Synopsis

By the end of this qualification, you will be able to:

Modules for this course include:

Organisational Resources Management

In this module, course participants will be introduced to various approaches to human resource management used to aid the development of business strategy, with particular emphasis on understanding the need to establish appropriate alignment between an organisation’s corporate strategy and objectives, and its human resource strategy. Candidates will be given the opportunity to design human resource strategies for organisations confronting mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures.

In addition, the contribution of marketing planning to the processes of strategy development is explored. On a practical dimension, candidates will be encouraged to implement marketing plans and apply portfolio models to the analysis of markets and competitors.

In order to analyse the linkages between marketing and operations in manufacturing, service and not-for-profit organisations, and candidates will learn how to differentiate appropriate marketing strategies and evaluate approaches to matching operations capacity to demand through manufacturing technology, cost management, quality etc.

Finally, candidates will analyse and evaluate current technologies and their use as a platform for e-marketing and e-commerce, and the use of database marketing and data mining in focussing marketing operations.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Critically evaluate, appraise and analyse the management of human resources to aid the development of business strategy within an organisation.

• Critically evaluate strategies for people recruitment, retention, training, learning and development which maximise the skills and contributions of people
• Critically appraise strategies for positive employee relations, performance management and reward
• Understand and critically appraise the importance of marketing within the development of business plans and strategies

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Management of Financial Resources and Planning

In this module, course participants will explore methods, by which resources are allocated and controlled effectively and efficiently within strategic implementation (such as budgeting, measurement, and control systems), evaluate strategic investment opportunities and financially appraise alternative strategic proposals and critically debate the tensions between financial and strategic objectives.

The role and importance of the international financial environment and financial markets will be evaluated along with a range of international investment decisions available to multinationals and overseas subsidiaries.

On a practical note, candidates will learn how to prepare and present strategic management accounting information, prepare and utilise risk management reports and apply techniques for evaluating environmental risk.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically consider the impact that resource decisions have both internally and externally on an organisation‘s performance and effectiveness
• Critically evaluate, appraise and analyse financial data, techniques and tools to aid decision-making in business strategy and planning
• Evaluate, appraise and analyse international aspects of financial strategy
• Identify and critically assess the management and performance of tangible and intangible resources in business strategy and planning
• Critically evaluate and appraise contemporary management accounting methodology to support the effective management and control of resources
• Analyse the risks attached to environmental change, the consequences and appropriate responses
• Critically appraise the importance of communication for information providers in organisations and appraise and develop your own communication skills

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Strategic Business Management and Planning

This module emphasises the need for strategic business management and planning in a global environment. Course participants will develop their tactical and operational decision-making skills by investigating the different levels of strategy and their relationship with tactical and operational decision-making. Using real-life examples of modern day organisations, candidates will learn how to critically appraise the use of practical concepts and models while evaluating theories supporting the relevance and value of and organisation’s vision, mission and objectives.

After completing this programme, candidates will have a true appreciation for the impact of the increasingly competitive global environment and the need for innovation and entrepreneurship in organisations.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically assess the nature, scope and need for strategic business management and planning in international profit and not-for-profit organisations
• Critically evaluate classic and contemporary models, concepts and tools in business strategy and planning
• Appraise processes by which organisations identify their goals and values
• Critically analyse the impact of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors on an organisation
• Identify the key forces that represent both opportunities and threats to organisations whether for profit or not-for-profit
• Critically evaluate the strategy process for an organisation to achieve competitive advantage

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Marketing Design and Innovation

Module Description:

The module investigates stylistic change in taste, fashion and customer need by examining contemporary issues in marketing, design and innovation, including dependency products and services.

Marketing principles of product and service design, functionality and purpose, customer perception, value and branding extend to the consideration of patenting ideas, design registration, trade marking and intellectual property. The module also looks at the influence of marketing communications on demand.

The design process is then examined from the customer perspective, involving new product development, life cycle, and the importance of design in enhancing competitiveness.

Finally, the module investigates current developments in design and product/service innovation and the introduction of mass customisation in global markets.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Identify and critically evaluate the main characteristics of product and service design, and innovation from the marketing perspective
• Distinguish between the key characteristics of the design process in the context of stylistic change, fashion and consumer taste, including the nature of design management and the importance of design and innovation in enhancing competitiveness
• Critically appraise the importance of patenting ideas, design registration, trade marking and intellectual property on new products and services
• Critically examine compelling organisational theories and alternative theoretical frameworks around the study of organisations

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Research Methods for Managers

This module provides course participants with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to effectively carry out a piece of small scale business/management research. A particular emphasis will be placed upon developing individuals towards their workplace based Masters dissertation/project. A focus is given to the specific issues faced by managers and researchers when carrying out research in an organisational setting.

These will include the philosophical aspects of enquiry in social settings, operating in political contexts, negotiating access to key individuals and data, and meeting the research outcomes expected by multiple organisational stakeholders. Consequently, this module will focus on providing individuals with the skills necessary to meet these challenges and therefore effectively plan, carry out and report upon their Masters level dissertation/project.

One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the different approaches to research used in business/management and the social sciences
• Identify and justify decisions regarding their chosen topic, research questions and research methodology
• Synthesise and critically evaluate the current theoretical and methodological developments in their chosen field of study, making clear their own contributions to this body of work
• Demonstrate the required skills and abilities needed to successfully plan, organise, undertake and communicate the findings of, a piece of small scale business/management research

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Major Project

In order to obtain a Masters degree you must prepare, submit, and pass a dissertation. Apart from this regulation requirement there are a number of reasons why the dissertation is a very important part of your studies. The dissertation allows you an opportunity to demonstrate, at an advanced level, several important intellectual and practical skills. These skills are valued by employers and as the dissertation is your own work it is proof that you have mastered them. In fact, sometimes your dissertation will help you to obtain an interview or find the position you want.

The dissertation is not a taught module and this means that the research and writing up of your findings is very much an individual effort that allows you to demonstrate both organisational and time management skills. You will have further honed your research skills and techniques and deepened your understanding of at least one major area of business and/or business related areas. Other high level skills which will be developed and improved include evaluation, synthesis, and critical thinking. Finally, a well-written dissertation enables you to demonstrate communication and presentation skills.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• With reference to a chosen significant and complex area for enquiry establish a method for investigation / exploration of key concepts, models and principles
• Critically evaluate complex issues from a variety of viewpoints
• Develop effective arguments to support relevant conclusions
• Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies; being sensitive to the context
• Where appropriate formulate solutions to business or management problems in discussion with peers, clients, mentors and others
• Reflect critically on the process and outcomes of the investigation/enquiry

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 18,000 word research report. You will be assigned a supervisor to guide you through your project and make sure you are on the right track.

By the end of this qualification, you will be able to:

Modules for this course include:

Marketing Design and Innovation

The module investigates stylistic change in taste, fashion and customer need by examining contemporary issues in marketing, design and innovation, including dependency products and services.

Marketing principles of product and service design, functionality and purpose, customer perception, value and branding extend to the consideration of patenting ideas, design registration, trade marking and intellectual property. The module also looks at the influence of marketing communications on demand.

The design process is then examined from the customer perspective, involving new product development, life cycle, and the importance of design in enhancing competitiveness.

Finally, the module investigates current developments in design and product/service innovation and the introduction of mass customisation in global markets.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Identify and critically evaluate the main characteristics of product and service design, and innovation from the marketing perspective
• Distinguish between the key characteristics of the design process in the context of stylistic change, fashion and consumer taste, including the nature of design management and the importance of design and innovation in enhancing competitiveness
• Critically appraise the importance of patenting ideas, design registration, trade marking and intellectual property on new products and services
• Critically examine compelling organisational theories and alternative theoretical frameworks around the study of organisations

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Research Methods for Managers

This module provides course participants with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to effectively carry out a piece of small scale business/management research. A particular emphasis will be placed upon developing individuals towards their workplace based Masters dissertation/project.

A focus is given to the specific issues faced by managers and researchers when carrying out research in an organisational setting. These will include the philosophical aspects of enquiry in social settings, operating in political contexts, negotiating access to key individuals and data, and meeting the research outcomes expected by multiple organisational stakeholders. Consequently, this module will focus on providing individuals with the skills necessary to meet these challenges and therefore effectively plan, carry out and report upon their Masters level dissertation/project.

One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the different approaches to research used in business/management and the social sciences
• Identify and justify decisions regarding their chosen topic, research questions and research methodology
• Synthesise and critically evaluate the current theoretical and methodological developments in their chosen field of study, making clear their own contributions to this body of work
• Demonstrate the required skills and abilities needed to successfully plan, organise, undertake and communicate the findings of, a piece of small scale business/management research

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Major Project

In order to obtain a Masters degree you must prepare, submit, and pass a dissertation. Apart from this regulation requirement there are a number of reasons why the dissertation is a very important part of your studies. The dissertation allows you an opportunity to demonstrate, at an advanced level, several important intellectual and practical skills. These skills are valued by employers and as the dissertation is your own work it is proof that you have mastered them. In fact, sometimes your dissertation will help you to obtain an interview or find the position you want.

The dissertation is not a taught module and this means that the research and writing up of your findings is very much an individual effort that allows you to demonstrate both organisational and time management skills. You will have further honed your research skills and techniques and deepened your understanding of at least one major area of business and/or business related areas. Other high level skills which will be developed and improved include evaluation, synthesis, and critical thinking.

Finally, a well-written dissertation enables you to demonstrate communication and presentation skills.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• With reference to a chosen significant and complex area for enquiry establish a method for investigation/exploration of key concepts, models and principles
• Critically evaluate complex issues from a variety of viewpoints
• Develop effective arguments to support relevant conclusions
• Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies; being sensitive to the context
• Where appropriate formulate solutions to business or management problems in discussion with peers, clients, mentors and others
• Reflect critically on the process and outcomes of the investigation/enquiry

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 18,000 word research report. You will be assigned a supervisor to guide you through your project and make sure you are on the right track.

By the end of this qualification, you will be able to:

Organisational Resource Management

In this module, course participants will be introduced to various approaches to human resource management used to aid the development of business strategy, with particular emphasis on understanding the need to establish appropriate alignment between an organisation’s corporate strategy and objectives, and its human resource strategy. Candidates will be given the opportunity to design human resource strategies for organisations confronting mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures.

In addition, the contribution of marketing planning to the processes of strategy development is explored. On a practical dimension, candidates will be encouraged to implement marketing plans and apply portfolio models to the analysis of markets and competitors.

In order to analyse the linkages between marketing and operations in manufacturing, service and not-for-profit organisations, and candidates will learn how to differentiate appropriate marketing strategies and evaluate approaches to matching operations capacity to demand through manufacturing technology, cost management, quality etc.

Finally, candidates will analyse and evaluate current technologies and their use as a platform for e-marketing and e-commerce, and the use of database marketing and data mining in focussing marketing operations.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically evaluate, appraise and analyse the management of human resources to aid the development of business strategy within an organisation
• Critically evaluate strategies for people recruitment, retention, training, learning and development which maximise the skills and contributions of people
• Critically appraise strategies for positive employee relations, performance management and reward
• Understand and critically appraise the importance of marketing within the development of business plans and strategies

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Management of Financial Resources and Planning

In this module, course participants will explore methods, by which resources are allocated and controlled effectively and efficiently within strategic implementation (such as budgeting, measurement, and control systems), evaluate strategic investment opportunities and financially appraise alternative strategic proposals and critically debate the tensions between financial and strategic objectives.

The role and importance of the international financial environment and financial markets will be evaluated along with a range of international investment decisions available to multinationals and overseas subsidiaries.

On a practical note, candidates will learn how to prepare and present strategic management accounting information, prepare and utilise risk management reports and apply techniques for evaluating environmental risk.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically consider the impact that resource decisions have both internally and externally on an organisation‘s performance and effectiveness
• Critically evaluate, appraise and analyse financial data, techniques and tools to aid decision-making in business strategy and planning
• Evaluate, appraise and analyse international aspects of financial strategy
• Identify and critically assess the management and performance of tangible and intangible resources in business strategy and planning
• Critically evaluate and appraise contemporary management accounting methodology to support the effective management and control of resources
• Analyse the risks attached to environmental change, the consequences and appropriate responses
• Critically appraise the importance of communication for information providers in organisations and appraise and develop your own communication skills

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Strategic Business Management and Planning

This module emphasises the need for strategic business management and planning in a global environment. Course participants will develop their tactical and operational decision-making skills by investigating the different levels of strategy and their relationship with tactical and operational decision-making. Using real-life examples of modern day organisations, candidates will learn how to critically appraise the use of practical concepts and models while evaluating theories supporting the relevance and value of and organisation’s vision, mission and objectives.

After completing this programme, candidates will have a true appreciation for the impact of the increasingly competitive global environment and the need for innovation and entrepreneurship in organisations.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Critically assess the nature, scope and need for strategic business management and planning in international profit and not-for-profit organisations
• Critically evaluate classic and contemporary models, concepts and tools in business strategy and planning
• Appraise processes by which organisations identify their goals and values
• Critically analyse the impact of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors on an organisation
• Identify the key forces that represent both opportunities and threats to organisations whether for profit or not-for-profit
• Critically evaluate the strategy process for an organisation to achieve competitive advantage

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Marketing Design and Innovation

The module investigates stylistic change in taste, fashion and customer need by examining contemporary issues in marketing, design and innovation, including dependency products and services.

Marketing principles of product and service design, functionality and purpose, customer perception, value and branding extend to the consideration of patenting ideas, design registration, trade marking and intellectual property. The module also looks at the influence of marketing communications on demand.

The design process is then examined from the customer perspective, involving new product development, life cycle, and the importance of design in enhancing competitiveness.

Finally, the module investigates current developments in design and product/service innovation and the introduction of mass customisation in global markets.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Identify and critically evaluate the main characteristics of product and service design, and innovation from the marketing perspective
• Distinguish between the key characteristics of the design process in the context of stylistic change, fashion and consumer taste, including the nature of design management and the importance of design and innovation in enhancing competitiveness
• Critically appraise the importance of patenting ideas, design registration, trade marking and intellectual property on new products and services
• Critically examine compelling organisational theories and alternative theoretical frameworks around the study of organisations

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Research Methods for Managers

This module provides course participants with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to effectively carry out a piece of small scale business/management research. A particular emphasis will be placed upon developing individuals towards their workplace based Masters dissertation/project. A focus is given to the specific issues faced by managers and researchers when carrying out research in an organisational setting.

These will include the philosophical aspects of enquiry in social settings, operating in political contexts, negotiating access to key individuals and data, and meeting the research outcomes expected by multiple organisational stakeholders. Consequently, this module will focus on providing individuals with the skills necessary to meet these challenges and therefore effectively plan, carry out and report upon their Masters level dissertation/project.

One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the different approaches to research used in business/management and the social sciences
• Identify and justify decisions regarding their chosen topic, research questions and research methodology
• Synthesise and critically evaluate the current theoretical and methodological developments in their chosen field of study, making clear their own contributions to this body of work
• Demonstrate the required skills and abilities needed to successfully plan, organise, undertake and communicate the findings of, a piece of small scale business/management research

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 5,000 word assignment.

Major Project

In order to obtain a Masters degree you must prepare, submit, and pass a dissertation. Apart from this regulation requirement there are a number of reasons why the dissertation is a very important part of your studies. The dissertation allows you an opportunity to demonstrate, at an advanced level, several important intellectual and practical skills. These skills are valued by employers and as the dissertation is your own work it is proof that you have mastered them. In fact, sometimes your dissertation will help you to obtain an interview or find the position you want.

The dissertation is not a taught module and this means that the research and writing up of your findings is very much an individual effort that allows you to demonstrate both organisational and time management skills. You will have further honed your research skills and techniques and deepened your understanding of at least one major area of business and/or business related areas. Other high level skills which will be developed and improved include evaluation, synthesis, and critical thinking. Finally, a well-written dissertation enables you to demonstrate communication and presentation skills.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• With reference to a chosen significant and complex area for enquiry establish a method for investigation/exploration of key concepts, models and principles
• Critically evaluate complex issues from a variety of viewpoints
• Develop effective arguments to support relevant conclusions
• Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies; being sensitive to the context
• Where appropriate formulate solutions to business or management problems in discussion with peers, clients, mentors and others
• Reflect critically on the process and outcomes of the investigation/enquiry

Assessment:

The module will be assessed by a 18,000 word research report. You will be assigned a supervisor to guide you through your project and make sure you are on the right track.