Modules

Module title: Research Skills and Professional Development
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: HRM11107
Module leader: Norma D'Annunzio-Green
School The Business School
Subject area group: Management
Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this module
2019/0, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Norma D'Annunzio-Green
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Working in groups, students will be given an opportunity to reflect on the appropriateness of different research strategies and designs allowing for frequent formative assessment from tutor and peers. (LO1-5). Relevant knowledge and skills are developed through a mix of student-led discussion groups, case studies, and short lectures combined in the form of practical workshops . These are structured to develop in students an active approach to study and the capacity for independent learning and reflective practice and to meet CIPD professional requirements. Students will be provided with a module and assessment guide to complement reference to research methods texts and will be formally assessment as follows:
a) Plan and design a work-based project in the form of an individual project proposal (1,800 words) (LO 1).
b) Conduct a statistical analysis of data and communicate findings in the form of a two page summary report (LO2)
c) Completion of a management research report (7,000 words) or a scoping study (7,000 words) which will form the basis of a part the masters project, and provide a reflective review of learning gained (LO 3,4,5).

Students are allocated a supervisor early on in the module. This alllows one-to-one interactions in which they are provided with guidance and support in enhancing their literature review, collecting research data, analysing research data and presenting practical conclusions and recommendations.

The LTA strategy will be supported by Moodle which will provide direct access for students to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment and Information services. The module team will provide all lecture materials and reading in advance of each class and will supplement this material on Moodle with videos, weblinks, copies of articles and reports. All important module issues will communicated in class or via Moodle announcement.
Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment will take the form of an in-class review and discussion of each assessment brief and criteria, with the opportunity for students to gain feedback on their ideas and assessment plans throughout the module. There will be time devoted to this in class but also supplementary surgery and drop-in sessions every second week allows students to discuss issues with the module leader individually or in groups and obtain formative feedback. Formative assessment and feedback can also be obtained by submitting drafts of each assessment to the students' individual supervisor for review and feedback allowing improvements to be made and strengths to be further developed.


Summative Assessment:
This is a long-thin module which is delivered across both trimester 1 and trimester 2. The summative assessment takes the form of 3 assessments. A business statistics analytical report (20%) early in semester 1, which students receive individual written formative feedback on. A research proposal towards the end of Trimester 1 (20%) which students receive written feedback on which they can use to build on and improve the next assessment . And the scoping study in Trimester 2 (60%) for which students will receive written feedback. Each piece of summative assessment is not only designed to test the knowledge and understanding of the student but to also allow students to demonstrate a range of practical and academic skills developed throughout the module.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 24
Independent Learning Guided independent study
Independent Learning Guided independent study 176
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 20 2 6 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 800
Report 20 1 12 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 1800
Report 60 3-5 9 , WORDS= 7000
Component 1 subtotal: 20
Component 2 subtotal: 80
Module subtotal: 100
2019/0, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Norma D'Annunzio-Green
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning & teaching methods including their alignment to LOs
LO1-5 Practical research workshops, developing relevant knowledge and skills, are delivered across two trimesters (two workshops per trimester). You will be given an opportunity to utilise, discuss and reflect on different research strategies, methods and data analysis techniques. These workshops will make use of lecture input, case studies of research projects, small and large group discussions, and practice of research methods/data analysis tools. You are given a recommended reading list and expected to use the sources as appropriate. Your learning is also supported via WebCT through the provision of online materials and self-assessment questions, with diagnostic feedback (LO1-5). The module includes the allocation of a supervisor to each indivdual student- this supervisor assists you with the development of your specific research project and will meet with you on a regular basis. Optional research surgery sessions are also offered. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop skills in HR/business leadership. These will be assessed as part of ongoing module activities, and through a reflective report. In addition, you will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors to assist with your ongoing personal and professional development.

Embedding of employability/PDP/scholarship skills
LO1-5 This module provides you with an opportunity to develop advanced skills in HR/business leadership which can be applied to undertaking practice-based research. These skills include the following: qualitative and quantitative research methods application; project management and consulting skills; accessing and evaluating published research evidence; critical thinking; developing and justifying original arguments; referencing the work of others; enhanced IT proficiency through use of statistical techniques and the presentation of statistical data. You will be engaging in group discussions/debate

Formative Assessment:
You will be formally assessed as follows:
a) Plan and design a work-based project in the form of an individual project proposal (2,000 words) (LO 1).
b) Conduct a statistical analysis of data and communicate findings in the form of a summary report (2,000 words, group assessment) (LO2&5).
c) Completion of a management research report (7,000 words) or a scoping study (7,000 words) which will form a part of a masters project, and provide a reflective review of learning gained (LO 3,4,5).
The final summative assessment (assessment c above) will include the completion of a reflective report with reference to skills acquisition and reflection on the development of these across the module.




Summative Assessment:
You will be formally assessed as follows:
a) Plan and design a work-based project in the form of an individual project proposal (2,000 words) (LO 1).
b) Conduct a statistical analysis of data and communicate findings in the form of a summary report (2,000 words, group assessment) (LO2&5).
c) Completion of a management research report (7,000 words) or a scoping study (7,000 words) which will form a part of a masters project, and provide a reflective review of learning gained (LO 3,4,5).
The final summative assessment (assessment c above) will include the completion of a reflective report with reference to skills acquisition and reflection on the development of these across the module.




Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 24
Online Guided independent study 36
Independent Learning Guided independent study 140
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 20 1 12 HOURS= 2000, WORDS= 2000
Practical Skills Assessment 20 2 14/15 HOURS= 2000, WORDS= 2000
Report 60 3-5 14/15 HOURS= 7000, WORDS= 7000
Component 1 subtotal: 20
Component 2 subtotal: 80
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

The module takes students through the practicalities of undertaking a research project in the field of human resource management at postgraduate level and sets out to nurture critical reflection and lifelong learning. It examines a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques and addresses different approaches to data analysis and the write-up of a management research report and scoping study. Emphasis is placed on the development of students critical and analytical skills, drawing on a strong evidence base and applying theory to practice. The module examines the research process and considers the practical, technical, academic and ethical issues therein. Learners will develop enhanced proficiency in critical reflection, problem solving and decision-making; IT and interpersonal skills,and the development of personal effectiveness and credibility at work.
Learning Outcomes for module:

1. Plan and design a work-based project suitable for a management report or dissertation that demonstrates an awareness of strategic issues and has the potential to make a contribution to improvements in organisational performance and professional standards.
2. Input data into appropriate software, conduct a statistical analysis of data and produce a summary of findings.
3. To collect and analyse data from primary and secondary sources using effective data collection methods for use in undertaking a management research report or a scoping study in the form of an in-depth literature review and research design which will provide the basis for their masters research project.
4. Present research reports in a clear, logical and systematic manner, indicating the practical implications of the research and its potential to add value to the organisation.
5. Undertake a critical review of their management research report or a scoping study (as noted above) including ways in which this could have been undertaken more effectively, linking this to a reflection of professional experience gained during placement and/or everyday work experience in the area of personnel and development.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
HRM11107 Reading List 2018/19
 

Related information