There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

The Research Methods in HRM module is delivered across 2 trimesters (Trimester 1 and Trimester 2) to the MSc HRM students (full-time and part-time) as a long-thin module, and is designed to provide a thorough introduction to research philosophy, methodology and design and how this can be applied in researching HR and people management issues. The assessment comprises a research proposal (2500 words) where you plan and justify your topic area and evaluate the best methodological approach and design, considering both qualitative and quantitative approaches. This is followed by a scoping Study (7,000 words) which forms the first 3 chapters of your subsequent masters research project (the introduction, the literature review and the research design/methodology chapters). The module is divided into 3 parts. The first part of the module examines the research process, deciding on your dissertation topic area and writing your aim and objectives and the research ethics and research integrity requirements and processes, to enable you to apply these principles at every stage of the research process; The second part of the module covers how to prepare for and write a literature review and critically analyse relevant literature. In the third part, the module explores research design, philosophy and methodology. You will examine both quantitative design, collection and analysis of data (using SPSS) and qualitative design, collection and data analysis (coding qualitative data, thematic analysis and other approaches).The module will prepare you to complete an independent practice-based research project in Trimester 3, and develop your knowledge and skills in critical reading, writing and evaluating research and other relevant materials, within your chosen field of study.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Plan and design a practice-based research report that demonstrates an awareness of strategic and contemporary academic issues in HRM and has the potential to add value and contribute to business improvement.

LO2: Identify, differentiate and evaluate different research philosophies and research methodologies and determine an appropriate methodological design.

LO3: Undertake a critical review of relevant literature, demonstrating an ability to search, identify and evaluate a range of sources

LO4: Develop a critical awareness of methods and techniques relating to the collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data.

LO5: Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues involved in undertaking research in the HRM and employment context