There are no prerequisites required.

This module will enable you to develop a sound understanding of the main philosophies of science underpinning business and management research and conduct a scholarly review of the literature relating to a planned area of research.

The module provides you with the philosophical foundations for research methods training and introduces you to key branches of the philosophy of science such as ontology, epistemology, axiology and aetiology. It covers a range of research philosophies, including positivism, interpretivism and critical realism to consider your methodological implications and influence on potential contributions to knowledge and practice. The module also provides you with a methodological framework to define the scope of the literature review relating to a research area of interest and determine the feasibility and value of undertaking a more comprehensive review whilst keeping in view the philosophical position from which it is to be conducted.

LO1: Evaluate the key branches of the philosophy of science and their relevance to advanced business and management research.

LO2: Critically examine a range of research philosophies underpinning business management research and consider their methodological implications and influence on contributions to knowledge and practice.

LO3: Assess the meaning and purpose of a scholarly literature review and gain an understanding of how to develop academic writing skills and arguments while adhering to a professional referencing/bibliographic style.

LO4: Define the scope of the literature review relating to a planned area of research by locating it in its theoretical and practical context, mapping the range of relevant information sources.

LO.5 Identify where the gaps and innovative approaches exist and articulate valid research questions/ hypotheses in line with the chosen philosophical position.