STRM028 Postgraduate Business and

Economics
Dissertation and Research Methods
Module

FULL-TIME STUDENT STUDY GUIDE, Stafford

2014/15

Linda Coles
Linda.coles@northampton.ac.uk

STRM028 Dissertation and Research Methods Module Overview

This guide is designed to give students an overview of the independent research
and related research methods skills training programme offered across
Northampton Business School at taught postgraduate level (level 7). The module
is set out flexibly, so as to reflect the different types of research project which
students may choose to undertake - conceptual, applied or work-related - and
also to reflect the contrasting research paradigms that may be followed.

Overall aim(s) for the module

To provide the student with the opportunity to:
i) Acquire a grounding in taught postgraduate level (level 7) approaches to
research, and related research skills
ii) Carry out a sustained, independent research project, involving an individual
piece of conceptual, applied or work-related research, culminating in the writing
of a dissertation or project report of approximately 16,000-18,000 words.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
a)
Engage actively and successfully with a programme of training in
approaches to research, and related research skills, involving generic and
field-specific elements
b)
Demonstrate the ability to plan, design and implement an individual piece
of conceptual, applied or work-related research, involving the synthesis of
theory and practice, the contextualisation of the chosen topic in the
literature and the selection of appropriate research methodologies and
methods of data collection and analysis
c)
Produce a substantial account of the research study that is consistent with
the chosen type of research
Subject-specific Skills
d)
Formulate an academically rigorous and practically feasible research
proposal, setting out the detailed parameters for the proposed
independent research project
e)
Carry out an independent piece of conceptual, applied or work-related
research, synthesising theory with practice in the chosen field, and making
use of a conceptual framework based on the relevant academic literature
and other appropriate sources of secondary data
f)
Construct and use a research instrument, such as a survey, to collect
primary and/or secondary data, and apply appropriate methods of data
collection and data analysis in order to make comprehensive and

appropriately focused responses to the research questions / issues /

problems identified
Write a well defined and structured narrative account discussing the
design, conduct and outcomes of the research project, in the form of a
conceptual, applied or work-related research based dissertation or project
report

g)

Key Skills
h)
Manage a prolonged course of independent research and related study in
an orderly and effective manner, demonstrating the enhancement of
academic knowledge, intellectual and work-related skills gained through
completing the module successfully
i)
Make discriminating use of learning and information technology resources,
in order to locate, collect, analyse and interpret quantitative and
qualitative information, define and solve problems in a selective and
critical manner, and challenge and critique accepted wisdom and
methodologies in the chosen research field
j)
Communicate the solutions arrived at, and the thinking underlying them,
in verbal and written form.

Content of module:
The module comprises two main elements:
(i)

Research methods training

(ii)

Dissertation or project report

Research methods training

Full- time programmes
The approach will comprise a series of lectures, typically 1 hour in length, in
which students will be provided, on a cross-school basis, with an introduction to
generic research principles, approaches and options. A complementary series of
field-based seminars and / or workshops will also be offered, reflecting the
diverse research traditions, approaches, methodologies and methods appropriate
to taught postgraduate (level 7) students located in the constituent fields
comprising NBS.
Part-time programmes
The approach will comprise a series of lectures, typically 2 to 3 hours in length,
in which students will be provided with an introduction to generic research
principles, approaches and options, linked to training in field-specific research
traditions, approaches, methodologies and methods.

Distance Learning programmes

Distance learning students will be supported by means of an NBS-Nile site, and

an essential textbook (where appropriate). This material will include an
introduction to generic research principles, approaches and options, linked to
training in field-specific research traditions, approaches, methodologies and
methods. Integrated into the learning scheme will also be a number of self
assessment exercises and resources together with student-tutor links via the
internet. A face to face workshop will also be held, helping students to achieve
the appropriate level of understanding expected, and provide explanations for
the module assignment.
Students will be allocated a NBS supervisor.

Dissertation working
Working initially from their research proposals, students will be given access to
individual and group support from specialist supervisors located within their
various fields of independent research study, with a view to facilitating the
design and implementation of their research projects and their writing up in
conceptual, applied and work-related dissertation / project report form.
Suggested module study hours
Lectures and seminars/workshops
Student workshop follow-up
Preparation of research proposal/assessment
Individual supervision -nbs
Literature Review
Data collection
Data analysis
Writing-up

20
42
40
8
100
90
100
200
600

Module engagement and formative feedback

A staged approach to student engagement and progression with the module is to
be followed, reflecting the successive milestones passed during a student's
independent research journey, from (i) attending the research skills workshop
classes, to (ii) putting forward a draft research topic, to (iii) making contact and
engaging with supervisors, to (iv) scoping an academically rigorous and feasible
research proposal, to (v) completing a draft literature review chapter, to (vi)
completing a draft research methodology and methods chapter, to (vii)
completing and submitting the final dissertation or project report. Formative
assessment will be provided at each intermediate stage in the journey, reflecting
the achievement of learning outcomes in relation to stated assessment criteria.
This assessment strategy will provide the basis for a holistic and ongoing
assessment of students' developing, independent research-related capabilities
throughout the course of their module-related studies, providing students with
formative as well as summative feedback until the dissertation is completed.
Students will be required to demonstrate an ability to map out their research
through the research proposal, together with an ability to build a conceptual

framework based on the literature and to identify, defend and implement an

appropriate research methodology and design, based on good research practice.
The writing of the completed dissertation or project report will provide a wellestablished test of their ability to conduct in-depth, independent and focused
research and to present that research in ways consistent with good scholarship
in their chosen field of study.
Students will also be expected to provide regular evidence of progress by the
timely submission of the component assignments through which the module is
assessed. Students will also be expected to maintain regular contact with their
supervisors, throughout the period from the latter's appointment to the
submission of the final dissertation or project report, in order to help an
assessment to be made of their progress towards the completion of their
independent research project, and of the authenticity of the work carried out and
presented for assessment.
As a quality assurance measure, students who do not maintain regular contact
with their supervisors and provide regular evidence of progress may be required
to attend a viva-voce examination following the submission of their final
dissertation or project reports.

Assessment
Assessment Items
Final dissertation
Or project report
(approximately 16,00018,000 words)

Weighting
100%

Learning Outcomes
a-j inclusive

Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria will need to vary according to the modes of research
that students pursue. The general criteria below will need to be weighted
accordingly for any particular dissertation:

The study is justified in terms of academic theory and business / management

practice

Logical / feasible rationale, aims and objectives are provided

A clear conceptual framework is provided and clear research questions and /or
hypotheses are articulated, linked to the literature in the field

Research methodology and methods appropriate to the research question /

problem / issue examined are selected and are clearly justified

The final dissertation / project report structure follows conventions in the field

The dissertation or project report contains a logical narrative

The dissertation or project report contains evidence of significant critical analysis

and evaluation

The presentation of text and data reflects taught postgraduate (level 7)

scholarship and rigour.
Students will also be expected to provide regular evidence of progress by the
timely submission of the component assignments through which the module is
assessed. Students will also be expected to maintain regular contact with their
supervisors, throughout the period from the latter's appointment to the
submission of the final dissertation or project report, in order to help an
assessment to be made of their progress towards the completion of their
independent research project, and of the authenticity of the work carried out and
presented for assessment.

Assignment submission
Two hard copies of your final dissertation or report must be submitted to the
Student Assignment Office, Park Campus, The University of Northampton
together with an electronic copy (submitted to the STRM028 Nile site via the
Turnitin portal) on or before the submission date (To be confirmed via the
STRM028 Nile site)

Module Timetable/General Details

This is detailed on the module website. The scheme of work details the research
methods classes and the dissertation timelines the key dates in submitting your
dissertation.

Grade award criteria for final dissertation or report

Please see Appendix.

Instructions on how to register your research topic via the NBS PG

Nile site (to find a supervisor)
Please see Appendix.

Research Proposal Submission Sheet

Please see Appendix.

Research Ethics
It is the responsibility of each inquirer to ensure that inquiry involving human
subjects meets high scholarly and ethical standards. The inquirer needs to be
honest, thoughtful and complies with professional and disciplinary standards and
methodological approaches. During the module we will examine the University of
Northamptons code of ethics: look at the documents related to ethics on the
STRM028 NILE site.
In addition you may consult:American Association for the Advancement of Science, US Office of Research
Integrity, September (2000), The Role and Activities of Social Scientist in
Promoting Research integrity, US Office of Research Integrity,
(http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/report.pdf) (30 September 2003)
Ess, C. and Association for Internet Research, Ethics Committee (2002),Ethical
decision-making and Internet research, Document, AoIR,
(http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf)(30 September 2003).

You must discuss ethical issues regarding collecting data with your
supervisor and get their approval before you commence gathering
data. Please fill out the ethics form and if your supervisor sees fit,
get ethics committee approval prior to collecting data. An ethics
form, signed by your supervisor, must be appended to your
dissertation.

Research Methods Training

The aim of the research methods training provided by the STRM028 module
team will be to prepare you for the dissertation or report and to provide the
necessary underpinnings for your research.
We will help you to consider all the stages in the research process and the
characteristics of effective business research. This will include:

Examination of different approaches to research and the strengths and

weaknesses of different methods and techniques.

The importance of the literature search, analysis and review

The formulation of a research question(s) and/or hypothesis

Selecting a research design and using appropriate techniques

Interpreting results, drawing conclusions and making recommendations

All students must be familiar with the STRM028 Nile site, as useful information
and links can be found here.
In particular, students will be able to access the following information:

Module Guide
Detailed student guide to dissertation and report preparation
Research methods training notes and links to useful websites
General announcements and updates

Suggested core texts

A great deal of the reading that you will be doing for your research will be on
issues that are specific to your own project. This is a highly individual matter, on
which your supervisor will advise you during your research project. As you
proceed, you will no doubt be preparing a bibliography of relevant materials on
your topic, plus references to research methods, and in particular, the research
methodology you choose to adopt.
The research methods training course will broadly follow the following text
(available as an ebook):
Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Lewis P (2012), Research Methods for
Business Students- Sixth Edition, Pearson Education.
ISBN 13: 9780273716860 & 10: 0273716867
And alsoCooper, D. and Schindler, P.(2010) Business Research Methods, Eleventh
Edition, MH
ISBN 978-007-128922-1
Both books are a comprehensive introduction to research methods in business for
students planning or undertaking a dissertation or extensive research project in
business and management

Additional texts
There are a number of good, additional texts on research in general and
management research in particular. These provide an overview of the area and
indicate the diverse nature of the field. It is worthwhile exploring a wide range of
texts because they may stimulate your thinking and generate ideas for your
research approach as well as preparing you for writing your research proposal.
This list offers some general introductory or background reading on research in
general and management research in particular. You will find more books in the
library.
Please ask if you are anxious to begin reading on a specific topic! Do not run out
of reading.
Bryman, A. (1994) Research
Routledge, London.

Methods

and

Organization

Studies,

This book is aimed at research students and professionals in organizational

studies. It includes a variety of quantitative and qualitative research
designs and methods that are systematically appraised for their uses and
limitations.

10

Collis J and Hussey R (2009), Business Research: A Practical Guide for

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Third Edition, Palgrave
Macmillan. ISBN 978-1-4039-9247-5
Coolican, H. (2007) Research Methods for Psychology, HS
Excellent quants. text.
Cooper, H. (1998) Synthesizing Research: A Guide for Literature
Reviews. 3rd ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.
Lauded by thousands of readers for providing researchers with the first
practical approach for doing systematic literature reviews, this popular book
has been thoroughly updated and revisited to include the latest information
on the use of electronic technology and the Internet to conduct literature
searches. Expanded discussion of retrieving and coding information from
research documents to produce coding sheets; up-dated coverage of report
writing that includes APA's new guidelines and recent practices adopted by
research syntheses.
Easterby- Smith, M., Thorpe R. and Low, A. (2001) Management
research: An introduction Sage Publications. ISBN 0761972854
This book gives a good general overview of management research. It
covers a wide range of topics - from the philosophical underpinnings of
research design, to the practicalities of doing a piece of research. It is a
good book to start.
Field, A. (2010) Discovering Statistics using SPSS, Third edition, Sage
Excellent in-depth SPSS text
Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (eds) (2002), Research Methods for Managers.
Sage Publications, London. ISBN 0761940022
Despite the title, it's not really about methods as such, dealing more with
different types of research design. Examples are drawn from business
studies, so this book could be useful for students to see how general issues
and topics are translated into research on management.
Jankowicz, A.D. (2005) Business Research Projects (4th Ed). London:
Thomson ISBN1844800822
Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS Survival Manual, Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill
Robson, C. (2001), Real World Research, Blackwell, London. ISBN
0631213058
Maylor, H. & Blackmon,
Management, Palgrave

K.

(2005)

A general Introduction to research.

11

Researching

Business

and

Partington, D., (ed.) (2002) Essential Skills for Management Research

Sage Publications. ISBN 0761970088
Yin, R. (1994) Case Study Research, London, Sage.
See also the additional reading list at the end of this guide.

12

Research Proposal
Your supervisor will ask you to produce a proposal (including 250-300 words
abstract) so that you and s/he can agree a feasible plan for implementing your
dissertation. The proposal should be approximately 1,500 words long (not
counting abstract, references and bibliography).
The proposal should have the following sections and sub-sections:

13

Section/Sub-section Headings

Indicative content

Title

If necessary use a title and subtitle

Abstract

Summary of the research topic describing

the major issue(s), your proposed
methodology and possible findings and
justification for the study.

Table of Contents

List of all major parts and divisions

(including the abstract, even though it
precedes the table of contents).

1. Introduction (Terms of
Reference)
Research Rationale
(Statement of Problem),

What the research project is to achieve?

What is the study trying to achieve (i.e.

is your purpose to explore, describe,
understand, explain, predict, change, or
something else)?

Objectives (Purpose of
Research)

What is the underlying rationale and aim of

your research? What in your experience
prompted it? Why are you doing it?

Research question (or

propositions or hypotheses)

What is your research question(s)? or

proposition(s)?

2 Critical Literature Review

(Indication of the literature that
informs your research)

This will be indicative. You will need to

identify the key landmark studies in your
topic area and will describe how these relate
to the issues you intend to look at in your
research. You are not expected to have
thoroughly read and absorbed all the books
and papers you discuss but you will
obviously need to know what the papers are
about. You will need to provide a preliminary,
critical evaluation or assessment of why they
are likely to be relevant to your topic.

Theoretical /Conceptual
frameworks (Role of theory)

From the literature identify working

concepts/models and theoretical frameworks
that you will use to guide your research What is the role of theory in relation to your
research? In what ways are you using the
theories of others? Are you testing theories
or building them? Use a diagram here if
possible.

14

3. Methodology and methods

Outline how you plan to go about doing your

research.

Research Design (description

of proposed research - type of
study)

Justify the methodological and philosophical

approach you intend to employ. What
implications does your approach have for
your research design and methods?
What is the context of your proposed
research? Key features, characteristics! Why
is it a suitable context?
Who will be studied? How many? How will
they be selected (i.e. sampling)?

Research Context (e.g.

industry sector, organisation)

Procedure (i.e. what happened

from the participants
perspective, ethical
considerations)
Methods for data collection

Consider ethics and access to your study

sample. Try to anticipate any problem you
might have in implementing your method.

Methods for data analysis

Describe (and justify) the methods and

techniques you plan to use to analyse
collected data. - What type of data analysis
will you use

4. Discussion

A necessarily preliminary statement of what

you may find or demonstrate by having
undertaken the research. Why it will be
important and what the practical or
theoretical implications might be.

Significance of proposed
research (Research
Contribution)

Describe (and justify) the methods and

techniques you plan to use to collect your
data. What sort of data will you collect?
How will you collect this data? Why is this
method suitable for your question?

Provisional work schedule

What are the envisaged limitations to your

research?
A timetable for completing the research
indicating the tasks necessary to complete
each segment. Dont forget to include
slippage time.

References

A list of all works cited in your proposal

Bibliography

This is a list of works not cited in your

proposal, but which will be followed up in the
main research.

Research limitation

15

Presentation Style of Research Proposal

All research proposals must be presented using the Guidelines as follows:-

Style Guidelines:

Emphasis should be made by printing relevant text in italics and

underlining should be avoided in preference to bolding.

First paragraphs (after a heading) should be flush to the margin with

subsequent paragraphs first-line indented five spaces.

Dates should be written as: 29 May 2001; a decade may be written as:
1990s; pairs of dates may be hyphenated as: 1980-1990.

Single quotation marks should be used when quoting an author; double

quotation marks should be used in other circumstances.

Text (excluding titles) should be written using 12 points font.

Please use 1.5 space.

Please use at least a 1cm page margins

Submission is via e-copy via Turnitin

References:
Footnotes are to be avoided and should take the form of endnotes, avoiding
unnecessary elaboration. Use brief parenthetical citations in the manuscript text,
with all cited sources listed alphabetically in the reference section of the Paper.
Parenthetical citations in the body of the text should include the name of the
author of the cited material and the date of the reference, e.g. (Lowi, 1965);
include page number of references to a direct quote, e.g. (Downs, 1954: 54).
For multiple listings, citations should be in date order and alphabetical order
within the same year; use semi-colons between citations.
For multiple works which have the same author(s) and publication date, use a,
b after the date of the cited item, e.g. (Coffman, 1984a). Page numbers for
chapters in books are essential.

16

Form for referencing Journal Articles:

Hans, J.M. (1984), The Political Economy of group Membership, American
Political Science Review, Vol. 79, No. 1, Summer, pp. 70-96.
Mayer, R. and Burton, J. (1985), Distributional Impacts of Consumer Protection
Policies: Differences Among Consumers, Policy Studies Journal, Vol. 12, No. 1,
March, pp. 91-105.
Form for Referencing Books:
Aronson, J.R. and Hilley, J.L. (1986), Financing State and Local Governments (4th
edition), The Brookings Institute, Washington D.C.
Kare, M.T. (1984), American Arms Supermarket, University of Texas Press,
Austin.

Form for Referencing Edited Books:

Charles, M.T. and Kim, J.C. (Eds) (1988), Crisis Management: A Casebook,
Charles C Thomas, Springfield.
March, J.G. (1984), Theories of Choice and Making Decisions, in Lane, F.A.
(Ed.), Current Issues in Public Administration, St Martins Press, New York, pp.
229-246.

Form for Referencing Web:

Lutz, T. (1996), 'Leadership and Power, Reflection Paper 2,
http://cbpa.louisville.edu/bruce/rflct600/lutz2.htm, (DD.MM.YYYY).
DD.MM.YYYY = date of information retrieval

17

STRM028 Research Methods Workshop

We will endeavor to cover:
Day

Session

Topic

Friday

Exercise: thinking of and choosing a topic

Friday

Lecture: the dissertation process

Friday

Exercise: what is research?

Friday

Lecture: envisioning the dissertation

Saturday

Lecture: research questions and proposal

Saturday

Exercise: proposals

Day

Session

Topic

Saturday

Lecture: Philosophy of Research

Saturday

Exercise: your philosophical position

Saturday

Lecture: doing a lit. review

Saturday

Exercise: reviewing a paper

Saturday

Lecture: Design and Method strategies

Saturday

Questions and Answers

18

Additional Reading List

Philosophy of Social Science

Blaikie, N. (1993) Approaches to Social Enquiry, Polity Press, Cambridge.
This is a very good introduction to Philosophy of Social Science for
researchers. It is comprehensive giving an overview of both classical and
recent approaches to research. It is also readable! Highly recommended.
Blaikie, N. (2000) Designing Social Research, Polity Press/Blackwell, USA.
Presents a comprehensive and integrated scheme for preparing research
designs and proposals. Concerned with the planning of social research
projects rather than how to conduct them, it connects the techniques of
research with key methodological issues in the social sciences. Includes a
critical review of controversial issues such as the use of quantitative and
qualitative methods, the role of case studies, the relevance of
representative samples and the limited role for tests of significance.
Burrell, G. and Morgan, G. (1994) Sociological Paradigms and Organizational
Analysis, 3rd ed. Aldershot, Arena.
A classic study, organisation studies-specific rather than just social science
in general.
Layder, D. (1993) New Strategies in Social Research, Polity Press, Oxford.
This book is not just a "how to" book for social researchers, but seeks to
develop new strategies of research by marrying new perspectives in social
analysis to problems of concrete research.
Williams, M. and May, T. (1996) Introduction to the Philosophy of Social
Research UCL Press, London.
This is a user-friendly book for research practitioners who wish to develop
an understanding of the philosophical foundations of social science. It is not
management-specific.
Johnson, P. and Duberley, J. (2000) Understanding Management Research, Sage,
London.
This is actually focused on epistemology rather than being a general
introduction to research as its title implies.

Qualitative Research Approach

Burgess, R. (1991) In the
HarperCollins, London.

Field:

An

19

Introduction

to

Field

Research,

Hammersley, M. and Atkinson, P. (1990) Ethnography: Principles and Practice,

Routledge, London.
Lofland, J. and Lofland, L.H. (1995) Analyzing Social Settings: Observation and
Analysis, 3rd ed, Wadsworth, Belmont, CA.
Silverman, D. (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk,
Text and Interaction, Sage, London.
These four are about qualitative methods, covering a range of issues on
"fieldwork" to collect one's data and on the analysis of the material. All of
them are quite readable, with plenty of case examples, and may open up
new perspectives for anyone who associates research only with
questionnaire surveys. Hammersley and Atkinson is perhaps stronger on
the rationale for qualitative approaches, whilst the others are fuller on
practical aspects. Lofland and Lofland is particularly good on the nuts and
bolts of doing qualitative research, and on the use of computer packages
such as NUD.IST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data Index Search Theory)
for qualitative data management. Try and read at least one.
Denzin, N. K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds) (2000) Handbook of Qualitative Research,
2nd ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.
An indispensable reference book on qualitative research for anyone doing
such research. Sage have also produced this as a three volume paperback
version.
Gummesson, E. (2000) Qualitative Methods in Management Research., 2nd ed.,
Sage, London.
Evert is known to some SOM Faculty for his work in the field of Relationship
Marketing but this book crosses functional boundaries and has something to
say for all management researchers looking at a qualitative approach.
Miles, M. B. and Huberman, A. M. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis: An
Expanded Sourcebook, 2nd ed. Sage, London.
A very good source of ideas for doing, structuring and reporting qualitative
analysis. Miles and Huberman developed this sourcebook by looking at a)
work published in the last decade and b) sending an informal survey to 126
qualitative researchers on how they do qualitative analysis. Highly
recommended for those undertaking qualitative research, or surveys with
many open questions.
Strauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded
Theory Procedures and Techniques, 2nd ed. Sage, London.
One of the rare books that addresses qualitative analysis, in a structured
way. This book is for those who are already a bit familiar with Glaser and
Strauss' "grounded theory" approach.

20

Yin, R. K. (1994) Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 2nd ed. Sage,
Thousand Oaks, CA.
An excellent book for case study methodology.
Gubrium, J. and Holstein, J. (eds), (2001) Handbook of Interview Research.
Sage, London.
Atkinson, P., Coffey, A. and Delamont, S. (eds), (2001).
Ethnography. Sage, London.

Handbook of

Reason, Peter and Bradbury, Hilary (eds), (2000) Handbook of Action Research;
Participative Inquiry and Practice, Sage, London.

Quantitative Research Approach

Black, T. R. (1999) Doing Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences: An
Integrated Approach to Research Design, Measurement and Statistics,
Sage, London.
This is a broad ranging text book overviewing the design and execution of
research so that such issues as planning, sampling, design of measuring
instruments, choice of statistical test and interpretation of results are
integrated into the research process. The 'how to' approach guides you
through the minefield of issues that area confronted when doing research
and sets it apart from other books which focus on either the research
design and measurement issues or statistical methods.
Sanders, D. H. (2000) Statistics: A First Course. 6th ed. McGraw Hill, Boston,
MA.
Foddy, W. (1993) Constructing Questions for Interviews and Questionnaires:
Theory and Practice in Social Research, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge.
Oppenheim, A. N. (1992) Questionnaire Design, Interview and Attitude
Measurement. 2nd ed. Pinter, London.
Both are good standard works on questionnaire surveys and related
methods of the more quantitative kind. Oppenheim looks at a range of
survey techniques and emphasises the design of the instrument. Both of
them, in part, have more technical aspects which you might not want until
and unless you were using these methods, but topics like interviewing and
sampling will concern almost everyone in some form.
Marsh, C. (1988) Exploring Data: An Introduction to Data Analysis for Social
Scientists, Polity Press, Cambridge.

21

This works through all the basic aspects of trying to make sense of
quantitative data, with plenty of examples. It would be useful to anyone
wrestling with survey data for the first time.
Rowntree D. (1991) Statistics without Tears: An Introduction for NonMathematicians, Penguin, Harmondsworth.
With this book you can prime yourself with the key concepts of statistics
before getting involved in the associated calculations. Using words and
diagrams instead of figures, formulae and equations, it makes statistics
accessible to those who are non-mathematicians.

Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Sapsford, R. and Jupp, V. (eds) (1996) Data Collection and Analysis, Sage,
London. Sage, London.
This is explained in simple and non-technical terms, considering both the
structure of research projects and ethics and politics of research. It is
illustrated with case studies, and complemented with exercises. It is an
Open University text.
Neuman, W. L. (1999) Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative,
4th ed. Allyn and Bacon, Harlow.
An excellent comprehensive guide to a wide range of approaches, USbased, diagrammatic style, recommended reading.
Tabachinick, B. and Fidell, L. (2007) Using Multivariate Research Statistics,
Boston
Hair, J., Black, W., Babin, B., Anderson, R. and Tatham, R. (2006) Multivariate
data analysis, Pearson

Preparing A Literature Review/Writing

Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science
Research Imagination, Sage, London.
This is a practical and comprehensive guide to researching, preparing and
writing a literature review, a major component of research projects. It is an
essential tool for postgraduate students. This is an accessible text, offering
advice on how to: search out existing knowledge on a topic; analyse
arguments and ideas; map ideas, arguments and perspectives; produce a
literature review; construct a case for investigating a topic.
Huff, A. (1999) Writing for Scholarly Publication, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

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Being a Student Researcher and Managing Your Project

Howard, K. and Sharp, J.A. (1996) The Management of a Student Research
Project, 2nd ed. Gower, Aldershot.

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Appendix 1 - grade criteria: level 7

An
outstanding
Distinction
A very
strong
Distinction

A+

Work of distinguished quality which is evidenced by an authoritative

comprehensive, detailed and systematic knowledge base and
understanding for specialised area of study. A key feature will be the
ability to work with creativity and originality using knowledge and
insights at the forefront of the area of study. There will be a confident
grasp of disciplinary methodologies for the discipline/area of study which
will be consistently reflected in both own research and advanced
scholarship, effectively integrating advanced skills of analysis, synthesis,
evaluation and application on a firm foundation of critical facility. Work
will be characterised by strong technical expertise to high professional
standards, and there will be sustained evidence of confident,
autonomous operation and judgment in complex and unpredictable
professional situations both in relation to working with others and in
relation to own functioning. Self-direction, creativity, practical
understanding will be combined to demonstrate the qualities expected of
an effective self critical independent learner exercising excellent
measured judgment, and will be a consistent feature of work.

A clear
Distinction

A-

Work of very good quality which displays most but not all of the criteria
for the grade above.

An
outstanding
merit
A very
strong Merit

B+

A Merit

B-

Work of highly commendable quality which clearly fulfils the criteria for
the grade below, but shows a greater degree of capability in relevant
advanced intellectual or specialised skills.
Work of commendable quality demonstrating a detailed and systematic
knowledge base and understanding in specialised areas, informed by
critical awareness of current issues, research based/theoretical insights
at the forefront of the area of study. This will be supplemented by a
good comprehensive understanding of disciplinary methodologies
relevant to own research or advanced scholarship, which will be reflected
in work which integrates skills of advanced analysis, synthesis,
evaluation and application with critical awareness. There will be some
evidence of originality in application of skills/knowledge, underpinned by
good technical expertise which permits confident, autonomous operation
in a range of complex and unpredictable professional situations. The
ability to work autonomously, as a self critical independent learner
exercising good and considered judgment, will be a consistent feature of
work.
Work of good quality which contains most, but not all of the
characteristics of the grade above.

Work which fulfils all the criteria of the grade below, but at an
exceptional standard

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An
Outstanding
Pass

C+

Work which clearly fulfils the criteria for the grade below, but shows a
greater degree of capability in relevant advanced intellectual or
specialised skills.

A Very
Good Pass

Work of capable quality which clearly demonstrates a systematic

understanding of knowledge in specialised areas and a critical awareness
of current issues, research based/theoretical knowledge at the forefront
of the area of study, together with a sound understanding of
methodologies applicable to own research or advanced scholarship.
There may be limitations to the application of this knowledge and/or
conceptual understanding of advanced scholarship, but there will be
evidence of critical awareness in relation to analysis, synthesis,
evaluation and application. The ability to exercise initiative as an
independent and self critical learner in complex and unpredictable
professional contexts will be demonstrated, as will threshold levels of
technical expertise, although the scope of expertise may be limited.

A Pass

C-

Work of satisfactory quality which contains most, but not all of the
characteristics of the grade above.

Fail

F+

Work which indicates some evidence of a systematic, coherent and

analytical engagement with key aspects of the field of study, including
familiarity with current scholarship, and evidence of ability to utilise
specialised skills, but which also contains significant limitations.

Work that falls well short of the threshold standards in relation to

one or more of knowledge, intellectual, subject based or key skills at this
level.

F-

Work of poor quality which is based on only minimal understanding,

application or effort. It will offer only very limited evidence of familiarity
with knowledge or skills appropriate to the field of study at this level.

Nil submission

Guidelines are drawn using the following as reference points:

The Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland (QAA, 2001)

Credit and HE Qualifications: Credit guidelines for HE qualifications in England, Wales

and Northern Ireland (CQFW, NICATS, NUCCAT, SEEC, 2001)

SEEC Credit Level Descriptors 2001

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Appendix 2- Research Proposal Submission Sheet:

Course Title: __________________________________________ Year/Stage:
__________________________
Module Title: STRM028 Research Proposal
Student Name ______________________________________Student Number:
__________________________
Module Tutor: __________________________

Date submitted:

__________________________
Student Declaration:
This is to certify that the attached work is my own. All external references and
sources are clearly acknowledged and identified within the contents. I am aware
of the University regulations concerning plagiarism and collusion.
Note: In case of group work, all group members must sign the above
declaration.
Student Signature(s) __________________________________________
Date: ________________________

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