Run by Bangor Business School

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Prof Louise Hassan

The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge of the field that they wish to base their dissertation on by engaging in reading and reviewing high level research work on the topic. Students will develop critical reading and writing skills as well as independent learning and time management skills. Students are advised to submit their book review to a suitable journal outlet. Thus students will gain an understanding of the publication process as well as the development of skills regarding preparing articles for publication.

The book chosen will vary from student to student but a general overview of the module is as follows:

Lecture - Introduction to the module and module requirements

Meeting 1 – introducing the book and why it’s the one

Group workshop – Reflecting on the process of reading

Meeting 2 – beginning writing the review and challenges faced

Meeting 3 – reflecting on knowledge gained and skills learned through the process

Group workshop – articulating where we are in business and management research

Lecture – Preparing a book review for submission to a journal

good

Average Standard (60-64%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

High Standard (65-69%): Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

excellent

Excellent standard (70%+): An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

threshold

Satisfactory standard (50-59%): No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work’s objectives.

1. Critically reflect on, analyse, and articulate the state of knowledge within a research field.

2. Identify and evaluate the significance of research gaps within the field.

3. Develop an understanding of the methods adopted in the field to generate new knowledge and evaluate the role of methods in shaping knowledge in the field.

4. Develop an understanding of the publication process.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
REPORT	Book Review	A 1,000 word book review that would meet the expectations of a leading journal in the field.	50.00
ESSAY	Written assignment	A 1,000 word essay critiquing knowledge gaps in the field that have been identified through reading the assigned book and evaluating how the research methods dominant in the field (as evidenced through the text) influence how knowledge is generated.	50.00

		Hours
Private study	Reading time, preparing and taking assessments.	89
Tutorial	Students will have three (1-hour) meetings with their supervisor to discuss the book and any problems they encounter in conducting their review.	3
Lecture	This module develops independent learning skills and time management skills by requiring students to read a book and review it. Students will have an initial two hour session to introduce them to the module and its requirements as well as a session on writing a book review for publication.	4
Workshop	Students will have two (2-hour) workshops with other students on the module to discuss and reflect on the experience at the midway point and at the end of the module. Students will be able to select a book from those suggested by supervisors.	4

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making.
• Articulating and effectively explaining information.
• Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media.
• Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
• Self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time.
• Self reflection: self-analysis and an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development.

Compulsory in courses:

• N1BR: PG Cert Research Methodology year 1 (CERT/RM)
• N1BP: MSc Research Methodology year 1 (MSC/RM)