Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Researching HRM
Module Code	HR557
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Margaret Heffernan
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The module aims to introduce students to the array of possibilities available to researchers when considering organisational research by providing an overview of research methods in the area of HRM and the social sciences. The module begins by examining the elements of a dissertation – from choosing a topic to the literature review and research proposal. It introduces the learner to epistemological and ontological issues of social science research and considers the theoretical and practical aspects of research design. Methods of data collection are identified. Examination and interpretation of data are explained.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the nature and purpose of research
2. Prepare a literature review
3. Identify the main stages in the research process
4. Examine the philosophical issues that underpin research
5. Choose and justify an appropriate research methodology
6. Recognise and appraise ethical issues that may arise while carrying out research

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Outline of research process, philosophy and qualitative and quantitative research
Tutorial	4	SPSS tutorials
Directed learning	12	Preparation for class discussion
Directed learning	5	Exercises
Independent learning time	15	Research
Independent learning time	30	Sourcing and reading research articles
Assignment	25	Research and write up research proposal
Assignment	10	Preparation for individual presentation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Learning activities.
The majority of classroom contact focuses on the planning and execution of academic research for a Masters dissertation/management research report. Each week exercises will be assigned during class which allows students to apply their learning to real examples and self evaluate their own performance..

The dissertation process.
What is research;The research proposal;Philosophical foundations of Organisational Research;Ethical perspectives on applied research;Qualitative and Quantiative Methods;Data analysis;Research writing and reporting.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Watson Box	15%	Week 8
Assignment	Research Proposal	85%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Bryman, A. and Bell, E.: 2007, Business Research Methods., Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Saunders, M, Thornhill, A, & Lewis, P.: 2007, Research Methods for Business Students., Prentice Hall,
Anderson,V: 2004, Research Methods in HRM, CIPD., London,
Collis, J. & Hussey, R.: 2009, Business Research, 3rd Ed, Palgrave,
Symon, G. and Cassell, C.: 2004, Qualitative methods and analysis in organizational research:a practical guide, Sage, London,
Creswell, John W.: 2003, Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 2nd Ed, Sage,
Brannick,T.: 2001, Doing action research: in your own organization., Sage Publications.,
Rogelberg, S.: 2002, Handbook of research methods in industrial and organizational psychology, Blackwell Publishers.,
Schwab,D.E.: 1999, Research methods for organizational studies, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.,