Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	MT569
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Mary Loonam Semester 2: Mary Loonam Autumn: Mary Loonam
Module Teacher	Mary Loonam
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module gives participants an understanding of the processes in undertaking social science research. The focus of the module will be research in emergency management. The module will begin with an introduction to the research process, and will develop into an exploration of social research and social research methods. Each stage of the research process will be examined: research design, ethcis, literature review, research methodologiesand data gathering techniques, data analysis, drawing conclusions, making recommendations. By the end of the module participants will have a thorough grasp of the principles and practicalities of social science research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the range of social research methods, techniques and skills
2. Discuss how social research methods, techniques and skills can be used to address particular researchquestions
3. Forumulate a research proposal and develop that into a feasible programme of research
4. Recognise and appraise ethical issues that may arise while carrying out research
5. Consider a variety of methodological options and apply the mose appropriate technique to the proposedresearch topic
6. Propose an appropriate analytical framework

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Block Release
Independent learning	21	Self Study
Library	20	Library Study
Group work	20	Preparation for Group Presentation
Assignment	40	Preparation for Individual Assignment
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

Introduction.
IntroductionThe research process - ethics in social research, research in operations and technology..

Designing a Research Project.
creating a conceptual framework, the research statement/ question/ hypothesis, research aim and objectives, methodology and method rationale..

Developing a Theoretical Framework.
Writing a literature review Research Methodology, quantitative qualitative and mixed methods approaches - designing an appropriate methodological framework.

Data Analysis.
Developing analytical frameworks, describing and interpreting data, the role of theory in data analysis.

Conclusions & Recommendations.
Coming to conclusions, making recommendations.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Presentation	Research Proposal	20%	Sem 2 End
Report (s) (written / oral)	Research Proposal assignment	80%	Sem 2 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

Saunders, M; Lewis, P; Thornhill, A.: 2009, Research Methods for Business Students, 5th, Prentice Hall,
Fisher, C.: 2007, Research and Writing a Dissertation, 2nd, Prentice Hall,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

MSEM

MSc in Emergency Management

PBSSA

PG Exchange(Business School)

PBSSAO

PG Study Abroad(Business School)

Timetable this semester: Timetable for MT569

Date of Last Revision