ICM176-Research Skills and Methods for Practitioners

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: ivan.sangiorgi@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with an understanding of key concepts in academic research and writing, includingÌýresearch design, conducting a literature review, reading academic sources, basic quantitative and qualitative methods, and presenting research both in writing and orally.

This module is for students studying the MSc in Regulation and Compliance (Degree Apprenticeship) only.

Aims:

This module seeks toÌýdevelop students’ independent research skillsÌý– both through taught sessions andÌýguidanceÌýtoÌýintroduceÌýkey elements of good academicÌýresearch practiceÌýbut alsoÌýin practice as students willÌýchooseÌýtheir ownÌýresearch topic andÌýconduct aÌýcriticalÌýliterature review.ÌýThis willÌýform the basis for individual research projects that students will undertake in the following module (ICM307)Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:Ìý

1. 
   

   Identify a research questionÌý

   
   

2. 
   

   Build a bibliography ofÌýrelevantÌýsecondary worksÌý

   
   

3. 
   

   Conduct a critical review of this literatureÌý

   
   

4. 
   

   FindÌýrelevant pr imary source material and to understand the difficulties posed by different sourcesÌý

   
   

5. 
   

   Demonstrate a critical understanding ofÌýdifferentÌýresearch methodologies and techniquesÌýthat could be usedÌý

   
   

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop their ability to work independently on a topic of their own choiceÌýand confidence in presenting their research ideas to an audience.Ìý

Outline content:

TheÌýmoduleÌýwill prepare students to undertake independent research.ÌýKey concepts will be covered inÌýfour full-day sessions,Ìýincluding lectures and seminar-based learning. In addition to assigned and independent reading on the general skills covered in the modules, the student will be expected to undertake substantial independent studyÌýto identify a research topic.ÌýThe expectation is that this will form the basis for theirÌýindividualÌýresearch projec t inÌýthe following module (ICM307).ÌýThere will be the opportunity forÌýanÌýindividual discussion session with an assigned academic to discuss and advise on the student’s independent study. The student will present a short paper on theirÌýpotential research topic, discuss each other’s work and respond to questions from an academic discussant and the audience.ÌýThey will also write a critical literature review on their chosen topic.Ìý

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1. 
   

   Research design and literature reviewÌý

   
   

2. 
   

   Qualitative research methodsÌý

   
   

3. 
   

   Quantitative research methodsÌý

   
   

4. 
   

   Presenting your researchÌý

   
   

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Taught content for this module will primarily be delivered through lectures and syndicated learning, which willÌýbe delivered in four full-day sessions eitherÌýat Henley Business SchoolÌýorÌýatÌýa central London location.ÌýRelevantÌýmaterials and learning will also be shared through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that is intended to facilitate and aidÌýthe students’Ìýlearning journey within the MSc Programme. Students will also be expected to conduct substantial guided independent learning using materials available via the university library.Ìý

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will give aÌýten minuteÌýpresentationÌýintroducing their chosen research topicÌýto their fellow students andÌýacademics. Presentations should include PowerPoint slides and/or a hand-out. Presentations will be assessed on their academic content but also clarity,ÌýfluencyÌýand responses to questions.ÌýÌý

Students will write a critical literature review on their chosen study (maximum 4,000 words) including an annotatedÌýbibliographyÌý

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formative feedback on their research ideas during the supervision session. They will alsoÌýdeliver practice presentations on the fourth teaching day andÌýreceive/provide peer review, as well asÌýgettingÌýfeedback from academics.Ìý

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% weighted average mark

Reassessment arrangements:

By resubmission of coursework only, as part of the overall examination arrangements for the MSc programme

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020