ACM004-Research Methods for Accounting and Finance

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Gunnar Rimmel
Email: g.rimmel@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to support students to acquire knowledge and skills in carrying out research in accounting and financial management. It covers the process of research from the formulation of a research proposal to dissemination of results. It guides students in the preparation and planning of research projects through the knowledge, skills and awareness of elements required in approaching research, including: literature review, research paradigms, methods and techniques, research design, writing a research proposal, project planning and management, ethical issues, and writing research reports.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students:

• to understand and appreciate the different methods of scientific investigation and data analysis, to include the use of qualitative and quantitative methods.

• to enable the student to interpret and critically appraise research findings with respect to design and data analysis

• to enable the student to assess the various approaches critically and to adopt appropriate methods and skills for the design and management of research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Development of a research design through an exploration of research methods, data collection and analysis, ethical and professional issues.

At the end of the module the student should demonstrate:

• a critical and practical understanding of the methods employed in research.

• an ability to apply different approaches to the collection of data or information.

• an understanding of qualitative and quantitative analysis of material.

• an awareness of ethical and access issues related to industrial collaboration both in terms of data collection and utilisation of data.

• an ability to compare and critically evaluate research material from the literature.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Introduction to research;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Conducting a literature review;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Research philosophy and paradigms;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Overview of research methods, quantitative and qualitative research;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Data collection strategies and issues;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌý ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Elements of a research proposal;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Research management;

•ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Ethical and professional issues in research .

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed, but will focus largely on lectures, group work and independent supported learning.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written report 100%

Assessment will be a written piece on research design on a particular topic.

Word limit for the reports is 3,000 words +/- 10%

Submission spring term, week 29.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on the selected research topic will be provided through tutorial sessions.

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:

Students will be required to obtain a mark of 50% overall based on the coursework.

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will re-submit the failed component of the assessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

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Last updated: 14 May 2021