Module Code - Title:
MG8022
-
DESIGNING SCHOLARLY PRACTICE RESEARCH
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Research design refers to the overall strategy chosen to integrate the different components of the study in a logical and coherent way, thereby ensuring the research question will be addressed as effectively as possible. It constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, analysis, communication and dissemination of data. Its purpose is to ensure that the evidence obtained enables you to effectively address your research problem as unambiguously as possible.
Therefore, particular attention is paid in this module to the decision making process underpinning effective and responsible research and the alignment between a specific problem of practice and a related set of research activities that link the research purpose with its intended outcomes (Huff, 2009), including, but not limited to the research context, the emerging conceptual framework, literature review, discipline/profession subfield and issues related to policy/practice.
Syllabus:
Topics to be covered include the purpose of research design; design as a mechanistic and organic process; stakeholder analysis; initiating the research project; design decisions to formalise the design linking purpose, outcomes and research activities; considering contribution and impact; ethical, quality and rigour considerations specific to the research project; issues and challenges in researching your own organisation, including pre-understanding, role plurality and negotiating access and politics. In-depth consideration will also be given to the research strategy and design elements of the Dissertation in Practice proposal.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Evaluate issues of rigour, evidence and ethics and incorporate those into an appropriate research design.
Critically evaluate their positioning in the research process, including pre-understanding, role plurality and negotiating politics and access.
Articulate expected benefits to be gained from engaging in the stated research process.
Conduct a small pilot study testing the intended research strategy and feeding into the final strategy to be included as part of the research proposal.
Produce a systematic plan of action, in communication with key stakeholders, which outlines how the research strategy and design will be executed.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Value the contribution of the scholar-practitioner in shaping research design and contribution.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered using active enquiry methods including self-reflection, peer to peer discussion, critical debate, case studies and collaborative enquiry. It will also include the use of teamwork activities and presentations, all designed to realise a highly interactive and engaging learning experience.
With regard to graduate attributes, the engagement with specifically tailoring research to the focal problem will ensure graduates are agile in their ability to consider the most appropriate design in any particular context. Responsibility is developed through engagement with rigour and ethical aspects of designing research. Curiosity is developed through considering alternative pathways and strategies through the research process and continuing to augment the disposition of inquiry.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Costley, C., & Fulton, J. (2019)
Methodologies for practice research.
, SAGE
Edmonds, W. A. & Kennedy, T. D. (2017)
An applied guide to research designs: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods.
, SAGE
Flyvbjerg, B. (2001)
Making Social Science Matter: Why Social Inquiry Fails and How It Can Succeed Again.
, Cambridge University Press
Burkholder, G., Cox, K.A., Crawford, L.M. & Hitchcock, J.H. (2020)
Research Design and Methods. An Applied Guide for the Scholar-Practitioner.
, SAGE
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
PHBUADTPA - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Catriona.Burke@ul.ie