This module was created to provide learners with the latest concepts, knowledge, skills and ability to undertake conceptual and empirical research in the field of project management taking into account the ethical and social implications involved in the research. This module provides the learner with the latest research approaches knowledge and skills set necessary to conduct conceptual and empirical research within the Project Management environment. On completing the module learners' will have the ability to undertake desktop research to critically analyse projects through literature review and undertake action based research on live projects within business and industry. As well as developing the learners research skills they will be in a position to deliver benefits to the business or industry concerned by conducting research into important issues and phenomena that arise on projects.

Formulating and classifying research topics; generating and refining research ideas; ideas into projects; writing the research proposal; planning and conducting the literature search; evaluating and recording the literature; identifying various research approaches; selecting the correct research strategy; negotiating access; multi-method approaches; conducting ethical research; accessing data; ethical guidelines; submitting ethics documentation; generating sample data; probability and non-probability sampling; qualitative and quantitative research methods; gathering analysing and synthesising primary and secondary data; managing bias; Using observation as a means of gathering primary data; participant observation; researcher roles; gathering and analysing observation data; design of questionnaires; administration of questionnaires; conducting interviews; conducting surveys; writing up the research; structuring a project report; organising report content; developing an appropriate writing style; editing and revising.

Describe how to formulate research topics and hypotheses turning ideas into research projects Develop research strategies that can be used to responsibly conduct in-company and desktop project management research activity Compare theoretical arguments and concepts and critique various project management research streams Develop research methodologies designed to conduct empirical data research on live projects. Sample, categorise and analyse large volumes of primary and secondary data in line with research objectives Evaluate and test various methods used to conduct primary data research Evaluate literature in terms of its importance and contribution. Demonstrate the ability to properly structure and effectively write research papers.

Acknowledge and embrace ethical standards and guidelines to conduct research responsibly Synthesise theoretical arguments to achieve stated research objectives.

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Learners will attend a series of lectures and tutorial workshops throughout the Semester designed to equip the learner with the essential skills set to professionally manage research in companies as well as conducting desktop research in the project management arena. Students will be required to design and develop research proposals in the area of project management as part of their assignment work in the Semester. Students will benefit as they will be fully equipped and prepared for conducting active research within companies and conducting desktop research that forms part of their research activity in the summer semester. Students will be proficient in using contemporary approaches in conducting research activity to ensure they are responsible in undertaking research activity and that they conduct the research in line with established ethical guidelines and standards.