This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module introduces students to the nature of research and the business consultancy processes involved in carrying out research and consultancy in an area of management, technology and enterprise. The module prepares students for their respective independent research work in an organisational or industry context; and for undertaking management interventions in the workplace.
Indicative topics may include:
• Research approaches, Philosophy of thinking and claims; and key methodologies of research.
• Research and consultancy project designs and methodologies (case study, survey, etc):
• Formulating research & consultancy aim(s) and objectives;
• Nature of consultancy and consultancy approaches/interventions;
• Data collection and analysis
• Role of management consultancy;
• Research reports and proposal writing, research ethics and project planning.
• The management consulting process;
• Control and communication in management consultancy
• Strategy problem solving skills;
• Ethical management consultancy
Total contact hours: 23
Private study hours: 127
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Group report – 1500 words (20%)
Individual Research Report or Research Proposal (4000 words) (80%)
Reassessment method:
100% coursework.
Phillips, P. A. Subramanian, K V and Newman, V. (2019). Management Consultancy Through an Academic and Practitioner Perspective. Chennai, India: Notion Press.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A (2015). Research Methods for Business Students. 7th ed. London: Financial Times Prentice Hall
Wickham, L. and Wilcock, J., (2016). Management Consulting 5th edn: Delivering an Effective Project. Pearson Higher Ed.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- apply research methods knowledge and skills with originality in situations of a professional nature;
- search for, retrieve, select and critically evaluate information - especially published literature in books, journals and web resources - to support research and consultancy objectives;
- critically evaluate various research approaches, methods and techniques for their chosen topic of further study/research, or to assist in organisational problem solving via a consultancy intervention;
- discuss the ethical and practical issues and implications of undertaking research and or consultancy based applied projects;
- develop a research proposal within a team environment and in a scholarly style appropriate to dissertations and projects at undergraduate level; or to develop a tender specification for a client
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- analyse problems/questions and take steps needed to find solutions/answers;
- plan and organise their time and activities effectively to deliver outputs;
- acquire and utilise data, tools, techniques and resources required for producing outputs effectively for meeting goals and objectives;
- demonstrate effective performance within a team environment and the ability to recognise and utilise others' contributions in a group process
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