MDD2RCI1-Completing your Research - Contribution and Impact

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: MDD2IAR2 Introduction to Academic Research and MDD2RDM2 Introduction to Research Design and Methodology and MDD2QLA2 Introduction to Qualitative Techniques and MDD2QTA2 Introduction to Quantitative Techniques
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Jane Mckenzie
Email: jane.mckenzie@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines the process of finalising your doctoral research, demonstrating and communicating its contribution to both a domain of academic interest and to practice, and preparing for the viva. It considers what is involved in writing an impact statement. 

Aims:

The module aims to:

 

• Enhance the necessary critical thinking and synthesis skills to communicate doctoral research in both written and oral format


• Offer guidance on what constitutes a contribution to knowledge that would be judged as worthy of a doctorate, and how to communicate that effectively


• Explore the structure of different types of thesis and they styles of written work in different research traditions, and judge how each part of the thesis supports the contribution to knowledge


• Show the important elements which are included in a convincing discussion chapter


• Judge the differential impact of alternative strategies for communicating research to academic and practitioner audiences


• Explain the purpose, value and potential format of an impact statement.

Assessable learning outcomes:

This module is assessed by a written critique of a relevant thesis and an outline statement of contribution and impact which will be presented as part of the Confirmation of Registration requirements for the DBA:

 

By the end of the module it is expected that programme members will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

• Critique the coherence of a complete piece of doctoral research in their domain of interest


• Assess the balance of reporting and critique and the extent to which it advances knowledge effectively


• Review the adequacy, trustworthiness and creativity of the research methodology in the light of the literature and research question


• Discuss the strengths and limitations of the research relative to existing theory(ies) in their domain of interest


• Evaluate the suitability and delivery of the overall structure of the written work and the communication of the findings


• Explain succinctly and convincingly how their research will contribute to theory and practice.

Additional outcomes:

The process of completing the required written work should demonstrate the skills of synthesis and effective academic written communication.

Outline content:

The module teaching is structured around two (two-day) workshops held in Year 2/3.

Key topics include:

• Genres of written communication


• Analytic and Synthetic thinking skills


• Key elements that demonstrate the research contribution


• The nature and value of impact statements


• The structure and style of the two alternative types of thesis (monograph or three paper)


• Writing compelling arguments


• What examiners will be looking for, when reviewing your thesis


• Planning the writing process and developing summary statements of content


• Preparing for the oral examination process (viva voce).

Global context:

The workshop will be presented in hybrid format to allow for programme members studying at a distance.  However, they are encouraged to attend in person and extend their stay in order to devote concentrated time to writing-up their work and meeting with supervisors.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will involve a combination of lectures, group seminars, practical experiential learning and individual activities in the form of guided self-study. Pre-workshop briefings will give guidance as to the preparatory readings and exercises required to get the best from the teaching.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Seminars		15
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		20
Peer assisted learning		10
Advance preparation for classes		5
Preparation of practical report		5
Essay preparation		30
Reflection		5
Total hours by term	0	125	0
Total hours for module	125

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method

Percentage

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Report on contribution and impact

A requirement for the Confirmation of Registration

Written assignment, including essay

A requirement for the Confirmation of Registration

 

Thesis Critique A written critique of relevant thesis chosen by the programme member in conjunction with their supervisors. The essay should be no more than 4500 words submitted as part of the Confirmation of Registration process which takes place between Month 24 and 36 of the programme

 

Contribution and Impact Outline A draft report of around 4 pages outlining the expected contribution to academic knowledge, methodology and practice from the research design and its potential for impact, submitted as part of the Confirmation of Registration process which takes place between Month 24 and 36 of the programme.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Both the Thesis Critique and the Contribution and Impact Outline will be assessed as Pass (100) or Revise (0) 

Reassessment arrangements:

Revisions of this element of the Confirmation of Registration must be re-submitted within three months of the Confirmation of Registration. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Travel, accommodation, and subsistence

Travel to, and attendance at a workshop (may require accommodation/subsistence)

Last updated: 30 March 2023