MDD2IAR2-Introduction to Academic Research

Module Provider: Henley Business School
Number of credits: 15 [7.5 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Marc Day
Email: marc.day@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the skills required in order to undertake doctoral-level research. It explores and facilitates questions of identity, growth and development, and through a process of self-awareness and reflection.  Requirement includes engagement in dialogue (intrapersonal and inter-personal) that informs personal and professional development during the programme of study.

Aims:

The module aims:

1. To introduce the framework of the DBA programme, including learning process, progression, assessment and support


2. To identify key personal, consultancy and research competences required to complete the programme


3. To establish effective group working to be the basis of collegial support and collaboration


4. To outline the purpose and requirements for critical analysis of research and writing a scoping literature review


5. To outline useful software applications for research


6. To allow for reflection about the student’s specific intellectual project, and subsequently to deepen its practical and theoretical basis.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Assessable outcomes: 

It is expected that programme members will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

• Identify an initial research problem and state it clearly using two methods (via verbal transmission and written submission)


• Provide evidence of identification of, and critical engagement with, sources of relevant academic literature which will demonstrate advancement of the topic from the initial projectsubmission prior to the commencement of registration


• Identify the potential contribution (both to theory and practice).
  
   

Scoping Literature Review - Intended learning outcomes:

Assessable outcomes: 

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

• Identify a specific topic, issue or research questions for investigation


• Draw clear boundaries around the chosen research project evidenced by clear justification for what is included in the scope


• Explain the steps taken to prepare and execute a literature review to form the content of the scoping paper, reflecting good practice for a critical review of academic literature


• Identify the main concepts, perspectives, theories and models relating to thetopic as well as the main questions that have been addressed to date, the major debates and issues and key shortcomings in current knowledge relating to the area


• Use criteria to exclude and include evidence in the literature scoping paper


• Adopt a critical approach to evaluate the literature and so demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the literature


• Demonstrate, from summarising literature, what knowledge claims (theoretical and practical) are the most important to address with their research project


• Write concisely, comprehensively and clearly, to a standard comparable to the preliminary draft of a literature review chapter in a thesis including adopting good practice in referencing

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the Research Outline Interview, it is expected that programme members will be able to:

• Confirm that a two-way conversation has taken place between the student and their supervisors


• Present a clear action plan for progressing the Doctoral study


• Give a clear written and verbal explanation of the intellectual development of the project to show progression from the initial project idea at DBA application stage (i.e. prior to joining the programme).


• Demonstrate coherence of argument for the intended project


• During the Research Outline Interview:

- Demonstrate appropriate balance and identity of “beginning”‚ “middle” and “end” (summary, development, conclusion), with good “sign posting”

- Demonstrate well managed time keeping

- Clearly identify key messages and effectively use supporting resources (such as PowerPoint slides).

- Maintain the interest of the audience, demonstrate effective presentation skills: e.g. use of pace, tone and energy, fluency and audibility of speech, body language, gesture and eye contact with the audience

- Respond to questions demonstrating effective listening and adequacy of response.

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

• Work autonomously, as well as collaboratively, managing their process of study, prioritising appropriately


• Provide detailed clarity about the intellectual project that the author is intending to undertake, and to evidence clear boundaries around the intended project

• Manage the research process to gather required information and data with minimum guidance


• Reflect on their own understanding and ability to communicate with others in the subject area.

Outline content:

The module teaching is structured around the two Introduction to Academic Research Workshops, which both involve a combination of lectures, group and individual activities. The first workshop will include meetings with a Mentor. In addition, programme members are expected to undertake guided self-study, including set readings and tutor-monitored learning journal entries.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Introductory 3-day workshop (mandatory), followed by meetings (in-person or online) with the allocated mentor to prepare for the Research Outline Interview


• “Crafting your Research” 3-day workshop (mandatory), followed by preparation and submission of Scoping Literature Review.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

• Scoping Literature Review - 5000-word assignment (+20% / -10%) (April in Spring term) which accounts for 100% of the total marks available for the module. A gateway assessment element is the Research Outline Interview (ROI) and a submission of 5-10 PowerPoint slides one week prior to the presentation date (December in Autumn term). The ROI would be marked with pass/revise only.

Programme members need to pass BOTH assessment elements to pass the module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• ROI: This module will be assessed as Pass (100) or Revise (0)


• Scoping Literature Review: A percentage mark is given (50-59% pass, 60-69% merit, >70% distinction).  A pass at threshold level equals a mark of 50% or above.

Formative assessment methods:

N/A

Penalties for late submission:

Up to 30 days late (with no extension requested) – 10-mark reduction and only one re-submission permitted

More than 30 days late (with no extension requested) – 0 mark applied and only one re-submission permitted

Assessment requirements for a pass:

• Research Outline Interview This module will be assessed as Pass (100) or Revise (0)


• Scoping Literature Review A percentage mark is given (50-59% pass, 60-69% merit, >70% distinction).  A pass at threshold level equals a mark of 50% or above.

Reassessment arrangements:

• Research Outline Interview: One re-submission is permitted


• Scoping Literature Review: One re-submission is permitted for failed assignments (capped at 50%)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 12 October 2023