Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Research Project (Business and Humanities)
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 2 Semesters
Credits:: 60
Module Owner:: Brian Boyd
Departments: Business and Humanities
Module Description: The primary aim of this module is to develop the learner’s knowledge and understanding of their particular domain by conducting a substantial research project. In this module, the learner must implement appropriate research techniques to address/solve their chosen research problem. The findings of the research work will be disseminated through a detailed dissertation, and an oral presentation
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Initiate, plan and conduct a research project, within the cognate research field, using directed self-learning.
MLO2 Demonstrate a developed set of practical skills in the use of specialist tools and techniques together with a solid conceptual and practical understanding of appropriate research methodologies.
MLO3 Choose analytical, critical and creative approaches to problem identification and associated solutions.
MLO4 Evaluate research in a consistent and methodological manner at an abstract level and to argue rationally and draw independent conclusions based on a rigorous, analytical and critical approach to information.
MLO5 Synthesise and construct well-structured project documentation, written in clear and concise language, which communicates the findings of the research effectively.
MLO6 Implement excellent professional practice in all documentation produced, including referencing, plagiarism avoidance and project planning.
MLO7 Defend the research question, methods employed, the key conclusions of the research work and discuss further potential developments in a Viva Voce style examination of the project work.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Project Identification and Selection
A suitable project in the cognate discipline, selected with the guidance of a supervisor.
Literature Review
Building on the learner's initial work within the Research Methods module, the learner is required to conduct a detailed literature review of the chosen field . This review must be properly referenced, as per the Institute’s referencing guidelines, and form a significant part of the final project report.
Ethics in Research
Learners will critique the ethical issues associated with their chosen discipline. They will display an awareness of the appropriate codes of conduct relating to anonymity, privacy, security, ownership, consent and governance, as it relates to their chosen field.
Developing and Refining the Research Questions
Based on the findings of their literature review, the learner will continue to formalise their research question. The learner will then construct the aim of the research project and the required objectives to complete the body of research.
Refining their Methodology
Building on the learner's initial work within the Research Methods module, learners will develop a detailed project plan to conduct research in the chosen domain of research by implementing cognate approaches to complete the project.
Conducting the Research Project
Conduct the required activities to complete the research project. For example, design a set of experiments, undertake them and analyse the results to evaluate the effectiveness of the work undertaken in the project
Documentation of the Project Outcomes
Production of a bound thesis conforming to DkIT derived standards, normally of 30,000 words (including bibliography but excluding appendices) Defend the outcomes of the project by means of a Viva Voce type examination where suitably experienced members of staff are nominated as examiners, as per DkIT's Policies and Procedures. A typical examination will consist of a presentation of approximately 15/20 minutes followed by a detailed question and answers session of approximately 30 minutes.
Project Assessment
The project will be assessed on its quality of enquiry, analysis, interpretation, insight and exposition, as well as the contribution it makes to the field of study and the learner's own academic and professional development. An essential ingredient will be the learner's ability to master a technical body of knowledge and apply it to a given problem domain. The ability to think and reason, at a conceptual level, with the research material at issue is crucial. The design, layout, quality of expression, structure and coherence of all documentation will be taken into account when grading the finished work. The ability of the learner to present and defend the material is also of significant importance.
Formal Meetings with Supervisory Team
Meet regularly with supervisory team members and keep detailed records of all meetings.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
In order to undertake this module students must have successfully completed the Research Methods module.

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 10 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Interim report and presentation
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 0
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 8 Learning Outcome 1,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Ethics Application
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Major Dissertation/Thesis and Viva
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 3,4,5,6,7
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Research Paper for Journal/Conference

This will be submitted for grading, as part of coursework. It is not a requirement that it be formally submitted to either a journal, or a conference.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End of Year Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Major Dissertation/Thesis
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 0
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 8 Learning Outcome 1,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Ethics Application
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 10 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Interim report and presentation
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Research Paper for Journal/Conference

This will be submitted for grading, as part of coursework. It is not a requirement that it be formally submitted to either a journal, or a conference.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer Supervised Learning (non-contact) Non Contact Review learner progress and facilitate research Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact Project development and independent learning Every Week 5.00 5
Independent Study Non Contact Project development and independent learning Every Week 25.00 25
Total Weekly Learner Workload 31.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer Supervised Learning (non-contact) Non Contact Review learner progress and facilitate research Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact Project development and independent learning Every Week 5.00 5
Independent Study Non Contact Project development and independent learning Every Week 25.00 25
Total Weekly Learner Workload 31.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Tony Greenfield, Sue Greener. (2016), Research Methods for Postgraduates, 3rd. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9781118341469].
  • Murray, Rowena. (2017), How to write a Thesis, 4th edition. Open University Press.
  • Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, William T. Fitzgerald. (2016), The Craft of Research, 4th. University of Chicago Press, [ISBN: 978-022623973].
  • Dawson, Catherine. (2019), Introduction to Research Methods: A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project, 5th edition. Robinson, London.
  • Oliver, Paul. (2008), Writing your thesis, 2nd. Sage, London.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Poynter, James M.. (1993), How to research and write a thesis in hospitality and tourism: a step-by-step guide for college students, Wiley, Chichester.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Books and papers as recommended by the project supervisor and as revealed by the student's own literature search..
This module does not have any other resources