Thesis Proposal and Presentation
| Module title | Thesis Proposal and Presentation |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEMD002 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 45 |
| Module staff |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
The Research Proposal is a key milestone in your DBA journey. Its preparation, presentation and assessment give assurance that you can proceed to the second stage of the DBA programme where you will work on your research under academic supervision. In this module you will receive guidance on how to structure your proposal and how to present it to the academic committee that will assess your readiness to proceed. Building the proposal will call on the skills acquired from this stage of the programme. This module is recommended as the final module of your DBA taught module content.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is aimed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the milestone of the Research Proposal in their DBA journey. Within this module you will gain an understanding of the significance of the Research Proposal as the gateway to the second stage of the programme. Through a series of learning opportunities, they will develop the expertise to prepare, structure, and present a comprehensive Research Proposal.
The module you will provide you with guidance on effective presentation techniques tailored for assessment by the academic committee. The module fosters the demonstration of readiness to progress to the next stage of the DBA programme through the quality and depth of the proposal. Practical application of acquired skills from previous stages will enable you to construct a robust and coherent research plan.
The module aims to instil confidence in your ability to undertake advanced research under academic supervision. Through evaluating potential research areas and formulating clear objectives, students will enhance critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, you will hone communication skills essential for articulating research ideas and methodologies effectively.
Ultimately, this module provides a comprehensive platform for continuation of the DBA programme based on the process and outcomes of their Research Proposal development. It offers a rich learning experience encompassing knowledge acquisition, skill development, critical thinking enhancement, and practical application, all tailored towards successful progression in their DBA journey.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply understanding of thesis structure to produce a high-quality Research Proposal that showcases readiness for the next stage of the DBA programme
- 2. Integrate the different components of a research project; literature, theoretical framework, research questions, methods, and ethical considerations.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Apply critical thinking skills to assess research viability and potential contributions to the field.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Communicate complex research concepts in a clear and concise manner.
- 5. Develop flexibility of thinking and approach that allows the integration of assessment of feedback from academic colleagues.
Syllabus plan
The academic content of the module includes but is not limited to:
- The significance of the research proposal
- Preparing and structuring the proposal
- Presenting the research proposal effectively
- Evaluating research areas and formulating objectives
- Showcasing critical thinking and analytical skills
- Reflection and decision-making for DBA continuation
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 445 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 5 | Online delivery including small group and 1:1 meetings |
| Guided Independent Study | 445 | Guided independent study through online learning activities |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module discussions | Varied | 1-5 | Written and verbal through module tutor and peers |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 0 | 40 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 60 | 400 words | 1-5 | Written |
| Presentation | 40 | 20-minute presentation followed by an academic discussion (2,000 words equivalent) | 1-5 | and verbal through module tutor and academic staff. |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | Research Proposal | 1-5 | Referral/deferral period |
| Presentation | Presentation | 1-5 | Referral/deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Alvesson, M., & Sköldberg, K. (2017). Reflexive methodology: New vistas for qualitative research. Sage.
- Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2022). Business research methods. Oxford university press.
- Clews, S. (2023). The New Academic: A Researcher's Guide to Writing and Presenting Content in a Modern World. Sourcebooks, Inc..
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications
- Easterby-Smith, M., Jaspersen, L. J., Thorpe, R., & Valizade, D. (2021). Management and business research. Sage.
- Locke, L. F., Silverman, S. J., & Spirduso, W. W. (2019). Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. Sage Publications
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students. Pearson.
| Credit value | 45 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 22.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 8 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 23/05/2024 |
| Last revision date | 18/02/2025 |