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Study information

Management Research Report

Module titleManagement Research Report
Module codeBEMM057
Academic year2021/2
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Graham Perkins (Lecturer)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

5

Module description

If you decide not to enrol on our full MSC HRM programme, instead choosing the PgDip route towards achieving chartered membership of the CIPD, you will need to write a Management Research Report following your investigation of a business issue from an HR perspective.  Your Management Research Report will be approximately 7000 words long.  Aside from setting out your research findings, your management research report will also include a short reflective account setting out what you have learned from carrying out your investigation and how you intend to take this learning forward in the future.

Please be aware that any form of primary data collection requires ethical approval from the University.  Mark penalties may be applied in the event that primary research is conducted without appropriate ethical approval.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to help you to develop research skills, while also providing you with an opportunity to further your expertise in a chosen area of study.  You will also improve your competence in report writing and justifying your conclusions.   

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes contained in the CIPD's advanced diploma syllabus for Investigating a Business Issue from a Human Resources Perspective
  • 2. Identify a relevant area of research within the HRM field, demonstrating the ability to justify your selection both academically and managerially
  • 3. devise and undertake an original piece of research, writing it up and justifying your conclusions.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. extend your knowledge and understanding of a significant contemporary topic in HRM.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. produce a written report for a management audience;
  • 6. differentiate between methodological techniques, selecting appropriate methods to investigate your chosen issue.

Syllabus plan

You will embark on your Management Research Report towards the end of your programme, working with a supervisor as you undertake your research, analyse it, write it up and justify your conclusions.

During the briefing sessions we will explain what is involved, providing examples of successfully completed past projects to assist you in developing your research plan.  After that you will work independently under the guidance of your supervisor as you develop your research questions, undertake a literature review, decide on your chosen methodology, carry out your research and write it up. 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
101400

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity10Briefing sessions and meetings with your supervisor: Participating at the initial briefing session. Thereafter meeting regularly with your supervisor to discuss your progress.
Guided Independent Study140Researching and writing up your report

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Supervisor feedback on draft chapters 1-6Written and verbal feedback from your supervisor

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Management Research Report1007000 words1-6Written Feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Management Research Report (100%)Management Research Report (7,000 words, 100%)1-6Following reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic Reading:

Anderson, V. (2019) Research Methods in Human Resource Management, Fourth Edition. London: CIPD

Bryman, A., Bell, E. & Harley, B. (2018) Business Research Methods. Fifth Edition.  Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bell, J. & Waters (2018) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers. Seventh Edition. Open University Press

Cameron, S. and Price, D. (2009) Business Research Methods. A Practical Approach, London: CIPD.

Horn, R. (2012) Researching and Writing Dissertations: A Complete Guide for Business and Management Students. Second Edition. London: CIPD.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2018) Research Methods for Business Students.  Eighth Edition.  Pearson.

Weyers, J. & McMillan, K. (2011) How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports, Second Edition, Prentice Hall.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

You will have access to an online searchable and resources database, with links to several eBooks, and our bespoke “Dissertation Support Materials” available through the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).  Within this environment, you will also be supported through online discussion forums and activities.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

As an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development you will also have access to the entirety of the Institute's website, including all published research reports, archived articles from 'People Management', fact sheets, discussion papers and briefings.

Key words search

Human Resource Management, Management Report

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

17/07/2014

Last revision date

28/01/2021