Research and Consultancy Methods - BUSN7570

Looking for a different module?

Module delivery information

This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.

Overview

This module introduces students to the nature of research and the business consultancy processes involved in carrying out research and consultancy in an area of management, technology and enterprise. The module prepares students for their respective independent research work in an organisational or industry context; and for undertaking management interventions in the workplace.
Indicative topics may include:
• Research approaches, Philosophy of thinking and claims; and key methodologies of research.
• Research and consultancy project designs and methodologies (case study, survey, etc):
• Formulating research & consultancy aim(s) and objectives;
• Nature of consultancy and consultancy approaches/interventions;
• Data collection and analysis
• Role of management consultancy;
• Research reports and proposal writing, research ethics and project planning.
• The management consulting process;
• Control and communication in management consultancy
• Strategy problem solving skills;
• Ethical management consultancy

Details

Contact hours

Total contact hours: 23
Private study hours: 127
Total study hours: 150

Method of assessment

Main assessment methods:
Group report – 1500 words (20%)
Individual Research Report or Research Proposal (4000 words) (80%)


Reassessment method:
100% coursework.

Indicative reading

Phillips, P. A. Subramanian, K V and Newman, V. (2019). Management Consultancy Through an Academic and Practitioner Perspective. Chennai, India: Notion Press.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A (2015). Research Methods for Business Students. 7th ed. London: Financial Times Prentice Hall

Wickham, L. and Wilcock, J., (2016). Management Consulting 5th edn: Delivering an Effective Project. Pearson Higher Ed.

See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)

Learning outcomes

The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- apply research methods knowledge and skills with originality in situations of a professional nature;
- search for, retrieve, select and critically evaluate information - especially published literature in books, journals and web resources - to support research and consultancy objectives;
- critically evaluate various research approaches, methods and techniques for their chosen topic of further study/research, or to assist in organisational problem solving via a consultancy intervention;
- discuss the ethical and practical issues and implications of undertaking research and or consultancy based applied projects;
- develop a research proposal within a team environment and in a scholarly style appropriate to dissertations and projects at undergraduate level; or to develop a tender specification for a client

The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- analyse problems/questions and take steps needed to find solutions/answers;
- plan and organise their time and activities effectively to deliver outputs;
- acquire and utilise data, tools, techniques and resources required for producing outputs effectively for meeting goals and objectives;
- demonstrate effective performance within a team environment and the ability to recognise and utilise others' contributions in a group process

Notes

  1. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  2. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
Back to top

University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.