Course Catalogue

Liverpool Business School

To develop an independent academically rigorous research project using primary and or secondary research methods. This module requires students to complete a comprehensive literature review, culminating in a critical analytical discussion drawing out further areas for exploration, potential new theoretical contributions to their chosen subject, and recommendations for future academic and professional practice research in their chosen areas. Student will also produce a robust and business centred cost benefit analysis of their research to demonstrate the ability to translate their findings, conclusions and recommendations to a practice base setting. Semester Two – Literature Review Based on the research proposal submitted for Business Research in People Management & Practice Part One, the first element of this module focuses on developing ability to produce a literature review that critically analyses key publications and other evidence to underpin the research questions. Semester Three – Professional Inquiry This module contains the components to enable a systematic approach to define, design and undertake a business research project in people management and practice. This module addresses the significance of capturing robust quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform meaningful insight to influence critical thinking. It focuses on analysing evidence through an ethical lens to improve decision- making and how measuring the impact of people practice is essential in creating value.

Outline Syllabus:Strategies for effective critical thinking Strategic decision-making in research Defining & Writing Effective Research Questions & Objectives Using analysis tools to diagnose organisational issues Academic Literature Research Writing a Critical Literature Review Academic Sources – Reliability and Credibility Academic Referencing Conducting professional business research in practice – theories and case study approach Research Design, Analysis & Interpretation Designing Data Collection Tools – Interviews, questionnaires etc Practical Approaches to Data Analysis – Qualitative Practical Approaches to Data Analysis – Quantitative SPPS & NVIVO Practical Sessions Effectively Presenting Your Research Findings Drawing Up and Presenting Conclusions Recommendations & Cost Benefit Analysis Impact Measurement & Assessment and Future Research Recommendations

Module Overview:
This module aims to strengthen your academic and professional reading and writing skills. Through supported workshops, you will develop an independent academically rigorous research project using primary and or secondary research methods. This module requires you evaluate a range of sources, including academic journal papers, textbooks, government and sector reports, research by professional bodies and other material to compile your professional inquiry. You will produce a robust and business centred cost benefit analysis of your research to demonstrate the ability to translate your findings, conclusions, and recommendations to a practice base setting.

Additional Information:You will plan a business research project including examination of themes that would add value to the organisation. Critical evaluation of key publications and terms of reference will be undertaken, and a range of questions established to support the project focus and developed outcomes. Using a range of sources, including academic journal papers and book chapters, textbooks, government and sector reports, research by professional bodies and other material; evaluating sources of evidence; structuring a literature review, reading and writing critically.