Module Directory

The Research Project module builds further on the knowledge and understanding of research philosophy, design and data analysis as it gives an opportunity to carry out an independent research project to focus on a topic of your choice in relation to the degree course.

The project can take a variety of forms, ranging from empirical research using methods such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews and content analysis to library based theoretical work. You will find that this can be a most worthwhile learning experience, and a good project is a useful reference for a postgraduate study as well as outside employment.

The aim of this module is to give students an opportunity to manage a research project from beginning to the end, under the guidance of an individual supervisor.

Students will be expected to draw on appropriate literature to construct a research framework and theoretical context, explain the logic of research methodology, data collection and draw relevant empirical findings.

By the end of the module, students will be expected to:

1. Demonstrate evidence of a thorough and comprehensive understanding of relevant literature in the field of business and analytics.


2. Locate and read relevant literature and produce summaries and critical analysis of the relevant literature.


3. Demonstrate critical thinking involving the consideration of alternative approaches and research methods.


4. Apply an appropriate design methodology to achieve aims and objectives of research project


5. Use Gantt charts and time management techniques to plan and manage a research project.


6. Record plans, ideas, results, and reflections in a written journal.


7. Work as an individual to specify and design research project under the guidance of a supervisor.


8. Demonstrate written communication and analytical skills through the writing of the interim report and reflective journal, and final project report.


9. Discuss ideas informally with academic supervisors.

Indicative syllabus

• The ethical approval process and topic choice guidance


• Choice of topic on Moodle


• Data collection – a refresher


• Academic referencing and Q&A


• Ethical approval form submission online


• Analysing data


• Writing the report


• Q&A


• Submission of full draft of report to supervisor


• Refining and writing up the final report

Support sessions or lectures, individual project work, supervisor meetings. The supervisor will:

• Provide guidance on the scope, nature and focus of the research topic
• Help to provide opportunities for critical discussion of the student’s work
• Monitor progress through meetings and encourage ownership by the student of the project (including form, style and content)
• Provide formative assessment of the research project
• Assist the student in identifying appropriate literature and sources of information
• Make constructive criticisms as appropriate and suggest appropriate alternatives

The supervisor will be assigned by the SOE Group. Once the project has been accepted, the student is advised to meet with their supervisor on a regular basis. The student must undertake a considerable part of the basic research for the project during the Spring Term.