(chronological order)

Reflective Professional Development

Staff/student contact: approx. 40% Student directed learning: approx 60%, approx. 30 hours
This module will be a continuous stream throughout the life of the participant’s research programme. Initially the participants will be given guidance on personal skills development in research context.  Guidance will aso be given on the role of a learning and research skills journal in reflecting upon the self and in the context of a change process. Participants will work in action learning sets. These sets will provide the main platform for support between the modules and throughout the life of the projects. These sets can be organised on an electronic, virtual basis with the agreement of the set. For the development of the final thesis the option of a ‘buddy system’ will be discussed with the group as an alternative or additional system of support. Assignments undertaken in the other modules will also support this part of the programme with opportunities for reflection on ersonal research skills changes. Initial learning set meetings will be scheduled into the other taught module programmes. Further sets will meet as arranged by the set members.

Assessment:
The initial learning sets will be facilitated by a tutor other than your allocated supervisor.
At the end of the taught modules you should prepare docment/portfolio of evidence of personal development in the role of a researcher and/or change agent. This will be approx. 7500 words (or equivalent) in total and be discussed with your supervisor panel. It may also form part of discussions at appropriate workshops conducted throughout the life of a research group. The evidence will come from working with your learning se, work in the other taught modules, work in your organisation and other sources.

Systematic Literature Review

Approximately 30 hours class contact, 100 hours independent study
This module introduces participants to the theoretical frameworks and the many approaches to literature review.

Through encouraging a systematic engagement with a substantive body of relevant literature, this module aims to critically analyse and and evaluate the previous research work. This leads to the development of further research problem(s) with reference to relevant ideaas in the discipline. It also enables participants to the synthesise at a high level of understanding and begin  to create new knowledge through the development of a conceptual framework relevant to the problem under consideration.

This module will require the development of a systematic understanding of substantial bodies of relevant literature, which are at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice. It also necessitates the analysis, synthesis and interpretation of complex information and the development of novel approaches, models and other applications.

The model therefore seeks to increase critical review and will continue to develop academic skills.

Assessment:
There will be one assignment with two elements of assessment: The first formative assessment is to give feedback on, for example, the style, structure and referencing, prior to the submission of a review, of publishable quality or equivalent, germane to the field, of approximately 7500 words for summative assessment.

Research Methodology and Methods

Approximately 30 hours class contact, 100 hours independent study
This module examines the role of methodology in a professional doctorate and reviews the approaches., tools and techniques by which researchers can generate and apply knowledge. The module commences with a consideration of ontology, epistemology and methodology, which provides its focus. The particular methodological schools that characterize management research are reviewed and critiqued to establish the applicability of each. The modle then considers a variety of methods for collecting, analysing and using data in developing a systematic understanding of a field of study in management. Students are required to demonstrate a mastery of elements of research method germane to their intended study. Students begin the process of conceiving and designing a substantial research project with scholarly integrity.

Assessment:
Formative assessment: Will be given on, for example, approach, style, structure and referencing, prior to the submission of an individual methodological review germane to the field. This will assist in the development of both an appropriately critical approach and academic writing style.
Summative assessment: Individual methodological review of doctoral standard germane to area of study.
Individual group presentation
Total assessment load equivalent to circa 7500 words

Action and Case Research in a Management and Organizational contexts

One week long workshop, contact time is 40 hours with 160 hours of independent study.
This module introduces participants to the theoretical frameworks and the many aproaches to undertaking action research. It is also designed to provide the students with opportunities to practice and reflect on their own skills in managing, leading and participating in this kind of research project. The programme wil also address issues of organizational analysis and change in order to set action case research into an organizational context. The module will also intorduce the participants to the dimensions of case research and related methodologies. It assists students to work both within their particular discipline and in a broader research context. The module provides a platform for consideration of students’s individual values and the ethics of co-operative enquiry based research.

Assessment:
Formative assessment: Will be given on, for example, approach, style, structure and referencing, prior to the submission of an individual methodological review germane to the field.
Summative assessment: Individual assignment of doctoral standard focusing on relevant aspects if action research, case study based research to the organizational context of the participant.
Total assessment load equivalent to circa 7500 words