RESEARCH IN BUSINESS - 2022/3

Module code: MAN3207

Module Overview

The module allows students to undertake a substantial piece of research spanning two semesters (semesters 1 and 2) in the field of discipline of study, using skills drawn from the undergraduate programme. Students undertake research method lessons in semester 1, and supervision spans semesters 1 and 2. Research in Business (RiB) requires collecting appropriate data to solve the identified research question. Qualitative and quantitative approaches (such as historical research method, systematic, comprehensive literature review, surveys, case study, critical evaluation & analysis, netnography-online content analysis, online focus group, or online interviews) are acceptable methods, subject to the supervisor's expertise and choice.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

KHAN Jashim (SII DUFE)

Number of Credits: 45

ECTS Credits: 22.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 410

Lecture Hours: 20

Seminar Hours: 10

Guided Learning: 10

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Students will have the opportunity to identify a topic area of interest to develop through their research project, which must be relevant to their programme of study. The module consists of a taught element focused on understanding appropriate research methodologies and self-directed study and research, with guidance from the module tutor(s)/supervisor.
Indicative Content:
- Research question formulation
- Contextual & theoretical background
- Methodology (quantitative or qualitative)
- Analysis & discussion (primary or secondary data)
- Conclusion and research implication

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Online Scheduled Summative Class Test MCQ Test (set time and date) 20
Coursework 1,000 words Group Research Proposal 20
Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) 6,000 words Group Research Report 40
Oral exam or presentation 10 minutes Group Reflective Video Podcast 20

Alternative Assessment

5,00 words individual research proposal 3,000 words individual research report 5 minutes individual reflective video podcast    

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy allows students to demonstrate knowledge in the research method. To work in groups and demonstrate their capabilities to identify a suitable research topic, write group proposals, and group business research reports based on academic literature and data analysis, answering research questions. Finally, the group reflects on the learning journey of studying Research in Business.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists:


  • A summative multiple-choice test.

  • 1,000-word group research proposal.

  • 6,000-word group research report

  • After submitting the group research report, students reflect on their learning journey in a 10-minute group video podcast



Formative assessment and feedback


  • Dialogic feedback on a group proposal

  • Dialogic feedback with the module tutor(s)/supervisor on the development and completion of the research project during semesters 1 and 2

  • Written feedback on the summative assessment


Module aims

  • Research in Business aims to critically evaluate, replicate, or extend existing academic work to address a practical research question critically. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate their research skills to analyse business issues by showing knowledge of theory to practice. This endeavour requires knowledge in research methodology, including conceptualising research questions and systematic review of the existing literature, data analysis, and presentation of
    results and suitable conclusion. Students present the research work following accepted academic conventions.
  • Formulate and justify a suitable research topic relevant to an undergraduate degree;
  • A comprehensive literature review of existing literature to identify and justify key questions and relevant theoretical concepts;
  • Analyse appropriate data to draw reasonable conclusions;
  • Communicate high-quality written findings clearly and effectively in a well-structured report following conventions of academic research.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Formulate and justify a suitable research topic relevant to an undergraduate degree KC
002 A comprehensive literature review of existing literature to identify and justify key questions and relevant theoretical concepts; C
003 Analyse appropriate data to draw reasonable conclusions; C
004 Communicate high-quality written findings clearly and effectively in a well-structured report following conventions of academic research PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy are designed to help students conduct a substantial piece of research work under the general guidance of the module leader and area-specific supervision from allocated supervisors. The learning and teaching methods include lecture, seminar, supervision & team learning (group of 3 members) under the guidance of a supervisor, with students expected to meet and attend progress meetings throughout the duration of the module. Eresources, including the Research in Business Handbook, are available through the module's SurreyLearn site.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3207

Other information

N/A

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
International Business Management (SII DUFE) BSc (Hons) Year-long Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.