Introduction to Research Methods
6 Credits (ECTS)
Introduction to Research Methods
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€280 refund on this module
Module Description
This module is designed for participants who need to gain understanding of research approaches and skills and gain an ability to deploy research methods in their studies or in their professional lives.
In particular, this module will aid those who have to conduct research as part of their undergraduate studies and it is for those who feel they would like additional support for self-improvement.
This module is a comprehensive introduction to research methods and will cover broad topics: the fundamentals of doing research; research methods; research design; data collection; and data analysis. In discussing each topic, the ethical implications of research will be covered.
Research is a craft, and like any other craft, it takes practice to do it well. Therefore, this module places the student experience at the centre of endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises.
Learners will have the opportunity to learn by doing in all aspects of the course—in class meetings, online classroom, and out-of-class assignments. No prior knowledge or experience in research is required to take this course.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess:
- a qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent in any subject)
AND
- a pass in English* and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
Preference is given to applicants having a year of work experience related to the field of study.
*Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at people who wish to have a thorough background in management in order to progress further in their careers, such as:
- Supervisors
- Coordinators
- Assistant Managers
- Junior Managers
- Middle Managers
- Project Coordinators/ Project Managers
The target group can also be extended to groups that have significant management experience but lack a formal qualification, such as managing directors and officers.
Module / Unit Instructions
The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning. The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:
- Face-to-face sessions
- Online Learning Activities
Face to Face sessions
Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.
Online Learning Activities
Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions. These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises.
Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
The tutor provides continual support during both teaching -learning modes by providing information, readings and tasks relevant to the module in question.
The tutor provides continuous formative feedback as an on-going guidance during the student’s learning experience in preparation for their summative assessment.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment of each module consists of two assignments
- Formative assignment carries
- Summative assignment carries
For successful completion of a study module the student is required to achieve a minimum of 41% pass mark in both the formative and the summative assignment.
All assignment tasks of both formative and summative assessment aim to provide the learner an opportunity to produce evidence of his/her competences aligned to the learning outcomes of each individual Module.
Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement.
The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Additional Info
Reading for the entire Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Management as presented in this brochure costs €9,000.*
The cost for the different exit points is as follows:
- Certificate in Business Management : €2,000
- Diploma in Business Management: €4,000
- Higher Diploma in Business Management: €6,000
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically formulate research questions and design appropriate research.
- Collect own data using a variety of methods.
- Critically analyse both qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills.
- Critically evaluate own research and that of other scientists.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- The nature of management research.
- Qualitative Research.
- Quantitative Research.
- Mixed Methods.
- Attributes of good research topics.
- Strategies to negotiate and gain access.
- Research design, data collection, and data analysis.
- Structuring your dissertation/project report.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Formulate research questions and design appropriate research.
- Collect own data using a variety of methods.
- Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills.
- Critically evaluate own research and that of other scientists.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Critically apply knowledge and skills to devise solutions to unfamiliar problems.
- Conduct and evaluate research.
- Evaluate and critically appropriate to their disciplines (e.g. collect, analyse and interpret data and information, generate and test hypotheses, synthesise and organise information)
- Know what research methods to use to be crafted to address particular issue(s)
- Interpret findings.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Undertake independent and self-directed study through research, both primary and secondary.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to benefit from assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.