Write a report from a small research study that draws upon published research within a chosen organisation theory and primary material which students will have to generate for the purpose of this module

Module Overview
This module reviews recent and ongoing developments in the areas of
management and organisation theory. The module involves an examination of
current debates concerning the nature and role of leadership and
management in shaping organisational practices in the public and private
sectors. The aim of the module is to develop a critical appreciation of
contemporary issues in organisation theory and be able to produce a literature
review indicating contribution to the specialist field.
The student will also design and perform a related pilot study in the selected
specialist domain. Assessment is based on an individual project report (ECA
100%).
The module forms a substantive part of the taught element of the DBA and
will be delivered as a block over 5 days. Participants will prepare for sessions
through guided reading and will build upon the module
delivery through independent research and study,
There will be 6 Indicative subject related sessions involving a mixture of short
lectures, practical workshops, and group activities. They will also be
encouraged to draw upon, describe and evaluate cognate events and issues
in their own workplace and/or related to the module research project.
There will be two laboratory sessions where participants will be provided with
opportunities to develop their literature review skills related to a specific
domain. Participants will be required to read and engage with the relevant
literature especially found in high ranking journals.
A session at the close of the taught block will take place when participants
will reflect on the indicative module content and discuss their assignment topic
with the module tutor.
Participants will receive on going support outside of the classroom including a
small amount of individual supervision related to specific topic domains and
d
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be guided about other scheduled learning concerned with reflective writing
skills.
Aims:
The aim of the module is to develop a critical appreciation of contemporary
issues in organisation theory and apply research skills in order to produce a
literature review signposting preferred theoretical underpinning and conclude
with indications about the student’s contribution to the field and practice. The
literature review will be followed by a practical pilot study that will test validity
of selected academic frameworks related to the specialist field.
Outline Content:
The module is structured around 3 key interrelated themes:
internationalisation and globalisation, organisational practices, theory of
management. Due to the nature of the module and a focus on emerging
management issues the content may change year-on-year however a typical
content is likely to include: HR & Organisational development (OD) in its
broadest sense, Sociological perspectives on organisation, Change theory,
Comparative management theory, Psychology in organisations, Reflective
practice. These elements will be covered over several workshop sessions.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Personal and Transferable Skills
1. Self critically reflect and develop own learning to improve practice.
2. Select relevant tools to research complex or contentious information
relevant to a target audience.
Research, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
3. Work at the forefront of the discipline to develop new knowledge and
contribute to the theoretical discourse.
4. Undertake critical analysis and evaluation to develop or adapt advanced
methodological approaches.
Professional Skills
5. Analyse and manage ethical dilemmas, works proactively with others to
formulate and implement solutions.
6. Autonomously adapt own performance to work effectively in multiple
contexts.
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Schedule – refer to the timetable
Assessment
A 10,000 word report from a small research study that draws upon published
research within a chosen organisation theory and primary material which
students will have to generate for the purpose of this module.
The report will include: A literature review of relevant published research with
clear indication of contribution to the chosen field and a related small pilot
study.
Report, should include:
Literature review 2,500 words 30% of marks
§ Outline of the chosen topic, rationale and relevance to the participant’s
professional doctoral studies and organisational practice.
§ A relevant review of literature from high quality journals to include
recent academic views and the student’s contribution to knowledge.
Pilot study 6,000 words 50% of marks
§ Short outline of research methodology, methods and sample
§ Data capture, analysis and findings and conclusions
Reflections section 1,500 words 20% of marks
§ A reflective narrative that focusses on how the findings and
conclusions from this study could be used to inform the student’s future
research, e.g. doctoral thesis.
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Recommended Reading List
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BookBusiness research methods and statistics using SPSS9781412945301Authors: Burns, Robert
B., Burns, Richard A.
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BookQuantitative methods for business, management & finance9781137376558Authors: Swift,
Louise, Piff, Sally
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BookBusiness research methods9780199668649Authors: Bryman, Alan, Bell, Emma
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BookSystematic approaches to a successful literature review9780857021359Authors: Booth,
Andrew, Papaioannou, Diana, Sutton, Anthea
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Date: 2011
BookInternational encyclopedia of organization studies: 1Authors: Clegg, Stewart R., Bailey, James
R.
Publishers: Sage
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BookInternational encyclopedia of organization studies: 3Authors: Clegg, Stewart R., Bailey, James
R.
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BookInternational encyclopedia of organization studies: 2Authors: Clegg, Stewart R., Bailey, James
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BookInternational encyclopedia of organization studies: 4Authors: Clegg, Stewart, R., Bailey, James
R.
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BookSystematic reviews in the social sciences: a practical guide9781405121101Authors: Petticrew,
Mark, Roberts, Helen
Publishers: Wiley-Blackwell
Date: 2006
BookManaging change: a critical perspective9781843982418Authors: Hughes, Mark, Hughes, Mark,
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Publishers: Charter