Teaching Block 2 – Research MethodsFaculty of Busi.docx

Teaching Block 2 – Research Methods
Faculty of Business and Law
Postgraduate Modular Finance Scheme (PGMFS)
BA7032 Financial Modelling and Research Methods
(Research Methods Part)
BA7033 Research Project
MODULE HANDBOOK
2017-2018
Module team: Dr George Alexandrou
Dr Salma Ibrahim

Dr Natalia Isachenkova
Dr Mohamed Nurullah
Table of Content
Page
Module Descriptor3
Brief Introduction to the Module: Subject Matter and Structure3
PART ONE: FINANCIAL MODELLING
1.1 Objectives for Part One
…………………………………………………..………………….6
1.2 Learning Outcomes for Part One
………………………………………………………….. .6
1.3 Prerequisite
Skills…………………………………………………………………
………… ..6
1.4 Textbooks for Part
One……………………………………………………………………
….6
1.5 Approach to Teaching and Learning in Part One
………………………………………....7
1.6 Programme of Lab Session Topics in Part One………..…
……………………………….7
1.7 Feedback and Assessment in Part One
………………….……………………………… ..8
1.8 Student Commitment
………………………………………………………………………. .
9
1.9 Communication
……………………………………………………………………….
…….. 9
PART TWO: RESEARCH METHODS
2.1Key dates and lecture programme10

2.2Your dissertation6
2.3Becoming an effective researcher7
2.4Avoiding cheating and plagiarism8
2.5Learning resources9
3.Supervision10
3.1Student/supervisor expectations10
3.2Meetings11
3.3Communications12
4.Preliminary research proposal12
4.1Required12
4.2Submission12
4.3Guidance13
4.4Assessment criteria13
5.Final Research proposal14
5.1Required14
5.2Submission15
5.3Guidance15
6.Dissertation16
6.1Required16
6.2Submission17
6.3Guidance18
2
ii
Module descriptor

MODULE CODE: BA7032 LEVEL: 7
CREDITS: 30
TITLE: Financial Modelling and Research Methods
PRE-REQUISITES: None
CO-REQUISITES: BA7033 Research Project
MODULE SUMMARY (INDICATIVE)
The Financial Modelling and Research Methodsmodule is a core
module for the postgraduate modular finance scheme. The
module has two parts. The first part provides an underpinning
and understanding of numerical techniques used in the business
and finance world to aid strategic decision making. It aims to
provide students with the accounting, mathematical and
statistical foundations that are necessary in the areas of
accounting and finance. The second parts deals with an
understanding of research methodology and the research
methods and skills that the students will need to complete their
research project successfully during the summer period.
AIMS(DEFINITIVE)
The aims of this module are to:
· develop an underpinning and understanding of numerical
techniques used in the accounting and finance world to aid
strategic decision making;
· enable students with the accounting, mathematical, and
statistical foundations that are necessary in the areas of
accounting and finance;
· provide students with computer and research skills required by
employers in this highly competitive sector.

LEARNING OUTCOMES(DEFINITIVE)
On successful completion of the module, students will be able
to understand and apply the key concept of:
· explain and apply numerical techniques used in the accounting
and finance world to aid strategic decision making;
· explain and apply the mathematical and statistical foundations
that are necessary in the areas of accounting and finance;
· demonstrate computer and research skills in the areas of
accounting and finance;
· show an analytical comprehension of the role of quantitative
methods in accounting and finance.
CURRICULUM CONTENT (INDICATIVE)
· Introduction to spreadsheets for accounting and finance
· Financial mathematics: simple and compound interest,
discounting, present value; continuous compound interest rates;
investment appraisal; repayment schemes (annuities and other
financial instruments).
· Probability and it’s application to accounting and finance:
· Descriptive and inferential statistics and their application in
accounting and finance:
· Describing and summarising accounting, financial and
economic (stock market) data;
· Critical understanding and evaluation of the Time Value of
Money;
· The principles of accounting and finance;
· Techniques for identifying researchable problems and refining
initial ideas to researchable topics.
· Research design: developing a coherent proposal linking aims,
data requirements, and methods of collection and analysis;
understanding issues of validity; generic types of research
objective; general types of research design (experimental,
quasi-experimental, non-experimental); scope of design in

business and organisational contexts
· Searching and reviewing the literature; the Harvard system of
referencing
· Methods of data collection and analysis, e.g., self-completion
questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observation; use of
databases, e.g. Datastream, Bloomberg, FAME; use of software
for data analysis, e.g. SPSS, STATA, Eviews, Mathlab.
Implications for generalisabilty, validity and reliability
· Introduction to methods for reorganisation, reduction and
analysis of non-numerical data
· Writing the research proposal and dissertation and presenting
the results/findings
Teaching and Learning Strategy (Indicative)
Each week there will be a three-hour computer-lab based class,
combining lectures, group discussions and case studies.
Students will be expected to read articles from relevant
academic journals and analyze them in preparation for group
discussions. Students will be expected to read widely by weekly
references to the academic literature and the financial press.
Lecture overheads and seminar materials will be available via
Student Space.
In addition, the students will be provided necessary practical
sessions on how to collect data from the BLOOMBERG,
THOMSON, DATASTREAM, HYDRA and FAME financial
databases, and also how to analyse data by using Excel, SPSS,
STATA, eViews, MathLab so that they can make substantial use
of them for their respective research.
BREAKDOWN OF TEACHING AND LEARNING HOURS
DEFINITIVE KIS CATEGORY
INDICATIVE DESCRIPTION
HOURS
Scheduled learning and teaching

Lectures seminars and lab-based workshops
69
Guided independent study
student independent study
231
TOTAL HOURS
300
(number of credits x 10)
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY (INDICATIVE)
There are two summative assessments in this module, one is an
individual lab-based assessment, and the other is an individual
research proposal. The lab-based assessment will require use of
computer programs to assess computer skills and will assess
knowledge and application of various quantitative methods to
finance and accounting problems. The research proposal will
include a statement of the aims of the research, the research
questions, a preliminary review of the literature, justification
for the chosen methods of data collection and analysis, and the
proposed timetable and other considerations. The research
proposal will assess the knowledge, understanding and
application of research methods techniques and the ability to
construct a valid research proposal for researchable problems
and refining initial ideas to researchable topics. Detailed formal
feedback will be provided to allow students to improve the
relevant sections in their dissertation submission. The module is
also assessed by a number of formative assessments which may
take a variety of forms, such as preliminary research proposal
for feed forward feedback, computer lab based tasks, and peer
observation.
MAPPING OF LEARNING OUTCOMES TO ASSESSMENT
STRATEGY (INDICATIVE)
LEARNING OUTCOME
On completion of the module, students will be able to:

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
1) explain and apply numerical techniques used in the
accounting and finance world to aid strategic decision making;
Summative by Coursework
2) explain and apply the mathematical and statistical
foundations that are necessary in the areas of accounting and
finance.
3) demonstrate computer and research skills in the areas of
accounting and finance.
4) show an analytical comprehension of the role of quantitative
methods in accounting and finance
BREAKDOWN OF MAJOR CATEGORIES OF ASSESSMENT
DEFINITIVE KIS CATEGORY
INDICATIVE DESCRIPTION
PERCENTAGE
Coursework
Lab-based coursework Individual Research Proposal
50
50
Examination
Examination
-
Total
100%
ACHIEVING A PASS
It is a requirement that the major assessment category must be
passed.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (INDICATIVE):
Core Text(s):Leedy Paul D., and Ormrod, J, E. Practical
Research: Planning and Design (latest Edition)
Day, Alastair, (latest edition), Mastering Financial Mathematics
in Microsoft Excel A Practical Guide for Business Calculations,
latest Edition, FT Series
Benniga, Simon, (latest edition), Principles of Finance with
Excel, Oxford University Press
Recommended Reading:
Benniga, Simon, Financial Modeling with CD ROM, MIT Press,
Latest Edition
Field, A. (2000) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS for
Windows, London: Sage.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research
Methods for Business Students, 5th edition, Harlow: Pearson.
Hair, J. F., Anderson, R. E., Tatham, R. L. and Black, W. C.
(latest edition) Multivariate Data Analysis, Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey: Prentice Hall International.
Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social
Science Research Imagination, London: Sage.
Blumberg, B., Cooper, D. R. and Schindler, P. S. (2005)
Business Research Methods, Maidenhead: McGraw Hill
Education.
Bryman, A. and Burgess, R. G. (eds) (1994) Analyzing
qualitative data, London: Routledge.
Journals:
Journal of Finance,
Journal of Banking and Finance
Journal of Financial Economics
Journal of Business, Finance and Accounting
Journal of Money, Credit and Banking
The Journal of Financial Services Research

The Journal of Financial Intermediation
The Service Industries Journal
Journal of Financial Engineering
Strategic Management Journal
Journal of International Business Studies
Brief Introduction to the Module: Subject Matter and Structure
PART ONE – Financial Modelling - is taught in Teaching Block
1. This part is concerned with teaching you how to apply
relevant techniques to formalise and solve real-world financial
and accounting problems, providing you with quantitative and
analytical skills vital for any career path the student of finance
may choose to follow. Classes are all computer lab-based and
introduce with concrete examples the key quantitative models
that appear repeatedly in a variety of contexts in finance,
accounting, and banking. Important aspects covered in Part One
include financial mathematics, investment appraisal, portfolio
analysis, valuation, asset pricing, financial options, as well as
basics of data handling and linear regression. Part One
implements all models in the common computer package,
Microsoft Excel. Excel is chosen because of its popularity with
practitioners within the areas, and its accessibility to students.
PART TWO – Research Methods – is taught in Teaching Block
2. Completing learning activities assigned in Part Two of the
module equips you with skills necessary for successfully
researching a topic for your dissertation project. Part Two
supports your learning with lectures and computer lab-based
sessions where main statistical techniques of analysis of
financial and accounting data are introduced and explained. In
addition, Part Two offers guidance on methodological principles
of critical analysis and demonstrates how an effective review of
relevant academic research that has already been undertaken by
other people helps you identify a valid specific research
question for your own dissertation.

2
3
PART TWO: RESEARCH METHODS
2.1 Key dates and lecture programme
Your dissertation provides an opportunity to research an area of
interest in depth. The research methods part of the module will
introduce you to a range of commonly used approaches and a
supervisor will be allocated to guide the development of your
project. There will be three stages in the assessment process and
you are strongly advised to note the following key dates in your
diary.
Date
Milestone
Friday 23rd February 2018
Submit preliminary research proposal (max 1,500 words) in
the postgraduate assignment box and in the Turnitin by 9.00 am
(see section 4)
Friday 2nd March 2018
Allocation of supervisor (see section 3)
Friday 13th April 2018
Submit research proposal (max 2,500 words) in the
postgraduate assignment box and in the Turnitin by 9.00 am
(see section 5)
Friday 24TH August 2018
Give a complete draft of your dissertation to your supervisor for
comments (see section 6)
Friday 21st September 2018
Submit your dissertation (max 8,000 words) in the postgraduate
assignment box (two soft-bound copies) and in the Turnitin by 4

pm (see section 6)
2.2 Your dissertationYour dissertation carries a weighting of
30 credits, which represents 300 hours of study comprising:·
Attending the research methods lecture/workshops and
associated independent study· Writing your preliminary
research proposal · Writing your research proposal· Meetings
with your supervisor· Collecting and analysing your research
data· Writing your dissertation· Formal presentation of your
dissertation (if required by your supervisor)
Your choice of topic may be inspired by current issues, but
whatever the subject, your dissertation provides an opportunity
to research a specific area in depth. It involves identifying a
research problem or issue that merits investigation using
recognised research methods. As the dissertation is an
individual piece of work, significant emphasis will be placed on
your ability to select and apply appropriate methods and manage
your research. Regular meetings with your supervisor give
opportunities for guidance and feedback on your progress. A
further opportunity arises when you give your draft dissertation
to your supervisor for comment before the submission date.
2.2.1Developing transferable skills
This module is placed at the end of your degree programme,
which allows you to draw on knowledge and experience
acquired from earlier modules. This module will help you
develop transferable skills such as how to:
· Search e-resources and printed publications for relevant
information
· Make citations and references using the Harvard system of
referencing (see section 2.4)
· Collect, collate and analyse information
· Write in an appropriate academic style.
These skills can be divided into those you develop from
integrating and synthesising existing learning and those you

gain from conducting research at Master’s level, on which you
will draw throughout your career. This section focuses on the
latter. In undertaking your dissertation, you will gain a rounded
knowledge of research methods, and a more detailed knowledge
of those you study in depth in order to apply them.
At some stage in your working life you are likely to be required
to evaluate evidence presented in reports, write a critical
evaluation of evidence, design and conduct a research study or
commission such a project. Therefore the skills you develop
during this module will be extremely useful in your future life.
Existing or potential employers are usually very interested in
your dissertation. As well as asking questions about what you
investigated and what you found out, they are likely to be
evaluating your ability to maintain your commitment to
completing a major task, manage your time and analyse complex
data.
2.2.2Managing a major piece of independent work
The supervised development of your research proposal and
ensuing research will enable you to become increasingly self-
directed in your research activities. Independent learning will
enable you to explore issues in depth and follow up areas of
interest. Producing a high quality dissertation at Master’s level
is a major challenge, but gives you experience of working on a
large, complex and intellectually demanding task over a period
of time. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to design a study
that will be of interest and value to you and others that will
enhance your employability.
2.2.3Independent learning
The nature of a dissertation makes it both an exciting challenge
and a daunting task; it gives you the opportunity to carry out an
in-depth investigation into an area of your own choice. A
dissertation is daunting because you have to be highly
independent and motivate yourself to do the work and finish on
time. Much of the underlying philosophy of the PGMFS is

concerned with facilitating and developing independent
learning. Whilst the concept of independent learning is familiar
to you, the dissertation may still be a bit unnerving.
· It is the largest piece of independent learning you are required
to undertake.
· It contributes substantially to your final mark.
· It is probably the only piece of work to give you so much
freedom in the choice of topic and manner in which it is
conducted.
· It has a longer time-scale for completion than previous
assignments making it more difficult for you to manage and
more easy for you to procrastinate.
· It usually has to be managed alongside other assignments
which may be given priority.
The benefits of carrying out an independent research project are
enormous. Students often find it the most rewarding part of
their degree programme. This is because of the amount of
learning that takes place in both the subject matter andthe
process. However, they would be the first to admit that they
also found it challenging or difficult at times. They may even
acknowledge that sometimes they did not know what they were
doing or meant to be doing.2.3 Becoming an effective researcher
In order to become an effective researcher you need to develop
a range of competencies. You need to understand the different
approaches to research and the process of research. You also
need to develop a number of specific techniques and critical
intellectual functions. Additionally an effective researcher
requires management skills. These include the need to manage
yourself as well as administrating a large and complex research
project. These skills can in turn be broken down. Project
management will involve managing relationships, managing
time, managing resources, managing information, planning etc.
There are certain management skills that are required to be an
effective researcher. As your dissertation is at the final stages
of the programme, it is likely that you will have already
developed many of these skills and learnt from your own

experience. The skills we are referring to are managing
yourself, managing your time, managing your research and
managing relationships.
2.3.1Managing yourself
By this stage in your studies, you will have realised the
importance of being well organised. The kind of systems you
set up will depend on the nature of your research, but the type
of information management systems you will require may
include:
· A diary and Gantt chart for planning the project
· Access to appropriate software programs with security firewall
· A system for storing and updating versions of your work and
for keeping back-up files
· Hard and soft copy systems for keeping bibliographic
references of your sources, correspondence, journal articles, etc.
2.3.2Managing your time
Time management is another aspect of managing yourself.
Anyone who has ever undertaken research at Master’s level will
tell you that the process always takes longer than you expect. In
order to manage your time effectively, you need to be clear
about your priorities. How you plan your time depends on your
lifestyle, your work commitments and your commitments to
family and friends. It is not possible to tell you how to manage
your time, as you must work out how you are going to achieve
an appropriate work/life balance whilst you are studying this
module and doing your dissertation.
2.3.3Managing the research
Clearly, you will need to manage your research. You might like
to think of it in terms of:
· Planning - Analysing the context, setting objectives and
designing an appropriate course of action. (To some extent, this
is what your dissertation proposal is designed for and this will
be covered in more depth later).

· Managing - Identifying the work that needs to be done,
dividing it into manageable chunks and setting an action plan
and timetable.
· Monitoring - Checking that the research is on course and
taking any remedial action to ensure you achieve your
objectives.
Research is not an orderly, linear process involving a number of
predetermined steps. In reality, you are likely to be modifying
your ideas as you gain knowledge of the topic you are
investigating and the methods you are planning to use.
2.3.4Managing relationships
You will also need to manage relationships in connection with
your research. For instance, if you are conducting interviews or
using a questionnaire you will have to manage relationships
with the interviewees, respondents and others. The relationship
with your supervisor is discussed in section 3.2.4 Avoiding
cheating and plagiarism
All forms of cheating are taken very seriously. Examples of
cheating include:
· Taking unauthorised books, notes or other aids into a test or
exam
· Communicating with another person in a test or exam
· Copying someone’s coursework or answers in a test or exam
· Allowing someone to copy your coursework or your answers
in a test or exam.
There is another form of cheating called plagiarism, which
refers to taking someone’s words, ideas or other information
and passing them off as your own (further information on
StudentSpace). It is totally unacceptable and the following table
shows the penalties.
Type of misconduct
Penalty (unless specified, normal rules of reassessment apply)
SITS record
Module at level7
First offence of plagiarism or collusion

First offence of other type of academic misconduct
or
second offence of plagiarism or collusion
Repeat offences of other types of academic misconduct
or
further offences of plagiarism or collusion
Element of assessment and module given 0. Module must
normally be repeated (not re-taken)
In addition, a PAB may terminate the registration (see 2.6 &
4.2)
Element of assessment and module given 0 and qualification
reduced by one level or equivalent (eg MA to PGDip).
In addition, a PAB may terminate the registration (see 2.6 &
4.2)
Element of assessment and module given 0.
PAB will normally terminate registration and any qualification
awarded will be reduced further than in the case above
FZ
FZ

FZ
Source: ‘Academic Misconduct: Cheating in Assessment’,
Academic Regulations, 2007, p. 9
Plagiarism can be avoided by using the Harvard system of
referencing, which provides rules for making citations and
references in the social sciences. It allows you to support your
assertions by acknowledging your sources and shows the extent
of your reading of high quality published
sources.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Your lecturer’s slides are not a
publication - you need to read the original sources cited in the
slides.]
A citation is an acknowledgement in your text of the original
source of quotations, statistics, theories, arguments, ideas or
other information that you are using. Typically, you will have
found the original sources of information in books, reports,
articles, etc in hard copy or on the internet. Imagine you are
writing a short essay on plagiarism among university students.
Example 1 shows how you should make a citation to
acknowledge the source of a quotation (ie where you have
reproduced the author’s exact words and enclosed them in
quotation marks). In this example, the citation includes the
author’s surname, the year of the publication and the page
number from which the quotation has been taken. This allows
the reader to go straight to the page and read more.
Example 1. Citing the source of a quotation
‘Plagiarism is the act of taking someone’s words, ideas or other
information and passing them off as your own because you fail
to acknowledge the original source. It is a form of academic
misconduct that is taken very seriously as it is the equivalent of
stealing intellectual property’ (Collis and Hussey, 2009, p.
103). The Oxford Compact Dictionary & Thesaurus (1997, p.
565) defines the verb to plagiarise as to ‘take and use (another’s

writings etc.) as one’s own’.
Example 2 shows how to make a citation in your text when you
want to acknowledge the source of someone’s idea that you
have expressed in your own words. There is no need to include
the page number, as you are not quoting the authors’ exact
words.
Example 2. Citing the source (no quotation)
Plagiarism is a form of cheating where the writer presents
someone else’s work as if it were his or her own without
indicating the source (Collis and Hussey, 2009). Some people
are not aware of the repercussions of cheating. In most
universities plagiarism is treated as a serious form of academic
misconduct and Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) warn of
the penalties.
References are a list at the end of the document of every source
of information to which you have referred in the text. The list is
headed ‘References’ and the sources of information are given in
alphabetical order by the author’s surname. Example 3 shows
how this is done.
Example 3. Listing the references
References
Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2009) Business Research, (3rd
edition), Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Oxford Compact Dictionary & Thesaurus (1997), Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research
Methods for Business Students (5th edition), Harlow: Pearson
Education.
The details of Harvard system of referencing can be found in

your StudentSpace.
2.5 Learning resources
In addition to the taught elements on this module, there are a
number of other learning resources available to you. Some of
these are described next.
2.5.1Learning Resources Centre
The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) at Kingston Hill is the
Nightingale Centre, which offers a range of learning resources,
such as e-journals, Datastream, Thomson One Banker, FAME,
Bloomberg, Mintel, and advice. Staff at the helpdesk on the
ground floor can assist with general enquiries and may refer you
to a senior information advisor if you need help with detailed
subject enquiries. All staff can answer basic queries about using
equipment, PCs and standard software. Additional support is
also available on StudentSpace, under ‘Get Support’. ‘Your
studies’ on StudentSpace provides information such as:
· Opening hours and how to make reservations or use the
interlibrary loan service
· How to trace information in your subject area, with links to
websites and subject gateways
· The name of the senior information advisor for accounting and
finance
· Photocopying and information about copyright
· How to cite and reference material.
The Business and Law Academic Skills Centre (BLASC) is near
the helpdesk on the ground floor of entrance of the Nightingale
Centre. It offers help with numeracy, academic writing,
referencing, information searching and study skills. For further
information, see BLASC on StudySpace.
2.5.2The research community
The research community is a potential source of support. You
may be wondering what this has to do with you because the
dissertation is an individual project and the importance of
independent learning has been emphasised. However, you are
not alone because all your fellow students and other researchers

at Kingston University and other universities (both students and
staff) are also conducting research. The research community
includes people who are interested in the same ideas as you and
can spark off ideas in discussion, have experience of particular
research methods or software, can help with resources or access
to information, or who are interested in collaboration.
2.5.3Analytical software
Although the idea of software for analysing qualitative and
quantitative data may sound appealing, you may need to invest a
considerable amount of time to learn how to use it. You should
also be aware that the software is only an aid to analysis and
you still have to design the analysis. For example, Excel and
SPSS can handle complex statistical analysis, but you still have
to select the tests and interpret the output; Nvivo and Qualrus
can help you identify and categorise themes in transcriptions of
interviews, but you still have to interpret them. Depending on
the type and quantity of qualitative data you are analysing, you
may find it easier to conduct a manual analysis.
2.5.4Lecturers’ research interests
You will meet many different lecturers during the course of
your programme. Your lecturers and other academics with
relevant research interests and expertise have suggested a
number of research projects, which are available on StudySpace
[Blackboard].
3. SupervisionYour dissertation is your own work and your
supervisor will provide only guidance while you plan and
conduct your research, but it is your responsibility to manage
the relationship. Therefore, you need to know what you can
expect from your supervisor and what your supervisor will
expect from you. 3.1 Student/supervisor
expectationsPhillips and Pugh (1987) suggest that students
expect:
· their work to be read in advance of meetings
· their supervisor to be available at mutually agreed times

· their supervisor to be friendly, open and supportive
· their supervisor to be constructively critical
· their supervisor to have a good knowledge of the research
process.
To meet these expectations a number of meetings need to be
mutually agreed between the supervisor and student. It is
important however to remember that your supervisor has a
number of other commitments which include, teaching,
administrative duties, personal research and, importantly, a
right to some free time! Additionally you must recognise that
supervisors have expectations of their students. Again drawing
on Phillips and Pugh (1987) supervisors expect their students:
· to be independent learners
· to produce work for them to comment on
· to seek advice and comment on their work from peers and
other students
· to listen to advice and make an informed decision before
accepting or rejecting it
· to have regular meetings with their students
· to arrange and keep appointments or give notice of
cancellations
· to be honest when reporting their progress
· to be interested and excited by their research.
All those supervising dissertations are very familiar with the
process involved, but may not be experts in the precise area of
your research. However, they will be able to point you in the
right direction for finding out about your research area and help
you to gain knowledge and expertise through your independent
learning.
3.2 Meetings
As soon as you know the name of your supervisor, please
contact him or her. At your first meeting it may be useful to
discuss arrangements for future meetings, the nature and timing
of written material, and your expectations of each other. Help to

ensure that your supervision sessions are an effective use of
time for both of you by preparing for meetings, taking notes and
writing them up. There are many different meeting models,
depending on the supervisor and your particular degree. For
instance, some supervisors may see their students in small
groups, others individually. Please remember that it is your
responsibilityto contact your supervisor to arrange meetings.
You are expected to have up to five meetings with your
supervisor and they should take place at the following stages:
· One meeting after you submit your preliminary research
proposal: The meeting is to give you feedback on your
preliminary research proposal and your research question(s),
and is to allow you to discuss your draft research proposal.
· Three meetings after your proposal has been passed and before
you submit your draft dissertation: Your supervisor will expect
to see your research at various stages so that he or she can
feedback and advice. For example, your supervisor may want to
read your draft literature review and draft methodology chapter,
as well as look at your research data as it is being collected and
analysed. You may be asked to present some aspect of your
research, perhaps with other supervisees doing similar research.
· A final meeting to give you feedback on your draft
dissertation in time to make any amendments before the
submission date: This is your last opportunity to receive critical
comments and advice.
It is important that you remember that there are occasions when
your supervisor will not be available and that you have realistic
expectations of how quickly you can expect feedback. Thus it
is important that you negotiate ground rules with your
supervisor. To give you some guidance it would seem to be
appropriate that:
· If you want a meeting you send a request by email at least a
few days in advance of the proposed meeting, and be prepared

that it might not be convenient.
· If you want comment on a piece of work you allow a minimum
of 1-2 weeks for it to be returned to you. Remember during this
period you will be continuing with other aspects of your
research.
· You recognise that your supervisor needs to take a holiday and
usually the only time this is possible is during July and August.
· If you have an appointment, you turn up at the right time. If
you miss your appointment it will still count as one of your five
meetings and your supervisor may refuse to make additional
meeting to cover this.
· Take notes during the meeting and send a short email to your
supervisor afterwards that summarises the main issues discussed
and actions to be taken.
This means you need to plan your work and meetings in advance
and keep your supervisor informed. If you are sending letters to
organisations asking for interviews/data, or issuing a
questionnaire, it is essential that they are vetted by your
supervisor beforehand. As you are representing Kingston
University, it is important that you create a good impression.
3.3 Communications
It is your responsibility to communicate with your supervisor. If
you do not keep in touch with your supervisor your supervisor
will assume that you are acting as your own supervisor and s/he
may refuse to supervise you if you approach him/her at the last
stage of your submission. Another issue to consider in relation
to your supervisor is your ability to consult with him or her.
Remember your supervisor is an important resource and it is
recommended that you do not spend long periods away from the
University during the time you are doing your research and
writing it up. This is likely to jeopardise its successful
completion.
It can be extremely difficult to receive large quantities of
material via email. Therefore your supervisor may ask you only
provide hard copy of draft material for comment. Please note

that you should not send material to the course administrator to
forward to your supervisor.
4. Preliminary research proposal
4.1 Required
Write a preliminary research proposal on a research problem or
issue within your chosen topic. This is an individual
assignment. You must acknowledge sources of all ideas, facts,
quotations and other material using the Harvard system of
referencing.
Your preliminary research proposal should include all the
components of a valid research proposal under different
sections and should demonstrate that you are capable of
handling this proposal towards a successful completion of your
dissertation. It must be word processed and presented as
follows:
· Maximum 1,500 words. The word count excludes the
references and should be shown at the end of the preliminary
research proposal (before the list of references)
· The left-hand margin should be 4 cm and all other margins 2.5
cm.
· Font Times Roman 12 or similar
· 1.5 line spacing
· Paragraphs should not be indented. They should be separated
by a line space
· Name and ID in the header and page number in the footer
· Complete the preliminary research proposal 5front sheet
(available on StudySpace) and secure front sheet and all pages
with one staple in the top left corner (no binding, plastic
envelope or cover please).
4.2 Submission
Your preliminary research proposal must be submitted by
placing it in the postgraduate assignment box by 9.00 am on
Friday 23rd February 2018 . You must complete and attach the
preliminary research proposal front sheet (available on
StudySpace). You must also submit your work as a Word

document via Turnitin on Canvas by the same deadline. Turnitin
is a plagiarism checker. You can submit your work a few days
before the deadline if you like, but you can only submit it once.
You must achieve a pass in this assignment before you can
proceed to the research proposal.
4.3 Guidance
4.3.1Choosing a topic
Your choice of research topic should be relevant to your
Masters degree.
Once you have chosen a topic, you need to consider what type
of project is acceptable. There is a wide choice and the
following list shows some of the more common types:
· An empirical study of a management, corporate, or financial
market practice(s) where you base the investigation on some
theory or theories and then collect some data in order to test the
theory or theories. You might use quantitative data, qualitative
data, or both. You might collect primary data directly from
firms and/or analyse published data from e-databases or
documents such as annual reports. Please note that access to
people and organisations for collecting empirical data can be
difficult and you would be wise to consider alternatives in case
you have problems.
· An exploratory investigation that seeks to develop some
theoretical or conceptual insights that does not involve testing
some pre-existing theory.
· An extensive and critical evaluation of specific academic
theories associated with a particular topic or issue. While such
a project does not involve the collection and analysis of data, it
is important that the issues associated with research
methodology and methods (see below) are addressed explicitly
and explored through the existing theories .
It is your responsibility to choose a topic and a working title for
your dissertation. Your working title should be clear and
specific and should reflect your aims and objectives of the
research. Examples of their research interests and suggested

research projects are on StudySpace [Blackboard]. You may
find it useful to put your ideas on paper, as this can help you
think rationally and provide a focus for discussion. Do not be
afraid of following false trails at this stage; it is inevitable
while you are becoming familiar with the literature.
When talking to the academic staff about your ideas, you may
think you have identified a potential supervisor, but the
allocation of a supervisor will be made by the module leader
once you have submitted your preliminary literature review.
Where possible, any expression of interest made by a potential
supervisor will be taken into consideration (see section 4 for
details of the role of the supervisor).
4.3.2Searching and reviewing the literature
The purpose of your literature review is to show that you know
the main literature on your research topic and that you have the
intellectual capacity to evaluate it.
· Start by selecting only the material that is relevant to your
topic and group the material into themes or categories. Use
these themes to suggest subheadings in the main body of your
literature review.
· Your introduction should provide a brief overview of key
ideas and themes.
· In the main body of your literature review, compare and
contrast the findings of key research studies, and comment on
their methodological strengths and weaknesses. If the opinion of
experts is relevant to the topic, distinguish between anecdotal
data and empirical data. Narrow down to the studies that are
most relevant to your research and set the context for your
study. The main body of your literature review should lead to
the identification of your research question(s).
· Your review of the literature should lead to the rationale for
your study and the research question(s) you will address in your
dissertation.· Cite all your sources and show the list of

references at the end of the assignment using the Harvard
system of referencing.
Your preliminary research proposal will form a major part of
your research proposal, which in turn will become part of your
dissertation.
4.4 Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria for this assignment incorporate the
characteristics identified by Hart (1998, p. 198) that a literature
review should:
· Demonstrate a clear understanding of the research topic
· Identify the major studies relating to the research topic
· Draw clear and appropriate conclusions from prior research
· Clearly state the research problem or issue to be investigated
· Demonstrate the relevance and importance of the research
problem or issue.
It should also demonstrate your proposed methodology and data
deriving from literature.
BA7032 Assessment criteria for the preliminary research
proposal
Learning outcome and weighting*
Fail
Pass
Commendation
Distinction
Clarity of research problem and scope
(10%)
Unclear
Unfocused
Some attempt at clarity and focus of the aims and objectives
Clear and focused aims and objectives and are ‘doable’ within
the timeframe

Clear and sharply focused aims and objectives and are ‘doable’
within the timeframe
Related to student’s masters degree
Critical evaluation of the main literature
(50%)
Eclectic, disorganised, irrelevant or out of date
No research questions
Not linked to research questions
Some attempt to identify relevant literature and link with the
main theory (ies) of the research topic
Some attempt to link to research questions
Critical evaluation of main literature and link with the main
theory (ies) of the research topic
Linked to clear research questions
Excellent review of main literature and clear link with the main
Related to academic debate and linked to clear research
questions
Proposed methodology and data deriving from the literature
(30%)
Unclear
Unfocused
Unjustified
Unclear data source
Some attempt at clarity and focus with justification
Valid sources of data
Clear and focused with clear justification
Clear and sharply focused
Related to academic debate
Presentation and referencing
(10%)
Inappropriate writing style
Poor referencing
Some attempt at appropriate writing style
Some weaknesses in referencing
Writing style follows academic conventions

Appropriately referenced
Clear and accessible writing style that follows academic
conventions
* Indicative
5. Final Research proposal5.1 Required
Write a research proposal for your study. This is an individual
assignment. You must acknowledge sources of all ideas, facts,
quotations and other material using the Harvard system of
referencing.
Your research proposal should include all the components of a
valid research proposal under different sections and should
incorporate the feedback of your preliminary research proposal.
It should clearly and precisely demonstrate that what you are
doing in your research and how you are doing, and you are
capable of handling your proposed methodology and data
towards a successful completion of your dissertation. It must be
word processed and presented as follows:
· Maximum 2,500 words. The word count should start at the
beginning of your first chapter (it excludes the preliminary
pages) and end on the last page of your last chapter (it excludes
the references). Any footnotes or endnotes are included in the
word count. Show the word count at the end of your last chapter
(before the references).
· The left-hand margin should be 4 cm and all other margins 2.5
cm.
· Font Times Roman 12 or similar
· 1.5 line spacing
· Paragraphs should not be indented and should be separated by
a line space
· Name and ID in the header and page number in the footer
· Complete the research proposal front sheet (available on

StudySpace)
· Secure front sheet and all pages with one staple in the top left
corner (no binding, plastic envelope or cover please).
5.2 Submission
Your final research proposal must be submitted by placing it in
the postgraduate assignment box by 9.00 am on Friday 13th
April 2018. You must complete and attach the research proposal
front sheet (available on StudySpace Canvas). You must also
submit your work as a Word document via Turnitin on Canvas
by the same deadline. Turnitin is a plagiarism checker. You can
submit your work a few days before the deadline if you like, but
you can only submit it once.
You may have to achieve a minimum score on the Research
Proposal in order to be allowed to proceed with your
dissertation but you will not have an opportunity to resubmit
your Research Proposal.
5.3 Guidance
Writing a proposal is a crucial part of research. It is
challenging is because you have to think through every step
very thoroughly. Your research proposal should demonstrate
that:
· You have a clear idea of what you intend to do and why it
needs to be done.
· You know how you will collect and analyse data.
· You have a feasible timetable to complete the research.
This will take a considerable amount of time and effort. This
will be worthwhile as it will help ensure your proposed research
is appropriate and feasible. It will also form the basis of some
of the chapters in your dissertation.
There are no hard and fast rules about how to structure a
research proposal, but a typical structure is as follows:
· Front page – Your title needs to capture the essence of your
proposed research in a few words. As you have already
conducted a preliminary research proposal and developed
research questions, you should not have much difficulty with

drafting a title for your proposed research. You should also
include your name and registration number and a declaration
that this is your own work. .
· Introduction – This should explain the overall purpose of the
research and should lead to the clear and specific aims and
objectives of your research. You should find this fairly
straightforward, as you have had to think about it in your
preliminary research proposal . You need to support your aims
and objectives with a rationale/motivation for the research (why
it is important, interesting, etc). The aims and objectives and
the rationale/motivation should be placed under sub-sections of
your introduction.
· Literature review – This is a further development of your
preliminary research proposal. It should demonstrate the
background and clear understanding of the research topic and
underpin the theoretical framework of the topic. In doing so, it
should also identify, logically organise and place the main
findings of the previous studies relating to the proposed
research topic. Your literature review section should build a
bridge between your aims and objectives and your proposed
methodology and data.
· Methodology and data– This section should provide evidence
that your research design is cohesive and feasible. You need to
identify your paradigm, describe and justify your methodology
and data collection method. You also need to explain and justify
your data analytical tool(s) once you have collected your data.
‘I will use SPSS or Excel’ is not sufficient to demonstrate your
data analytical ability.
· Proposed timetable – This is your action plan and should
identify when you will carry out each stage of your research.
You may find it useful to present this as a Gantt chart with
activities plotted against time (some activities will overlap with
others).· References – This is a list of all the sources cited in
your proposal. You should use the Harvard system of
referencing. Your references should include at least some peer
reviewed journal references on which your literature review and

methodology is based upon.
Some projects require access to key people, organisations or
information. At a very early stage, it is vital that you ascertain
whether you will be able to gain access or you will find that you
have wasted valuable time planning a project that is not
feasible. It is understood that in some projects confidential
information is required and that this may only be available if a
non-disclosure agreement is made. You may have to make a
separate agreement for this and with yourself at least your
supervisor will have to be included in this non-disclosure
agreement.
There will not be an opportunity to resubmit the proposal to
gain a higher mark. The following table shows the assessment
criteria applied in the marking of the Research Proposal:
BA7032 Assessment criteria for the final research proposal
Fail
(0% – 49%)
Pass
(50% – 59%)
Commendation
(60% – 69%)
Distinction
(70% – 100%)
Clarity of research problem and scope
(10%)
Unclear
Unfocused
Some attempt at clarity and focus of the aims and objectives
Clear and focused aims and objectives and are ‘doable’ within
the timeframe
Clear and sharply focused aims and objectives and are ‘doable’
within the timeframe

Related to student’s masters degree
Critical evaluation of the main literature
(40%)
No research questions
Some attempt to identify relevant literature and link with the
main theory (ies) of the research topic
Critical evaluation of main literature and link with the main
Excellent review of main literature and clear link with the main
questions
Proposed methodology and data deriving from the literature
(40%)
Unclear
Unfocused
Unjustified
Unclear data source
Some attempt at clarity and focus with justification
Valid sources of data
Clear and focused with clear justification
Clear and sharply focused
Presentation and referencing
(10%)
Inappropriate writing style
Poor referencing
Some attempt at appropriate writing style
Some weaknesses in referencing

conventions
* Indicative6. Research Project (Dissertation)6.1 Required
You are required to write a dissertation on your chosen research
topic using the Harvard system of referencing. It is an
individual piece of work. It must be word processed and
presented as follows:
· Minimum 6,000 words and maximum 8,000 words (exceeding
the maximum will be considered as non-submission and your
dissertation will not be marked). The word count starts at the
beginning of your first chapter (it excludes the preliminary
pages) and finishes at the end of the last chapter (it excludes the
references and any appendices). Any footnotes or endnotes are
included. Show the word count at the end of your last chapter
(before the references).
· Set the left-hand margin at 4 cm and all other margins at 2.5
cm.
· Use font Times Roman 12 or similar
· Paragraphs should be in 1.5 line spacing and separated by a
line space. Paragraphs should not be indented.
· Print in portrait orientation and on one side only of white A4
paper
· There should be no page number on the title page. The page
numbering of the subsequent preliminary pages should be in
Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc). The page numbers for the
chapters, references and any appendices should be in Arabic
numerals (1, 2, 3, etc).
It should be structured as follows:
· The title page (no page number) should be followed by an
abstract of 250-300 words (page i) which summarises the
purpose of the research, how it was conducted and the main
results/findings.
· The following declaration should be shown on page ii:
I declare that all materials in this dissertation that are not my

own work have been acknowledged and that no materials from
my previous degree(s) have been included.
I have kept all materials used in this research, including
samples, research data, preliminary analysis, notes and drafts,
and I can produce them on request.
· Page iii can be used for acknowledgements (eg thanking
participants, family, friends and others for support and advice)
· Page iv should show the table of contents which is a list of the
chapters and main headings within each chapter with their
associated page numbers. This can be generated in Word if you
designate the hierarchy of headings in your work.
· The next page should provide show the list of tables and list
of figures (as appropriate) with their associated page numbers.
· If required, the next page can be used to show the list
abbreviations used in your dissertation. It is helpful to the
reader if you show the term in full the first time you use it in
your dissertation with the abbreviation in brackets next to it;
subsequently you can simply use the abbreviation.
6.2 Submission
You must submit your dissertation by 4.00 pm on Friday 21st
September 2018. You must also submit your work as a Word
document via Turnitin on Canvas by the same deadline. Turnitin
is a plagiarism checker. You can submit your work a few days
before the deadline if you like, but you can only submit it once.
Requests for an extension will be considered by the course
director (not the module leader) if your mitigating
circumstances are serious, unexpected and supported by
documentary evidence. A form can be obtained from your
course administrator if you need your mitigating circumstances
to be considered. Please note that due to your mitigating
circumstances you may not be able to be graduated on time.
You are required to hand the following items to your course
administrator:
· Two spiral binding copies of your dissertation; However, if

you prefer, one can be bound in a hard cover in black with your
name, the name of your degree and the year of submission on
the spine in 16-20 font (eg T. Smith MA Accounting & Finance
2018. The second copy must be bound in a form that does not
allow any pages to be removed or added (eg spiral binding).
· An assignment front sheet
· A supervision feedback form
· A confidentiality form (if appropriate).
Please note that your Dissertation Supervisor retains the right to
ask for a viva voce (oral examination) of your dissertation.
Failure to comply with this requirement (if any) will be
penalised. All instances of plagiarism will be subject to the
academic integrity/misconduct regulations.
6.3 Guidance
6.3.1Structure
The following guidance will help you prepare your dissertation
to an acceptable standard. Font, margin size and binding
requirements are compulsory. Your dissertation needs to have a
logical structure. It will commence with a title page and other
preliminary pages. The content of each chapter in your
dissertation depends on the nature of your study, but the
following overview provides a general guide.
1. Introduction – This chapter explains the aims and objectives
of the research, the rationale and scope of the study, and the
context. It concludes with a brief description of how the
remainder of the dissertation is structured. You must not present
any of your results/findings in this chapter.
2. Literature review – This chapter provides a critical
evaluation of the literature that is relevant to your study. It also
shows where your research fits into the existing body of
knowledge and concludes with the identification of your
research questions. You are demonstrating your intellectual
ability to find and appraise the work of others and develop a
line of argument.
3. Methodology and data – This chapter explains how the

research question(s) were investigated. It explains and justifies
your methodological approach, your methods of data collection
(including how you conducted your literature search) and your
method(s) of analysis. You also need to address the issues of
generalisability, reliability and validity.
4. Results/findings – This chapter presents your analysis. The
discussion of the results/findings may be interwoven or
presented in a separate chapter. The results/findings will need
to be interpreted/discussed, preferably under a separate
section/sub-section in this chapter.
5. Conclusions– This final chapter is very important because
this is where you demonstrate that you have addressed your
research questions by drawing out the main results/findings for
each question. You will summarise your findings (should be less
than one page) and will make policy recommendations based on
the findings. Your summary findings should match your aims
and objectives. Please do not recommend something that you
have not investigated. You will also discuss the limitations of
your study and suggest for further research in this area.
References– Do not number this section. Please make sure that
the references that you have cited in the main text are also
appeared here properly.
Appendices– Although not an integral part of your dissertation,
appendices can be used to provide supporting information, such
as a copy of the questionnaire, interview transcripts or more
detailed data than summarised in your analysis chapter. The
information must be relevant and should not include material
that is essential to your discourse. Therefore, appendices are not
a way of getting round the word count limit.
6.3.2Research ethics
The ethics of research will be explained during the research
methods part of the module and your supervisor will remind you
of the need to be responsible in your research activities. Once
you start writing, please remember the following points:
· If anyone participating in your research does not wish to be

identified, it is important that you ensure their anonymity in the
way you write your dissertation. You can do this by referring to
them as Interviewee A, B, C or Business A, B, C. etc.
· If there are issues of confidentiality covering the entire
dissertation it is possible to make sure that only the supervisor,
second marker and examiner see it.
· You must only use the contact details and personal data given
to you by participants for the purposes of your research. You
must not pass it on to other parties without the participant’s
permission and you must comply with all aspects of the Data
Protection Act.
6.3.3Binding your dissertation
The following table shows some of the binderies used by
students in the past.
The Otter Bindery
42 Hare Hill
Addlestone
Surrey KT15 1DT
Tel: 01932 845976
www.otterbookbinding.com
The Studio Bindery
Unit 3, Nonsuch Industrial Estate
Kiln Lane
Epsom
Surrey KT17 1DH
Tel: 01372 747550

F. J. Blissett & Co Ltd (Bookbinders)
Roslin Road
London W3 8DH
Tel: 020 8992 3965
http://www.blissetts.com
Wyvern Bindery
56-58 Clerkenwell Road
London EC1M 5PX
Tel: 020 7490 7899
(Nearest tube: Barbican)
The Priory Bindery
37 Invincible Road
Farnborough
Hants GU14 7QU
Tel: 01252 515843
CJ Masters
Bookbinders
Barnat Works
1A Upper Redlands Road
Reading RG1 5JJ
Temple Bookbinders of Oxford
10 Quarry Hill
Headington
Oxford OX3 8NU
Tel: 01865 451940
www.templebookbinders.co.uk
Online Thesis Binder
www.mythesis.co.uk
The following table shows the assessment criteria for the
dissertation.
All dissertations are double marked (by your supervisor and a
second marker). Once both markers have independently assessed
your work, they agree the mark. The external examiner sees a
sample of dissertations. You will not receive your mark until

after the Programme Exam Board has met. The students are not
permitted to discuss their potential marks with their
supervisors.
BA7033 Assessment criteria for the Research Project
(Dissertation)
Fail
(0% – 49%)
Pass
(50% – 59%)
Commendation
(60% – 69%)
Distinction
(70% – 100%)
Clarity of research problem and scope (10%)
Unclear and unfocused
Unclear research questions
Some attempt at clarity
Clearly focused
Sharply focused
Critical evaluation of the literature (25%)
Some attempt to identify relevant literature
Critical evaluation of relevant, up-to-date literature
Demonstrates some knowledge of theory, concepts, principles
and empirical evidence
Excellent review of up-to-date literature
questions
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of theory, concepts,
principles and empirical evidence
Case for the methodology and methods (15%)

Little appreciation of research design
Some appreciation of research design but choice of approach
inadequately justified
Good grasp of research design options, well referenced
Some justification of the design
Excellent review of research design options and justification of
the chosen design
Analysis and interpretation (20%)
Unclear findings, unrelated to research questions
Little attempt to relate them to the literature
Findings organised clearly but little attempt to relate them to
the literature
Findings reported clearly
Discussed thoroughly in the context of the research questions
and literature
Findings reported clearly
Discussed in a highly analytical manner in the context of the
research questions and literature
Conclusions and critique (20%)
Some conclusions but not linked to research questions
Implications and limitations of the findings not addressed
Some attempt to relate conclusions to research questions
Little attention given to implications and limitations
Conclusions clearly linked to research questions
Some attention given to implications and limitations
Conclusions clearly linked to research questions
Considerable attention to implications and limitations
Presentation (10%)
Inappropriate style and/or poor referencing
Some attempt at appropriate academic style and referencing but
some weaknesses
Suitable use of graphics, etc

conventions
Suitable use of graphics, etc
* Indicative (For example, combine the marks for the evaluation
of the literature with the marks for the analysis if the student
has designed a study based solely on a literature review)
Part 2 Programme of Study
Date
Week
Lecture topics
Lecturer
09-Jan-18
1
Introduction to research and research framework
Mohamed Nurullah
16-Jan-18
2
Literature review and ethical considerations
Mohamed Nurullah
23-Jan-18
3
Research methodologies
Mohamed Nurullah
30-Jan-18
4
Introduction to hypothesis development and descriptive
statistics
Salma Ibrahim
06-Feb-18

5
Introduction to library resources - Introduction to statistical
testing
Salma Ibrahim
13-Feb-18
6
EAW (no lecture)
21-Feb-18
Lab room KHBS 1021
7
Collecting and analysing qualitative data
(Preliminary Research Proposal submission week)
Salma Ibrahim
27-Feb-18
8
Collecting data from the DataStream
George Alexandrou
07-Mar-18
Lab room KHBS 1021
9
Events study methodology - Quantitative Data Analysis
George Alexandrou
14-Mar-18
Lab room KHBS 1021
10
Hypothesis testing - One-sample test - Two-sample tests -
Analysis of variance.
John Pereira
20-Mar-18
11
Nonparametric tests – Regression analysis.
George Alexandrou

Spring Break (no Lecture)
10-Apr-18
12
Writing up the Dissertation
(Final Research Proposal submission week)
Salma Ibrahim
WEEK 1: Introduction to Research and Research Framework
Essential reading:
· Leedy, P.D. and Ormrod, J.E., (2009) Practical Research,
Prentice, [Ch. 1].
· Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K. (2010) Research Methods in
Business Studies, Financial Times Press, [Ch. 1].
· Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research
Methods for Business Students, 5th edition, Harlow: Pearson,
[Ch. 1].
Learning objectives:
By attending the lecture and reading the suggested material you
should be able to:
· Understand what is academic research and the different types
of academic research.
· Discuss what constitutes a valid research project.
· Identify the key activities which constitute the research
process.
· Familiar with the necessary research tools in social science
research.
· Define and explain the components of a valid research
proposal.
· Define and explain the components of a valid (research)
dissertation framework.

· Differentiate between a research proposal and research
dissertation.
Self assessment tests:
1. What is the difference between search and (re)search in
academic Research?
2. Briefly outline the research tools in accounting, finance and
banking research.
3. Briefly outline the components of a valid research proposal.
4. Briefly outline the components of a valid Dissertation
project.
5. Briefly outline a valid Dissertation framework.
6. What are the differences between a research plan and
research methodology?
7. What are the differences between a research proposal and a
(research) Dissertation?
WEEK 2: Literature Review and Ethical Considerations
Essential reading:
Prentice, [Ch. 4].
Business Studies, Financial Times Press, [Ch. 3].
[Ch. 3, 6].
· Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the
Social Science Research Imagination, London: Sage.
should be able to:
· Explain the role of a literature review within a research
project.

· Outline the main sources of information available to a
researcher.
· Explain the main rules which are used in organising and
writing up a literature review.
· Understand the ethical consideration in academic research.
Self assessment questions:
1. What is a literature review and why is it important in
academic research?
2. What are the main sources of literature in academic research?
3. What are the key principles of writing a literature review?
4. What are the main steps in writing a literature review?
5. What is the difference between a literature review and
developing a theoretical framework?
6. What is the link between the aims and objectives and the
literature review?
7. What is the link between the literature review and
methodology?
WEEK 3: Research Methodologies
Essential reading:
Prentice [Ch. 2]
Business Studies, Financial Times Press [Ch. 2, 3].
[Ch. 2].
· Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the
Social Science Research Imagination, London: Sage.
should be able to:

· Understand the different methodologies available to a
researcher;
· Explore the different qualitative and quantitative research
methods;
· Understand and apply the steps to different methods;
1 Briefly explain the different qualitative methods;
2 Briefly explain the different quantitative methods;
3 Classify data according to measurement techniques;
4 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of (i) primary and
secondary data and (ii) accounting and market data;
5 Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the
qualitative and quantitative research methods;
6 Which research method do you like to use for your research
dissertation and why?
7 Explain the procedure of conducting case study research;
8 Explain the procedure of conducting questionnaire based
research;
9 Explain the procedure of conducting interview research.
WEEK 4: Introduction to Hypothesis Development and
Descriptive statistics
Essential reading:
· Leedy and Ormrod; [Ch. 2]
· Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug; [Ch. 3, 4, 5]
· Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill; [Ch. 2, 5]
· Oler, D., Oler, M., & Skousen, C. (2010) “Characterizing
Accounting Research”. Accounting Horizons, 24(4), 635-670.
· Dilla, W., & Janvrin, D. (2010) “Voluntary Disclosure in
Annual Reports: The Association between Magnitude and
Direction of Change in Corporate Financial Performance and
Graph Use”, Accounting Horizons, 24(2), 257-278.

should be able to:
· Formulate a hypothesis from a research question;
· Understand the difference between null and alternative
hypotheses;
· Understand how research design fits with the hypothesis;
· Understand basic descriptive statistics.
1.
2.
WEEK 5: Introduction to Library Resources and Statistical
Testing
Essential reading:
· Smailes and McGane; [Ch. 2, 3, 4]
· Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug; [Ch. 10, 11]
· Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill; [Ch. 12]
· Ettredge, M., Li, C., & Scholz, S.. (2007). Audit Fees and
Auditor Dismissals in the Sarbanes-Oxley Era. Accounting
Horizons, 21(4), 371-386.
should be able to:
· Understand how to access library resources on or off campus;
· Understand the difference between descriptive and inferential
statistics;
· Understand the different types of data collected for research
purposes;
· Understand correlations and regressions.

1.
2.
WEEK 6: Collecting and Analysing Qualitative Data
Essential reading:
· Smailes and McGane; [Ch. 1, 2]
· Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug; [Ch. 12]
· Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill; chapters 9, 10 and 11
· Stephenson, T.. (2007). Do Clients Share Preparers' Self-
Assessment of the Extent to Which They Advocate for Their
Clients? Accounting Horizons, 21(4), 411-422.
· Janvrin, D., & Jeffrey, C.. (2007). An Investigation of Auditor
Perceptions about Subsequent Events and Factors That
Influence This Audit Task. Accounting Horizons, 21(3), 295-
312.
· Ibrahim, S., Schick, A, Makkawi, B. and Foster, M. “Class
selection Preferences of Millennial Business School Students: A
Study of Student Characteristics”, Working paper.
should be able to:
· Understand the difference between quantitative and qualitative
research;
· Understand the difference between primary and secondary
data;
· Understand primary data collection through observation,
interviews and questionnaires;

· Understand how to analyse primary data;
· Understand how to interpret findings in qualitative research.
1.
2.
WEEK 7: Collecting data from the DataStream
Essential reading:
· Lecture Notes.
· Information material and user guides from Datastream.
should be able to:
· Understand the nature and type of data available on the
Datastream.
· Understand key approaches of collecting data from the
Datastream.
1. Explain how you can collect data from the Datastream.
WEEK 8: Event Study Methodology – Quantitative data
Analysis
Essential reading:
· Lecture Notes and academic articles.
· Berenson M., Levine D. And Krehbiel T. (2009) “Basic
Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications”, 11th edition,
Pearson. [Ch. 1, 2, 3].
· Field, A. (2009) “Discovering Statistics using SPSS”, 3rd
edition, Sage.

should be able to:
· Understand the event study methodology, its use, importance
and applications.
· Understand the way by which we can measure and analyse the
effect of the announcement of major corporate events on
shareholder value.
· Understand the steps and technicalities of the event study
methodology.
· Understand the methods of presentation of data in tables and
charts.
· Understand the measures of central tendency and variation.
1. Briefly explain the purpose of the event study methodology.
2. Explain the importance of the choice of a benchmark in
calculating the abnormal returns in the application of the event
study methodology.
3. Explain the development of the application of the event study
methodology in the modern corporate finance.
4. Explain how various representation of data in tables and
graphs can help investors in their choices.
5. Explain how the various measures of central tendency and
dispersion can convay useful information to the investors.
WEEK 9: Hypothesis testing - One-sample test - Two-sample
tests - Analysis of variance.
Essential reading:
Pearson. [Ch. 9, 10, 11].

edition, Sage.
should be able to:
· Understand the principles of hypothesis testing.
· Understand how to properly apply the hypothesis testing
procedures and how to evaluate the results.
· Understand the nature and technicalities of testing the means
of the two related populations.
· Understand the use of the one-way analysis of variance to test
for differences among the means of several groups.
1. Explain how the hypothesis testing is employed to test a
mean or a proportion.
2. Explain how we can test the equality of means of two
independent or related samples.
3. Explain how we can test for differences of means of several
samples.
WEEK 10: Non-parametric tests – Regression
Essential reading:
Pearson. [Ch. 12, 13, 14]
edition, Sage.
should be able to:
· Understand the chi-square test for the difference between two

proportions and among more than two proportions.
· Understand the use of regression analysis.
· Understand how to develop and interpret a multiple regression
model.
1. Explain how we can use chi-square test for differences
between proportions.
2. Explain how we can use the regression analysis to predict the
value of an independent variable.
3. Explain how we interpret the intercept and slope regression
coefficients.
4. Explain how we can employ a multiple regression model an
perform a multiple regression analysis.
WEEK 11: Writing up the Dissertation
Essential reading:
· Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug; [Ch. 14]
· Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill; [Ch. 14].
should be able to:
· Understand how to interpret and write-up the outcome of your
research;
· Understand the structure of the research dissertation;
· Understand correct referencing;
1. Describe the most important aspects of the dissertation
writing process.
2. How can you maintain motivation and successful time
management during the dissertation writing process?

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