Module Details

Module Code: INTR9010
Title: Research Skills and Practice
Long Title: Research Skills and Practice
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The learner develops a project brief from the discipline area, identifying areas where further research is required. The project brief is to include development of aims and objectives for the research project. The learner will develop specific research skills including qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a project brief with aims and objectives in an identified area where further research is required.
LO2 Plan and manage the research project including information search and literature review.
LO3 Employ appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
LO4 Evaluate and apply accuracy, validity and reliability tests to research data and methods.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Research Methods
Research methods; literature review, project planning and management, research methodology, written and oral communications, plagiarism, research ethics, project brief (aims and objectives), intellectual property and technology transfer in research.
Research Brief
Identify areas where further research is required. Outline project aims and objectives and present a work schedule demonstrating how these aims/objectives will be achieved. The work schedule should be achievable and should demonstrate the scope, feasibility, technical complexity and appropriateness of the proposed work.
Research Skills & Practice
Qualitative and quantitative research. Survey research methods and sample size. Construction, design and administration and analysis of questionnaires. Interviews (structured/unstructured/group) and focus groups. Data preparation and processing. Testing of accuracy, validity and reliability. Triangulation, mixing methods and data.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Develop a project brief complete with aims and objectives.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Qualitative research application.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Quantitative research application.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Apply data analysis and testing to research problem.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 5
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Presentation of research.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory on course topics and worked examples. Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact One to one review of course topics and worked examples by assigned supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of worked examples for tutorial supervisory sessions Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory on course topics and worked examples. Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact One to one review of course topics and worked examples by assigned supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of worked examples for tutorial supervisory sessions Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mark N.K. Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill,. (2015), Research Methods for Business Students, 7th Ed. Pearson Education Limited, [ISBN: 978292016627].
  • Gina Wisker. (2007), The postgraduate research handbook, 2nd. Palgrave, London, [ISBN: 978-0-230-52130-8].
  • John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell. (2018), Research Design Qualitative and Mixed Method Approaches, 5th. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, Calif., [ISBN: 978-150638676].
  • edited by Andrew Knight, Les Ruddock. (2008), Advanced research methods in the built environment, Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 978-1-4051-6110-7].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert K. Yin. (2018), Case Study Research & Application: Design and Methods, Sage Publications, [ISBN: 9781506336169].
  • Clare Morris. (2012), Quantitative approaches in business studies, Financial Times/Prentice Hall, Harlow, [ISBN: B01FGIGU50].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CCOPM_9 Master of Science in Construction Project Management 1 Mandatory
CR_CCNPM_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Construction Project Management 1 Elective