Module Details

Module Code: ACCT9008
Title: Finance Research Methods
Long Title: Finance Research Methods
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3440 - Accounting, Auditing and Accountability
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to the main theoretical perspectives and ethical considerations underpinning accounting research. This involves: developing students' skills in analysing extant literature to construct a conceptual framework and identify key issues and debates, critically assessing the appropriateness of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, developing skills to undertake and present a practical based viable research proposal. This module sets the foundation for research.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Select a research topic and design a model for investigation that is both feasible and practical
LO2 Synthesis and critically review the literature relevant to the research topic
LO3 Evaluate and justify the appropriateness of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies from a range of theoretical schools to address the research topic
LO4 Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of good research (in particular reliability, validity and ethics) when submitting a research proposal
LO5 Produce a comprehensive coherent research proposal strongly supported by the literature and in recognition of a gap in the literature
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
Introduction to Accounting Research
The role of accounting research in informing theory and practice. Introduction to research philosophy and research approaches. Introduction to Accounting literature.
Literature Review
Rationale for literature reviews. Sourcing relevant literature. Use on online databases. Critical thinking. Structuring and writing a comprehensive critical and analytical review of the literature incorporating seminal and contemporary works on a research topic.
Research Ethics
Research Ethics Research ethics defined. Relevance of research ethics. Fulfilling ethical obligations of the researcher. Awareness and implications of plagiarism.
Academic Writing
Integration and synthesis of scholarly works, with the emphasis on structure and presentation, academic style and referencing. Use of software such as Endnote or Latex. Submission of conference papers and journal articles.
Research Methods
Comparing and contrasting the relative merits of selected quantitative and qualitative research methods. Justification of the appropriateness of research methodology to research objective. Use of software such as NVivo or SPSS.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
An in-class presentation of the research idea that will act as a lead into the research proposal. The presentation will explore an initial viable research idea for the project. Also, a 2 page written submission of the initial literature in relation to the field of study is submitted.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
The completion of a research proposal that will act as a lead for the project module.
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 Class based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case study work, research & specified readings. 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 Class based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case study work, research & specified readings 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
  • Bryman, Alan and Bell, Emma. (2015), Business Research Methods, 4th. Oxford University Press, UK, [ISBN: 9780199668649].
  • Collis, Jill and Hussey, Roger. (2014), Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, 4th. Palgrave Macmillan, UK, [ISBN: 9780230301832].
  • Saunders, Mark; Lewis, Philip; Thornhill, Adrian. (2019), Research Methods for Business Students, 8th. Pearson Education, Essex, [ISBN: 9781292016627].
  • Bell, E., A. Bryman and B. Harley. (2019), Business Research Methods, 5th. Oxford University Press, UK:, [ISBN: 9780198809876].
  • Robson, C.. (2015), Real World Research, 3rd. Blackwell, MA, USA.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Booth, Andrew; Sutton, Anthea; Papaioannou, Diana. (2016), Systematic approaches to a successful literature review, 2nd. Sage Publications, London, [ISBN: 9781473912465].
  • Cresswell, John W. (2009), Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 3rd. Sage Publications, California, [ISBN: 97814129655].
  • O'Gorman, Kevin; MacIntosh, Robert. (2015), Research methods for business & management : a guide to writing your dissertation, Goodfellow Publishers, UK, [ISBN: 9781910158524].
  • Grey, D.. (2017), Doing Research in the Real World, Sage, USA: Thousand Oaks.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BIFAD_9 Master of Business in Investment Fund Administration 6 Mandatory
CR_BAACC_9 Master of Science in Applied Accounting 2 Mandatory