MODULE GUIDE 2023/2024

October 2023

Module: MGTM16

International Business Management Research Project

Module Leader: Mohammad Adwan

Module Guide MGTM16 1

Contents

1 Introduction to the Module ........................................................................................................ 3

2 Module Synopsis ...................................................................................................................... 3

3 Module Leader .......................................................................................................................... 4

4 Learning Outcomes ................................................................................................................... 4

5 Table of Units ........................................................................................................................... 4

6 Assessment Information ............................................................................................................ 8

7 Project Supervision ................................................................................................................... 9

8 Module Supervisors: ................................................................................................................. 9

9 Ethics ...................................................................................................................................... 10

10 Project Structure ..................................................................................................................... 11

11 Suggested Reading .................................................................................................................. 13

12 Appendices ............................................................................................................................. 14

Module Guide MGTM16 2

1 Introduction to the Module

Welcome to the International Business Management Research Project module. This Module Guide
introduces the module, including details of module content and the skills and knowledge you are
expected to demonstrate to produce a research project successfully.

The primary focus of this module is on research methods. Each unit will highlight some of the key
aspects of the research process, such as writing a literature review, developing an argument, choosing a
research strategy, understanding and adopting good ethical practices, and collecting, analysing, and
presenting data.

A significant portion of this module is self-directed; thus, you are expected to engage with the
preparatory and consolidation materials and attend all drop-in sessions to ensure you are ready for the
assessment.

Conducting a research project can be extremely stimulating as you can explore a topic of interest in
detail.

Best Wishes.
Mohammad Adwan
Module Leader

2 Module Synopsis

Module Title International Business Management Research Project

Module Code MGTM16
Level 7
Credits 60
Pre and Corequisites None
Module Leader Mohammad Adwan
Learning Hours 600 hours

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3 Module Leader

Please find below the contact information of your module leader. The module leader is responsible
for the overall running of the module.

Module Leader: Mohammad Adwan

Email: [email protected]
Office: Reg Vardy Building
Meetings: By appointment via email

Team Member: Dr Ryan Williams

4 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Critically analyse and investigate a relevant research problem demonstrating a systematic

understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current issues in international business
management and an advanced critical understanding of the pertinent theories.

• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of research methodology, data

collection methods, and data analysis techniques to create and interpret knowledge.

• Evidence self-direction, reflection, and originality to independently design an appropriate

research strategy to investigate the identified problem, manage the project and deliver the
research output in the required format.

5 Table of Units

A list of materials is provided on the canvas page. The materials will provide you with a comprehensive
understanding of the importance of the research process and its significance for developing an effective
project. They are generally underpinned by systematic means and case study methods. This should
ensure that the research undertaken is logical, coherent and replicable. This includes addressing research
philosophy, induction/deduction and abduction issues, research approaches, methodological choices,
research strategies, data collection and analysis methods and presentation of research findings.

You are expected to cover the fully allocated learning materials by engaging in proactive learning

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outside the sessions, such as undertaking additional reading to widen your knowledge and
understanding of the course material. You will be expected to demonstrate this in your final project.

The Canvas page will be organized as of the following:

Unit 1 Professional Development and Key Academic Skills

Description:
In this unit, you will cover a range of academic approaches required for
professional skill development. You will evaluate and interpret a variety of
sources to formulate and support well-reasoned arguments. In the sessions, you
will use logic, reasoning, critical analysis, and reflection to prepare you for
research inquiry. You will define ethics in business research and discuss why
ethics is important. You will learn about research participants, participant
information forms, consent forms and how to gain ethical approval for your
project. You will also be introduced to common dilemmas in ethics.

Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods
for Business Students, 8th ed. Pearson, Harlow. (Chapter 2)
• Collis, J. & Hussey, R., 2013. Business Research: A Practical Guide for
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students. London: Macmillan
International Higher Education. (Chapter 1)
Unit 2 What is Research?

Description:
You will define business research and discuss how to identify gaps in the
literature, which will help you choose a research topic. Then, you will be
introduced to Chapter 1, your introduction chapter.

Reading:
• Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B., 2022. Business Research Methods.
Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 1)
• Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K., 2018. Research Methods in
Education, 8th ed. Abingdon: Routledge. (Chapter 8)
Unit 3 Literature Review

Description:
This unit will give you the skills to develop a critical awareness of your chosen
topic. You will learn what a literature review is and how to search for appropriate
sources. Using the session's case studies, you will distinguish the differences
between descriptive and critical writing. In this session, you will create a plan for
writing your literature review.
Module Guide MGTM16 5
 Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods
for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (Chapter 3)
• Winchester, C.L. and Salji, M., 2016. Writing a literature review. Journal
of Clinical Urology, 9(5), pp.308-312.
Unit 4 Research Philosophy

Description:
You will begin to consider the nature of reality and knowledge. This session will
introduce the terms ontology and epistemology, which will become important as
you consider your methodology's paradigmatic position. The seminar will be
primarily focused on positivism and interpretivism. You will have the opportunity
to apply what you have learned to real-life research topics.

Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods
for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (Chapter 4)
Unit 5 Secondary Research

Description:
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the key components of
secondary research processes. You will also identify the characteristics of key
aspects of good practice that are associated with secondary research.
Additionally, you will learn how to analyse secondary data using systematic
reviews and meta-analysis.

Reading:
• Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K., 2018. Research Methods in
Education, 8th ed. Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon. (Chapter 28)
• Denscombe, M., 2009. Ground Rules for Social Research: Guidelines for
Good Practice. London: McGraw-Hill Education (UK). (Chapter 10)
Unit 6 & 7 Qualitative Research Part 1&2

Description:
You will recognise the key characteristics of key qualitative research and reflect
on its strengths and weaknesses. You will be able to compare various qualitative
research strategies, including ethnography and phenomenology. This session will
be focused on collecting data via interviews, focus groups, and visual
methodologies. You will have the opportunity to analyse transcripts using
thematic analysis.

Reading:
• Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B., 2022. Business Research Methods.

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 Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 17)
• Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B., 2022. Business Research Methods.
Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 25)
Unit 8 Quantitative Research

Description:
You will recognise the key characteristics of key quantitative research and reflect
on its strengths and weaknesses. You will be able to compare the various
quantitative research strategies, including quasi-experimental. This session will
be focused on collecting data via surveys and experiments. You will have the
opportunity to analyse data using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Reading:
• Denscombe, M., 2017. The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale
Social Research Projects. London: McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
(Chapter 16)
• Krosnick, J.A., 2018. Questionnaire design. In: The Palgrave Handbook
of Survey Research, pp.439-455. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Bell, E., Bryman, A. & Harley, B., 2022. Business Research Methods.
Oxford University Press. (Chapter 16)
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods
for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (Chapter 12)

Unit 9 Putting it all together

Description:
In the final unit, you will develop a research proposal encompassing this
module's key learnings.

Reading:
• Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods
for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (Chapter 14)

Module Guide MGTM16 7

6 Assessment Information

You will be required to submit one written research project of 10,000 words containing an
introduction, literature review, methodology, presentation of results, discussion, and conclusions.

This is a summative assessment weighted at 100%. This will assess all the module learning outcomes.
You are required to submit a copy of your work on Canvas (a hard copy is not required). The deadline
date will be posted on Canvas.

You must submit your report through Turnitin and include a copy of the report with your submission.
Your project should include a cover page detailing your full name (not informal names adopted in
English), course, student number, project title, and module number.

The last submission of the assignment before the submission date will be deemed the final submission
for assessment purposes. All work submitted must adhere to the University Policy on 'Cheating,
Collusion, and Plagiarism'. Two staff members assess each project internally. A sample of work is
also sent to the Programme External Examine

Module Guide MGTM16 8

7 Project Supervision

You will be allocated a project supervisor. Your supervisor will support you through the project
phase of your studies. The scheduled dates for meeting your supervisor should be mutually agreed
upon between you and your supervisor. You must explicitly agree with your supervisor about how
the supervision will work for you. Meetings without a specific section of your work to discuss are
unlikely to be an effective use of time. If you have a question or a point to check, an email will be
more effective. Writing a good section of material and submitting it before your meeting means the
supervisor will have read and commented upon it. It is also a sound idea to have some time as soon
as possible after a supervision session so you can follow up on the comments. Successful students
have also found it helpful at each supervision session to plan out the next stage of work and the
target dates for this.

8 Module Supervisors:

Please find below the contact information of your module supervisors involved in the delivery of this
module, with whom you can arrange individual or small group meetings regarding any academic
support issues for this module.

1. Module Supervisor: TBA

Email: @underland.ac.uk
Office: Reg Vardy Building
Meetings: By appointment via email

2. Module Supervisor: TBA

Email: @underland.ac.uk
Office: Reg Vardy Building
Meetings: By appointment via email

3. Module Supervisor: TBA

Email: @underland.ac.uk
Office: Reg Vardy Building
Meetings: By appointment via email

4. Module Supervisor: TBA

Email: @underland.ac.uk
Office: Reg Vardy Building
Meetings: By appointment via email

Module Guide MGTM16 9

8.1 Your supervisor will:
• Discuss your ideas and answer questions you have about the project
• Offer guidance on structuring your work
• Feedback on the draft work you submit and make suggestions on content, writing style, data
collection, depth, and analysis level.
• Remind you about suggested timescales and help you work out whether you are on schedule.
It would be beneficial to develop a Gannt chart for this, and you can share this with your
supervisor.
• Support you to review your focus, scope, and research questions
• Agree on a tutorial record for each meeting with you

8.2 Your supervisor will not:

• Mark your work or give you an indication of your final mark before submission.
• Proofread your work and correct errors in spelling, grammar and style
• Chase you to arrange meetings
• Do parts of your work for you. Remember, this module assesses your ability to
independently develop and realise a project.
• Assist with continual revisions until the dissertation has gained your target grade. Your
supervisor can only read and comment on each part of your dissertation once.
• The supervisor's approval of your progress cannot be taken to imply any grade or
classification. You should not request this from your supervisor at any stage of the dissertation
modul

9 Ethics
The University of Sunderland is committed to the pursuit of knowledge, ideas, and innovation and to
the promulgation of that knowledge and understanding. It is also committed to high ethical standards,
and, therefore, it is the policy of the University of Sunderland that all its work, including research, is
conducted in accordance with internationally accepted ethical principles and standards.

I recommend that students consider using a secondary research approach involving analyzing and
interpreting existing data and information. This method allows researchers to build upon the work of
others, using previously collected data to gain new insights or examine topics from different angles.
Secondary research is a valuable tool in academia that offers numerous advantages since it uses
existing data, making it more cost-effective and time-efficient than primary research. Secondary data
sources can provide a wide range of information, which allows for comprehensive analysis.
Additionally, since secondary research does not typically involve direct interaction with research
subjects, it does not require going through the same ethics application process as primary research
approaches.

Details of the Research Ethics Review process are found on the University website and by following
the link: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/help/research/research-at-the-university/ethical-review/. You
must discuss the Ethics approval process with your supervisor at the earliest opportunity, as

Module Guide MGTM16 10

approval is required before data can be collected. All students are required to obtain ethical
clearance, even if the research is secondary research in nature.

You will submit the form to the ethics committee using the link:
https://sunderland.ethicsreview.org.uk/. Within your ethics form, you must include a participant
information sheet and consent form if this is relevant to your research. Gaining ethical approval
usually takes around 14 working days. You must obtain ethical clearance before commencing your
project. It is academic misconduct to begin collecting data without obtaining ethical approval
beforehand.

For more information or help and advice on the online Ethical Review system or queries about the
Research Ethics Group, please contact Andrea Howell, Officer to Research Ethics Group, by emailing
[email protected].

10 Project Structure
• Title
• Statement of Originality and Authenticity
• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Contents
• Abbreviations
• List of Figures/Tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature Review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Findings
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• References
• Appendices

10.1 Chapter 1: Introduction

Your chapter should identify the topic's background, provide a rationale for its significance, and
include the research aims and objectives. It should be concise, informative, and able to stand alone as
a document.

10.2 Chapter 2 Literature Review

In this chapter, you will situate the study in the context of previous research. Here, you will critically
analyse scholarly material about the topic, present a critical synthesis of empirical literature according
to relevant themes or variables, justify how the study addresses a gap or problem, and outline the

Module Guide MGTM16 11

 study's theoretical or conceptual framework. This provides a backdrop to your work and allow the
reader to assess your research skills.

10.3 Chapter 3 Methodology

You should situate your research within a particular methodological tradition or paradigm in the
methodology. Provide a rationale for that approach, and justify the chosen method (e.g., case study,
grounded theory approach, thematic analysis), data collection technique adopted and your method of
analysis (e.g., Thematic analysis, content analysis). Your chapter should include the rationale for the
chosen research approach, justification of the selected research setting, and research sample and data
collection methods. You will then present your approach to data analysis, including a discussion on
the measures taken to enhance the study and its validity and reliability. You should also highlight the
limitations of the methodology

10.4 Chapter 4 Presentation of Findings

In this chapter, you present the study's main findings based on the evidence and/or results of the
primary research (qualitative or quantitative data) you have undertaken. Depending on your subject
area, this can be detailed quantitative models such as hypothesis testing via inferential or basic
descriptive statistics. Alternatively, this can be done using qualitative techniques such as thematic
analysis, grounded theory, structured content analysis, and case study descriptions. This data must be
organised in a logical and coherently ordered whole so that your thought processes and interpretation
are clear to the reader.

10.5 Chapter 5 Discussion

Having presented the data, you will be expected to interrogate the findings by asking questions about
your information, such as: What is significant here? Where are the key agreements between
participants/sources? What are the main areas of disagreement? How does this information reflect the
outcomes (confirm or deny) from the literature review and so on,? What does this say about important
ideas to shape policy/strategy and its implementation?

10.6 Chapter 6 Conclusions

This short chapter should summarise main points and decide what stance you are taking with respect
to the practice/policies under review. It should flow naturally from the earlier work. This section
should not introduce new ideas or new debates even if you have discovered new information.

The dissertation/project should be approximately 10,000 words. However, the exact makeup of the
sections may vary. It is unlikely you will be able to meet the learning outcomes in terms of depth and
range of analysis in a study of less than 10,000 words.

The remainder of the dissertation/project should comprise the reference list and appendices, which
are evidenced in the main body of your report. Appendices should be carefully selected.

They should be referenced in the main body of the study, clearly relate to it, and provide further
important references for the reader. They should not be included if they have no central bearing on the

Module Guide MGTM16 12

study or are simply a catalogue of all organisational information available.

11 Suggested Reading
Please see the texts accessed through Canvas's library reading list section.

In addition, students are expected to consult relevant journals depending on their area of study and
chosen topic

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12 Appendices

12.1 Title Page Template

Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the regulations governing the award of the
degree of

MSc International Business Management

Research Title

Dissertation Supervisor:
Student Name:
Word Count:
Hand-in Date:

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12.2 Statement of Originality and Authenticity

I confirm that the content of this research is original and authentic, carried out and compiled by myself
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University of Sunderland on collusion and
plagiarism. I also confirm that all materials and journals used during this research were fully
referenced in accordance with the Harvard System.

I also clarify that I have taken a copy of the submission, which I will retain until after the Programme
Assessment Board has published the results. I will make it available on request in pursuance of any
appropriate aspect of the marking and moderation of the work within the University Regulations.

Name:
Student ID:
Programme of study:
Signed:

Module Guide MGTM16 15

12.3 Generic assessment criteria
Generic Assessment Criteria – Postgraduate -These should be related to the level at which you are working and related to the assessment criteria for the module.
Grade Relevance Knowledge Analysis Argument and Structure Critical Evaluation Presentation Reference to Literature
86 – The work examined is exemplary and provides clear evidence of a complete grasp of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also ample excellent evidence
100% showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be exemplary in all the categories cited above. It will demonstrate
a particularly compelling evaluation, originality, and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.
76- The work examined is outstanding and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning
85% outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that level are fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be outstanding in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly
compelling evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.
The work examined is excellent and is evidence of comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning
70 – outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that level are satisfied At this level it is expected that the work will be excellent in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling
75% evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.
Directly relevant to the A substantial knowledge Comprehensive Well supported, focused Contains distinctive or Well written, with Critical appraisal of up-to-date and/or
60 – requirements of the of relevant material, analysis - clear argument which is clear and independent thinking; and standard spelling and appropriate literature. Recognition of different
69% assessment showing a clear grasp of and orderly logically structured. begins to formulate an grammar, in a readable perspectives. Very good use of a wide range of
themes, questions and presentation independent position in style with acceptable sophisticated source material.
issues therein relation to theory and/or format
practice.
Some attempt to address Adequate knowledge of Significant Generally coherent and May contain some Competently written, with Uses a good variety of literature which includes
50 – the requirements of the a fair range of relevant analytical logically structured, using an distinctive or independent only minor lapses from recent texts and/or appropriate literature,
59% assessment: may drift material, with treatment which appropriate mode of argument thinking; may begin to standard grammar, with including a substantive amount beyond library
away from this in less intermittent evidence of has a clear and/or theoretical mode(s) formulate an independent acceptable format texts.
focused passages an appreciation of its purpose position in relation to theory Competent use of source material.
significance and/or practice.
40 – Some correlation with Basic understanding of Some analytical Some attempt to construct a Sound work which expresses A simple basic style but Evidence of use of appropriate literature which
49% the requirements of the the subject but treatment, but coherent argument, but may a coherent position only in with significant goes beyond that referred to by the tutor.
assessment but there is a addressing a limited may be prone to suffer loss of focus and broad terms and in uncritical deficiencies in expression Frequently only uses a single source to support
significant degree of range of material description, or consistency, with issues at conformity to one or more or format that may pose a point. Weak use of quotation
irrelevance to narrative, stake stated only vaguely, or standard views of the topic obstacles for the reader
which lacks theoretical mode(s) couched in
clear analytical simplistic terms
purpose
35 – Relevance to the A limited understanding Largely A basic argument is evident, Some evidence of a view Numerous Barely adequate use of literature. Over reliance
39% requirements of the of a narrow range of descriptive or but mainly supported by starting to be formed but deficiencies in expression on material provided by the tutor.
assessment may be very material narrative, with assertion and there may be a mainly derivative. and presentation; the
intermittent, and may be little evidence lack of clarity and coherence writer may achieve
reduced to its vaguest of analysis clarity (if at all) only by
and least challenging using a simplistic or
terms repetitious style
30- The work examined provides insufficient evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. The evidence provided shows that some of the learning outcomes and
34% responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied. The work will be weak in some of the indicators.
15-29% The work examined is unacceptable and provides little evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. The evidence shows that few of the learning outcomes
and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied. The work will be weak in several of the indicators.
0-14% The work examined is unacceptable and provides almost no evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. The evidence fails to show that any of the learning
outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied. The work will be weak in the majority or all of the indicators.
Module Guide MGTM16 17