Unit information: Interdisciplinary Research Skills in 2020/21

Unit name	Interdisciplinary Research Skills
Unit code	MENGM0046
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Hadi Abulrub
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The unit main aim is to introduce various research methodology principles and practice in an engineering and technology management setting. It will develop students’ ability to formulate research questions, design for qualitative and quantitative data collection and apply a variety of approaches to data analysis.

This is achieved through the following aims:

1. Provide knowledge in research methodology concepts and framework essential for independent research
2. Demonstrate skills in research design suitable for engineering and management research in engineering/technology context
3. Provide an opportunity for students for practical experience in developing engineering and management research
4. Recognise key components of project dissertations and criteria of success

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Explore academic research practices with in-depth discussion on research methodology (A1 & A2)
2. Systematic evaluation of appropriate data gathering and analysis techniques and critically explain the rationale of their selections (A2 & A3)
3. Develop clear and coherent research questions and decide on set of objectives fit for the field of dissertation study (A2 – A4)
4. Design procedure for adherence with ethics and adopt good research practices (A2 – A4).
5. Demonstrate interdisciplinary research approach to undertake individual project and writing postgraduate dissertations (A1 – A4)

Teaching Information

Taught using traditional lectures and flipped-class approach combined with interactive sessions and practical workshops. The mixture of techniques aims to facilitate the transformation of knowledge into practice and offer skills development through hands-on practical sessions.

Independent study and wide reading are essential for developing knowledge-specific for student’s dissertation project.

Assessment Information

Individual project proposal (100%): The proposal will require demonstration of original independent investigation and critical reflection of their project research, including design of suitable research methods and ethics practices. The project proposal is based on a project agreed with an academic advisor and/or supervisor (LO1 – LO5)

Reading and References

https://rl.talis.com/3/bristol/lists/97B39066-6456-3C4B-E09A-E923CFD77A59.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

1. “Research Methods for Business Students” (2015) by Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill.
2. “Business research: a practical guide for undergrad. & postgrad. students” (2014) by Jill Collis
3. “Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches” (2014) by John Creswell
4. “Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners” (2014) by Ranjit Kumar
5. “Research design explained” (2013) by Mark Mitchell