JISC

Background/Context

This project will develop a 10 credit, level M, 'Online Research Methods' (ORM) module, as part of the MSc Financial Management offered by Bristol Business School (BBS), University of the West of England (UWE). This programme is currently taught face-to-face, however during the academic year 2008/2009, it will also be offered to international distance learning students who are CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) professionally qualified accountants as part of their continued professional development (CPD). A further pathway will also be offered to professional accountants working for the NHS.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the project is to develop a generic online research methods module to be delivered in the UK and internationally to postgraduate students and professionals during the academic year 2008/2009. The module will draw upon both external and internal institutional content to ensure that high quality research methods resources are provided to both campus-based and distant learners to enable them to produce a research proposal.

Project Methodology

The project team will undertake a thorough review of the current face-to-face research methods provision to identify the key learning objectives and consider how these could be achieved in an online learning environment. Having identified the online learning units, the team will rigorously search relevant external and internal research methods resources to identify appropriate material and supporting student activities.

Deliverables

ORM module, reflective Blog and final report, dissemination workshops and an evidence-informed academic research paper.

Stakeholders

UWE’s e-learning development Unit, BBS’s Learning and Research Technical Unit (LARTU), MSc Financial Management programme director and module leaders, UWE’s library staff, campus-based and distance learning students, publishers/authors and other institutions.