Module Handbook 2024/25

Module Name: Researching Organisations

Module Code: USPJMP-30-M

Module Leader Name: Gamze Arman

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Introduction
Welcome to Researching Organisations!

This module introduces the key theory and methods of researching organisations
from a psychological perspective. The module is organised around both methods of
data collection and means of analysis. The module covers different perspectives on
research as a framework to understand organisational issues. It is aimed to blend
theory with practice and prepare students for work as a business psychologist by
understanding more about the techniques used to gather data and research
organisations, as well as evaluate and inform practice as a business psychologist.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate a range of approaches to examining, understanding and

evaluating individuals and organisations
• Critically evaluate different types of data generated in organisational research
• Critically use a range of analytical techniques associated with different types
of data
• Professionally communicate relevant data used in business psychology

Please note that this electronic version of the handbook will be kept up to date and
you will be notified of any significant changes. If you have taken a hard copy of any
information please remember to refer back to the electronic version to ensure that
you are working with the most up to date information.

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Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................... 2
1. Module team information............................................................................ 4
2. Module enhancement ................................................................................. 4
3. Module specific information ........................................................................ 5
4. Assessment(s)........................................................................................... 7
5. Feedback.................................................................................................. 8
6. Reading and resources list(s) ...................................................................... 9
7. Communication ....................................................................................... 10
8. Advice and support .................................................................................. 10

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1. Module team information

Module Leader
Dr Gamze Arman
Room: 3B036
Email: gamze.arman@uwe.ac.uk
Student Hours: By arrangement.

Module Team Member:

Name: Ben Steeden

Room: 3B037
Email: ben.steeden@uwe.ac.uk

External examiners from other institutions are appointed to each module to act
independently and work with the module team in the management of threshold academic
standards. Information is available about the external examiner appointed to this module

2. Module enhancement

We have taken on board feedback from internal and external assessors, and our accrediting
body, in the development of this module. Whilst we have worked very hard to ensure that
the module runs smoothly and that the content is current and interesting, we always
welcome the opportunity to develop and improve. If you have any suggestions for module
enhancement, please email the Module Leader your views and suggestions so that we can
feed-forward to other MSc modules and to future cohorts.

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3. Module specific information
To engage with this module, you have:

• 20 topics to learn about

• 2 assessments to complete
• 2 group discussions
• 2 ‘Review, Recap & Reflection’ weeks to focus on what you have learnt
• 2 workshops
• 1 assessment drop-in

Schedule
The dates that you need to be aware of for this module are as follows:

Activity Date
Online Module Introduction 30/09/2024
Group Discussion 2 16/10/2024
Exam Workshop 09/12/2024
Exam Assessment Period 1 (UWE Weeks 21-23)
Online Research Portfolio Drop-in 10/03/2025
Portfolio Workshop 28/04/2025
Group Discussion 10 29/04/2025
Research Portfolio Submission 13/05/2025

Topics
Each week you will be required to complete self-directed study on a topic within the module.
The table below shows the topics and the weeks that these should be completed. The

Blackboard page for the module outlines week by week what is required. This usually

consists of listening/watching a summary of the key points of learning or a focus on a

particular issue by the lecturer; review of the Powerpoint slides; completion of a core

reading, which will either be a chapter or a paper. Extra reading and resources will be

available should you wish to explore an area further.

The weekly topics are displayed below. The endnotes represent what activities the learning

is mapped onto, either covered in an assessment or a discussion.

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Semester 1

Topic UWE Week

Basics 1 Introduction to Research Methods 1,3 7
2 System Thinking 1,3 8
3 Key Elements and Concepts 2,3 9
4 Quantitative vs. Quantitative Approaches 2,3 10
5 Literature Review and Systematic Review3 11
Review, Recap & Reflect 12
Quantitative 6 Surveys3 13
Approach 7 Basics of Data Analysis3 14
8 Experimental Design3 15
9 Metaanalysis and Big Data3 16
10 Reading and Reporting Quantitative Studies 3 17
1 : Group Discussion 1; 2 : Group Discussion 2; 3: Exam ; All topics : Research Portfolio

Semester 2

Topic UWE Week

Qualitative 11 Interviews and Focus Groups 1
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Approach 12 Field and Action Research1 25
13 Visual and Creative Methods & Documentaries1 26
14 Diaries and Auto-Ethnography 27
15 Reading and Reporting Qualitative Studies 28
Review, Recap & Reflect 29
Broader 16 Mixed Method Approach 2
30
Issues 17 Critical Approach & Research impact2 31
18 Ethical issues2 32
Student Vacation 33-34
19 Biases and Blind Spots 35
20 Research in Extreme Contexts 36
1 : Group Discussion 3; 2 : Group Discussion 4; ; All topics : Research Portfolio

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To increase your chances for efficient learning in this module, you can rely on 3 P’s learning
framework :

Preparation - Watch the topic video posted each weak

- Work on pre-workshop activities before the workshops (if
applicable)

Participation - Be active in online group discussions

- Contribute to the online drop-in sessions as an active
member

Practice - Start observing human behaviour in different organisational

context with a research perspective and try to define
potential research questions and designs around your
observations

4. Assessment(s)
Provided below is a brief outline of the assessments required for this module. More detailed
information is provided in the Assessment Briefs. Please access the briefs which are
separate documents on Blackboard where you will find all essential details regarding
submission requirements and relevant information.

Task A – EXAM (unseen)

(1 hour)

This assessment requires you to choose from a selection of research questions provided for
a specific organisational context and discuss the characteristics of a potential study in
response to that question. On the exam date, the exam questions will be released and you
will have a submission window of 24 hours in which to submit your exam. This assessment
demonstrates your ability to select, analyse and construct a comprehensive, detailed and
critical answer to a specific question related to the module content under controlled
conditions. The exam will be scheduled in Assessment Period 1. You will be informed of the
date when the assessment calendar has been finalised.

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Task B – COURSEWORK (Research Portfolio)

(2000 words)

You have to define a specific organisational issue, form your research question around it and
develop a research proposal for studying this specific issue. The research portfolio should be
a 2000 word proposal consisting of six sections :

(1) Introduction : Topic identification, literature review, research question,

hypotheses (if relevant)
(2) Method : Research design, sample characteristics, procedure, materials,
proposed analyses
(3) Potential strengths, limitations, risks and ethical issues
(4) Comparison to alternative approaches (either qualitative or quantitative)
(5) References
(6) Appendices : Material supporting method section

Resit

Should you not pass a task within this module, there is the opportunity to resit the tasks.
The resit information for tasks A and B are the same (i.e. an exam for task A and a
Research Portfolio for task B), however you will have to focus on a new research topic in
your Research Portfolio (details will be given in the resit assessment information).

5. Feedback

You will receive feedback in a variety of forms throughout the module, therefore it is
important to attend timetabled sessions to ensure you do not miss out on these
opportunities.

Each assessment you submit for this module will be returned to you with written feedback,
and consists of comments made by tutors on your assessed work which enables you to
understand how you have met the defined assessment criteria and identifies areas for
further improvement.

You will also receive feedback on assessed work; this may be individually or as a
group/cohort, which will enable you to understand how you have met the assessment
criteria and identify areas for your further improvement. Feedback on, and an outcome for,
assessment shall be provided individually or in groups in an appropriate format and within 5
+ 20 working days (excluding UWE staff vacation periods) following the deadline for
submission of the assessment concerned. Where the period is longer than this you will be
informed of the deadline for the provision of feedback and rationale for the extension.

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Outcomes which have not been confirmed by an examining board shall be considered as
provisional.

MyUWE is used to communicate unconfirmed marks, provide cover sheets for assessments
and to submit work. Further information on all aspects of your myUWE portal is available on
the website.

6. Reading and resources list(s)

Your module reading list can be accessed online, either directly through the link below or
through the module’s Blackboard page.

The short video available on the library’s website will introduce you to some of the key
features of the online reading list system.

For the Researching Organisations module there is a core/essential reading list as well as
further readings suggested for each topic and workshop. The core reading for each topic is
provided on Blackboard in each topic section. For the further reading and reading for the
workshops, please check the relevant section of the full reading list. Where possible, we will
provide access to online resources which can be accessed via the UWE Library.

If you would like to get a textbook for this module, then the core books suggested are:

- Adams, J., Khan, H.T.A., & Reaside, R. (2014). Research methods for business and
social science students, 2dn edition. Sage.

- Guthrie, G. (2013). Basic research methods: an entry to social science research,

Sage.

Please note that the above books are available through the UWE library. All weekly readings
are available through blackboard – you can also check the full reading list here

All written work should be referenced in line with UWE Bristol Harvard format. You can find
more details on referencing at UWE here. You can also reach The University’s policy on word
count.

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7. Communication
Throughout your time with us, you will receive regular communications; the main
communication channels used are Blackboard sites and your UWE email address. It is your
responsibility to read everything that you are sent and act upon it where appropriate.

The main communication channel used is the Ms Teams for all the modules you are
currently studying. Blackboard provides the main channel for module specific content and
information, and these too should be checked regularly for new content and
announcements.

8. Advice and support

There are a range of facilities and services available to go to for advice and support
depending on what the issue is. Remember - asking for help at the earliest possible stage
will help you in the long run.
Please contact Information Point who may signpost you to other professional services such
as;
Student Support Advisers
Disability Service
Health and Wellbeing Services
Money and Finance
Immigration Advice Service

Writing support
If you feel you would like further writing support do remember that the university has lots of
sources of support. Three that may be particularly useful for your writing are:

1. University study support pages and events for writing and critical thinking and
writing
2. The Faculty Writing Fellows. You can book one-to-one sessions with a
professional
writer to look at how to improve your writing.
3. UWE Training Events. There are quite a lot of training events run by UWE that
might
also help if you really want to engage in writing development further, including
sessions on Critical Writing.

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4. LinkedIn Learning. There are online writing courses that we subscribe to through
LinkedIn on improving writing (aimed at general writing skills such as avoiding
wordiness, using strong verbs etc.). Use your UWE log on to access.
5. Manchester University has a good writing resource, particularly focused on
choosing the correct words.
6. Bristol University has a good online resource to improve your writing. It has some
self- tests and good examples of how to write well.

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