2. RESEARCH PROJECT 5U6Z0028 Introduction to inform elective choice Unit Co-ordinator Dr Diane Hart: email d.hart@mmu.ac.uk

3. The research process Begin with research idea and refine it Develop research question(s) Formulate specific aims and objectives Literature review Research design/ methodology Decide data generation methods Generate/source data Analyse data Draw conclusions Complete write up of report

4. Why choose this unit? Investigate in depth a real business problem or opportunity of personal interest and relevant to degree programme Develop skills in Planning and managing an independent project of significant scale Independent research- finding & using secondary sources, data collection, analysis and interpretation, relating theory to practice Communicating effectively Developing & maintaining working relationships Professional ethics

5. Learning and teaching for this unit Lecture programme, typically of around 10-12 lectures spread across Term 1 and Term 2 More emphasis on independent study supported by: Supervision by member of academic team, involving small group and individual meetings, feedback on written milestones. Sign-up workshops Online resources in Moodle

6. Assessment Individual research project report submitted at the end of Term 2 or beginning Term 3 (date yet to be decided) Approx 9000 words

7. Example titles ‘Cashing in the Cobbles’: An exploration of viewer attitudes towards the use of product placement on ITV’s Coronation Street To buy or not to buy: an exploration into the design features affecting e-loyalty in Debenhams e-commerce I now pronounce you client and manager: An investigation into the role of relationship marketing within the decision-making process of wedding reception clients

8. Investigating How to Effectively Brand Vegetarian Food to Vegetarian Parents and Children Observations of families during accompanied shopping trips In depth interviews following shopping trips

9. An investigation into the implications of consumer perceptions of e-CRM systems for the development of loyalty in the out-of-home coffee sector In depth interview with Coffee shop manager Survey of coffee shop customers

10. ‘Youtubers; the new Hollywood A-listers!’ An exploration into the ways in which YouTube channels are increasingly adopting a more corporate approach to engaging viewers. Content analysis of videos and user comments on two YouTube channels (JacksGap; Drunk Tech Review) for nature of content and volume of certain types of content

11. Student feedback about this unit It gives you a choice to write what you are interested in which makes it an exciting unit and gives you an opportunity to research on the subject you might be working on in your future career Our personal dissertation tutors were selected for us based on our chosen topics The one-to-one sessions with my tutor are really beneficial The lectures are very helpful in terms of what we need to apply to our dissertation It is down to us to make the most of this unit

12. What next? For current L5 students electing unit Preparatory lecture in Term 3 Handbook and resources on choosing topic in Programme Moodle channel in Term 3 Drop in cafe with members of supervisory team in Term 3 For students on Placement electing unit Podcast of Preparatory lecture made available in Placement Year Moodle channel in Term 3 Handbook and resources on choosing topic in Placement Year Moodle channel in Term Speak to your Placement Tutor about any initial project ideas Unit Moodle channel will be live from July with resources for helping choose topic.

13. Project Tutors See MODB Staff web pages http://www.business.mmu.ac.uk/academicstaff/modb.php