RPA in supply chain management

Faculty of Business

Module Handbook

Module: Supply Chain Research Proposal and Dissertation

Module Code: BO7669

Level: 7

Module Type: 60 credit core module

Availability: MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Module Leader: Alex Hill Email: [email protected]

1

Contents

1. Module Description

2. Module Details

3. Teaching Programme

4. Initial research idea

5. Research proposal

6. Final dissertation

2

1. MODULE DESCRIPTION

MODULE CODE: BO7669 LEVEL: 7 CREDITS: 60

TITLE: SUPPLY CHAIN RESEARCH PROPOSAL AND DISSERTATION

PRE-REQUISITES: NONE

CO-REQUISITES: NONE

MODULE SUMMARY (INDICATIVE)

This module enables students to identify and research a specific area of logistics, operations or supply chain management. It involves developing a theoretically-grounded research proposal, conducting primary research, drawing conclusions from this work, developing evidence-based recommendations for both academics and practitioners and writing this up into a dissertation. This will require students to draw together and implement the knowledge gained in other modules of their MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management course in a large, independently managed research project. To meet the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) accreditation, this must be on a supply chain, logistics, operations or purchasing/procurement related topic. Formative feedback on how well they do this will be given in teaching sessions, workshops and one-to-one discussions with their supervisor.

AIMS (DEFINITIVE)

• Enable students to further develop and apply the skills and knowledge gained on the MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management course by using them to identify and investigate a specific business problem or issue, via a substantial piece of independent work carried out over an extended period

• Enable students to develop theoretically-grounded research questions; understand, select and apply appropriate research methodologies; collect and analyse data; draw conclusions; develop evidence- based recommendations for both academics and practitioners; and write up a large piece of practically-oriented academic research

• Enable students to develop the skills of planning and writing a theoretically-grounded dissertation that has relevance to the business world

• Enable students to develop the ability to report the outcomes of their research and identify the implications for management and professional practice

LEARNING OUTCOMES (DEFINITIVE)

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Identify researchable problems from supply chain practice and knowledge gaps in relevant literature • Develop theoretically-grounded research questions and frameworks from the researchable problems

identified • Write a research proposal explaining the rationale for their research; reviewing the existing literature;

explaining and justifying their research methodology; and outlining the plan for completing their research

• Conceptualise and conduct a large piece of research explaining and justifying the methodological choices taken

• Demonstrate an ability to collect and analyse primary and secondary qualitative and/or quantitative data

• Write up their research findings; draw conclusions that correspond to their research aims and objectives; compare their findings with those from previous research; discuss the academic and managerial implications; critically reflect on the limitations of their study; and discuss areas of future research.

3

CURRICULUM CONTENT (INDICATIVE)

• Conducting a literature review • Developing research aims, objectives and questions • Developing a research methodology and design • Gathering and analysing data • Drawing conclusions • Identifying implications for academics and practitioners • Writing and presenting research findings in a dissertation • Ethical and legal aspects of conducting research

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY (INDICATIVE)

The teaching and learning strategies embedded in the two stages of the module are outlined below:

Research Proposal This stage of the module leads to the development of a Research Proposal and lays foundations for the development of the second stage, i.e., the Dissertation. The selection of the research topic will either be student-centred or could be selected from the suggested topics list provided by the staff. Once a research topic has been identified, students will be assigned a supervisor, to whom they will submit the Research Proposal. The students will receive feedback on their proposal, which they will be expected to acknowledge and amend ahead of embarking on the primary research / field work phase of their Dissertation.

This stage of the module will be delivered via classroom contact and via a student presentation workshop. Emphasis will be placed on pre-class preparation by students, and the use of in-class time for learning activities. The workshop will be used to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of students’ ideas. Use will be made of on-line resources and blended learning materials.

Class contact time will be used to present examples of research topics and good research practice; to discuss methods of conducting research; to carry out exercises in workshops that are designed to simulate real research problems and issues, and their relevance to business practice; to provide opportunity for students to present their own problems for discussion; develop rounded understanding of the market and the value of theory.

Materials used in the class as well as supporting resources will be made available electronically via StudySpace. The above will aid the process of developing a robust research proposal and a practice- oriented management report.

Dissertation Although this stage of the module will be managed independently by the student, support for planning the research project, collecting and analysing data, and writing up the dissertation, will be provided by an academic supervisor. The students will be encouraged to submit drafts of their work to the supervisor to receive feedback and amend as appropriate.

BREAKDOWN OF TEACHING AND LEARNING HOURS

DEFINITIVE KEY CATEGORY INDICATIVE DESCRIPTION HOURS Scheduled learning and teaching Formal sessions (16.5 hours) and individual

supervision (7.5 hours) 24

Guided independent study Reading, planning and conducting dissertation research

576

TOTAL HOURS 600

4

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY (INDICATIVE)

There will be two individual elements of summative assessment spread through the two stages of the module:

• Research proposal - to: (a) identify a problem that is grounded in theory and has relevance to managerial practice; (b) state the rationale for research; (c) provide a brief critical review of the relevant literature; and (d) outline the proposed methodology

• Dissertation - students will apply research skills to a practical problem that is embedded in relevant theory. Specifically, the students will practise skills of collecting and analysing data, applying appropriate research and analysis methods, and writing up a large-scale (12,000-15,000 words) piece of practically-oriented academic research.

In addition to the summative assessment, formative assessment will be provided in two stages:

• Research workshop - feedback and discussions during the workshop will help students to achieve a high grade in summative assessments (research proposal and dissertation)

• Supervisor discussions - feedback by the supervisor at different stages of the dissertation will enable students to improve and refine their work as they progress through the dissertation.

MAPPING OF LEARNING OUTCOMES TO ASSESSMENT STRATEGY (INDICATIVE)

BREAKDOWN OF MAJOR CATEGORIES OF ASSESSMENT

LEARNING OUTCOME On completion of the module, students will be able to:

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY Research proposal Dissertation

1. Identify researchable problems from supply chain practice and knowledge gaps in relevant literature S/F S/F

2. Develop theoretically-grounded research questions and frameworks from the researchable problems identified S/F S/F

3. Write a research proposal explaining the rationale for their research; reviewing the existing literature; explaining and justifying their research methodology; and outlining the plan for completing their research

S/F S/F

4. Conceptualise and conduct a large piece of research explaining and justifying the methodological choices taken S/F S/F

5. Demonstrate an ability to collect and analyse primary and secondary qualitative and/or quantitative data S/F S/F

6. Write up their research findings; draw conclusions that correspond to their research aims and objectives; compare their findings with those from previous research; discuss the academic and managerial implications; critically reflect on the limitations of their study; and discuss areas of future research.

S/F S/F

DEFINITIVE KEY CATEGORY INDICATIVE DESCRIPTION PERCENTAGE

Coursework Research Proposal Pass/Fail

Coursework Dissertation 100%

Total 100%

5

ACHIEVING A PASS (DEFINITIVE)

It IS NOT a requirement that the major assessment category must be passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (INDICATIVE):

Core Text(s):

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (latest edition) Research Methods for Business Students, FT Prentice Hall, England.

Recommended reading:

Books Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (latest edition) Business Research Methods, Oxford University Press, England. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (latest edition) Business Research, Palgrave, England. Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. & Lowe, A. (latest edition) Management Research: An Introduction,

Sage, England. Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K. (latest edition) Research Methods in Business Studies: A Practical Guide,

FT Prentice Hall, England. Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (latest edition) Research Methods for Managers, Sage, England.

Journal articles Bertrand, J.W.M. and Fransoo, J.C., 2002. Operations management research methodologies using

quantitative modeling. International Journal of Operations and Production Management 22(2), 241-264.

Cannell, C.F., Miller, P.V. and Oksenberg, L., 1981. Research on Interviewing Techniques Sociological Methodology 12, 389-437.

Coughlan, P. and Coghlan, D., 2002. Action research for operations management. International Journal of Operations and Production Management 22 (2), 220-240.

Eisenhardt. K.M., 1989. Building theories from case study research. Academy of Management Review 14 (4), 532-550.

Forza, C., 2002. Survey research in operations management: a process-based perspective. International Journal of Operations and Production Management 22 (2), 152-94.

Ketokivi, M. and Choi, T., 2014. Renaissance of case research as a scientific method. Journal of Operations Management 32 (5), 232-240.

O’Donnell, A. and Cummins, D., 1999. The use of qualitative methods to research networking in SMEs. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal 2 (2), 82–91.

Rogers, T.F., 1976. Interviews by Telephone and in Person: Quality of Responses and Field Performance. The Public Opinion Quarterly 40 (1), 51-65.

Rowley, J. and Slack, F., 2004. Conducting a literature review. Management Research News 27(6), 31-39.

Voss, C. Tsikriktsis, N. and Frohlich, M., 2002. Case research in operations management. International Journal of Operations and Production Management 22 (2), 195-219.

6

2. MODULE DETAILS

Session Topics and content Chapter in

Saunders et al. (2016)

Introduction to module: module handbook; course structure; learning and teaching approach; learning resources: course text and associated Studyspace materials; assessment strategies and methods.

-

Developing a research topic: generating and refining ideas; turning ideas into projects; writing your research proposal. 2

Conducting a literature review: sources; strategy; search; evaluation; review; plagiarism. 3

Developing a research methodology: philosophy; method; strategy; design. 4 and 5

Conducting observations: participant; observer. 9

Conducting interviews: semi-structured; in-depth; group interviews. 10

Developing questionnaires: design; delivery; collection. 11

Analysing qualitative data: structuring; presenting; identifying relationships; developing naratives. 12 and 13

7

3. TEACHING PROGRAMME

Date Subject Time Room

13/01/21

Developing a research topic 09.00 - 13.00 KH BS 1006

Conducting a literature review 14.00 - 18.00 KH BS 1006

14/01/21

Developing a research methodology 09.00 - 13.00 KH BS 0026

Collecting and analysing data 14.00 - 18.00 KH BS 0026

26/02/21 Initial research idea due 09.00 -

28/05/21 Research proposal due 09.00 -

24/09/21 Final dissertation due 09.00 -

8

4. INITIAL RESEARCH IDEA

The purpose of this document is to encourage you to start thinking about the scope of your proposed research, the questions you plan to answer and how you plan to answer them. This document will then be used to allocate you a suitable supervisor who will help you develop your full research proposal.

This document should contain the following information:

1. Purpose and scope - What is the purpose and scope of your proposed research?

2. Background - What is the background to your proposed research? Why are you interested in this area? What is the motivation for your study? How will it help academics wishing to research this area in the future? How will it help practitioners trying to solve these issues in practice?

3. Research questions - What are the research question(s) that you want to try to answer through your research?

4. Gap within the existing academic literature - What is the gap within the existing academic literature that you wish to explore? For example, is there a question that hasn’t been answered yet or are you looking at a context, industry or environment that has not been previously explored

5. Conceptual framework - What are the key theories, concepts and ideas from the academic literature (books and journal articles) that will help guide your research?

6. Research strategy - How do you plan to answer your research question(s)? For example, do you plan to use a case study or a survey approach?

7. Data collection and analysis - How do you plan to collect and analyse data to help you answer your research question(s)?

A copy of this document should be emailed to [email protected] by 09:00am on Friday 26th February 2021.

9

5. RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Your research proposal should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words and contain the following sections:

1. Abstract - short summary of the key findings and conclusions from your proposal, which should explain the:

• Motivation for your study - the gap in the current academic literature it will help fill • Research question(s) - you aim to answer • How you plan to answer these questions - your research strategy • Theoretical model(s) or framework(s) - that will guide your study

2. Introduction - introduction to the proposal explaining the key sections contained within your proposal, the key findings/conclusions from each section and any relevant background information on the company(ies) you plan to study. In particular, you need to:

• Motivation for your study - the gap in the current academic literature it will help fill • Research question(s) - you aim to answer • How you plan to answer these questions - your research strategy (such as a case study or survey) and the

company(ies) you plan to study • Theoretical model(s) or framework(s) - that will guide your study

3. Literature review - a thorough review of the current research that has been published in academic books and journals. In particular, you should: show the gap within the current literature that your study will help fill, identify the research questions you plan to answer to help fill this gap, and explain the model/framework you plan to use to guide your research. In particular, you need to explain:

• Introduction - the key sections contained within the chapter and the key findings/conclusions in each section • Previous academic research - summarise the topics, findings and conclusions that have emerged from

previous studies. It be useful to summarise this in a table to clearly show the gap that exists • Motivation for your study - the research question(s) you plan to answer and the gap it will help fill • Current models/frameworks - that you could use to guide your research. It be useful to compare their

advantages and disadvantages in a table • Model/framework - you plan to use to guide your study, based on the advantages/disadvantages identified in

the last section • Conclusion - summarising the key findings/conclusions from the chapter

4. Research methodology - the questions you plan to answer, research strategy you plan to use (such as a case study or survey), why you plan to use it, the organisation(s) you plan to study and how you plan to collect and analyse data/evidence to help answer your research questions. In particular, you need to explain:

• Introduction - the key sections contained within the chapter and the key findings/conclusions in each section • Research questions - you plan to answer • Methodology - you have chosen to use to answer these questions (such as a case study or survey) • Company(ies) - you have chosen to study (how will they help you answer your research questions?) • Data collection - how and where you plan to collect data from to look at the different aspects of the model(s)

or framework(s) that you plan to use to guide your research • Data analysis - after you have collected the data, how you plan to analyse it to answer your research

question(s) • Reliable, valid and generalisable - how will you ensure your findings are reliable, valid and generalisable? (to

other organisations outside of your study) • Conclusion - summarising the key findings/conclusions from the chapter

5. Action plan - what you plan to do and when you plan to do it

6. Appendices - data supporting the arguments you make in your research proposal

7. References - references used within your research proposal

A copy of the proposal should be emailed to [email protected] by 9.00am on Friday 28th May 2021.

10

6. FINAL DISSERTATION

Your final dissertation should be between 12,000 and 15,000 words and contain the following sections:

1. Abstract - short summary of the key findings and conclusions from your proposal, which should explain the:

• Motivation for your study - the gap in the current academic literature it will help fill • Research question(s) - you aim to answer • How you plan to answer these questions - your research strategy • Theoretical model(s) or framework(s) - that will guide your study • Key findings and conclusions - from your study • Implications - of your findings/conclusions for future academics (wishing to research this area) and

practitioners (planing to apply/use your findings) • Limitations - of your study (areas you did not explore or limitations of the methodology you used) • Future research - what now needs to happen to test or develop your conclusions

2. Introduction - introduction to the proposal explaining the key sections contained within your proposal, the key findings/conclusions from each section and any relevant background information on the company(ies) you plan to study. In particular, you need to:

• Motivation for your study - the gap in the current academic literature it will help fill • Research question(s) - you aim to answer • How you plan to answer these questions - your research strategy (such as a case study or survey) and the

company(ies) you plan to study • Theoretical model(s) or framework(s) - that will guide your study

3. Literature review - a thorough review of the current research that has been published in academic books and journals. In particular, you should: show the gap within the current literature that your study will help fill, identify the research questions you plan to answer to help fill this gap, and explain the model/framework you plan to use to guide your research. In particular, you need to explain:

• Introduction - the key sections contained within the chapter and the key findings/conclusions in each section • Previous academic research - summarise the topics, findings and conclusions that have emerged from

previous studies. It be useful to summarise this in a table to clearly show the gap that exists • Motivation for your study - the research question(s) you plan to answer and the gap it will help fill • Current models/frameworks - that you could use to guide your research. It be useful to compare their

advantages and disadvantages in a table • Model/framework - you plan to use to guide your study, based on the advantages/disadvantages identified in

the last section • Conclusion - summarising the key findings/conclusions from the chapter

4. Research methodology - the questions you plan to answer, research strategy you plan to use (such as a case study or survey), why you plan to use it, the organisation(s) you plan to study and how you plan to collect and analyse data/evidence to help answer your research questions. In particular, you need to explain:

• Introduction - the key sections contained within the chapter and the key findings/conclusions in each section • Research questions - you plan to answer • Methodology - you have chosen to use to answer these questions (such as a case study or survey) • Company(ies) - you have chosen to study (how will they help you answer your research questions?) • Data collection - how and where you plan to collect data from to look at the different aspects of the model(s)

or framework(s) that you plan to use to guide your research • Data analysis - after you have collected the data, how you plan to analyse it to answer your research

question(s) • Reliable, valid and generalisable - how will you ensure your findings are reliable, valid and generalisable? (to

other organisations outside of your study) • Conclusion - summarising the key findings/conclusions from the chapter

5. Findings - from your research to show how you have developed your conclusions. The exact structure will depend on the conclusions you are starting to build. But, in general, you should explain:

• Introduction - the key sections contained within the chapter and the key findings/conclusions in each section • Findings from each case study (or survey topic) - separately using subheadings that naturally lead into the

cross-case comparison • Cross-case comparison (or key survey conclusions) - compare/contrast the findings from the different case

studies or pull out the key conclusions from the survey

11

• Conclusion - summarising the key findings/conclusions from the chapter

6. Conclusions - discuss the key conclusions from your findings and compare them back with those identified in the earlier literature review to see if it agrees or conflicts with the current theory. In particular, this section needs to explain:

• Introduction - the key sections contained within the chapter and the key findings/conclusions in each section • Key conclusions - identify the learnings from your research for practitioners (wishing to apply/use your

findings) and academics (wishing to research this area in the future) • Comparison with previous studies - show how your findings compare/contrast with previous academic

research. With an explanation of why you think your findings agree or disagree with those previous published in academic books or journals

• Research limitations - areas you did not explore or limitations of the methodology you used • Future research - what now needs to happen to test or develop your conclusions • Conclusion - summarising the key findings/conclusions from the chapter

7. Appendices - data supporting the arguments you make in your dissertation

8. References - references used within your dissertation

A copy of the dissertation should be emailed to [email protected] by 9.00am on Friday 24th September 2021.

12

POSTGRADUATE GRADE CRITERIA Letter Postgraduate

Grade Band Grade Criteria

A+, A and A- >70%

Distinction Outstanding appreciation and critical review of full range of Supply Chain Management concepts/literature and issues.

Fluent presentation of relevant information and issues, engaging with current debates at a high level.

Reflection and evaluation in the report expressed with a skill and discrimination that enriches and extends the area under study, showing some evidence of originality.

B+, B and B- 60% - 69%

Commendation Strong grasp of material under consideration with critical appreciation of the range of complexities involved in Supply Chain Management decisions.

Effective organisation of relevant information/literature and issues with a considered balance between the two.

Reflection and evaluation integrated into the report with confidence and clarity.

C+, C and C- 50% - 59%

Pass Competent identification of key Supply Chain Management concepts/ literature and issues.

Clear presentation of relevant information and issues.

Evidence of reflection on material/evaluation of practice in the report leading to sound and supported conclusions.

MF 45-49%

Marginal Failure Some knowledge of relevant Supply Chain Management concepts/literature and issues but with gaps in understanding and/or knowledge.

Little attempt at evaluation, conclusions vague, ambiguous and not based in researched material.

Deficits in one of more of the following: length, structure, presentation, prose.

F 1-44%

Failure Limited knowledge of Supply Chain Management concepts/literature and issues, demonstrating little understanding.

Inadequate in all or most of the following - evaluation, structure of argument, research and presentation.

Work is substantially incomplete and deficient.

FO 0%

Non-submission or non- attendance

13