DISTANCE LEARNING RESEARCH PROJECT COURSE
Your research makes a difference in the real world
The better your research, the greater the value of your findings to industry. Your data can actually help to optimise the activities of businesses and even entire industries. Improve your research techniques, find out how to plan your project more effectively and gather data that can prove valuable in informing the current operations or future planning of a business.
COURSE AIM
To monitor, analyse and evaluate a common process (or processes) relevant to their stream studies. (For the purpose of this unit, a "process" is defined as any distinct series of events or changes over a period of time, and which is directly related to the area of study).
COURSE STRUCTURE
There are 6 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Identifying research issues
The nature of research
Finding research ideas
Experience
Literature
Requests for research
Curiosity and imagination
Considering all options
Formulating a research project
Is the research topic feasible
Terminology
Types of questions: descriptive, rational, causal
Units of analysis
Validity
Conclusion validity
Internal validityConstruct validity
External validity
Fallacies
Variables
Structure of a research project
Components of a research project
Nature of a relationship
Patterns in relationships
Timing of research
Ethics in research
2. Acquisition of technical information
Literature review
Research methods
Methods of collecting information
Experimental methods
Correlation methods
Questionnaires, surveys, tests
Interviews
Document reviews
Focus groups
Case Studies
3. Specialised research techniques
Specialised research
4. Research planning and designing
Introduction
The scientific method
Testing hypotheses
Common mistakes when applying the scientific method
Hypotheses, models, tyheories and laws
5. Statistics
Types of data: quantitative vs qualitative
Overview of statistics for research
Sources of statistics
Statistical data (Plural sense)
Statistical Method (Singular sense)
6. Conducting research
Analyzing and interpreting information
Start with research goals
Analysis of quantitative information
Analysis of qualitative information
Interpreting information
Example of a report
Pitfalls to avoid
Evaluation
Evaluation strategies
Types of evaluation
Evaluation questions and methods
WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE
Evidence of your ability to collect, collate and interpret data and prepare reports in ways relevant to the work environment;Ability to monitor and evaluate one’s own work in order to develop a responsible attitude to workplace performance and quality assurance;Awareness of areas where there is a valid need for research which are relevant to area of study;Ability to explain research methods, including experimental techniques, commonly used in the learner's area of study;Understanding of the basic statistical methods used for research;Ability to locate, collect and evaluate information for a specific research purpose;Ability to prepare a research report in a format which conforms to normal industry procedures.
What qualification will I achieve for completing this course
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
STUDY AT HOME RESEARCH PROJECT
Improve the value of your research to industry
Hone the research skills obtained in Research Project I and learn specialised techniques to improve the value of your reports to business and industry. Select an industry or business that interests you and explore the research needs of the organisation in a real workplace setting. You will learn how to plan a research project and how to implement your plan in order to maximise the value of the information you collate. You will then use this information to produce a descriptive report that could be very valuable to the development of the organisation’s business and operational practices.
Prerequisite: Research Project I or equivalent.
