The Data Analytics Research Project is undertaken by the student as the capstone component of the MSc Data Analytics. Preparation for the project commences from the outset of the programme, where students' research mindset and skills are nurtured and developed. In Data Analytics Research Project Preparation 1, students get an overview of research methodologies so that they can position Data Analytics as a research approach within the broader field of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. The module addresses in depth the scoping a research problem, defining a research question, designing a research project, conducting a literature review, interpreting and critiquing research, and research writing. By the conclusion of this module, students will have a draft research proposal for their Data Analytics Research Project.
Introduction to Research in Data Analytics
- Overview of the research process in Data Analytics.
- Brief recap of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Scoping the Research Problem
- Identifying a relevant research problem.
- Evaluating the feasibility of research topics.
- Practical exercises in narrowing down broad topics into specific problems.
Formulating Research Questions
- Characteristics of a good research question.
- Techniques for refining and focusing research questions.
- Peer review of proposed research questions.
Designing the Research Project
- Components of a research design: data sources, analysis methods, timelines.
- Developing a research proposal: objectives, methodology, expected outcomes.
- Risk assessment and ethical considerations in Data Analytics research.
- Ethical considerations.
Conducting a Comprehensive Literature Review
- Searching academic databases and industry publications.
- Organising and synthesizing literature.
- Writing the literature review: structure, argumentation, and critical analysis.
Interpreting and Critiquing Existing Research
- Critical reading techniques: identifying biases, gaps, and limitations.
- Comparative analysis of different research methodologies.
- Practical session: critique and discussion of selected research papers.
Advanced Research Writing Techniques
- Writing clear and concise research proposals and reports.
- Structuring research documents: from abstract to conclusion.
- Workshop: developing and peer-reviewing draft research proposals.
Presentation and Communication Skills
- Presenting research ideas and proposals to different audiences.
- Creating effective visual aids for data presentations.
- Practical session: pitch and feedback on research ideas.
This module will be completed with 24 hours of workshop and lectures complemented with 76 hours of independent learning.
For full-time students, the workshops and lectures will be completed over a three week period taking place before the start of semester 1, and between semester 1 and semester 2.
For part-time students, the workshops and lectures will take place throughout the semester on a weekly basis.
The workshops and lectures will involve individual and group discussions and activities as well as presentations, case study analyses and online activities.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |