Exhibition Preparation (30 credits at level HE6)

During this module researchers will consider the implications of the research methodology they will be using including the ethical considerations. They will be involved in research leading to a small-scale pilot exhibition in preparation for the main exhibition. They will be considering audience, media and communication strategies in order to have the maximum impact on the identified audience.

Module Description

This module will provide the theoretical underpinning for their research work. This will involve an in depth literature review of the literature specific to their topic of research. Researchers need to look at a variety of relevant literature, identifying key concepts, discussing in depth issues synthesised from a variety of sources.

Researchers will also be required to justify their research methodology and data collection methods. In order to do this researchers will apply research methodology literature to their specific research needs drawing out the strengths and weaknesses of their chosen approach.

Researchers will select an appropriate data collection method and pilot this in a small scale way. They will evaluate the appropriateness of this method to their research needs.

Researchers will also mount a small scale exhibition of their pilot work. Again this will enable researchers to test out exhibition strategies in preparation for a full exhibition later in the year.

Module content will be appropriate to individuals in their work setting and will be supported by learning

facilitators who will help students identify appropriate methodology in order to achieve the module

outcomes.

This is a web delivered distance learning module. Students will need to have access to the internet to access learning resources, participate in the online learning community and submit their electronic portfolio for assessment.

All key resources will be available online. In addition many key resources will be work context specific and defined during the planning of the learning activities, with the support of the learning facilitator to take account of the student’s work context.

Transferable employment skills developed in this module include the ability to apply general theoretical materials to the work situation, small scale testing and evaluation in preparation for a major project and exhibition.

Outline Content

Conduct an analysis of research methodology. The third year programme further develops action inquiry skills and a good understanding of methodological issues is required.
Make an analysis of research techniques considering the options and alternatives for data collection.
Create an analysis of ethical considerations in the light of the research proposal. This will be an in depth review of ethical research issues.
Identify and demonstrate an understanding of potential audiences together with an exploration of change strategies in order to maximise the impact on the workplace and colleagues.
Produce a literature review. Starting with the research proposal investigate, explore and discuss the key sources of literature and what they contribute to an understanding of the research focus.

Display a pilot exhibition. This will involve selecting a small part of the research plan to disseminate and plan a process to gather feedback from the audience including a review of the data collection methods. The pilot exhibition will be for one day and will include the implementation of a feedback gathering process. This will lead to a review of the exhibition process, data collection techniques and the exhibition as an event with an analysis of the data.

Learning Outcomes (threshold standards)

	On successful completion of this module the student will be expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding	1. Analyse methodologies and methods of research, including ethical considerations 2. Plan change strategies and communication strategies for impact of research on an identified audience in the workplace
Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills	3. Critically evaluate preparation and implementation strategies for an exhibition 4. Apply sound research preparation practice

Assessment

Electronic Portfolio 100%

Key Texts/Literature

Hart C, (2001) Doing a Literature Search, London: Sage Publications Limited

Hart C, (1998) Doing a Literature Review, London: Sage Publications Limited

Webb E, J, Campbell D, T, Schwartz R, D, Sechrest L, Grove J, B, (1981) Non-Reactive Measures in the Social Sciences, Boston : Houghton Mifflin College Division

Swetnam D, (2004) Writing Your Dissertation, Oxford: How To Books Ltd