This module will help the student to acquire key skills and competencies to carry out management research or prepare a business plan, suitable for the completion of a Masters level programme. The module will address philosophical issues underlying management and business research and explain how to select research strategies and designs. It will offer a comprehensive view of methods of data collection and analysis to support the quality and value of research outcomes. In addition, and especially, for those opting for the business plan route, the module will provide a platform for evaluating the quality of relevant, market-oriented research designs, methods for business planning, researching the task environment and set-up of new ventures.
Aims and Objectives
The aim of the module is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to carry out either a sound academic research project (dissertation) or prepare a practical and comprehensive business plan supported by critical understanding of the use value of research methods and techniques. Through this process the student will develop a sense of involvement with the research community that supports academic research and reflective practice.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Research Methods module will be able to:
- Understand different methods of investigation, data collection, and statistical analysis
- Identify appropriate secondary sources of information, and access several publicly available databases
- Critique the research methodology of published papers
- Select appropriate methods for the design, collection, and analysis of statistical data
- Apply a variety of statistical tests, and interpret the results of those tests
- Use a computer package (e.g. SPSS) for the analysis of statistical data
- Write a research proposal and successfully complete a Masters level dissertation or a business/marketing plan
- Module Supervisor: Rama Kummitha