Moodle

This module is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of business research and to develop your skills in studying organizational phenomena using appropriate research methods. A key part of your learning process on this module will involve undertaking a critical review of relevant academic literature and appropriate data sources to identify and develop research questions, and to evaluate insights from published research. You will be given full guidance on how to do this, including advice on how to meet the assessment criteria, in each of the lectures and classes.

Students completing this module should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the main quantitative and qualitative methods used in management and marketing research, and an appreciation of the practical application of these methods in a variety of research settings.

Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to develop skills in the presentation, discussion and dissemination of research material, and to gain an applied and reflexive understanding of the processes and skills involved in planning, organising and managing research projects. You will also explore the dynamics of ethical issues within research design, data management and dissemination.

MODULE AIMS

In order to fully prepare you for third year modules, and to successfully undertake a Capstone project, this module aims to equip everyone completing it with an appropriate understanding of the following:

1. The skills required to undertake a thorough review of relevant published research, and to synthesize material from a range of sources. This includes the ability to identify and review: relevant bodies of literature; journal articles and other academic sources; textual and visual material, primary and secondary data sources.
2. The theoretical, methodological, ethical and practical issues underpinning research design and practice. This includes: the identification of research 'problems'; the formulation of research questions; the selection of cases; process of negotiating access; maintaining confidentiality, and the presentation and dissemination of findings.
3. The collection, analysis and dissemination of research data using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students successfully completing this module should be able to:

1. Draw on relevant academic literature and appropriate data sources to identify and develop research questions, and to evaluate insights from published research.
2. Explain and evaluate the main social scientific research methodologies and methods.
3. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the principles and techniques involved in research design, and in the collation and analysis of research data.
4. Devise an appropriate methodology, informed by relevant social scientific research and methodological literature, designed to address specific research questions, taking account of relevant practical, methodological and ethical issues.