Introductory description

The primary aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge and general research tools to correctly execute a project such as that required of a masters dissertation.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The syllabus will include (but is not limited to):
Epistemological and Philosophical Foundations of Business Research .
Constructing a Research Problem (The literature review, conceptualization and construction of hypotheses / research questions) .
Choosing a Research Strategy.
Choosing a research method (Qualitative vs quantitative, or both, Content vs Process, etc.).
Research Design.
Data Collection.
Validity & Reliability.
Analytical Approaches.
Writing a research report/masters thesis.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic philosophical approaches to business research, and the relative merits and drawbacks of each.
• Design and produce a plan for a research project with consideration of issues relating to sampling, data adequacy, validity, reliability, and analytical techniques.
• Understand the role of concepts and methods of linking those concepts to data.
• Research, synthesise and apply research methods and tools to real and practical examples.
• Apply and integrate general business and management principles to specific organisational issues and problems.
• Critically reflect upon concepts and models presented.
• Identify and evaluate key factors affecting the design of a research project.
• Communicate research findings using appropriate language/ terminologies.

Indicative reading list

Bryman, A. and Bell, E., (2011) Business Research Methods, Oxford University Press.
Gill, J. and Johnson, P. Research methods for managers. Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd; 2002.
Popper, K. Conjectures and Refutations. London; 1972.
Hollis, M.; The Philosophy of Social Science: An Introduction (Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy); Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Alvesson, M., & Willmott, H., 2003, Studying Management Critically, London: Sage Publications.
Creswell, J.W., 2002, Research Design, 2nd ed., London: Sage Publications.
Johnson, P., & Durberley, J., 2000, Understanding Management Research, London:Sage.
Riley, M., Wood, R.C., Clark, M.A., Wilkie, E., & Szivas, E., 2000, Writing Dissertations In Business And Management, London: Thomson Learning.
Robson, C., 2002, Real World Research (2nd edition), Oxford: Blackwell.
Theitart, RA et al, 2001, Doing Management Research, London: Sage Publications.
Thomas, A.B., 2004, Research Skills For Management Studies, London: Routledge.
Yin, R.K., 2003, Case Study Research: Design And Methods, London: Sage Publications.

Subject specific skills

Recognise, critically analyse and discuss the merits of various approaches to management research.

Transferable skills

Written communication.