Introductory description

This module introduces you to the foundations of business research and the different methodological approaches that can be used to investigate research questions associated with issues, problems and puzzles in organisational contexts. By gaining a deep understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and when each approach is more and less suitable, you will be better prepared to design and conduct your own research project. You will also learn skills that will help you to evaluate the quality and robustness of research studies reported in published academic literature and to make judgments about how this prior research might inform your own project.

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:

• Demonstrate understanding of the basic philosophical approaches to business research, and the relative merits and drawbacks of each;
• Demonstrate understanding of role of concepts and methods of linking those concepts to data;
• Recognise, critically analyse and discuss the merits of various approaches to management research.
• 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;

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.

Research element

Students learn skills in research design and apply these to evaluating appropiate research designs for investigating research questions. They do not implement these designs or conduct an actual research project.

Subject specific skills

Design and produce a plan for a research project with consideration of issues relating to sampling, data adequacy, validity, reliability, and analytical techniques;
Research, synthesise and apply research methods and tools to real and practical examples
Communicate research findings using appropriate
language/ terminologies;

Transferable skills

Written communication.