RSCH08019 2021 Research Methods
The overall objective of this module is to examine research and its application within business and related disciplines. The module will enable students to acquire the research skills and competencies necessary for the completion of a dissertation or applied research project in a subsequent semester. The aim is to provide an appreciation of research as a tool for generating information, to enhance business decision-making and to create potential solutions for problem-solving.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Demonstrate an understanding of the critical role of research and have an appreciation of its uses in business and related disciplines.
Demonstrate the ability to complete effective secondary research by formulating a literature review or industry/sector review.
Write and present a research proposal on a topic related to Business and/or ICT, or other related discipline, which selects the most appropriate research methodologies in response to a research question.
Demonstrate an understanding of data analysis methods appropriate to research studies.
Explain the importance of ethics in research.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be taught by lecture and tutorial.
Module Assessment Strategies
100% continuous assessment
Repeat Assessments
Students are required to re-submit any failed elements of this module.
Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to Research Methods
- Definition and scope of research
- Assess the research problem
Literature Review and Context Setting
- Illustrate the importance and structure of a Literature Review or industry review for context setting in the research process
- Discuss software and supports to assist with completing a literature review
Data Collection Methods
- Identify research methodologies - primary and secondary
- Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research
- Evaluate the role of focus groups, in-depth interviews and other data collections methods as appropriate
- Examine the use of surveys, observation and panels as a method for collecting data
Sampling
- Describe the sampling procedure
- Identify sample methods
- Interpret sample size determination
- Understand issues regarding sampling
Data Analysis
- Explain how to conduct adequate analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
- Demonstrate knowledge of the use of computer software in data analysis
- Discuss the process of Editing and Coding
Ethics in research
- Explore ethical dilemmas in research
- Develop appropriate strategies and documentation to deal with potential ethical challenges
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Research Proposal | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 80 % | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Oral Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 20 % | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Tutorial | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2017 Marketing Research
ISBN 1292103124 ISBN-13 9781292103129
Revised edition of Marketing research, 2012.
2018-11-05 Business Research Methods
ISBN 9780198809876 ISBN-13 0198809875
Business Research Methods is the complete introduction to doing business research and is an ideal guide for students embarking on a research project. Developed specifically with business and management students in mind, this textbook explores the nature and purpose of business research and the issues it entails, while also providing students with practical advice through "Tips and skills" boxes. In addition to a broad range of relevant examples,the book features a substantial discussion of ethics, and a strong emphasis on the most frequent challenges faced by students, such as choosing a research question, planning a project, and writing it up.Fresh voices and perspectives run throughout this edition. New author, Bill Harley, further internationalizes the book's coverage, based on his expertise in the Australian business and management context. Also hear from Amrit, Jordan, Anna, Ed, and Alex - an additional five students whose personalinsights and advice in the "student experience" feature help you avoid common mistakes, and follow their successful strategies when undertaking your own research project.This edition has been extensively revised, updated, and streamlined. Coverage of E-Research is now woven throughout the entire book to reflect the centrality of internet-based research methods. The book is accompanied by a suite of online resources that include: For students:* Multiple choice questions* Research Project guide * Interviews with students * Data sets * Using Excel in data analysis (in Excel)* Web linksFor lecturers:* Test bank* Discussion questions* PowerPoint slides * Lecturer's guide * Case studies * Figures and plates from the text* VLE cartridge
2017-12-22 Research Design
ISBN 1506386768 ISBN-13 9781506386768
This best-selling text pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design. For all three approaches, John W. Creswell and new co-author J. David Creswell include a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, key elements of the research process, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research applications, and reflections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. New to this Edition: Updated discussion on designing a proposal for a research project and on the steps in designing a research study Additional content on epistemological and ontological positioning in relation to the research question and chosen methodology and method Additional updates on the transformative worldview Expanded coverage on specific approaches such as case studies, participatory action research, and visual methods Additional information about qualitative and quantitative data analysis, social media, online qualitative methods, and mentoring and reflexivity in qualitative methods Incorporation of action research and program evaluation in mixed methods and coverage of the latest advances in the mixed methods field Additional information about causality and its relationship to statistics in quantitative methods Incorporation of writing discussion sections into each of the three methodologies An invaluable guide for students and researchers across the social and behavioural sciences.