RSCH09051 2023 Capstone Project

The objective of the capstone project is to provide an independent, academic and critical appraisal of an issue. The project will allow the learner to independently identify, define and investigate a novel issue evident in relevant academic literature or the real business environment. The exploration of this issue will apply the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired throughout the Masters Programme.

The research topic can be centred on a critical evaluation of a novel research question primarily from an academic perspective. However, this novel research question may also be focussed on a suitable analysis of a real-world problem. Whether the topic is primarily academic or applied, students must conduct a substantial piece of primary research. Students are expected to expertly apply the theoretical materials covered in earlier modules.

This will involve the independent identification, definition and exploration of a research question that is based on a critical evaluation of key publications and literature. Where relevant, students will independently self-identify and address knowledge gaps to explore their chosen topic. Students will demonstrate a detailed understanding of relevant methods of data collection and analysis, which may include primary and secondary data collection, cost-benefit analysis, data analysis and business-focused recommendations as an outcome of the project.

Flexibility in research design will allow students to make a novel contribution while fostering the greatest degree of independent skill's formation that builds on concepts from taught modules. The capstone will feature an opportunity for supervision with an experienced member of the faculty who could provide support to the student on their research journey.

The student will also have an opportunity to present their research findings and articulate the key considerations of their research problem and to provide critical commentary of the academic and policy implications of their research.

Develop the knowledge and skills to successfully complete an HRM research project with this essential handbook.

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

This bestselling 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 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 coverage on qualitative and quantitative data analysis software in the respective methods chapters. Additional information about causality and its relationship to statistics in quantitative methods. Incorporation of writing discussion sections into each of the three methodologies. Current references and additional readings are included in this new edition.

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With an exciting new look, new characters to meet, and its unique combination of humour and step-by-step instruction, this award-winning book is the statistics lifesaver for everyone. From initial theory through to regression, factor analysis and multilevel modelling, Andy Field animates statistics and SPSS software with his famously bizarre examples and activities. Whats brand new: A radical new design with original illustrations and even more colour A maths diagnostic tool to help students establish what areas they need to revise and improve on. A revamped digital resource that uses video, case studies, datasets and more to help students negotiate project work, master data management techniques, and apply key writing and employability skills New sections on replication, open science and Bayesian thinking Now fully up to date with latest versions of IBM SPSS Statistics. Please note that ISBN: 9781526445780 comprises the paperback edition of the Fifth Edition and the student version of IBM SPSS Statistics. More information on this version of the software's features can be found here.

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A concise and straightforward guide for students undertaking a research project for the first time. The new edition details the entire research process, from reviewing the literature to writing up results. It features balanced and expanded coverage of collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data, and new chapters on academic decision making and preparing research proposals. Students find this book very practical, as it provides the tools they need to successfully embark on research projects and applies theories to real life scenarios. It also features an excellent glossary and practical troubleshooting section which identifies potential problems and provides likely solutions. A companion website is available providing lecturer and student resources, including PowerPoint slides, datasets and interactive revision questions.

Relevant material will be suggested on an ongoing basis based on students' research ideas.

Examples include: 

Angrave, D., Charlwood, A. and Kirkpatrick, I. (2016) HR and analytics: why HR is set to fail the big data challenge. Human Resource Management Journal. Vol 26, No 1, January. pp1-11.
Huselid, M. (2018) The science and practice of workforce analytics: introduction to the HRM special issue. Human Resource Management. Vol 57, No 3, May/June. pp679-84. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hrm.21916 [Accessed 15 May 2020].
Marchington, M. (2015) The role of institutional and intermediary forces in shaping patterns of employee involvement and participation (EIP) in Anglo-American countries. International Journal of Human Resource Management. Vol 26, No 20. pp2594-2616. (Example of how to use qualitative research in practice.)

Relevant material will be discussed through the student-supervisor interaction.

The research study must adhere to ATU Sligo Research Ethics Procedure. 

Basic information is available online (https://www.itsligo.ie/ethics/) with the latest information to be provided in class.

Book, journal, website, and other resources may alter and extend as the programme progresses.