RSCH09052 2023 Research Methods

General Details

Full Title
Research Methods
Transcript Title
Research Methods
Code
RSCH09052
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
RSCH - Research
Department
BUS - Business
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2023 - Full Academic Year 2023-24
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Colette Armstrong, Caroline Casey, Jimmy Treacy, Mary Gilmartin, Ruth Walsh, Breda McTaggart, Bryan Coyne
Programme Membership
SG_BSTRA_M09 202300 Master of Science in Strategic People Management
Description

This module will provide the learner with the necessary research skills to design and complete a Level 9 research project.

Research methods will enable learners to critically review literature, understand research paradigms and methodologies; methods of data collection and data analysis. The learner will gain the knowledge, skills and competencies to gauge the appropriateness of individual methods. Students will develop an awareness of ethical issues in research and develop research ideas that are aligned with university ethical principles. The validity and reliability of chosen methods will also be discussed. Learners will develop research project management skills that support their independent research project and their own professional development.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Identify and define novel research questions related to the area of the modern business environment.

2.

Demonstrate a detailed understanding of prominent research designs, methodologies and sampling strategies.

3.

Expertly discuss and propose a range of relevant data collection and analysis tools and techniques.

4.

Autonomously review and critically evaluate existing knowledge and its application to the student's chosen research area.

5.

Engage with a research ethics review, including an assessment of potential issues surrounding research design and data collection for research purposes.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Effective teaching and learning strategies will evolve as the module is delivered. Scaffold approach to the research process will occur, this will allow the student to develop the required skills over the semester.

It is expected that lectures (live, virtual, and/or recorded), videos, guest speakers, group work, problem-based learning, enquiry based learning, reading, research, reflection, workshops and peer review will be core to this module. A flexible and inclusive modality of teaching is important to meet the needs of learners. 

A UDL approach will be embedded in the delivery of this module to ensure it is accessible for all learners.  Learners will be encouraged to engage in reflective practice to help them identify how they can improve their learning during the semester.  

Module Assessment Strategies

This module will be 100% continuous assessment.  In order to use the module and programme for the CIPD accreditation, students must pass all assessments within the module and must reach the pass mark in all modules.

Students will receive formative feedback such as in class discussions, polls and quizzes.  Students will also receive summative feedback on assessments so that they can reflect on their progress and make adjustments in later assessments. Depending on the learner group the assessments will vary and may be any of the following: group project, presentation (recorded/live or virtual), role play, open-book exam or essay, multiple choice quiz, case study, portfolio, reflective diary, podcast, infographic.   

Some of the assessments may be shared with other modules to enhance student learning and assessment.  If shared assessment is being used it will be clear to the students which elements of the assessment apply to which modules.  Assessments will be scheduled in conjunction with other modules being taught in the semester. This is so that assessments are spaced out to allow students to adequate time to meet all deadlines. 

Actual assessments will be reviewed annually based on student and lecturer feedback and adapted as appropriate.

Expected assessment includes:

- Research Proposal

- Completed Ethics Application

Repeat Assessments

Repeat assessments will be developed to align with failed components. 

Indicative Syllabus

Introduction to research methods

  • Overview of research methods
  • Importance of appropriate research design
  • Integrity and ethical practice

1. Developing a Research Question

How to develop a unique and novel research question, responsibly sourced based on the relevant academic literature with due ethical consideration.

  • Consideration of context, rationale, literature review, identifying a research gap
  • Research questions, aims and objectives
  • Context, scope and limitations of research
  • Ethical considerations and ethics approval process

2.  Research Design

How to expertly design a research study and address all key considerations.

  • Philosophical world views
  • Strategies of inquiry (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
  • Data collection methods
  • Sampling, triangulation, accuracy, reliability and validity

3. Data analysis

How to independently conduct data analysis, including data collection, cleaning and appropriate types of analysis.

  • Data cleaning process (irrelevant data, duplicates, structural errors, missing data, outliers, validation)
  • Data analysis (regression, hypothesis, context, discourse analysis)
  • Deductive and inductive approaches, acknowledging and managing bias

4. Communicating research findings 

How to accurately identify and articulate research findings when the results are drafted.

  • Presenting research findings in a clear, concise and effective manner
  • Critical commentary on the key implications of the proposed study
  • Consideration of audience and most appropriate form of communication e.g. poster, research paper, framework, video, report.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Proposal Coursework Assessment Individual Project 100 % End of Term 1,2,3,4
2 Ethics Assignment Coursework Assessment Individual Project 0 % End of Term 5
             

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Online Lecture Online Lecture 1.5 Weekly 1.50
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.50 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2019-11-28 Research Methods in Human Resource Management Cipd - Kogan Page
ISBN 0749483873 ISBN-13 9780749483876

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

Required Reading
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

Required Reading
2018-01-02 Research Design SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN 1506386709 ISBN-13 9781506386706

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.

Required Reading
2018 Evidence-Based Management Kogan Page
ISBN 0749483741 ISBN-13 9780749483746

Make better organizational decisions using data and evidence from sources both inside and outside your business

Recommended Reading
2018-05-12 Management and Business Research
ISBN 1526446952 ISBN-13 9781526446954
Recommended Reading
2019 Predictive HR Analytics Kogan Page
ISBN 0749484446 ISBN-13 9780749484446

Confidently use predictive analytic and statistical techniques to identify key relationships and trends in HR-related data to aid strategic organizational decision-making.

Recommended Reading
2018-01-08 Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics SAGE Publications Limited
ISBN 1526419521 ISBN-13 9781526419521

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.

Recommended Reading
2020-11-24 Human Resource Management at Work Cipd - Kogan Page
ISBN 1789664861 ISBN-13 9781789664867

Providing all the research, models and theory needed for an HR masters degree and the examples and context necessary to excel as an HR professional.

Recommended Reading
2018 Data-Driven HR
ISBN 074948246X ISBN-13 9780749482466

Use data, analytics and metrics to make better HR decisions for your business.

Recommended Reading
2013-12-27 Business Research Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN 0230301835 ISBN-13 9780230301832

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.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Updated Literary Resources
Journal Resources

Relevant material will be suggested on an ongoing basis based on students research ideas and may 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.)

URL Resources
Other Resources

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.

Additional Information

Book, journal, website, and other resources may alter and extend as the programme progresses. E-Books will be provided through the ATU Sligo Library.