1.1 Critically evaluate philosophical approaches to research in a management context.
Advanced Research Methods
Unit Reference Number
D/616/2697
Unit Title
Advanced Research Methods
Unit Level
7
Number of Credits
20
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
200 Hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
100 Hours
Mandatory / Optional
Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure
Pass / Fail
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ research skills, examining and critiquing a range of research paradigms and techniques, together with their application to tourism and hospitality research. The unit will provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to identify and investigate problems and issues within tourism and hospitality and to apply appropriate research methods.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcome – The learner will:
Assessment Criterion – The learner can:
1.
Be able to critically evaluate research philosophies and their application to tourism and hospitality research.
1.1
Critically evaluate philosophical approaches to research in a management context.
1.2
Critically review research in the field of tourism and hospitality management from a range of research paradigms.
2.
Understand the role and approaches to research in a tourism and hospitality context.
2.1
Critically evaluate the role of research in the management and growth of tourism and hospitality organisations.
2.2
Critically review the development of academic research in the area of tourism and hospitality management.
2.3
Critically assess methodological approaches to researching management problems in the tourism and hospitality industry.
3.
Be able to plan research projects.
3.1
Apply a chosen research paradigm to the design of a research project.
3.2
Review appropriate methods for carrying out research into a tourism or hospitality management problem.
3.3
Develop a plan to carry out research.
4.
Be able to critically analyse a range of data to produce research outputs.
4.1
Analyse data collected for research using an appropriate methodology.
4.2
Present qualitative or quantitative data for an academic audience.
4.3
Draw conclusions from data collected against the research parameters.
Assessment To achieve a ‘pass’ for this unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria.
Learning Outcomes to be met
Assessment Criteria to be covered
Assessment type
Word count (approx. length)
All 1 to 4
All ACs under LO 1 to 4
Coursework
4500 words
Indicative contents
Research philosophy – the ontology, epistemology, axiology and rhetoric of research
Review of contemporary debates within the areas of social science and tourism and hospitality studies
Research idea generation
Completing a literature review
Approaches to research design
Reliability and validity
Quantitative methods
Techniques for the analysis of quantitative data
Qualitative methods
Coding and classifying qualitative data
Qualitative methods – using computers to analyse qualitative data.
Sampling strategies
Access to data
Research ethics
Writing up a research project
Indicative Reading list
Core Text:
Saunders, M, Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2007) Research Methods for Business Students. 4th Edition. Harlow : Prentice Hall.
Additional reading:
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2011) Business Research Methods . Oxford: Oxford University Press
Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2013) Business Research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate student. 4th Edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Mayo, B. (2014) Planning an Applied Research Project in Tourism, Hospitality and Sports . London: John Wiley & Sons.
Veal, A. (2011) Research Methods for Leisure and Tourism . London: FT Prentice Hall
Journals
Annals of Tourism Research Current Issues in Tourism International Journal of Event Management Research International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research International Journal of Tourism Research Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events Journal of Travel Research Tourism Analysis Tourism Recreation Research
Sample Answer
1.1 Critically evaluate philosophical approaches to research in a management context.
Introduction
Philosophical approaches to research in a management context provide the foundation for understanding how knowledge is acquired, interpreted, and applied in business settings. Research philosophy reflects the researcher’s assumptions about reality (ontology), the nature of knowledge (epistemology), and how knowledge can be gathered (methodology). Understanding these philosophical approaches helps inform decisions about research design and methodology, which in turn affects the reliability and validity of the findings. In a management context, this is crucial because it directly influences how organisational problems are understood, analysed, and solved.
1. Philosophical Approaches to Research
There are several key philosophical approaches to research, which can broadly be categorised into positivism, interpretivism, realism, and pragmatism. These philosophies influence how management research is conducted and how findings are interpreted in practice.
a) Positivism Positivism is grounded in the belief that knowledge can be derived from sensory experience and empirical data. Researchers who adopt a positivist approach assume that reality is objective and can be measured through quantitative methods. They believe that human behaviour follows certain laws and patterns that can be discovered through scientific observation and experimentation.
In a management context, positivism often leads to research that seeks to identify generalisable laws of organisational behaviour, often through surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis. This approach is particularly useful when examining large-scale trends or when testing hypotheses based on pre-existing theories.
Strengths : Positivism is highly systematic, objective, and results in quantifiable data, making it suitable for large-scale research. It allows for high reliability and generalisability of findings.Criticisms : Critics argue that positivism overlooks the complexity of human experience and organisational context, reducing the richness of qualitative insights. It also tends to neglect the subjective nature of human behaviour and the influence of social and cultural factors.
b) Interpretivism Interpretivism stands in contrast to positivism by asserting that knowledge is subjective and socially constructed. Researchers adopting an interpretivist approach focus on understanding the meanings and experiences of individuals within their social contexts. They believe that reality is not objective but rather shaped by human perceptions and interpretations.
In management research, interpretivism is often used in case studies, ethnographic research, and interviews. It is particularly valuable for exploring the complexities of organisational culture, leadership, decision-making, and employee motivation.
Strengths : Interpretivism allows for a deeper understanding of the human aspects of management, capturing insights into individual and group behaviour that are often overlooked in positivist research.
Continued...
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