1.1 Appraise business research problems by Assignment Experts UK
Advanced Business Research Methods
Unit Reference Number
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J/616/2726
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Unit Title
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Advanced Business Research Methods
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Unit Level
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7
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Number of Credits
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20
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Total Qualification Time (TQT)
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200 Hours
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Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
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100 Hours
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Mandatory / Optional
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Mandatory
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Unit Grading Structure
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Pass / Fail
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Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ ability to prepare for various types of academically based management research through the development and design of a research proposal. Learners will develop a critical understanding of the philosophical, practical and ethical concepts of research within the context of the business environment. Appraise business research problems
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcome – The learner will:
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Assessment Criterion – The learner can:
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1. Be able to develop research approaches in a business and economics context.
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1.1
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Appraise business research problems.
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1.2
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Develop and justify appropriate research aims and objectives within a defined scope and timeframe.
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1.3
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Critically explore, select and justify research approaches.
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2. Be able to critically review literature on a business research topic.
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2.1
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Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a research problem.
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2.2
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Create a structured and thorough critical literature review.
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3. Be able to design business research methodologies.
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3.1
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Critically evaluate relevant research methodologies to reflect the research objectives.
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3.2
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Design an appropriate methodology in terms of the research objectives for a defined population.
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3.3
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Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research objectives within agreed ethical guidelines.
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4. Be able to develop and present a research proposal.
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4.1
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Create a research question, literature review and methodology.
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4.2
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Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
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4.3
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Present the proposal using suitable methods.
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ASSESSMENT
To achieve a pass for this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria.
Learning Outcomes to be met
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Assessment Criteria to be covered
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Assessment type
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Word count
(approx. length)
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All 1 to 4
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All ACs under LO 1 to 4
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Coursework
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2500 words
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Indicative contents
- Research problem identification: understanding the research context; research problem identification for investigation; research topic identification; the conceptualisation of a research problem; developing insights; feasibility and possibilities; the search for literatures; setting initial components e.g. working plan, research goals, time table and management, research process, monitoring, evaluation and revision. Appraise business research problems
- Research problem selection and justification: rationale of the proposed research; appropriateness; reasons for selection of a specific research topic; skills, capacities and knowledge requirement identification; research question and hypothesis formulation; rationale elaboration; essential date setting; review and monitoring process.
- Develop appropriate research objectives and justification: background, aims and objectives selection; reasons for these selections; length of the research; skills, capacities and knowledge enhancement e.g. literature review, methodology, research type selection, data collection and analysis, drawing a successful conclusion; critical knowledge on appropriate research methods e.g. qualitative and quantitative, statistical research tools; research validity, reliability and ethical issues; critical justification of these selections.
- Literature review as relevant to the research problem and objectives: definition, features and ways to do literature review; the generic selection of literature; spotting the sources of literature; justification of an appropriate selection of literature.
- To compare different theories and authors: the selection of appropriate theories for the research; conceptualisation of the research phenomenon; including relevant theories and the justification of choices; the strength and credentials of relevant theoretical framework; the understanding and interpretation; developing the theoretical framework.
- Critical review of the key literature for inclusion in a research proposal while focusing on concepts and methodologies followed by other: knowledge on acceptability, reliability and validity of literature; the reference style of literature; key literature type selection e.g. journals, books, papers, conference papers; source of literature: library searches, internet, both online and offline publication media.
- Research methodologies and relationship with research objectives: advanced knowledge on research methodologies; action research; intervention research; non- intervention research.
- Design and choose an appropriate methodology in terms of the research objectives: designing a research using the most appropriate method; research question or hypothesis test; reliability and validity test; ethical a n d a c c e s s issues consideration; quantitative methodology; questionnaire design and distribution; conducting interviews; surveys; qualitative methodology; interviews; observation; case studies
- Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research objectives: critical knowledge on questions on the questionnaire, interviewee selection, data verification, bias, time and place selection, interview recording; justification of using any selected research tool.
- Evaluate and use techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data: types of data presentation and analysis; qualitative data analysis e.g. techniques of categorisation and coding; transcripts interpretation, data analysis process, data analysis, data presentation, the use of information technologies, quantitative data analysis e.g. value analysis, coding, data analysis manually and electronically;
Indicative Reading list
Core texts:
- Cameron, S. (2005) The MBA Handbook. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2010) Research Methods for Business Learners. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
Additional Reading:
- Anderson, V . (2009) Research Methods in Human Resource Management. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
- Binsardi, A. (2008) Research Methods for Management. Cambridge: International Academic Press.
- Booth, A., Papaioannou, D. and Sutton, A. (2012) Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. London: Sage Publications.
- Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2011) Business Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Burns, R. P. and Burns, R. (2008) Business Research Methods & Statistics Using SPSS. London: Sage Publications.
- Cooper, D. R. and Schindler, P. S. (2006) Business Research Methods. Boston: McGraw Hill.
- Deniels, P . and Becker, L. (2012) Developing Research Proposals. London: Sage Publications. Appraise business research problems
- Denscombe, M. (2007) The Good Research Guide. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
- Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Jackson, P. (2012) Management Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Fink, A. (2009) Conducting Research Literature Reviews. London: Sage Publications. Flick, U. (2011) Your Research
- Project. London: Sage Publications.
- Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers. London: Sage Publications. Jankowicz, A. D. (2005). Business Research Projects. London: Thomson Learning.
- Jesson, J. K., Matheson, L. and Lacey, F. M. (2011) Doing Your Literature Review. London: Sage Publications.
- Keleman, M. L. and Rumens, N. (2008). An Introduction to Critical Management Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Malhatra, N. K. (2007) Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation. New Jersey: Pearson.
- McNiff, J. and Whitehead, J. (2009) Doing and Writing Action Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Moutinho, L. and Hutcheson, G. D. (2011) The Sage Dictionary of Quantitative Management Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Hampshire: John Wiley and Sons.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Learners. Harlow: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
- Thomas, R. and Lynn, P. (2009) Survey Research in Practice. London: Sage Publications.
Journals/newspapers:
- Journal of Mixed Methods Research;
- Journal of Advances in Management Research;
- Management Research Review;
- Organisational Research Methods;
- Qualitative Inquiry;
- Qualitative Research;
- Qualitative Research in Organisations and Management: An International Journal. Appraise business research problems
Websites:
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