3.1 Critically evaluate appropriate research methodologies in terms of research objectives;

Business Research Methods

Unit Aims :

This unit deals with principles of research including the formulation of research questions, hypothesis and objectives. The unit will cover literature reviews, referencing, data collection using interviews and surveys, questionnaire design, statistical analysing using SPSS, qualitative data and methods for drawing conclusions from the analysed data.

Learning Outcomes:

3. Understand the design of business research methodologies.

3.1 Critically evaluate appropriate research methodologies in terms of research objectives;

3.2 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of research objectives;

3.3 Justify a selected methodology in terms of research objectives;

4. Develop a research proposal.

4.1 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data

4.2 Create a research question, literature review and methodology

4.3 Create a research question, literature review and methodology

INDICATIVE CONTENTS

• Learning Outcomes 3 –designing a research using the most appropriate method; research question or hypothesis test; reliability and validity test; ethical issues consideration; quantitative methodology; questionnaire design and distribution; conducting interviews; surveys; qualitative methodology; interviews; observation; case studies; 
• Learning Outcomes 4 – writing a research report for professional audiences; following a criteria sequence as rationale of the research, formatting, editing, critical analysis, discussions of evidences and findings

ASSESSMENTS

• Learning Outcomes 3 & 4 – You will be assessed via submission of assignment. Your assignment should cover  Assessment criteria under learning outcomes 3 and 4. Word count – 4000 words.

INDICATIVE READING LIST

• Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornnhill, A. (20013). Research Methods for Business Students 4th ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
• Anderson, V. (2009). Research Methods in Human Resource Management. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
• Booth, A., Papaioannou, D. & Sutton, A. (2012). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. London: Sage Publications.
• Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2011). Business Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Deniels, P. & Becker, L. (2012). Developing Research Proposals. London: Sage Publications.