Business Research

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the principal methods of business research using both quantitative and qualitative modes of analysis, in particular archival data, surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, netography and ethnographic research.
• different research paradigms, with their divergent assumptions on what constitutes valid knowledge and how it can be reliably gained;
• the relationship between theory, hypothesis, research questions, investigation and analysis;
• the importance of business research to organisations, to retain and develop competitive advantages;

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• prepare an effective research proposal, formulate research questions, and choose appropriate methods of data collection and analysis.
• interpret the results of data analysis, and understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• communicate effectively in writing, using and justifying argument within reports.
• apply numeracy and quantitative analysis skills;
• apply critical analytical skills on research projects;
• plan and control effectively for successful completion of workload;

The topics covered in this module will include:

• The role and importance of research in contemporary organisations to understand clients and consumers;
• Motivations behind the use of research and how it is used to derive a competitive advantage;
• The development of literature reviews to inform research projects;
• Framing research needs, aims and research questions;
• Appropriate design, planning and delivery of research projects;
• How to critique research plans and projects;
• Sources of data available to researchers and how to generate primary material;
• Qualitative and quantitative data – modes of data collection;
• Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data;
• Practical issues in research and ‘best practice’;
• Research ethics.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Face to face seminars
• Statistics workshops
• Directed reading
• Private/guided study
• Students on Erasmus exchange will have access to recorded Lectures and online course

Learning activities include:

• Introductory online lectures
• Individual assignment
• Case study / problem solving activities
• In class debate and discussion
• Private study
• Use of online materials

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Denscombe, M. (2014). The Good Research Guide. Buckingham: Open University Press.

Collis, J., & Hussey, R. (2009). Business Research. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall.

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., & Jackson, P. (2015). Management and Business Research. London: Sage.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External