UNIT 711

Overview

The subject introduces candidates to the issues that they are likely to confront in undertaking research for their DBA dissertation. It starts with a review of the role of research in business. This leads to a consideration of the philosophy of research and the means by which researchers identify issues and acquire knowledge. Attention is then given to the nature of the research process, including the steps to be followed in planning and designing a research project. Candidates carry out a small-scale literature review in their field of study. A research induction program must be completed as part of DBA711.

Objectives

Upon completion of this subject, candidates will be able to:

• demonstrate effective skills in the critical analysis of research issues;
• understand the philosophical assumptions underpinning different research approaches and strategies;
• apply knowledge to problem-solving and policy development;
• analyse and evaluate a range of critical and controversial issues relating to research in business;
• synthesise the academic literature in their field of study;
• understand the role of the supervisor in the DBA coursework and dissertation.

Curriculum

The subject is divided into three modules whose contents are detailed hereunder.

Module 1 The role of research in business

Topic 1 The purposes of business-related research.
Topic 2 Costs and benefits of research.
Topic 3 Research and publication in business.
Topic 4 The diversity of business research.
Topic 5 The role of supervisors in the DBA
Topic 6 Originality and its contribution to knowledge in the DBA.

Module 2 Research philosophy and ethics

Topic 1 The philosophy of research in the social sciences.
Topic 2 The application of knowledge to professional practice.
Topic 3 Ethical considerations in human sciences research.

Module 3 The research process

Topic 1 Research paradigms.
Topic 2 Introduction to planning and designing a research project.
Topic 3 Critical reasoning and academic writing
Topic 4 Online database searching
Topic 5 Conducting a literature review
Topic 6 Contemporary research issues in the candidate’s discipline.