UNIT 712

Overview

The aim of this subject is to help candidates develop the research skills and expertise necessary to prepare a dissertation. The subject has four components. First, candidates are introduced to the issues to be considered in developing a research proposal. Second, candidates study the use of qualitative and non-experimental methods and their applications to business. Third, the subject considers quantitative research methods, including the formulation of hypotheses, the construction of models and theories and the techniques of empirical testing and multivariate analysis. Finally, candidates take one of three options: the case study method, action research or observational research. Assumed knowledge for this subject is equivalent to that covered in DBA711 Research Issues in Business.

Objectives

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

• understand the processes to be followed in developing a research proposal;
• design, conduct and analyse qualitative research projects using the appropriate qualitative research techniques;
• design, conduct and analyse quantitative research projects using the appropriate quantitative research techniques;
• understand how to select appropriate multivariate analysis techniques for specific research questions;
• appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; and
• understand the alternative approaches to conducting research: case studies, or action research, or observational research.

Curriculum

The subject is divided into four modules whose contents are detailed hereunder. Candidates choose one of the three alternatives offered in Module 4.

Module 1 Developing a Research Proposal

Topic 1 Evaluating topic feasibility
Topic 2 Steps in preparing the proposal
Topic 3 Research methodology: objectives and feasibility

Module 2 Qualitative research methods

Topic 1 Qualitative research: Theory and background
Topic 2 Qualitative data collection methods
Topic 3 Data analysis methods
Topic 4 Types of output: Reports and publications
Topic 5 Implications
Topic 6 Using computers in qualitative research
Topic 7 The future of qualitative research

Module 3 Quantitative research methods

Topic 1 Quantitative data production techniques
Topic 2 Data collection
Topic 3 Quantitative data analysis
Topic 4 Experimentation

Module 4A Case study method; or

Module 4B Action Research; or

Module 4C Observational Research

Each of these modules will follow a similar framework

Topic 1 Nature of the research method
Topic 2 Research design
Topic 3 Data collection
Topic 4 Data analysis
Topic 5 Reports