UNIT 714

Overview

This subject continues the intensive study of a field of research commenced in DBA713. Candidates undertake a directed in depth reading to an advanced level in the field of research in which the candidate plans to specialise for the dissertation. The subject requires candidates to become exceptionally familiar with the major research issues of the field of research, and to thoroughly understand the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies by which knowledge in the field has been advanced. In addition, this subject focuses on the business and research ethics relevant to the field of research. Assumed knowledge for this subject is equivalent to that covered in DBA712.

Objectives

This subject, in conjunction with DBA713, aims to provide the candidate with intensive training in a field of research so that the candidate can successfully complete the dissertation program component of the DBA.

On completing the subject candidates shall:

• have a detailed and critical understanding of research activity and issues within the field of research and the interrelationship of research results among the topic areas;
• be familiar with, and thoroughly understand, the research techniques used to advance knowledge within the field of research;
• be able to identify research problems in the particular area chosen for the dissertation and be familiar with the techniques and methodologies that are likely to be productive in addressing the research problem.

Curriculum

The curriculum for this subject will, in part, be determined by the choice of both the field of research and the selection of topic areas within that field.

In this subject, candidates will be required to produce three assignments. The first will be a critical examination of the use of different research methodologies employed by researchers in the field of research. The second will be presented in the form of the Research Methods chapter of the dissertation. The third will be the preparation of a formal research proposal that will form the basis of the dissertation, together with the ethics approval form. The proposal will incorporate a modified annotated bibliography based on the literature survey conducted for DBA713 and cover proposed methodologies and proposed structure of the dissertation. It should emphasise expected problems in addressing the research question and the proposed solution to these problems.

The research proposal will be presented by the candidate at a DBA seminar.

Teaching and Support Strategies:

All candidates undertaking the subject will be provided with reading guides and distance education materials appropriate to the field of research being studied.