This research methods course will introduce graduate students to a range of research methods, designs, techniques and analyses in the quantitative and qualitative methodologies that are essential to effective and efficient decision-making in various domains and sectors of business and wider society. This course will seek to integrate relevant material and topics from other courses in the programme so that students can have the opportunity to apply these methods and techniques within a domain most relevant to their area of study. Key subject areas include design, literature reviews, data-collection methodology, data analyses, and report writing.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Good managerial decision-making is necessary for effective action and implementation. However, good decisions require systematic, data-based, critical, and objective methods, procedures and analyses. Research represents the principal means of arriving at decisions and practices that promote prompt problem-solving, increased productivity and performance, and increased overall organisational effectiveness and efficiency. Hence, this course will seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of research methodology and techniques for use in academic and business settings. It will also seek to develop students’ competency in the use of data analysis tools.
The following topics/concepts/theories/issues will be addressed:
The course will be assessed utilising coursework and a final examination weighted as follows:
Final exam – 50%
The 2-hour final exam may consist of data analysis questions, case analysis, short-answer questions, and/or problem-solving questions.
The course equips students with the necessary skills, tools
and knowledge to utilise and apply a wide range of
qualitative and quantitative research procedures and
techniques in the world of work. The use of case scenarios,
practical exercises, oral presentations, and interactive
tutorials and lectures seeks to enhance the students’
learning experience in the classroom. Much focus is placed
on the integration of relevant concepts and principles, and
the application of these elements to practical business
situations. The use of various technological media such as
DVDs and videos on research methodology and data analysis will aid in the teaching of critical and complex concepts and methods.
Teacher-student interaction, online educational technology/media, and practical exercises have been
researched to be effective methods of instruction that
promote learning within and outside the classroom.
Students will be provided with marking rubrics for each coursework assessment to guide them through the necessary components that will be critical for the development of these assessment pieces.
