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2007/8 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: MANM062 Module Title: RESEARCH IN MGT:QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module Provider: School of Management Short Name: MBA1 Previous Short Name: MBA1
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: EL KAHAL MACLEAN S Dr (SoM)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Autumn
Assessment Pattern

Unit(s) of Assessment

Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)

Research Proposal

30

Time Constrained Module Specific Examination (multiple choice/open questions)

30

Integrative Business Simulation

20

Time Constrained Synoptic Examination

20

Module Overview
This module is designed to provide research methods skills that can be applied within other modules, and to give students the skills and knowledge for planning and implementing their final Dissertation/Business Project
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims

The Aims of the module are to provide students with an understanding of the epistemological issues that underpin the choice of research topic, methodology and method.  The module will help students in identifying a subject worthy and capable of research, and to formulate a plan for the implementation of the research process.  Students will be able to select and apply appropriate research strategies with particular reference to issues of validity and reliability and objectivity of the research process.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are categorised as:

  • knowledge and understanding (K/U)
  • intellectual/cognitive skills (I/C)
  • practical/professional skills (P/P)
  • transferable skills (T)

Number

Outcome Type eg K/U, I/C, P/P, T

Outcome

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

1

K/U

Describe and apply an appropriate epistemological approach to their research

2

K/U, I/C

Adopt and justify an appropriate research methodology

3

I/C

Select and apply research methods, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, as appropriate

4

K/U, I/C

Collect, store and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data

5

I/C

Select and plan a research project, using the knowl ed ge and skills describ ed above
Module Content
  • Introduction to research, the research process, literature review and organisation
  • Epistemology and its implications for research methodology and design
  • Theoretical framework (variable definition and generation of hypotheses)
  • Scientific research design (differences between qualitative and quantitative methodology, measurement issues: reliability and validity)
  • Qualitative data collection (e.g. in depth interviews, focus groups, observations)
  • Analysis of qualitative data
  • Principles of quantitative data analysis (descriptive statistics)
  • Quantitative methods (hypothesis testing, inferential statistics)
  • Sampling, questionnaire design and methods for pre-testing
  • Research presentation (formatting dissertation)
Methods of Teaching/Learning

The teaching and learning strategy is design ed to demonstrate a range of research methodologies, to develop in students an ability to evaluate and select approaches that are relevant to their chosen focus, and to develop the ability to plan a project, and to collect and analyse data.  Students should also be able to identify the weaknesses in any research methodology, including their own, and to show how such weaknesses impact on the claims that can be made for their results. 

The teaching and learning methods include:

  • Lectures
  • Workshop activities and exercises
  • Discussion groups
  • Self-direct ed learning through:
    • Reading
    • ULearn

The assessment strategy is design ed to assess the extent to which students have understood, and are able to apply, the range of research theories, methodologies, methods, concepts and constructs.
Selected Texts/Journals

Core texts

Gray, D.E. 2004, Doing Research In the Real World, London , Sage Publications
Sekaran, U. 2003, Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach. Chichester : John Wiley.

Supplementary Reading

Pallant, J. (2001, 2003), SPSS Survival Manual. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Alreck, P. L. and Settle, R.B. 1995, The Survey Research Handbook. Chicago : Irwin.
Black, T.R. 1999,  Doing Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences  London : Sage.
Creswell, J.W. 1998, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Choosing Among Five Traditions. London : Sage.
Gilbert, N. 1993, Researching Social Life. London : Sage.
Keats, D.M. 2000, Interviewing: A Practical Guide for Students and Professionals.  Buckingham: Open University Press.
Kerlinger, F.N. 1986, Foundations of Behavioural Research  Forth Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers
Miles, M. and Huberman, M. 1994, Qualitative Data Analysis. London : Sage.
Newman, W.L. 1991, Social Research Methods. Boston : Allyn and Bacon.
Oppenheim, A.N. 1992, Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude Measurement, London : Pinter Publishers
Partington, D. ( ed ) 2002, Essential Skills for Management Research London : Sage
Peterson, R.A. 2000, Constructing Effective Questionnaires, London: Sage.
Scheyvens, R and Donovan, S. 2003, Development Fieldwork: A Practical Guide. London : Sage
Straus, A. and Corbin, J. 1998, Basics of Qualitative Research. London : Sage
Travers, M. 2001, Qualitative Research Through Case Studies. London : Sage
Yin, R.K. 1994, Case Study Research: Design and Methods. London : Sage.
Wolcott, H.F., 2001, Writing Up Qualitative Research. London : Sage
Last Updated

11.04.2008