Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Individual Assessment Report | 35% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual Research Proposal | 65% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit Failed Component | 35% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit Failed Component | 65% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of research design;
Describe and discuss a range of qualitative research methods;
Critically evaluate the usefulness of a range of qualitative research methods;
Describe and discuss a range of quantitative research methods;
Critically evaluate the usefulness of a range of quantitative research methods;
Use SPSS to manage and analyze research data;
Write and present a research proposal;
Be able to inform business decision making.
Aims
Research Methods provides students with the methodological and analytical skills used in the academic study of Marketing. It provides an understanding of the importance of a rigorous approach to research design and the importance of self-reflective learning. The module reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of Business, and so aims to give students a broad introduction to the diversity of research design and methods in the social sciences. The skills provided include the use of SPSS for data management and analysis.
Brief description
The purpose of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and necessary skills to undertake a Master's dissertation and complete standard business research. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to identify a research problem and develop a research question; to choose an appropriate research method and reflect on their own positioning in relation to the research; be able to construct a critical argument; perform data collection and analysis and present their findings in an appropriate way.
Content
The Nature of Research
Formulating and Clarifying the Research Topic
Deciding on the Research Approach
Critically Reviewing the Literature
Writing and Presenting Research
Research Ethics
Research Management Tools
Part 2: Qualitative Research Methods
Observations
Interviews and Focus Groups
Ethnography
Qualitative Analysis
Case Studies
Part 3: Quantitative Research Methods
Analysis of Variance and Covariance
Factor Analysis
Cluster Analysis
Regression Analysis
Multidimensional Scaling
Discriminant Analysis
Conjoint Analysis
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | 1. Quantitative methods through data input analysis and decision making. |
| Communication | 1. Read in different contexts and for different purposes; 2. Write for different purposes and audiences; 3. Speak in different contexts and for different purposes; 4. Listen effectively |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | 1. Show awareness of own learning styles, personal preferences and needs, and barriers to learning |
| Information Technology | 1. Use a range of commonly used software packages; 2. Prepare and input data; 3. Manage storage systems; 4. Present information and data; 5. Use internet appropriately and effectively |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Students will develop an understanding of the research process, be able to critically evaluate a range of research methods, and put into practices the theories discussed through the preparation and presentation of a academic research proposal. |
| Problem solving | 1. Identify Problems; 2. Identify factors which might influence potential solutions; 3. Develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving; 4. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions; 5. Construct a rational proposal in response to a problem |
| Research skills | 1. Understand a range of research methods; 2. Plan and carry out research; 3. Product academically appropriate reports; 4. Evaluate research methods, design and procedures |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students will develop an understanding of the research process, be able to critically evaluate a range of research methods, and put into practices the theories discussed through the preparation and presentation of a academic research proposal |
| Team work | 1. Play an active part in group activities |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7