Research methods in management 1

Convenor: Professor Klaus Nielsen
Assessment: This module is assessed by exam only.

Aims

• to provide students with the necessary understanding to interpret and critically assess published research in the field of international business/management; and
• to provide students with the necessary understanding to design and conduct their own theoretical and empirical research in international business/management.

Learning objectives

• to understand how methodology affects research design and research outcomes and be able to use this knowledge to critically appraise the literature in international business/management; and
• to be able to use their knowledge of research methods to design and conduct their own theoretical and empirical research, including in their dissertation and coursework.

Content

• qualitative research methods;
• quantitative research methods; and
• the philosophy of social science.

The course includes computer laboratory sessions using SPSS. It is expected that students will apply their knowledge of research methods in their dissertations and coursework.

Background reading

If you have not studied research methods before we recommend that you read Collis and Hussey (2009) before the start of the course.  This book provides an introduction to the material covered in the course.  This is an introductory text and is pitched at a lower level than the material covered in the course.

• Collis J and Hussey R (2009), Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, London: Macmillan.