Research methods in management 2

Convenor: Dr Frederick Guy

Aims

Building on ‘Research Methods in Management I’, the aim of this module is to provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of research techniques addressing practical issues for data management and data analysis, in both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, students will have learnt the essential components and principles underpinning research methods in management and will be capable of applying such methods with respect to:

• the relationships between conceptualising, theorising and measuring;
• statistical foundations for quantitative analysis;
• the main methods of qualitative analysis;

Content

The qualitative lectures will provide a map of how particular techniques are suited for identifying relations between empirical phenomena and for trying to explain or interpret activities generated by cultural meaning. Each session will compare and contrast research techniques, helping students to locate their research needs, and to defend their methodological choices. 

The quantitative lectures will cover statistical foundations for quantitative analysis, revisiting in depth course material introduced in Research Methods I. Some time will also be spent on introducing specific methods and illustrating a selection of these with examples from published academic research.

By the end of this course, students will have an applied understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The lectures primarily aim to provide students with the necessary level of understanding to interpret and critically assess published research in the field of management and develop the basic skill-set necessary to design and conduct their own theoretical and empirical research.

Assessment

50% project, 50% exam. The deadline for the project is April 8th.

Background reading

• May T (1997) Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process, 2nd Ed, Open University Press: Buckingham
• Rowntree, Derek. (1991) Statistics Without Tears: An Introduction for Non-Mathematicians, Penguin Books Ltd.