Unit information: Management Research Methods in 2019/20

Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Management Research Methods
Unit code EFIM20025
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. O'Neill
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department School of Management - Business School
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to provide an understanding of the basic research methods used in management research. It enables students to explore the purpose and appropriate use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods and to develop skills in the critical reading of research and in research design. The unit covers research philosophy, reviewing literature, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, sampling, data analysis and explores issues around the ethics of research. This prepares students for the design of their research projects for their final year dissertation but also provides a basis for engaging with existing academic literature in a more sophisticated and critical manner through an understanding of the theory, philosophies and processes that underpin this research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe a range of issues related to research methods in management
  2. Explain and discuss the key principles of both qualitative and quantitative research and related aspects of research design
  3. Locate, analyse and synthesise a body of literature related to a focal management topic
  4. Develop a research question, set out the principles and processes of designing a viable research project and provide a rationale for the selection of their approach/method(s) through the evaluation of different methodological approaches
  5. Demonstrate a reflexive and critical assessment of the ethics of their proposed project

Teaching Information

Indicative contact hours: 14 hours of lectures and 12 hours of small classes

Formative assessment will take place continuously in classes as students (in small groups of 3-5) present their analytical work back to the academic lead and to the wider group. Students are also required to offer, and receive, critical and constructive feedback from their peers. A 1000 word piece of written formative assessment, which feeds into the summative assessment, is submitted to their academic lead who will provide written feedback, and opportunities for verbal feedback.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment takes the form of a 3000 word research proposal. This assesses all of the learning outcomes.

Reading and References

Indicative reading list:

Bryman, A. Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods (3rd or 4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2015) Research Methods for Business Students (7th ed.). Harlow: Pearson.

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., and Jackson, P.R. (2012). Management Research: An Introduction. 4th ed. London: SAGE.

Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers. London: SAGE.

Maylor, H. and Blackmon, K. (2005). Researching Business and Management: A Roadmap for Success. London: Palgrave.

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