Unit information: Management Research Methods in 2020/21

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. McCarthy
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

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions including lectures, tutorials, drop-in sessions, discussion boards and other online learning opportunities.

Assessment Information

Summative: 2500-word individual assignment (research proposal) - 100%. Formative: peer and self-assessment in synchronous classes and on discussion boards and one individual piece of submitted work

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.