Research Proposal Development and Ethics

Unit code: BBA8903 | Study level: Postgraduate
24
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
City Campus
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit of study introduces the students to the issues involved in the production of research in professional settings. It will enhance knowledge, personal skills and competencies in developing research proposals in broad industrial settings. The unit will address conceptualisation of research problems, theoretical formulation and contextualisation, problems and pitfalls in research development. This will include consideration of meta-analysis of past research, operationalization of research problems to test hypotheses, measurements and levels of measurements, procedure for data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings. It is an activity-based unit that includes the production of a research proposal.
This unit of study also provides students with advanced understanding of integrity and ethics in relation to the conduct of research. It will develop the students’ capacities to engage in current debates about research ethics and integrity, and to develop positions on research integrity and ethics in their own research area.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Locate a scholarly, researchable, complex contemporary problem in their professional field, interrogate the relevant literature to postulate and argue the question under investigation;
  2. Convince the significance and contribution of the research project using discipline specific language;
  3. Formulate appropriate research methodology to triangulate and data collection procedures to address the study question/s;
  4. Exhibit ethical and professional considerations inherent in the conduct of research;
  5. Prepare a professional doctorate research candidature proposal which addresses each of the key elements of the research process within the guidelines of the College of Business;
  6. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of fundamental principles and current debates on ethics and integrity in research; and
  7. Identify key areas of ethics and integrity that relates to their own research area, and argue to defend their own position.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 15%
Formative written report (1500 words) – Research aims and context; Literature review and conceptual framework
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 10%
Formative written report (1000 words) – Contribution to knowledge; Statement of significance; Ethical issues; Occupational health and safety
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 40%
Summative report (5000 words): Complete candidature proposal
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 25%
Summative oral presentation: Complete candidature proposal and ethical issues (equivalent to 1500 words)
Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 10%
Formative peer view exercises (equivalent to 1000 words preparation)

Required reading

Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches,
Creswell, J. 2014,| Sage, Publications.
The Student’s Guide to Research Ethics,
Oliver, P. 2010,| Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill International, UK.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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