Business Research Methods

Unit code: BMO6630 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
VU Online
VU Sydney
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

The purpose of the unit is to provide students with a firm foundation and understanding of business research methods and the research process. Instruction will be provided which will enable students to perform effective literature reviews. Students will be instructed in various research methodologies, the importance of ethical research conduct, and considerations of sampling and fieldwork to assist them with designing an appropriate method for their research. Students will be trained in the presentation of results, exposition of processes and methods used and conclusions drawn.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Review, analyse and critique discipline-based knowledge in businesses and organisations to identify and interrogate complex problems and develop a broad perspective of discipline-related research undertakings, both in general and more specifically research within one or more sub-disciplines;
  2. Critically review basic research construction and evaluation and demonstrate discipline-appropriate application of research terminology;
  3. Justify the use of research methodologies as relevant to particular examples of social and business research investigations;
  4. Conceptually map the research process, identifying researchable problems and developing a defensible conceptual framework for research;
  5. Conduct critical reviews of research output; and
  6. Discriminate theories relevant to the applicability and limitations of experimental, survey and case study research.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Literature Review
|
Grade: 30%
Literature review & structured abstract
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 40%
Questionnaire development, piloting & administration
Assessment type: Examination
|
Grade: 30%
Exam

Other locations

For students studying at VU Online
Assessment type: Literature Review
|
Grade: 30%
Literature review & structured abstract
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 40%
Questionnaire development, piloting & administration
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 30%
Report

This unit will adopt a student-centred learning model where learning comes from network of relationships between instructors, peers, and industry sources. Peer support and information exchange will be facilitated by online learning through the VU Online Learning Management System. It is expected that students allocate approximately 8 hours per week for online activities and independent study.

Required reading

Articles and case studies.

Business Research Methods: A Managerial Approach
Bryman, A., & Bell. E. (2011)| Oxford University Press, Oxford

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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