Last modified: 20 Jun 2025 15:10
This course develops researcher understanding of applying quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches to research as a critical foundation for Masters or doctoral level research. The course examines the issues involved in designing and conducting research in a business area. The course examines a variety of research philosophies and methodological approaches commonly applied with business research as well as the skills required to conduct in-depth critical and systematic literature review. It utilises a research orientated set of readings and examples. The course will also be of interest to those undertaking a professional or work-based doctoral project such as a DBA.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course seeks to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of research methods and approaches in business. The course introduces a variety of research philosophies and methodological approaches commonly applied with business research as well as the skills required to conduct in-depth critical and systematic literature reviews. The course engages students in the critical examination of various research approaches and philosophies, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This will enable students to make informed choices about appropriate methodologies and analytical approaches for their own project, taking into account any ethical issues and considerations. This course bridges the gap between master’s level research skills and the doctoral level.
This course is divided into two parts: 'literature review and research design' and 'qualitative and quantitative methods'. These are designed to provide students with an overview of the conventions of research in social sciences in general, and the role of qualitative and quantitative approaches in business research specifically.
By the end of the course students will have knowledge of the principles of social science and business research and be able to:
This course is also suitable to students undertaking a professional or work-based doctoral project such as a DBA.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 80 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
3,000-word individual essay or research proposal. Students may select the form of assessment which is most relevant to their programme of study. Written feedback will be provided. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critically evaluate research outputs and assess their conceptual and methodological soundness. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Ability to evaluate relevant literature within the subject discipline. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Develop understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative methodology and analytical techniques as appropriate to their own area of research. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Develop knowledge of core concepts, philosophical and theoretical frameworks and debates within the subject discipline. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply knowledge of academic ethics, integrity and culture to Master’s or doctoral level research. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
20-minute individual presentation in week 8. Immediate feedback via discussion of the presentation content. Written comments will also be provided by week 9. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Ability to evaluate relevant literature within the subject discipline. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critically evaluate research outputs and assess their conceptual and methodological soundness. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Develop knowledge of core concepts, philosophical and theoretical frameworks and debates within the subject discipline. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Develop understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative methodology and analytical techniques as appropriate to their own area of research. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply knowledge of academic ethics, integrity and culture to Master’s or doctoral level research. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
3,000-word resit essay. Written feedback will be provided. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Ability to evaluate relevant literature within the subject discipline. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Develop knowledge of core concepts, philosophical and theoretical frameworks and debates within the subject discipline. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Develop understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative methodology and analytical techniques as appropriate to their own area of research. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply knowledge of academic ethics, integrity and culture to Master’s or doctoral level research. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critically evaluate research outputs and assess their conceptual and methodological soundness. |
| Conceptual | Create | Ability to design, conduct and communicate (written and verbally) an original research based essay or proposal. |
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