Last modified: 16 Oct 2025 14:16
This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking research in business. It introduces philosophical issues in the theory of knowledge and considers quantitative and qualitative methods while addressing ethical issues in sampling and design, details of specific approaches, and considerations in data analysis. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the conceptual underpinning of different methods, and their strengths and limitations in research.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Offshore | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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To be proficient in business research, one must deeply understand the philosophical ideas that underlie different research approaches and the practical aspects of conducting research, such as quantitative and qualitative research methods, ethical considerations, and the wider research context. Furthermore, one must be able to apply this knowledge to design, carry out, analyse, and report on a small-scale research study. It is also important to know a variety of research approaches and most appropriate methods for each research question. Additionally, one should be able to review and critique existing research, evaluate the quality and validity of the evidence, and appreciate the ethical constraints on conducting research. Finally, transferable intellectual skills such as critical thinking, constructing a persuasive argument, and strong writing skills are essential components of being successful in business research.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
2,000-word Literature Review |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
10-minute poster presentation. Verbal and written feedback will be provided. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of business research, philosophical ideas, quantitative and qualitative research methods, research process and ethical issues in research |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
3,000-word Research Proposal |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of business research, philosophical ideas, quantitative and qualitative research methods, research process and ethical issues in research |
| Factual | Apply | An understanding of how to apply research theories, methods, and practices in designing, carrying out, analysing and writing up small-scale research study |
| Procedural | Evaluate | An awareness of a range of research approaches and methods to facilitate selection of the most appropriate approach and method for addressing particular research questions |
| Reflection | Analyse | An ability to review existing research, critique published literature, critically evaluate and assess evidence and the quality and validity of research |
| Procedural | Remember | An appreciation of the ethical constraints on the conduct of research |
| Reflection | Create | Transferable intellectual skills, including critical thinking, constructing an argument, and writing skills |
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