Module Details

Module Code: MGMT9009
Title: Research Methods
Long Title: Research Methods
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2023/24 ( January 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3450 - Business & Management
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: Critically analyse literature to construct a conceptual framework and identify key issues and debates. Critically assess qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with particular reference to business environments. Develop skills to undertake and present a realistic practical based research proposal that will involve the use of research methods appropriate to Masters Level.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Select a research topic and design a model for investigation that is both feasible and practical.
LO2 Develop a conceptual framework for a research study from a review of literature.
LO3 Apply research to decision making such as feasibility option appraisal and evaluation.
LO4 Employ appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies from a range of theoretical schools to address research agendas.
LO5 Evaluate issues of reliability, validity and ethics when concluding research and how these apply to the business context of their research.
LO6 Produce a comprehensive coherent research proposal document strongly supported by literature.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Research Methods
The nature of advanced level research, its role in business, and ethical concerns. The research process at Master’s degree level will involve choosing a research question, choosing a research design and the evaluation of alternatives. The concept of how to search for information and literature. What sources are appropriate such as (journals, trade journals, Web, impact rating, quality of the source etc.). How to access online databases such as (INSPEC, Compendex, IEEE, CiteSeer, ACM Portal). Searching the Web in a systematic and cohesive manner. The correct management of the information found, and the correct and accurate referencing of same. Collating and writing of a concise literature review. Appraisal of the research instrument and sample size.The construction, design, administration and analysis of questionnaires and interview guides. In-depth interviews and focus groups. Data preparation and processing. Testing of accuracy, reliability and validity. Presentation/report writing skills.
Research Approach
Quantitative and qualitative methodologies together with mixed methods and triangulation. In-depth structured and semi-structured interview techniques. Focus Groups Research Techniques. Projective Techniques. Accessing the correct sample.
Computer Application Training
Computer Applications Training: Basic applications (data bases/spread sheets), Statistical packages, Creating a data set, Assigning measurement levels to variables, Running frequencies, Re-coding variables, Crosstabs, Extracting tables and charts including histograms, Running cross-tabs and use of multiple response tables, Running statistical significance tests. Working with 'survey monkey' and online surveys for best results.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
An in-class presentation of the business research topic (pre-agreed with the lecturer) that will act as a lead into the research proposal. The presentation will explore an initial viable research idea for the research thesis. Also, a 2 page written submission of the initial literature in relation to the field of study is submitted. Ethical issues must be considered and kept within the appropriate parameters relevant to taught masters level.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
The completion of a research proposal that will act as a lead for the future research thesis module. This topic must be relevant to the field of study and be kept within the appropriate ethical parameters relevant to taught masters level.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case study work, research & specified readings Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Direct contact with Student Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case study work, research & specified readings Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • M. N. K. Saunders, Adrian Thornhill, Philip Lewis. (2019), Research Methods for Business Students, 8. Pearson, p.872, [ISBN: 9781292208787].
  • Jill Collis, Roger Hussey. (2009), Business Research, 3rd. 14, Palgrave Macmillan, UK, p.420, [ISBN: 9781403992475].
  • Gina Wisker. (2008), The postgraduate research handbook, 2nd Ed.. Palgrave, London, [ISBN: ISBN: 978-0-230-52130-8]].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Rowena Murray. (2011), How to Write a Thesis, 3rd. Open University Press, p.384, [ISBN: 9780335244287].
  • Levin P.. (2008), Excellent Dissertations, Student Friendly Guides, all, Open University, McGraw-Hill, London, p.all, [ISBN: 13-978-033521822-6].
  • Les Oakshott. (2009), Essential Quantitative Methods, 4th. Palgrave Macmillan, UK, p.496, [ISBN: 9780230218185].
  • Alan Bryman, Emma Bell. (2007), Business research methods, 2nd. all, Oxford University Press, Oxford, [ISBN: 9780199284986].
  • Brannick T & Roche W. (1997), Management of Business Research, all, Oak Tree Press, Dublin, p.all.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BHRMN_9 Master of Arts in Human Resource Management 1 Mandatory
CR_BBADM_9 Master of Business Administration 1 Mandatory
CR_BSTRA_9 Master of Business Administration in Strategy 1 Mandatory
CR_BAVMA_9 Master of Business Administration with Aviation Management 3 Mandatory
CR_BHRMG_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Human Resource Management 1 Mandatory