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Introduction to Business Research Methods
Course Leader:
Ms Frances
Betts
frances.betts@buckingham.ac.uk
One term (15 units)
The overall aim of this course is to introduce students to the process and basic tools and techniques of conducting research in business-related areas. This is intended as a preparation for the more complex assignments and projects they will encounter in the second year of their degree programmes. It will also be of practical use to students who plan to undertake further study at postgraduate level.
Students will be able to design basic research programmes with realistic objectives, appropriate methodologies and within a manageable timescale whilst understanding the limitations of a chosen research approach and method of primary data capture. They will also be able to apply basic techniques of quantitative and qualitative data analysis. They will also know how to critically evaluate their own and other peoples' research.
This course covers the following topic areas:
- types of research / types of data. Research ethics. The research process
- research strategies. Role of literature / secondary research
- sampling: probability and non-probability methods
- qualitative data capture using depth interviews and focus groups
- questionnaire-based surveys and questionnaire design
- data collection through observation
- data analysis
- reporting of research findings
This course is assessed by a written examination in December which counts for fifty per cent of the marks. The other fifty per cent is assessed by course work, which is typically a group research project on a business-related topic.
Key texts for the course include:
- Saunders, M.N.K., P. Lewis & A. Thornhill. Research methods for business students (3rd ed., Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall). ISBN: 0-273-65804-2.
Before purchasing any key texts, we recommend that you check for the latest edition with the Business School.