Business Research Methodology

The Business Research Methodology module will enable the learner to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature and importance of research within the business field. Learners will assess contemporary issues, ethics, and best practices in business research, ensuring their approach is both current and ethically sound. The module equips learners with the skills to apply appropriate research techniques to academic issues, manage a research project from the initial brief through to the oral presentation of findings, and effectively utilise research sources, business databases, and Market Information Systems.

Introduction to Research

• Nature of business research
• Research process
• Generating research ideas: spotting business research opportunities
• Ethics in academic and business research

Project proposal

• General topic,
• Hypothesis,
• Research Questions,
• Research Objectives (General and Specific Objectives)

 Literature Review

• Primary, Secondary and Tertiary sources
• Referencing systems: Harvard Referencing System
• Reliable Literature sources

Research Methodology

• Qualitative and quantitative methodologies
• Main qualitative and quantitative techniques: surveys, interviews (structured, semi-structured, in-depth, group interviews), observation (complete participant, complete observer, observer as participant, participant as observer), focus group
• Designing researching tools: design of questionnaire. Sampling strategies
• Case studies and qualitative interviews

Findings and Conclusions

• Writing up and presenting research outcomes
• General conclusions
• Research limitations
• Recommendations