Integrated University

Level: M                                   UIT credit rating: 3

Module type: Standard

Valid from: March 2003

Contributes towards: MBA (see notes)

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this module successful participants should be able to:

a)         Knowledge and Understanding
appreciate the enhancement of managerial decision making through scientific business research understand the political, social and legal issues that interrelate with business appreciate the impact of ethical, regulatory and environmental rulings on the operations of business.

b)         Subject-specific Skills
achieve an extended knowledge about the underlying effects of technological and global change in the workplace articulate one’s role in the development and implementation of the organisation’s ethos source and gather relevant information and ways to analyse and interpret results.

c)         Cognitive Skills
think more independently and autonomously about ethics, fiduciary duties and social responsibilities of the business organisation and their managers and directors demonstrate skills to carry out independent research projects that will improve decision making for all areas of business evaluate basic philosophical approaches to morality and applied ethics in the context of the workplace.

d)         Transferable Skills
demonstrate ability to employ research, writing and communication skills, including argumentative skills demonstrate critical thinking and argumentation skills in the context of the synopsis and analysis of real world case examples identify the theory behind scientific research and apply it to research projects for business organisations.

Syllabus Outline:

●  Introduction to business research
●  Technology and business research
●  Literature survey
●  Methods of data collection
●  Determining research design
●  Hypothesis testing
● Analysis of data and interpretation
●  Writing up the project
●  Bibliography, referencing and appendices
●  Managerial decision making and research
●  Ethics in business research

Teaching and Learning Approaches:

The Business research module is based on a step-by-step procedure for carrying out a research in a scientifically acceptable way.  The lectures are designed to teach students the necessary themes of conducting research, from formulating a hypothesis to gathering data, analysing and writing up the results.  Workshops are aimed at improving your knowledge and skills, to source the required information, to apply quantitative and qualitative techniques for analysis, and to write up conclusion.  Where appropriate, you will be able to use some well-known statistical software packages for the statistical analysis of your project. The module provides you with a strong foundation for a successful completion of your dissertation.

Indicative Readings:

Allen, M. (2000). Research Methods in Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4^th Edition, Palgrave.

Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2003). Business Research, 2^nd Edition, Palgrave.

Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K. (2002). Research Methods in Business Studies: A Practical Guide2nd Edition, Pearson Education.

Hair, J. and et al. (2003). Essentials of Business Research, Wiley.

Salkind, N. (2003). Exploring Research, 5^th Edition, Pearson Education.

Sekaran, U. (2002). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach, 4^th Edition, Wiley.

Saunders, M.N.K. and et al (2003). Research Methods for Business Students, 3^rd Edition, Prentice Hall.

Ticehurst, G.W. and Veal, A.J. (2000). Business Research Methods: A managerial Approach, Pearson Education.

Zikmund, W.G. (2003). Business Research Methods with WebSurveyor Certificate, Thomson Learning.

Assessment

Weighting: Components  A = 100%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element                                                                             Element weighting
1. Supervised mini-project (3,000 words)                                                                          1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further participation is not required)
Component A
Description of each element
1. Supervised mini-project (3,000 words)                                                                          1

Specification confirmed by……………………………………Date……………………..
Faculty Dean/Programme Manager