production
Skip to Content

Log In

  1. University Home
  2. Catalogue of Courses
  3. Undergraduate
  4. 2015-2016
  5. Business Management
  6. MS3553: RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS

MS3553: RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:35


Course Overview

This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking research into business phenomena. It introduces philosophical issues in the theory of knowledge, ethical issues in research conduct, and considers quantitative and qualitative methods in turn, addressing issues in sampling and design, details of specific approaches, and considerations in data analysis. The course is taught through weekly lectures and an extended two hour tutorial every fortnight, with two pieces of coursework and a two hour written exam. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the conceptual underpinning of different methods, and their strengths and limitations in research.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Natasha Mauthner

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Programme Level 3

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course will introduce and develop the following aspects:
  • Philosophical frameworks underpinning research approaches
  • Research strategies for the design and conduct of research projects
  • Ethical constraints and considerations in social science research
  • Alternative sampling strategies and their benefits and limitations
  • Quantitative methods, such as structured questionnaires and content analysis
  • Qualitative methods, such as participant observations and ethnography
  • Consideration of mixed methods and pragmatic concerns with research

Further Information & Notes

Students should be in year 3.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: 40 % (one 1500 word assignment (10%) and one 2500 word assignment (30%); and 1 two-hour exam: 60%.

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through the two-hour tutorial exercises. Students will work both individually and in groups on a series of research problems.

Feedback

Written feedback is given on the written summative assignment. Continuous oral feedback is given in tutorial exercises, tutorial presentations and in class discussions. Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

Compatibility Mode

We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.