Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Business and Law

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Research Methods in Business and Law

• Unit Code

  FBL6100

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Uma Devi JOGULU

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Description

This unit aims to prepare students for research at the Master or PhD levels. It also aims to enable students to carry out or evaluate research as part of a career in business, government or criminal justice roles. The theoretical component of this unit introduces the philosophy behind qualitative and quantitative research, and gives a broad understanding of the major research methods. The practical component of this unit develops skills for reading and writing research, critical thinking, problem definition, data collection, analysis and presentation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.
2. Produce specialised skills in the use of basic data analysis techniques.
3. Critically evaluate research studies and undertake an integrated literature review.
4. Synthesise general and cross cultural skills in the use of research methods commonly employed in business and criminal justice research.

Unit Content

1. Social inquiry and the research process.
2. Understanding theoretical issues and developing a literature review.
3. Research design and planning.
4. Research questions, aims and objectives.
5. Quantitative data collection and analysis.
6. Qualitative data collection and analysis.
7. Writing research: findings, discussion, conclusions, implications/recommendations.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Classes will comprise lectures, workshops and group discussions. Students are expected to read assigned materials each week. Research activity requires curiosity, initiative and creativity. This unit provides an opportunity for self-directed learning. Students therefore will read widely, critically discuss ideas and participate in research exercises. The lecturer's role is to guide learning rather than delivering material only.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.

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