M001 Business Research Methods Suggested Topics

1. Independently develop a research problem guided by gaps in existing knowledge and an organisational issue, and determine appropriate research strategies
2. Demonstrate critical rigour in analysis of literature and data by making effective use of multiple and critical sources of data/information/knowledge
3. Derive new insights based on critical review of the literature and findings of management and organisational practice
4. Operate at the interface between theory and practice to derive valid and reliable conclusions
5. Demonstrate skills depending on research methods chosen but these can include: interviewing, questionnaire design and administration, focus group management (including diary management), project management, information search, text analysis, content analysis, statistical techniques
6. Communicate the research outcomes in a manner that demonstrates clarity of organisational thinking, logical argument and practical recommendations for further research and for practice

This assessment is made up of the dissertation and a presentation.

Detail of task:

You are required to write a 12,000 words scholarly piece of work that demonstrates your skills as an independent learner and provides clear evidence of a very good grasp of a specific subject area and an ability to synthesise primary and/or secondary data to arrive at a conclusion and a set of recommendations.
The structure should include:

1. Non-anonymous cover sheet
2. Acknowledgement
3. Abstract
4. Table of content
5. List of tables (if relevant)
6. List of abbreviations (if relevant)
7. Introduction
8. Literature review
9. Methodology
10. 10. Findings

11. Discussion
12. Conclusion and recommendations
13. Reference list in alphabetical order
14. Appendices (questionnaire and/or interview guide, sample of interview transcripts, ethics certificate, meeting diary etc)
Presentation:
You are required to deliver a 20 minutes presentation of your dissertation. Your supervisor will have 10 minutes to ask you questions.
The objectives of your presentation are to demonstrate:

1. Your experience as an independent learner and the research and work you have carried out to produce your Dissertation.
2. Your research aim and objectives, a summary of your literature, your analysis, findings and conclusions of the work you have carried out and how you have evidenced this in your Dissertation.
3. Your ability to answer questions from your supervisor on the content, facts or figures used in your Dissertation.