developing business practice –302lon introduction to business and management research unit: 6...
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Developing Business Practice –302LON
Introduction to Business and Management Research
Unit: 6 Knowledgecast: 2
In this Knowledgecast, we will:
• Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner• Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and
undertaking relevant business and management research • Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a
successful work experience
Module Learning Outcomes
Module Overview
Unit
1 Developing as a learner
2 Working independently and with others
3 Academic writing
4 Critical thinking, reading and taking notes
5 Using data in your studies
6 Business and management research
7 Career development strategies
8 Effective self marketing tools
9 Successful work experience
10 Personal Development Planning
Literature Searches
Can help you to:
1. Clarify your research question
2. Inform your own research design
3. Set your research in context of existing knowledge and practice – both academic and in practice
Problem Definition: Using Literature
Literature Reviews
A good literature review should be discursive:
Thesis – the argument behind the research
+
Antithesis – the counter argument
+
Synthesis – your conclusions drawn from the literature
Research Data: Key Terms
Primary Data
Original data directly collected by you
Tailored to your own requirements
Knowledge of the conditions where data was collected
Research Data: Key Terms
Quantitative Data
Data as a set of numbers
Derived from ‘unarguable’ measures
Represents an ‘objective’ reality
Advantages
1. Larger sample size
2. Supports generalisations
3. Research can be replicated
4. Researcher interference can be avoided
Quantitative Data Analysis
Disadvantages
1. Data gathered can be narrow and superficial
2. Findings provide numerical descriptions only
3. Study settings often do not replicate organisational settings
4. Difficult to record how people feel about a subject
5. Question design can lead to structural bias
Based on: www.learnhigher.ac.uk/analysethis/main
/qualitative1.html
Advantages
1. Depth and Detail
2. Creates openness
3. Simulates individual’s experiences
4. Avoids pre-judgments
Qualitative Data Analysis
Disadvantages
1. Smaller sample size
2. Less easy to generalise
3. Difficult to make comparisons
4. Dependent on the skills of the researcher
Based on: www.learnhigher.ac.uk/analysethis/main/qua
litative1.html
Deficiencies of Data
•Same results will be obtained if the research was repeated•Do you methods consistently measure respondent’s views?
Reliability
•Extent to which the findings accurately represent what is being studied•Do your methods measure what you intended to measure?
Validity
Key considerations when using questionnaires
• Sample size• Cost and ease of administration• Types of questions – open and closed questions• Use of clear and unambiguous questions • Overall design including introduction and instructions • Awareness of respondent fatigue• Tests for validity and reliability• Follow up plan for non-responses
Gathering Primary Data: Questionnaires
Key considerations when using interviews
• Access to appropriate sample size• Time and resources to complete interviews• Style of interview – structured, semi-structured or unstructured• Types of questions – open, closed and probing questions• Consistency in conduct of interviews• Awareness of researcher interference on the participant• Use of recordings and transcripts• Managing respondent confidentiality
Gathering Primary Data: Interviews
Quantitative Research
– collecting data which can be analysed numerically
Main challenges:
- Count or score variables under investigation
- Measure the extent to which something happens
Analysing your Data
Qualitative Research
– describing and revealing social and behavioural phenomena
Main challenges:
- Reducing the data- Structuring the data- Detextualising the data
‘An acknowledgement
of the implications
and significance of
a researcher’s choices
as designer, observer and writer.’
Being a Reflexive Practitioner
The aims of reflexivity include:
- Examine your unconscious reactions to the research methodology
- Explore the dynamic between the researcher and the researched
- Understand the role of the researcher in the construction of knowledge
• In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at:
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset
• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience
• Develop an effective employment and career development strategy
What are we going to cover next?
In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at:
• Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner– Role of reflexivity in your choice of data collection and analysis choice
• Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research
– Considerations in the selection and use of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience
– Identifying the most appropriate method to conduct and produce business and management research
Knowledgecast Summary
1. Identifying a Research Question
2. The Burning Issue Brainstorm
3. Be ready to present your response to:
• What worked well?• What would you do differently next time?• What were the factors that influenced your choice of research
questions?
Seminar: Research Questions
Based on:
Bryman & Bell (2007)
Seminar: Identify Your Research Question
Topics from previous modules
Puzzles & contradictions
Reasons for
differences
Disagree with
theories
Gap between
theory and reality
Anti-common
sense Personal experience
Tutors and Supervisors
My Burning Question
Gap in the literature
1. Create a project plan to deliver your Burning Issue Research Project
2. Present your project plan to the group
3. Be ready to present your response to:
• What worked well?• What would you do differently next time?• What were the factors that influenced your decisions?
Group Activity: Research Plans
xxx
Managing your Research Project
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR
Identify research area
Formulate research questions
Design research methodology
Write research proposal 21st
Arrange access to sample
Write literature review
Collect data
Analyse data
First draft research report
Second draft research report
Deadline 31st