Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the role of theory in research design; have the ability to design research projects that produce relevant and robust data; understand the role of idealised design in producing good, practical research designs; have a sound knowledge of the key issues and principles of social measurement and data collection; have a basic grasp of the skills required for field research, interviewing, moderating focus groups, questionnaire design and sample design.
Synopsis This subject is designed to prepare students undertaking research degrees in management, industrial relations and organisation studies. It aims to develop basic skills and judgements necessary to operationalise research problems and design research projects that produce data relevant to issues in these areas. Practical consideration is given to observational techniques, interviewing, group techniques, survey research and case study. Teaching combines seminar-based reviews of methodological issues; workshops on the application of classical and contemporary research techniques; and team-based exercises. This subject is compulsory for students enrolled in the Master of Management preliminary program, subject to the discretion of the head of the Department of Business Management.
Assessment Written (four 750-word exercises and one 2500-word report): 100%