Introduction to Business and Management Research

2. Introduction to Business and Management Research Developing Business Practice –302LON Unit: 6Knowledgecast: 2

3. Module Learning Outcomes 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

4. Module Overview

5. Stages of Research

6. 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 Literature Searches Can help you to: • Clarify your research question • Inform your own research design • Set your research in context of existing knowledge and practice – both academic and in practice

7. Mapping Key Terms: Relevance Trees Source: Cameron (2009)

8. Research Data: Key Terms

9. Research Data: Key Terms

10. Quantitative Data Analysis Disadvantages • Data gathered can be narrow and superficial • Findings provide numerical descriptions only • Study settings often do not replicate organisational settings • Difficult to record how people feel about a subject • Question design can lead to structural bias Advantages • Larger sample size • Supports generalisations • Research can be replicated • Researcher interference can be avoided Based on: www.learnhigher.ac.uk/analysethis/main/qualitative1.html

11. Qualitative Data Analysis Disadvantages • Smaller sample size • Less easy to generalise • Difficult to make comparisons • Dependent on the skills of the researcher Advantages • Depth and Detail • Creates openness • Simulates individual’s experiences • Avoids pre-judgments Based on: www.learnhigher.ac.uk/analysethis/main/qualitative1.html

12. Deficiencies of Data

13. Gathering Primary Data: Questionnaires 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

14. Gathering Primary Data: Interviews 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

15. Analysing your Data Qualitative Research – describing and revealing social and behavioural phenomena Main challenges: • Reducing the data • Structuring the data • Detextualising the data Quantitative Research – collecting data which can be analysed numerically Main challenges: • Count or score variables under investigation • Measure the extent to which something happens

16. 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 ‘An acknowledgement of the implications and significance of a researcher’s choices as designer, observer and writer.’

17. What are we going to cover next? • 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

18. Knowledgecast Summary 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

20. Seminar: Research Questions • Identifying a Research Question • The Burning Issue Brainstorm • 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?

21. Seminar: Identify Your Research Question Puzzles & contradictions Disagree with theories Topics from previous modules Based on: Bryman & Bell (2007) Gap in the literature Tutors and Supervisors My Burning Question Gap between theory and reality Reasons for differences Anti-common sense Personal experience

22. Group Activity: Research Plans • Create a project plan to deliver your Burning Issue Research Project • Present your project plan to the group • 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?

23. Managing your Research Project xxx