Introduction to Business and Management Research

2. Introduction to Business and Management Research Developing Business Practice –302LON Unit: 6Knowledgecast: 1

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. Purpose of Business and Management Research Why do business research? …because there is an aspect of our understanding of what goes on in organisations that is to some extent unresolved (Bryman & Bell, 2007) The purpose of Business and Management Research is: • To improve organisational performance though increased effectiveness and efficiency • To increase our understanding of how organisations work, and their impact on individuals and society

6. Stages of Research

7. Identifying 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

8. Defining Your Research Questions

9. 6 Steps to Refine Research Questions Research questions should: • Be Clear – understandable to you and others • Re researchable – relevant data is collectable • Relate to established theory and research – base your research question on existing knowledge and show your contribution to knowledge and understanding • Linked to each other – supports the development of an argument • Have potential to contribute to existing knowledge • Be neither too broad or too narrow Source: Bryman & Bell (2007)

10. Designing your Methodology Decisions to be made in your research design include: • The purpose of the study • The unit of analysis (population to be studied) • Consideration of how much researcher interference • The time horizon • The type of investigation • The setting for the study Source: Sekaran (2000)

11. Managing your Research Project xxx

12. Samples A good sample can be defined as: • Chosen at random • Large enough to satisfy the research goals • Unbiased In order to be able to generalise your findings from your sample to the population from which it was selected, the sample must be representative Bryman & Bell (2010:182).

13. Research Ethics Research involving human subjects must be carried out in accordance with accepted ethical standards. These include: • Justification • Access to participants • Informed consent • Potential harm to participants • Participants’ rights • Conflicts of interest Please see the CULC Research Ethics Policy.

14. 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.’

15. What are we going to cover next? • In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at: • Evaluate current academic, self-marketing and personal skills and present a plan for developing skills • Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research

16. Knowledgecast Summary In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at: • Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner • The skills and mindset to become a reflexive practitioner • Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research • The research stages from problem identification to the construction of knowledge • Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience • Prepare your own skills and knowledge to carry out business and management research

18. 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?

19. 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

20. 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?

21. Managing your Research Project xxx