Research Methods for Management Studies

Code

BUSI4529

School

Nottingham University Business School China

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

Part I: Introduction Qualitative Analysis. This part of the module will be concerned with the collection and analysis of qualitative data

Part II: Introduction Quantitative Analysis; Survey design and measurement, Introduction to statistics; hypothesis testing, t-tests, ANOVA, Regression Analysis

Part III: Introduction to management research relating to literature review, asking research questions and objectives, formulating research hypotheses, discussion of findings; Quantitative and Qualitative research in the dissertation relating to its application

Target Students

Core Module for MSc International Business

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 7 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour computing each week for 6 weeks

Total contact hours: 40 hours. Contact hours: 20 hours. -- one weekly 2-hour lecture for 10 weeks (e.g. from week 1 to week 10) Contact hours: 20 hours. -- Lecture: 14 hours. one weekly 2-hour lecture for 7 weeks (e.g. from week 1 to week 7) -- Computer lab sessions: 6 hours. 1 hour per week for 6 weeks (e.g. week 2 to week 7) or 2 hours per week for 3 weeks (e.g. from week 8 to week 10)

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 3000 words individual coursework
• 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): 2 hours exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

This module develops:

Knowledge and understanding:

a knowledge and understanding of tools and techniques for transforming (big) data into useful information for business analysis and decision support

Intellectual Skills:

Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately

Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills

Professional Practical Skills:

The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting

The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of quantitative data, synthesis and reporting

The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices

Transferable (key) Skills:

Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports

High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict  resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience

Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations

Conveners

• Dr XIAOTIAN LI