Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BUSI4690 | Nottingham University Business School | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BUSI4690
- School
- Nottingham University Business School
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module discusses a variety of issues pertaining to the design and analysis of qualitative research. It starts with discussing philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research. This will be followed by the topic of designing qualitative research, covering research question formulation, case study, ethnography, grounded theory, among others. The module will introduce data collection techniques, from interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and archival research. The data analysis and interpretation section covers coding, thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and the use of software in qualitative data analysis. The module will also discuss how to ensure rigor and validity and maintain ethics in the writing up and publication of research.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with excellent scholarship in social science/business and management and to perform a qualitative research project. Whenever possible, guest speakers will be invited to share their experience in carrying out qualitative research.
Target Students
Only available for students enrolled on the Doctor of Business Administration
Classes
This module will be delivered in a variety of ways which may include lectures, seminars, etc.
Assessment
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
• To develop students’ appreciation of outstanding business/management scholarship• To foster students’ awareness of the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods• To demonstrate to the students the key issues involved in the use of qualitative research methods, including the scope, advantages and limitation• To inform students of the new developments in the application of qualitative research methods in business/management studiesLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
• The ability to absorb and appreciate the knowledge acquired in the module and apply it in research projects, from conceiving a project, reviewing the literature, selecting appropriate methods, collecting and analysing data, as well as interpreting, writing up, and presenting findings
Intellectual skills
• Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation
• The ability to analyse facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions
• The ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that in research for evidence-based decision-making
Professional practical skills
• Self-analysis and awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures, including a continuing appetite for development
• People management, to include communications, team building, leadership and motivating others
Transferable skills
• Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications documents and presentations
• Self-management and a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time