MGMT8791 Business Research: Principles and Processes [PG]

This unit provides a foundation for management research and analysis through a study of the history and philosophy of social science research underpinning management studies. Topics include (1) paradigms, theories, models, constructs, hypotheses, experiments and other building blocks of the scientific method of enquiry; (2) inferential and deductive processes in the scientific method; (3) issues and procedures in moving from theory to research designs; (4) research as a social process; (5) the institutional contexts of management and social science research; and (6) ethics and social research. Key issues in the use of theory in effective research designs are illustrated through a close reading of research papers drawn from several disciplines in management and social sciences.

MGMT8792 Qualitative Methods in Business Research [PG]

This unit is an advanced study of the qualitative research methods used in organisational analysis and management research and writing. Topics include (1) research objectives and contexts appropriate to the use of qualitative methods; (2) theoretical traditions in qualitative research; (3) sampling strategies; (4) intent and techniques for multi-method qualitative research; and (5) preliminary analysis of qualitative data, selection and use of supporting qualitative and/or quantitative methods, multi-method analysis of data, and presentation of research results. The effective use of several qualitative research methods is illustrated through a close reading of research papers drawn from several disciplines in management and social sciences.

MGMT8793 Quantitative Methods in Business Research [PG]

This unit is an advanced study of the quantitative research methods used in organisational analysis and management research and writing. Topics include (1) research objectives and contexts appropriate to the use of quantitative research methods; (2) maintaining correspondence between theoretical concepts and empirical constructs and measures; (3) sampling strategies and issues; (4) assessment of the appropriateness of archival data for an intended research purpose; (5) survey of advanced statistical methods for discovering associations between variables; (6) use of analytic models and dynamic simulation in quantitative research; and (7) use of statistical software packages such as SPSS. Effective use of several quantitative research methods is illustrated through a close reading of research papers drawn from several disciplines in management and social sciences.

MGMT8794 Literature Review and Criticism

This unit requires students to prepare a critical review of the literature, a summary of the major research problems previously studied and their contributions, and to identify suitable research questions for investigation. The unit prepares students for doctoral research.

MGMT8795 DBA Proposal and Defence [PG]

Students are able to defend their thesis proposal. They are able to define their research topic, determine the most appropriate research methodology to be employed and show an understanding of the relevant literature underpinning the thesis. Content The objective of this unit is to prepare students to define research topics, develop appropriate research designs, determine the most effective research methodologies to be employed and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theory and literature underpinning the thesis. A major paper embodying these elements is prepared in consultation with an academic staff member.