MSc International Human Resource Management and Comparative Industrial Relations / Course details

This methods course is divided into two parts. Part I introduces students to qualitative methods of research. Part II focuses on theories and applications of statistical methods.

Induction sessions with the MSc Programme Director introducing the dissertation process and the research methods issues that are specific to each programme will also be held in relation to the dissertation proposal part of the assessment. This will allow students to make connections between their research methods training and their choice of methods for their dissertations.

 

BMAN60261 Programme Req: BMAN60261 is only available as a core unit to students on MSc HRM & IR and MSc IHRM & CIR

Students shall gain an understanding of:

• the overall research process
• qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis
• the strengths and weaknesses of said methods
• the use and limitations of secondary data analysis
• the interpretation and presentation of results

Students shall be able to:

• formulate a research problem
• present a clear research strategy
• design a survey instrument
• understand which methods are most appropriate for tackling different types of problems
• employ qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis
• use computer software to analyse data
• interpret and write up results

Exam (35%):  this is a two-hour multiple choice exam linked to testing students’ understanding of quantitative research, survey methods and statistics  

Coursework (35%): this is a qualitative research assignment linked to testing students’ ability to carry out qualitative research and analyse the qualitative data collected (1,500 words)

Dissertation proposal: (30%): this assessment links to testing students’ ability to formulate research problems and present a clear research strategy. They will be required to draw on the research methods knowledge covered in the course to identify the appropriate methods to address their research problem. This will be assessed by dissertation supervisors and will be submitted in the second semester (3000 words)
 

 

Informal advice and discussion during a lecture, seminar, workshop or lab

Online exercises and quizzes delivered through the Blackboard course space

Responses to student emails and questions from a member of staff including feedback to a group via an online discussion forum

Written and/or verbal comments on assessed or non assessed coursework

 

Field, A. (2013) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (3^rd or 4th Edition). London: Sage.

Saunders, M.; Thornhill, A. and Lewis, P. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students (Fourth Edition). Harlow: Pearson.

Informal contact methods

Office hours

Online Learning Activities (blogs, discussions, self assessment questions)

Drop in surgeries (extra help sessions for students on material they may be struggling with)