MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management / Course details

The course will enhance students’ understanding of, and ability to implement, different research designs and research methods, enabling them to conduct a systematic piece of research both for this unit and their client-facing reports/dissertations in the summer.

BMAN73652 Programme Req: BMAN73652 is only available as a core unit to students on MSc Business Analysis & Strategic Management

This unit provides students with a holistic overview of business and management research with specific emphasis on undertaking strategy analysis and management consultancy projects. It strikes a balance between philosophical reflection and theoretical understanding of research methodologies, on the one hand, and the practical aspects of designing and conducting empirical research, on the other.

Understand the main methodologies used in research in their area and be aware of the strengths and weaknesses associated with different research techniques, and the production, meaning and use of data;

Understand the particular challenges as well as opportunities associated with research in international and comparative business;

Understand various ways to think about the relationship between theory, context and data;

Understand the key steps in carrying out a research project and select a proper
methodological approach;

Be able to utilise major qualitative and quantitative methods and software tools that are used to collect and analyse secondary research data;

Be able to read and critically evaluate published research;

Develop a project specification (research problem and methodology) and formulate a realistic plan for the MSc dissertation project;

Present your research to academic and professional audiences in written and oral formats

 

 

• Group Presentation (20%)

• Individual Coursework (80%)

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

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

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

Written and/or verbal comments after students have given a group or individual presentation

Required
•             Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., (2012). Research Methods for Business Students 6th ed., Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
•             Bryman, Alan and Emma Bell (2011), Business Research methods (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. (ISBN-10: 0199583404; ISBN-13: 978-0199583409)
•             Biggam, John (2011), Succeeding with Your Master's Dissertation - a Step-by-Step Handbook (2nd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press/McGraw-Hill. (ISBN: 0335242251).
 
Recommended readings:
 
•             Azorín, J. M., & Cameron, R. (2010). The application of mixed methods in organisational research: A literature review. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 8(2), 95-105.
•             Biggam, John (2011), Succeeding with your master's dissertation - a step-by-step handbook (2nd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press/McGraw-Hill.
•             Chalmers, A. F. (2013). What is this thing called science?. Hackett Publishing.
•             Easterby-Smith, M., 2015. Management and Business Research 5th ed., London: Sage Publications Ltd.
•             Edwards, P.K., O'Mahoney, J. and Vincent, S. (eds), 2014. Studying Organizations Using Critical Realism: A Practical Guide, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
•             Hassett, M. E., & Paavilainen-Mantymaki, E. (Eds.). (2013)

Informal contact methods

Office hours

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