Developing Business Practice –302LON

Introduction to Business and Management Research

Unit: 6 Knowledgecast: 2

In this Knowledgecast, we will:

• Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner• Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and

undertaking relevant business and management research • Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a

successful work experience

Module Learning Outcomes

Module OverviewUnit1 Developing as a learner

2 Working independently and with others

3 Academic writing

4 Critical thinking, reading and taking notes

5 Using data in your studies

6 Business and management research7 Career development strategies

8 Effective self marketing tools

9 Successful work experience

10 Personal Development Planning

Stages of Research

Literature Searches

Can help you to:1. Clarify your research

question2. Inform your own research

design3. Set your research in context

of existing knowledge and practice – both academic and in practice

Problem Definition: Using Literature

Literature Reviews

A good literature review should be discursive:

Thesis – the argument behind the research

+Antithesis – the counter argument

+Synthesis – your conclusions

drawn from the literature

Source: Cameron (2009)

Mapping Key Terms: Relevance Trees

Research Data: Key Terms

Primary Data

Original data directly collected by you

Tailored to your own requirements

Knowledge of the conditions where data was collected

Research Data: Key Terms

Quantitative Data

Data as a set of numbers

Derived from ‘unarguable’ measures

Represents an ‘objective’ reality

Advantages1. Larger sample size2. Supports generalisations3. Research can be replicated4. Researcher interference can

be avoided

Quantitative Data Analysis

Disadvantages1. Data gathered can be narrow

and superficial2. Findings provide numerical

descriptions only3. Study settings often do not

replicate organisational settings

4. Difficult to record how people feel about a subject

5. Question design can lead to structural bias

Based on: www.learnhigher.ac.uk/analysethis/main

/qualitative1.html

Advantages

1. Depth and Detail2. Creates openness3. Simulates individual’s

experiences4. Avoids pre-judgments

Qualitative Data Analysis

Disadvantages

1. Smaller sample size2. Less easy to generalise3. Difficult to make comparisons4. Dependent on the skills of the

researcher

Based on: www.learnhigher.ac.uk/analysethis/main/qua

litative1.html

Deficiencies of Data

•Same results will be obtained if the research was repeated•Do you methods consistently measure respondent’s views?

Reliability

•Extent to which the findings accurately represent what is being studied•Do your methods measure what you intended to measure?

Validity

Key considerations when using questionnaires

• Sample size• Cost and ease of administration• Types of questions – open and closed questions• Use of clear and unambiguous questions • Overall design including introduction and instructions • Awareness of respondent fatigue• Tests for validity and reliability• Follow up plan for non-responses

Gathering Primary Data: Questionnaires

Key considerations when using interviews

• Access to appropriate sample size• Time and resources to complete interviews• Style of interview – structured, semi-structured or unstructured• Types of questions – open, closed and probing questions• Consistency in conduct of interviews• Awareness of researcher interference on the participant• Use of recordings and transcripts• Managing respondent confidentiality

Gathering Primary Data: Interviews

Quantitative Research – collecting data which can be analysed numerically

Main challenges:

- Count or score variables under investigation

- Measure the extent to which something happens

Analysing your Data

Qualitative Research – describing and revealing social and behavioural phenomena

Main challenges:

- Reducing the data- Structuring the data- Detextualising the data

‘An acknowledgement of the implications and significance of

a researcher’s choices as designer, observer and

writer.’

Being a Reflexive Practitioner

The aims of reflexivity include:

- Examine your unconscious reactions to the research methodology

- Explore the dynamic between the researcher and the researched

- Understand the role of the researcher in the construction of knowledge

• In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset

• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience

• Develop an effective employment and career development strategy

What are we going to cover next?

In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at:

• Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner– Role of reflexivity in your choice of data collection and analysis choice

• Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research

– Considerations in the selection and use of quantitative and qualitative research methods

• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience

– Identifying the most appropriate method to conduct and produce business and management research

Knowledgecast Summary

1. Identifying a Research Question

2. The Burning Issue Brainstorm

3. Be ready to present your response to:

• What worked well?• What would you do differently next time?• What were the factors that influenced your choice of research

questions?

Seminar: Research Questions

Based on:Bryman & Bell (2007)

Seminar: Identify Your Research Question

Topics from previous modules

Puzzles & contradictions

Reasons for

differences

Disagree with

theories

Gap between

theory and reality

Anti-common

sense Personal experience

Tutors and Supervisors

My Burning Question

Gap in the literature

1. Create a project plan to deliver your Burning Issue Research Project

2. Present your project plan to the group

3. Be ready to present your response to:

• What worked well?• What would you do differently next time?• What were the factors that influenced your decisions?

Group Activity: Research Plans

xxx

Managing your Research Project

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR

Identify research areaFormulate research questionsDesign research methodologyWrite research proposal 21st

Arrange access to sampleWrite literature reviewCollect dataAnalyse dataFirst draft research reportSecond draft research reportDeadline 31st