For this essay, you should choose a focused and defined research problem. Although we know that not all researchers and others use the specific term ‘research problem’, we do know that all research has SOME connection to a problem
The Advanced Research Design and Methodologies module serves as a progressive step in refining research skills within the context of the DBA program. It aims to extend learner’s knowledge of research methods by introducing complex research designs and advanced analytical techniques for interpreting literature and handling both qualitative and quantitative data. With a focus on sophisticated data analysis tools, this module equips learners with a broader understanding of methodologies applicable to business research, fostering their ability to conduct rigorous and insightful investigations.
AIM OF THE MODULE
This module aims to explore leading knowledge in different management disciplines so that you arecompletely up-to-date as a thinking business professional. Building on this, the Module will help you to identify what would make a suitable, interesting and applied research topic in management so that youcan begin to conceptualize your own area for future research later in the course.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS MODULE ARE:
- To understand and conceptualise a ‘research problem’ in contemporary management.
- To analyse how management researchers have conducted significant research projects.
- To identify and critically discuss what is considered ‘cutting edge’ knowledge within management.
- To identify and assess potential areas of research within different management disciplines, and
- To understand the importance of ethics in management research and how to apply ethical principles.
- Articulate the differences between and criteria for selecting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed- methods approaches to data collection.
- Describe how advanced statistical treatments or specified analytical approaches have led to actionable findings in management/business research.
- Select and deploy a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research methodology, method, and analysis for a given research question scenario
In this assignment, learners will demonstrate their advanced understanding of research design and methodologies. The assignment will require learners to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for conducting rigorous research in business contexts.
Essay Section | Assignment Brief Requirement | What this means |
Introduction | Set out and signpost what the essay will tackle and in which order. |
|
Paragraphs 1-3 | 1. To understand and conceptualise a ‘research problem’ in contemporary management. | For this essay, you should choose a focused and defined research problem. Although we know that not all researchers and others use the specific term ‘research problem’, we do know that all research has SOME connection to a problem (or opportunity). For example, work on core competencies is making sure that companies have the required knowledge, skills, technologies and so on to enter new markets, cope with competition and so on. It will probably be helpful for you to consider a research ‘problem’ related – directly or indirectly – with the currently proposed theme for your personal DBA thesis. |
Paragraphs 4-7 | 2. To analyse how management researchers have conducted significant research projects. | By reference to referenced / quoted research – summarise some examples of the range of ways in which ‘significant’ research projects in your selected and defined area have been conducted. These can be purely academic pieces of work reported in a PhD or DBA thesis, academic journal, trade source, public speech, corporate whitepaper, etc., etc.. |
Paragraphs 8-12 | 3. To identify and critically discuss what is considered ‘cutting edge’ knowledge within management. | By reference to referenced / quoted research (which could be the same sources as for the prior section), set out how the authors of this work have explained that their work is ‘cutting edge’ and / or use other sources to set out how others have created the understanding that the work represents ‘cutting edge’ approaches. |
Paragraphs 13-16 | 4. To identify and assess potential areas of research within different management disciplines, | By reflecting critically, explore several examples of potential areas and things which you might research on in your final DBA thesis and how these sit within management and business disciplines. |
Paragraphs 17-21 | 5. To understand the importance of ethics in management research and how to apply ethical principles. | With reference to what academic good practice sets out and what is mentioned in the sources you have reviewed for this essay, explain why ethics is important and how others recommend and embody the best practice in ethical principles for research. |
Conclusion | ||
Bibliography / References |