Students
FOBE720 – Qualitative Research Approaches in Business and Economics
2015 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lorne Cummings
Coordinator
Alison Pullen
Contact via alison.pullen@mq.edu.au
E4A Room 644
1.30-2.30 Monday during term time.
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with an introduction to theoretical and empirical research approaches informed by qualitative methods of inquiry within the business and economics discipline. It seeks to develop students’ understanding of the contexts in which qualitative research can be undertaken. Topics covered include grounded theory, hermeneutical analysis, discourse analysis, heuristic and narrative methods of investigation, typology, and participant observational. Students will also develop the ability to analyse, conduct, and evaluate qualitative forms of research.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understand commonly used qualitative research approaches in business and management research.
- Discuss different forms of data and outline their differences
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
- Do qualitative research by constructing problem oriented literature reviews, formalising meaningful research questions, handling and evaluating a range of evidence, and be able to deduce arguments on the basis of data.
General Assessment Information
There will be a deduction of 20% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 40% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
In order to pass this course you must:
1. achieve a composite mark of 50%. 2. make a satisfactory attempt at all assessment tasks. 3. attend at least 80% of classes and participate fully in class activities. .
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Paradigm debates | 20% | 16/3/2015 |
| Identifying gaps | 40% | 27th April 2015 |
| Qualitative proposals | 40% | Week 12 |
Paradigm debates
Due: 16/3/2015
Weighting: 20%
Choose a research topic and critically analyse it from two out of four of Burrell and Morgan’s
sociological paradigms. Students will present their analysis during session 4. 10 minute
presentations should focus on the application of the paradigms to their subject rather than
describing the paradigms. Students should prepare a 1 page handout for class members.
Feedback will be provided during the session. This assessment will be covered discussed in weeks 1, 2 and 3.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
Identifying gaps
Due: 27th April 2015
Weighting: 40%
Choose and critically appraise 10 qualitative methodology papers from a specific subject in your
discipline. Prepare a 2,000 word critical review of these papers by first, conducting a literature
review of their substantive contribution, and second, identify any methodological gaps that you
envisage. Feedback will be discussed in class as well as written individual feedback.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand commonly used qualitative research approaches in business and management research.
- Discuss different forms of data and outline their differences
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
- Do qualitative research by constructing problem oriented literature reviews, formalising meaningful research questions, handling and evaluating a range of evidence, and be able to deduce arguments on the basis of data.
Qualitative proposals
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
Prepare a Research Proposal of 2,000 that contains a description of the topic and questions you will
investigate as well as the qualitative methods and form of analysis you will use to address your
research questions. The course will take you through these stages. Feedback will be provided in
class as well as through written individual feedback.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand commonly used qualitative research approaches in business and management research.
- Discuss different forms of data and outline their differences
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
- Do qualitative research by constructing problem oriented literature reviews, formalising meaningful research questions, handling and evaluating a range of evidence, and be able to deduce arguments on the basis of data.
Delivery and Resources
There will be no one textbook for this subject. You are encouraged to research the Qualitative Methodology texts and find appropriate sources that suits your discipline focus and research interests. Required weekly readings will be posted on iLearn.
Key research databases for your study include Ebsco host: Academic Search Elite and Business Source Premier.
To succeed in this unit, students are required to:
1. Attend classes and understand the material covered to be able to discuss this with their peers. Students are expected to participate in class. 2. Critically analyse the material covered in relation to their own research interests. This is an essential requirement for all the assessment. 3. Students are expected to work individually and with their peers throughout the course. 4. Students must achieve an overall pass grade. Technology Used and Required
Students are required to use various technology tools including word processing, Power Point, Turnitin and iLearn. The latter is a software tool used by Macquarie to manage teaching and learning practices: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/. To log on, you must first obtain a log on password from IT services or the library then click through to FOBE720. Please check this site each week for possible lecture slides and other announcements and material.
Timetable
https://iteach.mq.edu.au/unit_guides/32502/print_preview
Unit guide FOBE720 Qualitative Research Approaches in Business and Economics
The timetable for this unit can be accessed from this portal: http://timetables.mq.edu.au IT Help and IT Policy
coursework for approved units. Student ID cards must be displayed in the locations provided at all times. Students are expected to act responsibly when using University IT facilities.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Students with disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Unit who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies. University possesses vast online and human resources to help students learn:
• Online resources on Learning Skills • Workshops and other Learning Skills resources for Postgraduate Students (ALPS) • Personal assistance with your learning & study related questions. • The Learning Help Desk is located in the Library foyer (level 2). • Online and on-campus orientation events run by Mentors@Macquarie.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
Assessment task
- Identifying gaps
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand commonly used qualitative research approaches in business and management research.
- Discuss different forms of data and outline their differences
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
- Do qualitative research by constructing problem oriented literature reviews, formalising meaningful research questions, handling and evaluating a range of evidence, and be able to deduce arguments on the basis of data.
Assessment tasks
- Paradigm debates
- Qualitative proposals
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand commonly used qualitative research approaches in business and management research.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
Assessment tasks
- Paradigm debates
- Identifying gaps
- Qualitative proposals
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discuss different forms of data and outline their differences
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of research methods and be able to make informed methodological choices;
- Do qualitative research by constructing problem oriented literature reviews, formalising meaningful research questions, handling and evaluating a range of evidence, and be able to deduce arguments on the basis of data.
Assessment tasks
- Identifying gaps
- Qualitative proposals
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discuss different forms of data and outline their differences
- Do qualitative research by constructing problem oriented literature reviews, formalising meaningful research questions, handling and evaluating a range of evidence, and be able to deduce arguments on the basis of data.
Assessment task
- Paradigm debates
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary ethical issues in research and strategies for addressing them.
Changes from Previous Offering
No substantive changes from last offering.