Students
FOBE720 – Qualitative Research Approaches in Business and Economics
2017 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
David Rooney
Lorne Cummings
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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
FOBE820
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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, 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
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is a research question? | 20% | No | Week 4, Thursday 10pm |
| Identifying gaps that matter | 40% | No | Week 8, Thursday 10pm |
| Qualitative research proposal | 40% | No | Week 13, Thursday 10pm |
What is a research question?
Due: Week 4, Thursday 10pm
Weighting: 20%
Your task in this assignment is to critically explain:
(1.) What a research question is and how it is developed in academic research,
(2.) What a research question should enable the researcher to do in relation to contributing to knowledge, and
(3.) State your own research question, explaining how you developed it and how it will help you make an original contribution to knowledge.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
• Demonstrate an awareness of what research questions are and how they are created
• Demonstrate an ability to create your own research question
You should consult research methods/methodology research in journal articles and research methods textbooks.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 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
Identifying gaps that matter
Due: Week 8, Thursday 10pm
Weighting: 40%
Choose and critically appraise 5 qualitative methodology articles and one major (recent) review articles from a top ranked journal that speak to your research question. Prepare a 2,000 word critical review of these papers by, first, conducting a literature review of their substantive contribution, and second, identifying any methodological gaps that you can identify in the literature.
This Assessment Task relates to the following 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 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.
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 research proposal
Due: Week 13, Thursday 10pm
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.
This Assessment Task relates to the following 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 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.
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
A number of digital tools for collaborative problem solving are useful in research. It will assist you to bring a laptop or tablet to the studio and to download the chrome web browser. You will use a number of free Chrome Apps (some of which are also available as iPad/tablet apps) such as Lucidchart (educational version), Smartsheets, and Mindmeister.
Additional resources
Writing and grammar tools http://www.elearnhub.org/best-grammar-editing-proofreading-tools-everybody-know/
Unit Schedule
During the course of the semester, you will be exposed to a range of ideas and processes that assist people who need to become professional problem solvers.
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Week |
Wisdom Studio Reading Topics |
Notes |
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1 |
Introduction |
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2 |
Writing in the research process |
Writing and grammar tools http://www.elearnhub.org/best-grammar-editing-proofreading-tools-everybody-know/ |
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3 |
Ontology & Epistemology |
What are your assumptions and what approach will you take to creating knowledge |
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4 |
Research paradigms, questions, methodology & design |
Clarifying how you will do your research next year |
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5 |
Case study method |
Case study is more than you think |
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6 |
Interview method |
It’s not just a chat |
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7 |
Analysis & interpretation |
What theoretical knowledge does your data have |
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8 |
Interpretation practicum |
Learning by doing |
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9 |
Ethnography method |
Learning by doing |
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10 |
Ethnography of the mall practicum |
Learning by doing (field trip) |
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11 |
Grounded theory data coding practicum |
Learning by doing |
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12 |
Discourse analysis practicum |
Learning by doing |
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13 |
Back to basics |
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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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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 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 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
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 outcome
- 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
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 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
- 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
Changes from Previous Offering
Additional focus on writing at professional research standard.