Students
MQBS8940 – Advanced Business Research Methods I
2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Rico Piehler
Contact via via email
4 Eastern Road, Room 230
Please make an appointment for an individual slot
Lecturer
Yi Li
Contact via via email
Please make an appointment for an individual slot
Lecturer
Paul Crosby
Contact via via email
Please make an appointment for an individual slot
Lecturer
Husain Akareem
Contact via via email
Please make an appointment for an individual slot
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipResBus or MQBS7030
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding and practical application of advanced research methods in business. Building upon foundational knowledge about the research process and basic research methods, this unit delves into more advanced methods, including structural equation modelling, experimental research designs and natural language processing, that are essential for conducting rigorous and impactful research to solve contemporary business problems. |
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:
- ULO1: Apply structural equation modeling techniques to analyse complex relationships in business contexts and communicate the results.
- ULO2: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of how to design, analyse and communicate the results of experimental research in business contexts.
- ULO3: Demonstrate knowledge of natural language processing concepts and interpret insights from textual data sources in business contexts.
General Assessment Information
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to apply for Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills Development: Structural Equation Modelling | 35% | No | 07/09/2025 |
| Skills Development: Experimental Design | 45% | No | 26/10/2025 |
| Skills Development: Text Analysis | 20% | No | 12/11/2025 |
Skills Development: Structural Equation Modelling
Assessment Type 1: Quantitative analysis task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 07/09/2025
Weighting: 35%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate structural equation modeling analysis skills, ensuring that you have a solid knowledge of the principles of structural equation modeling and can apply the technique to analyse data.
You will analyse a provided data set using structural equation modeling (SEM), interpret the findings and report the results in line with SEM reporting standards.
Skills in focus:
- Communication
- Work readiness
- Digital skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable: Written report (details provided on iLearn)
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply structural equation modeling techniques to analyse complex relationships in business contexts and communicate the results.
Skills Development: Experimental Design
Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 26/10/2025
Weighting: 45%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate experimental design skills in a business context, ensuring that you have a solid understanding of experimental research principles and can apply them to investigate business problems.
You will design an experimental study addressing a relevant business research question, develop appropriate experimental protocols, consider ethical implications, and produce a comprehensive research proposal that could be implemented in a real-world business setting.
Skills in focus:
- Work readiness
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Global, ethical, and environmental citizenship
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable: Written research proposal (details provided on iLearn)
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of how to design, analyse and communicate the results of experimental research in business contexts.
Skills Development: Text Analysis
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 12/11/2025
Weighting: 20%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to apply natural language processing techniques to transform unstructured text into meaningful insights for decision-making.
You will explore unstructured text data using visualisation techniques and create insightful variables for further statistical analysis.
Skills in focus:
- Work readiness
- Digital skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable: Written report (details provided on iLearn)
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of natural language processing concepts and interpret insights from textual data sources in business contexts.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
This unit is delivered in 3-hour weekly seminars over 13 weeks.
For resources, please consult iLearn.
Unit Schedule
Weeks 1-4: Structural equation modelling
Weeks 5-10 Experimental research designs
Weeks 11-13 Natural language processing
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook