BUSN8013 Seminar in Research Method in Commerce

Offered By	School of Accounting & Business Info Systems
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Business
Offered in	First Semester, 2012, Second Semester, 2012, First Semester, 2013, and Second Semester, 2013
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	The aim of this course is to introduce students to the world of research in business disciplines, including accounting and information systems. Students will gain an understanding of how scientific research is undertaken, as well as being introduced to a number of different approaches to research. The overall aim is for students to develop the background needed to undertake research that is ethical, significant, rigorous, and relevant to practice. Students should be able to critically evaluate their own research and that of others, across a range of research approaches.
Learning Outcomes	On successful completion of the course students will be able to: Describe the research process and what is meant by “science” and the “scientific method”. Understand the place of theory in research, the nature of theory and theory building versus theory testing. Discuss critically the different approaches that are argued for in different research paradigms in the philosophy of science. Be able to analyse a research problem area and formulate research questions for a research project that is both significant and feasible for an Honours or PhD programme. Engage in research that is mindful of the interests of participants and stakeholders and at all times adheres to relevant codes of practice and aims for the highest standards of ethical conduct. Be able to choose a research design to address research questions as posed, while being mindful of issues of validity, reliability and measurement. Plan a research study using any one of several methods, including: experimental, archival, survey and qualitative approaches. Know how to present the results of a research project in a research article and/or thesis in an effective manner. Be able to develop a research proposal for a topic of their choice.
Indicative Assessment	Participation and critiques 26% Weekly Assignment 30% Research Proposal 44%
Workload	3 hours per week plus up to 7 hours of private study time.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest	Commerce
Eligibility	At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree.
Prescribed Texts	See Course Website
Preliminary Reading	See Course Website
Indicative Reading List	See Course Website
Programs	Master of Commerce and Master of Commerce
Other Information	For further information please refer to the course website
Academic Contact	See http://ecocomm.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=BUSN8013

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.