The course provides students with an understanding of the key research techniques that facilitate the development of strategy, market research and decision making in the business context. Knowledge of these techniques will also enhance students' understanding of how business-related research informs business decision making. The course will enhance students' analytical awareness, clear thinking and their ability to communicate, which are all critical graduate skills.

The aims of this course include:

• Exposure to business decision making and informed users of business research
• Development of effective research requests and proposals which clearly address organisational strategy
• Development of skills to effectively present research findings
• Development of the understanding necessary to communicate and interact effectively, as well as evaluate the validity and reliability of research studies/results
• Development of understanding of the ethical and social issues associated with business research.

Upon completion of the course students would be expected to be able to;

• Describe qualitative research methods concepts in a business setting and prepare written business research proposals,
• Evaluate business research designs, including questionnaire design, and data collection techniques,
• Interpret and present graphical representations and descriptive statistics summarising data and prepare reports on the research findings,
• Identify the key issues associated with conducting qualitative research in practice, including industrial sensitivity and ethical practice.

Cooper, Donald and Schindler, Pamela (2007) Business Research Methods. McGrawHill, 10th edition (selected chapters).

For further information please refer to the course website