Aims: To examine key methodological issues and approaches to research in the management studies, and to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of data gathered from interviews, case studies, focus groups, surveys and experiments.
Learning Outcomes: On completing the module, students are expected to be able to:
• Demonstrate an awareness of the historical development of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in management;
• Explain how a researcher’s philosophical position may influence the choice of research methods;
• Critically evaluate the shift towards qualitative and interpretive research in management;
• Compare, contrast and critically evaluate alternative research strategies and designs;
• Demonstrate the capability to employ the most appropriate method of analysis to any specific business or management research agenda.

Module Content:
• Research methodologies and philosophy: positivism and interpretivism;
• Qualitative research methods and the search for meaning;
• The process: selecting a research strategy and design;
• Data gathering, documentary records, triangulation and mixed methods;
• Quantitative research design and methodologies;
• Analysis of quantitative data; univariate and multivariate analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and MANOVA.