Developing Business Practice –302LON Introduction to Business and Management Research Unit: 6 Knowledgecast: 2

In this Knowledgecast, we will: Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience Module Learning Outcomes

Module Overview Unit 1Developing as a learner 2Working independently and with others 3Academic writing 4Critical thinking, reading and taking notes 5Using data in your studies 6Business and management research 7Career development strategies 8Effective self marketing tools 9Successful work experience 10Personal Development Planning

Stages of Research Write Up Research Findings Collect and Analyse Data Complete Literature Review Write Research Proposal Create Research Design and Methodology Formulate Research Questions Identify Research Area

Literature Searches Can help you to: 1.Clarify your research question 2.Inform your own research design 3.Set your research in context of existing knowledge and practice – both academic and in practice Problem Definition: Using Literature Literature Reviews A good literature review should be discursive: Thesis – the argument behind the research + Antithesis – the counter argument + Synthesis – your conclusions drawn from the literature

Source: Cameron (2009) Mapping Key Terms: Relevance Trees

Research Data: Key Terms Primary Data Original data directly collected by you Tailored to your own requirements Knowledge of the conditions where data was collected Secondary Data Other researcher’s facts and figures Originally collected for a different purpose Requires critical evaluation of reliability and validity

Research Data: Key Terms Quantitative Data Data as a set of numbers Derived from ‘unarguable’ measures Represents an ‘objective’ reality Qualitative Data Data as words Derived from variety of measures Represents how others interpret the world

Advantages 1.Larger sample size 2.Supports generalisations 3.Research can be replicated 4.Researcher interference can be avoided Quantitative Data Analysis Disadvantages 1.Data gathered can be narrow and superficial 2.Findings provide numerical descriptions only 3.Study settings often do not replicate organisational settings 4.Difficult to record how people feel about a subject 5.Question design can lead to structural bias Based on: /qualitative1.html

Advantages 1.Depth and Detail 2.Creates openness 3.Simulates individual’s experiences 4.Avoids pre-judgments Qualitative Data Analysis Disadvantages 1.Smaller sample size 2.Less easy to generalise 3.Difficult to make comparisons 4.Dependent on the skills of the researcher Based on: litative1.html

Deficiencies of Data Same results will be obtained if the research was repeated Do you methods consistently measure respondent’s views? Reliability Extent to which the findings accurately represent what is being studied Do your methods measure what you intended to measure? Validity

Key considerations when using questionnaires Sample size Cost and ease of administration Types of questions – open and closed questions Use of clear and unambiguous questions Overall design including introduction and instructions Awareness of respondent fatigue Tests for validity and reliability Follow up plan for non-responses Gathering Primary Data: Questionnaires

Key considerations when using interviews Access to appropriate sample size Time and resources to complete interviews Style of interview – structured, semi-structured or unstructured Types of questions – open, closed and probing questions Consistency in conduct of interviews Awareness of researcher interference on the participant Use of recordings and transcripts Managing respondent confidentiality Gathering Primary Data: Interviews

Quantitative Research – collecting data which can be analysed numerically Main challenges: -Count or score variables under investigation -Measure the extent to which something happens Analysing your Data Qualitative Research – describing and revealing social and behavioural phenomena Main challenges: - Reducing the data - Structuring the data - Detextualising the data

‘An acknowledgement of the implications and significance of a researcher’s choices as designer, observer and writer.’ Being a Reflexive Practitioner The aims of reflexivity include: -Examine your unconscious reactions to the research methodology -Explore the dynamic between the researcher and the researched -Understand the role of the researcher in the construction of knowledge

In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience Develop an effective employment and career development strategy What are we going to cover next?

In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at: Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner –Role of reflexivity in your choice of data collection and analysis choice Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research –Considerations in the selection and use of quantitative and qualitative research methods Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience –Identifying the most appropriate method to conduct and produce business and management research Knowledgecast Summary

1.Identifying a Research Question 2.The Burning Issue Brainstorm 3.Be ready to present your response to: What worked well? What would you do differently next time? What were the factors that influenced your choice of research questions? Seminar: Research Questions

Based on: Bryman & Bell (2007) Seminar: Identify Your Research Question Topics from previous modules Puzzles & contradictions Reasons for differences Disagree with theories Gap between theory and reality Anti- common sense Personal experience Tutors and Supervisors My Burning Question Gap in the literature

1.Create a project plan to deliver your Burning Issue Research Project 2.Present your project plan to the group 3.Be ready to present your response to: What worked well? What would you do differently next time? What were the factors that influenced your decisions? Group Activity: Research Plans

xxx Managing your Research Project OCTNOVDECJANFEBMAR Identify research area Formulate research questions Design research methodology Write research proposal21 st Arrange access to sample Write literature review Collect data Analyse data First draft research report Second draft research report Deadline31 st