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Research Methods - MAN00112M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module is delivered in two parts: the first part (Spring, 10 credits) aims to introduce the student to the generic research process and principles of ethical research practice. Students will consider data collection methods for quantitative and qualitative research and how to conduct primary and secondary research, for different purposes across management disciplines. Students will appreciate the distinction between basic and applied research and the different ways in which research can be conducted and reported, in preparation for independent study of their masters dissertation or project.

The second part (Summer, 10 credits) aims to introduce data analysis techniques for qualitative and quantitative research. Students will have the opportunity to practise skills in data analysis in preparation for undertaking an independent research dissertation or project. There is an option within this for students to follow an advanced quantitative or mixed methods pathway, of relevance to the degree being undertaken.

Module learning outcomes

To enable students to critically explore and be able to:

  • Critically examine the key characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research in business/management studies

  • Identify and critically reflect on the underlying philosophies, theoretical principles, methods, and techniques applicable to research in business/management

  • Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research in business/management

  • Identify and critically reflect on ethical, legal and safety issues involved in conducting business/management research

  • Select, apply and critically evaluate research methodologies and methods for specific business/management problems

  • Select, apply and critically evaluate data analysis techniques for specific business/management problems

  • Demonstrate advanced skills in research methods of relevance to the degree being undertaken.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Groupwork 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Module feedback

Feedback will be in accordance with UYMS and University policy.

Indicative reading

  • Bryman & Bell (2015) Business Research Methods 4th Edition, Oxford. OUP.

  • Saunders, M.L. and Lewis, P., 2009. P. and Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students. 8th Ed. Pearson Education Ltd.

  • Cameron, S. and Price, D., 2009. Business research methods: a practical approach. Kogan Page Publishers.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.