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Research Methods - MAN00150M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module introduces the student to the academic research process and principles of ethical research practice. Students must take this module to proceed to the Dissertation for Management Studies (Academic). 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.

Students will be introduced to 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. In the proceeding dissertation module there is an option for students to follow an advanced quantitative or mixed methods pathway, of relevance to the nature of the dissertation research being undertaken.

This Module is a Prerequisite for Dissertation (Academic)

Module learning outcomes

To enable students to critically explore and be able to:

  • Critically examine the key characteristics of quantitative and qualitative 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 and critically evaluate research methodologies and methods for specific business/management problems

  • Select and critically evaluate general approaches of data analysis for specific business/management problems.

  • Drawing on a critical understanding of research methodologies and methods, design a research project and produce a convincing and appropriate research proposal.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School 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.