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Organisation Research Decisions & Design (MGMT90205)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject introduces doctoral students to the “big questions” faced by researchers in the domains of Management and Marketing, as well as the more practical issues and expectations of students designing and executing a research project in the Department. Topics include: the nature of the research process and key decisions made in designing and executing a project; the nature of social inquiry and different ways of knowing; the philosophy of science and epistemology (i.e., different ways of investigating organizational phenomena); the nature of theory and the theory creating/constructing process; and the ‘practicalities’ of conducting research, including developing research questions, designing studies and managing potential ethical issues in conducting organization based research.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • understand the epistemological and ontological foundations of knowledge and their implications for research design
  • align methodological choices with research questions to be investigated
  • identify the potential strengths and limitations associated with alternative research strategies and methods used in marketing and management research
  • appreciate the ethical and political context of different types of research questions and methodological choices, especially in relation to sensitive topics or topics that may impact human subjects.

Generic skills

  • Problem solving skills, which should be enhanced through the study of research design and research methods;
  • Writing skills appropriate for the preparation of academic articles and research reports in Management and Marketing, including the doctoral thesis; and
  • Analytical skills, which should be developed through the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative empirical research literature.

Last updated: 9 April 2024