Developing Business Practice –302LON Introduction to Business and Management Research Unit: 6 Knowledgecast: 1

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

Why do business research? …because there is an aspect of our understanding of what goes on in organisations that is to some extent unresolved (Bryman & Bell, 2007) The purpose of Business and Management Research is: 1.To improve organisational performance though increased effectiveness and efficiency 2.To increase our understanding of how organisations work, and their impact on individuals and society Purpose of Business and Management Research

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

Based on: Bryman & Bell (2007) Identifying 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

Employee motivation at work 1. Identify Research Area Reward as a motivator at work 2. Select Aspect of Research Area What types of rewards? Does it motivate? How much motivation? What is the impact of change? How should policies be implemented? 3. Brainstorm Research Questions What reward policies are used by Global Organisations to motivate line managers to manage their teams? Which are the most effective? How should they be implemented? 4. Select Research Question(s) Defining Your Research Questions

Research questions should: 1.Be Clear – understandable to you and others 2.Re researchable – relevant data is collectable 3.Relate to established theory and research – base your research question on existing knowledge and show your contribution to knowledge and understanding 4.Linked to each other – supports the development of an argument 5.Have potential to contribute to existing knowledge 6.Be neither too broad or too narrow Source: Bryman & Bell (2007) 6 Steps to Refine Research Questions

Decisions to be made in your research design include: The purpose of the study The unit of analysis (population to be studied) Consideration of how much researcher interference The time horizon The type of investigation The setting for the study Source: Sekaran (2000) Designing your Methodology

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

A good sample can be defined as: Chosen at random Large enough to satisfy the research goals Unbiased In order to be able to generalise your findings from your sample to the population from which it was selected, the sample must be representative Bryman & Bell (2010:182). Samples

Research involving human subjects must be carried out in accordance with accepted ethical standards. These include: Justification Access to participants Informed consent Potential harm to participants Participants’ rights Conflicts of interest Please see the CULC Research Ethics Policy. Research Ethics

‘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: Evaluate current academic, self-marketing and personal skills and present a plan for developing skills Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research 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 –The skills and mindset to become a reflexive practitioner Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research –The research stages from problem identification to the construction of knowledge Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience –Prepare your own skills and knowledge to carry out 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