Postgraduate Course: Qualitative Research Methods (CMSE11435)
Course Outline
| School | Business School |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 15 |
ECTS Credits | 7.5 |
| Summary | Qualitative Research Methods aims to introduce students to issues of research idea generation, ethics, research design, and basic qualitative methods in business area for their dissertation. It helps students choosing a dissertation topic, questions and facilitates all necessary qualitative methods that are required for that major piece of independent research as well as their future work in business area. |
| Course description |
The course provides students with an understanding of the research process and a thorough introduction to qualitative (as well as basics of quantitative research) method. The course equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for a significant research project using qualitative research methods.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2019/20, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
150
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 8,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 3,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
119 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Individual assignment (100%) (assess all learning outcomes)
Assessment is based on a 2500 (+/- 10%) word reflective paper. In the paper, students will:
- Briefly introduce the nature of a research problem to be investigated and the context of the research
- Clearly identify a research purpose or question
- Explain how your ontology and epistemology have influenced the research
- Reflect on, and critically evaluate, three methods of data collection along with associated forms of data analyses that you could use in your study
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| Feedback |
Summative feedback will be provided on individual assignments within 15 days, in line with the University of Edinburgh Taught Assessment Regulations.
Formative feedback will be given in the lectures during plenary, small group and individual interactions.
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the role of qualitative business research in the discipline of business.
- Understand different ontologies and epistemologies.
- Understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Plan and conduct different methods of data collection and understand research ethics requirements.
- Analyse different forms of qualitative data.
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Reading List
| Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods (4th edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Demonstrate and/or work with:
-Knowledge that covers and integrates most of the main areas of the subject/discipline/sector - including their features, boundaries, terminology and conventions.
- A critical understanding of a range of specialised theories, concepts and principles.
- Extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in one or more specialisms, much of which is at, or informed by, developments at the forefront.
- A critical awareness of current issues in a subject/discipline/sector and one or more specialisms.
Apply knowledge, skills and understanding:
- In applying a range of standard and specialised research and/or equivalent instruments and techniques of enquiry.
- In planning and executing a significant project of research, investigation or development.
- In demonstrating originality and/or creativity, including in practices.
Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to forefront issues, or issues that are informed by forefront developments in the subject/discipline/sector.
- Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract problems and issues.
- Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues.
- Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in a subject/discipline/sector.
- Deal with complex issues and make informed judgements in situations in the absence of complete or consistent data/information.
Communication, ICT, and Numeracy Skills
- Use a wide range of routine skills and a range of advanced and specialised skills as appropriate to a subject/discipline/sector, for example:
- Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.
- Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.
- Use a wide range of ICT applications to support and enhance work at this level and adjust features to suit purpose.
- Undertake critical evaluations of a wide range of numerical and graphical data
- Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities.
- Take responsibility for own work and/or significant responsibility for the work of others.
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| Special Arrangements |
For MSc International Business and Emerging Markets and MSc Management students only. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof John Amis
Tel: (0131 6)51 5545
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Fionna Ogilvie
Tel: (0131 6)51 3028
Email: |
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