Description
An introduction to research methods that could be used for investigating a topic or issue related to business and innovation.
Aims
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the principles of research methodology, methods of data collection and data analysis, ethics in research, and how to apply this knowledge to a real-life problem related to business and innovation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand key elements of a research design;
2. Identify a problem in business and/or innovation and select research methods appropriate for investigating it and achieving research aims;
3. Apply statistical and other quantitative methods to investigate a business problem.
Indicative Content
1 Introduction to Research
Explaining the nature and purpose of research; introduction to the different types of research (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods).
2 Dealing with Practical Issues
Identifying the main stages in the research process; identifying/generating a research topic and setting research aims; creating a research design.
3 Understanding principles of research ethics and dealing with ethical issues in conducting research
4 Data Collection and Analysis
Approaches to qualitative and quantitative data collection. Methods of data analysis.
5 Writing a Research Proposal
Purpose and structure of a research proposal.
6 Descriptive Statistics
Summarising and visualising data sets. Exploring the relationships between variables.
7 Inferential Statistics
Hypothesis testing; selected hypothesis tests.
8 Application of statistical and other quantitative methods to a real-life business problem
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 12 |
| Practical Activity | 24 |
| Assessment | 50 |
| Independent | 102 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
