This course aims to introduce research students to a scientific approach to the study of management, marketing and international business issues. The focus is on equipping students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for undertaking both quantitative and qualitative research and to critically evaluate research conducted by others. The course is divided into four interrelated segments: problem formulation/conceptualisation, implementation, analysis, and publication and communication of research findings. Due emphasis will be given to the use of computers in data analysis. At the end of the course, students can expect to have acquired an appreciation of the research process both as a craft and as methodology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical origins of the different methodological approaches used in management and organization.
2. Identify management and organization problems and ensuing research needs through the critical analysis of extant knowledge.
3. Recognize the role of scientific theory in relating and representing the management and organization world.
4. Implement the scientific method when translating management and organization research needs into formal research questions and goals.
5. Apply inquiry to investigate management and organization issues with the goal to expand theoretical knowledge in the field by using the scientific method.
6. Differentiate between the various scientific explanations of management and organization phenomena.
7. Critically evaluate the different research approaches and designs used in management and organization research.
8. Develop a proposal that acknowledges the role of values and ethics in the unique kinds of theorizing in the areas of management and organization.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will use a team teaching model where the course coordinator and lecturers are jointly responsible for the course content and presentations. The guest lecturers of this course consist of a group of experienced scholars in Research School of Management. Guest lecturers will use Research-Led Teaching.

Field Trips

Not applicable

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional course costs for this course. 

Examination Material or equipment

Not applicable

Required Resources

REQUIRED READINGS

There will be approximately 2 articles and 1-2 book chapters per lecture as required readings. Please read these articles and book chapters before the class. They will help you relate to the class content and prepare you for class discussion.

Major Reference Book

Bordens, K. S., & Abbott, B. B. 2014. Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach (9^th edition). McGraw-Hill. Or

Bordens, K. S., & Abbott, B. B. 2011. Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach (8^h edition). McGraw-Hill.

A copy of the textbooks will be held in the ANU library reserve & short loan collection. The readings will be announced in the first class.

Recommended Resources

Other recommended readings related to a specific topic will be assigned by each lecturer who is responsible for teaching his/her topic. The readings will be announced in the first class and available on Wattle.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Students are also encouraged to email the lecturer with their specific questions about the courses and assignments. Emails will be responded in a reasonable time frame. Please do not send the lecturer draft assignments.

Written comments will be provided on the assignments.

Important: Most updates and announcements for this course will be circulated via emails. Please ensure that your official ANU email address is checked regularly.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction of Research Methods	Bordens & Abbott, Ch. 1, & Other readings to be announced in the first class.
2	Introduction to Philosophical Issues in Management Research	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer
3	Canberra day holiday	Preparing for group assignment
4	Research Problem, Question, Theory, Hypothesis, and Nature of Causation	Bordens & Abbott, Ch. 2, & Other readings to be announced in the first class. • Group Presentation 1 • Proposal outline due
5	Literature Review	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer
6	Research Design (enhancing validity, maximizing variance, longitudinal research, and multi-level issue etc.)	Bordens & Abbott, Ch. 3, 4, 7, & Other readings to be announced in the first class. • Group Presentation 2
7	Survey Research	Bordens & Abbott, Ch. 6 & 8; & Other readings to be announced in the first class. • Group Presentation 3
8	Experimental Research	Bordens & Abbott, Ch. 4, 9; Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer
9	Macro Management Research Topic 1	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer
10	Macro Management Research Topic 2	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer • Quiz • Group assignment (both hard and soft copy) due
11	Student Presentation and Discussion	Research Proposal (both hard and soft copy) due
12	Student Presentation and Discussion

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Group Critique Assignment (10%) and Presentation (10%)	20 %	*	*	1,3,7
In Class Quiz	20 %	11/05/2020	25/05/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Oral Presentation of Research Proposal	10 %	18/05/2020	02/06/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Research Proposal	50 %	18/05/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in all classes and assessments

Examination(s)

There is no formal examination for this course

Assessment Task 1

Group Critique Assignment (10%) and Presentation (10%)

Group Assessment

Group Critique Assignment

The aim of the critique assignment is for the students to demonstrate competence to understand the major points (including research questions, hypotheses, theory applied, theoretical and practical contributions etc) and methodology used in an empirical study, and critically evaluate the study, as well as the ability to propose ways to improve the quality of the study based on the knowledge of research methods. Students will be divided into several groups in class (membership and size to be decided once enrolments are known). Each group will be asked to choose an article (it should be an empirical study) published in a top academic journal within the past 3 years (2017-2020), which is relevant to the student’s broader research interests, to conduct a critical review.

Oral Presentation (10%):

Size of the group: 3-4 students (randomly assigned by the convenor)

Schedule will be discussed and announced in the first class

Presentation length: 20 minutes 

Format and readings will be announced in the first class.

The presentations will be assessed on clarity, persuasiveness and quality of arguments. The presentation should broadly have the same structure as the critique. In addition to the content in this section, you will be assessed on presentation quality: engagement with the audience, quality of slides and management and usage of presentation time etc. Please note that this presentation will be recorded.

Written Report (10%; = 1,200 words):

Due date for submission (both soft copy and hard copy): 11 May

Form of submission: Turnitin (soft copy) & to convener (hard copy)

Criteria for assessing the Group Critique Assignment

-     Clearly summarizing the key points of the study

-     Critically evaluating the study with sensible comments

-     Providing constructive suggestions for improving the quality of the study

-     Using clear and concise language

Marking sheets will be available on Wattle before preparation of the assignment

Assessment Task 2

In Class Quiz

Individual Assessment

Due date: 11 May

Form of submission: In Class

Estimated return date:  Two weeks after submission

A short-answer quiz based on the required readings for the lectures.

The purpose of the in-class quiz is to assess your understanding, application and expression of the key concepts from the readings and the lectures. There will be one such quiz (40 minutes in duration) and in format (short answer—maximum 2 pages). Sample quiz questions should not be expected.

Assessment Task 3

Oral Presentation of Research Proposal

Individual Assessment

Due date: Seminars 11 & 12

Form of submission: In Class

Estimated return date: two weeks after presentation

Research Proposal

The aim of the research proposal is for the student to demonstrate competence in the design and development of a research proposal that reflects understanding and application of quantitative research methods. The topic of the proposal is to be discussed by the student with the course coordinator and with your research supervisor. This small proposal (with 2-3 hypotheses) can be related to the student's thesis if possible.

Oral Presentation (10%):

Due time: Week 11 or 12 - schedule will be organised in class at least two weeks prior, with more assessment details distributed in the first class.

Presentation length: 20 minutes 

The presentations will be assessed on clarity, persuasiveness and quality of arguments. The presentation should broadly have the same structure as the proposal: background/introduction, theoretical framework and hypotheses and design/methodology. In addition to the content in these sections, you will be assessed on presentation quality: engagement with the audience, quality of slides and management and usage of presentation time etc.

Please note that this presentation will be recorded.

Assessment Task 4

Research Proposal

Individual Assessment

Due: 9:00am, 18 May

Form of submission: Turnitin

Return of feedback: After release of final grades

Word count: < or = 3000 words

Research Proposal

The aim of the research proposal is for the student to demonstrate competence in the design and development of a research proposal that reflects understanding and application of quantitative research methods. The topic of the proposal is to be discussed by the student with the course coordinator and with your research supervisor. This small proposal (with 2-3 hypotheses) can be related to the student's thesis if possible.

Written Report (50%) (= 3,000 words):

Due date for submitting the proposal (both soft copy and hard copy): refer to Course Calendar and Related Activities that will be distributed in the first class

The research proposal should include the following components (shown with % weighting to convey the relative importance):

1.    Introduction (30%)

2.    Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses (40%)

3.    Research Design & Methodology (30%)

4.    Reference List 

Criteria for assessing the Introduction

-          Description of the background of the study

-          Clear statement of the research problem and research questions

-          Identification of the research gap based on literature review

-          Justification of the significance of the research

-          Statement of the potential contribution of the study

Criteria for assessing the theoretical framework and hypotheses

-        Clear statement of theoretical framework and hypotheses

-        Use of appropriate theories or make logical arguments in formulating hypotheses

Criteria for assessing research design & methodology

-          Suitability: Is the research design appropriate to get the answers to the research questions or test the hypotheses? Appropriate variance control?

-          Validity: Internal validity, construct validity, and external validity?

Criteria for assessing the Structure

-         Professional formatting (including reference list - APA style or AMJ style) and layout

-         Appropriate structure, citations, grammar and word limit

Marking sheet will be available on Wattle at least two weeks before report due date.

Requirements for Written Assignments

1.    APA style should be followed in using references. More information is available at: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/writing-references-listor-bibliography

2.    Formatting requirements:

·       You must correctly reference all information that you have used in preparing your submission.

·       Presentation: use font size 12 (Times New Roman), 2 line spacing, and number the pages.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

Requirements for Submitting Assignments

1.    For group assignment:

·       The group coordinator will submit the assignment on behalf of the group.

·       You should submit both hard and electronic copies. The article reviewed should be attached with your assignment when submission.

·       Online Submission: it should be MS Word processed (Please Don’t use PDF file) within a single file and submitted to the course convenor via Email.

·       Hard Copy Submission: it must be submitted to the course convenor in class.

2.    For research proposal:

·       You should submit both hard and electronic copies.

·       Online Submission: It should be MS Word processed (Please Don’t use PDF file) within a single file and submitted via Turnitin.

·       Hard Copy Submission: it must be submitted to the RSM office.

 

3.    All assignments must have a cover sheet with all of the appropriate details completed. All students are required to keep a copy of assignments.

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

All request for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

All assignments will be marked and where appropriate feedback will be provided either:

·       in class, or

·       in person by appointment with the course lecturer, or

·       via the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students