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 seminar is reading-heavy and discussion-oriented. In addition, we will include several guest lecturers. This is because I strive to take an inclusive approach that introduces a variety of philosophical perspectives and research methods relevant to management students. Thus, when necessary, I will invite guest lecturers with relevant subject expertise that I do not possess. These guest lecturers consist primarily of a group of experienced scholars in Research School of Management. Guest lecturers will use dual delivery for teaching and use Research-Led Teaching. For this seminar to work (and for you to get the most out of it), it is imperative that you do the readings before class and are ready to participate during class discussion.

Field Trips

Not applicable

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional course costs for this course. 

Examination Material or equipment

Not applicable

Required Resources

There will be approximately 4 to 5 assigned readings per week. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with these readings before class and are ready to discuss them during class. 

Reference book: Principles and Methods of Social Research (3rd edition) by William Crano, Marilynn Brewer, and Andrew Lac.

This is an authoritative and clearly written classic which provides comprehensive and in-depth background knowledge for many of the topics we will discuss in this class. While we do not cover every chapter in the book, it is highly recommended that you read the entire book on your own. I also find this text to be an invaluable companion book that helps me think through many thorny and contemporary research design issues, challenges, and debates. I highly recommend you getting a copy of the book (ebook available in ANU Library).

While this book is written largely from a "quantitative" and positivist framework, additional resources on interpretive research can be found in the recommended resources section (see below). Guess lecturers with expertise in qualitative research will also provide additional resources. 

Other readings will be announced in the first class and available on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

Research_Design_ Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2018) 5th EdCreswell and Creswell.pdf 

Lawrence Neuman Social Research methods. 

I believe both books can be found online. If you need help, please let me know. 

We may have other recommended readings that come from guest lecturers who have expertise on a specific 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

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
2	Introduction to Philosophical Issues in Management Research	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer. This lecturer relies heavily on the Socratic teaching method when delivering content. Learning is done through Questionning, answering and related discussions
3	Research Questions (How to Pick Them)	Wattle readings
4	Research Design (Choices, Alignments, and Consequences)	Wattle readings
5	Contributions of Research (Why is My Research Question Important)	Research question presentation
6	Literature Review (Different Types and How to Do Them)	Wattle readings
7	Survey Research	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer
8	Experimental Research	Wattle readings
9	Interpretative Research	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer Lit Review due
10	Additional topics (e.g., computational social science methods)	Other readings to be announced by the guest lecturer
11	Student Presentation and Discussion
12	Student Presentation and Discussion

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Individual Research Question Presentation (10%)	10 %	17/03/2023	31/03/2023	1,3,7
Mini lit review (40%)	40 %	09/05/2023	23/05/2023	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Oral Presentation of Research Proposal (10%)	10 %	16/05/2023	29/06/2023	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Research Proposal	40 %	02/06/2023	29/06/2023	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

Individual Research Question Presentation (10%)

Details of Task

Selecting the right questions is not only the first step in the research process but often the most important and consequential. The aim of the assignment is for the students to demonstrate competence in understanding how to select and defend their research questions in the field of management. Each student will be asked to choose a research question they are interested in, explain to others in the class why this question is important, and respond to others' questions and challenges.

Due date for submission: week 5 in class. Given ANU requirement, I will provide written feedback to you before March, 31 (before we start our mid semester break).

Schedule will be discussed and announced in the first class

Written feedback with marks: two weeks after presentation

Presentation length: 20 minutes 

Mode of presentation: In person (or zoom)

The presentations will be assessed on clarity, persuasiveness and quality of arguments. In addition, you will also be assessed on your ability to understand and respond to your peers' questions. Marking rubric will be available on wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Mini lit review (40%)

Due date: Friday 10 am Week 10

Word count: < or = 2000 words. Material exceeding word limit will not be read or marked. 

Form of submission: turnitin (wattle)

Feedback with marks: Two weeks after submission

The purpose of the mini lit review is to assess your understanding and application of literature review concepts and techniques discussed in class. Each student will pick a topic (with consultation from the seminar coordinator) and conduct a mini lit review. Additional details will be provided during class.

Marking rubric will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 3

Oral Presentation of Research Proposal (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.

Return of feedback with marks: two week after the final presentation

Presentation length: 20 minutes including 5 minutes Q&A (ppts should be less than 10 pages)

Mode of presentation: Face to face (or zoom)

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. Marking rubric will be available on Wattle.

Please note that for quality assurance purpose this presentation may be recorded.

Assessment Task 4

Research Proposal

Individual Assessment

Due Date: June 2nd 10am

Form of submission: Turnitin

Return of feedback with marks: With release of final grades

Word count: < or = 1500 words. Material exceeding word limit will not be read or marked. 

Research Proposal

The aim of the research proposal is for the student to demonstrate the application of their learning by proposing a methodology to test a research model. The topic of the proposal is to be discussed by the student with the course coordinator (and ideally with your research supervisor). It is always helpful if the proposal (with 2-3 hypotheses) is related to the student's current work and research.

The research proposal should include the following components:

1.    Introduction (very brief)

2a.  Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses for quantitative types of research (very brief)

2b. Research question for qualitative types of research (very brief)

3.    Research Design & Methodology (main focus)

4.    Reference List 

Criteria for assessing the Introduction          

-          Clear statement of the research problem and research questions

-          Justification of the research and its significance of the research

Criteria for assessing the theoretical framework and hypotheses (Quantitative)

-        Clear statement of theoretical framework and hypotheses

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

Criteria for assessing the Research Problem and Research Question (Qualitative)

-- Clear rationale to the problem (theoretical and empirical)

--Clear theoretical underpinning

--Clearly articulated research question(s)

Criteria for assessing research design & methodology

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

-          Validity: Internal validity, construct validity, and external validity? (Quantitative)

_ Trustworthiness of qualitative research

Criteria for assessing the Structure

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

-         Appropriate structure, in-text citations, grammar and word limit

 

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

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

Work should be submitted in word file (no PDFs). They should be submitted through turnitin on the Course Wattle site (rather than through my email). 

All students are required to keep a copy of assignments.

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