Course coordinator
Dr Josephine Previte
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This course develops research skills and capabilities in qualitative research design, data collection and analysis techniques. Students will develop an understanding of qualitative research processes relevant to business questions and problems. Awareness of issues relating to data quality, coding practices, analysis and interpretation will be emphasised. The course learning focuses on students experiencing how to collect qualitative data, preparing it for analysis, and practicing interpretation using both traditional coding methods and new computer assisted data analysis tools such as Leximancer and Nvivo programs. Course assessments provide experience and practice in data collection, computer assisted data analysis software and presentation of qualitative insight. Students are encouraged to complete research assessment relevant to honours and/or doctoral research, or other projects of interest.
This course introduces students to qualitative research design, data collection and analysis techniques. Course readings and discussions will focus on qualitative research methods used regularly by business researchers, including widely used techniques such as interviewing, ethnography and observational methods, as well as Netnography to include assessment of new media data collection and analysis methods. Student learning in this course focuses on experiencing how to collect qualitative data, preparing it for analysis, and practicing interpretation using both traditional coding methods and new computer assisted data analysis tools such as Leximancer and Nvivo programs. Seminar discussions will emphasises issues relating to data quality, coding practices, analysis and interpretation.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is intended for research students (Honours, PhD & other programs requiring a research thesis) interested in business research, with limited experience in qualitative methods and analysis techniques. The course will introduce students to the qualitative research processes, qualitative methods for data gathering, data analysis and approaches to writing and reporting qualitative findings. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to explore the benefits and challenges in conducting qualitative research, with an emphasis on scholarly practice.
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the BAdvBus(Hons), BBusMan(Hons), GCBA, GDipBRM, MBA, MPhil and PhD programs. To enrol: BAdvBus(Hons) students must email bel@uq.edu.au; MBA students must email mba@business.uq.edu.au; all other students must email info@business.uq.edu.au
Quota: Min. 10 enrolments.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Josephine Previte
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students with limited experience in qualitative research, to the basic concepts, methods and tool of qualitative social research. The course focuses on enabling students to experience the research process including learning to plan, execute and evaluate qualitative research. Students will be encouraged to develop research and complete assessment activities focused on topics relevant to their thesis research or other projects of interest.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain different qualitative methods and assess reported qualitative research results.
LO2.
Understand how to gather and analyse data to present an argument based on qualitative research approaches that address issues of ethical practice, reflexivity, quality criteria and trustworthiness in research results.
LO3.
Apply qualitative data analysis approaches to your area of business research (e.g., management, marketing, strategy).
LO4.
Critically discuss the relevance and importance of qualitative methods in business research practice, and be able to communicate and justify your own approach to qualitative research in both written and spoken forms.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
Pilot Research Project
|
60% |
Pilot Research Description 9/04/2025 1:00 pm Presentation 27/05/2025 12:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Qualitative Research paper | 40% |
9/06/2025 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Pilot Research Project
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Pilot Research Description 9/04/2025 1:00 pm
Presentation 27/05/2025 12:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
During the semester students will conduct a small-pilot project commenced at the start of semester. This means that students will develop research questions, write a proposal for formative feedback, collect data (using interviewing and one other method), compose research memos, analyse data, and present their findings to the class. The goal is for students to gain an understanding of qualitative research through research experiences. This assessment has three components:
Pilot research description (10%) describes the purpose and goals of the pilot project including introducing and contextualising the study, a brief description of the conceptual framework and explanation of the qualitative research methodology and design. By Week 7 students should be organised and focused on their pilot project research and decided on the methods being used in the pilot to generate data. Students are required to complete TWO interviews, plus ONE other data collection method. This formative assessment gives students an opportunity to get feedback on important research activities including statement of Research Questions and alignment with sampling strategy, interview guide development and ethics documentation.
Research presentation (30%) will be completed in Week 13 of the course. Students will be graded on depth of engagement in the research approach and presentation of qualitative evidence and findings, as well as their presentation skills. The 20 minute presentation will include: framing of research question(s), provide background and context that informs the research setting, explain the rationale and significance of study, theoretical/conceptual framework, research design, findings and implications (next steps in the inquiry). The final 5 minutes of the presentation will include Q&A audience discussion.
Research portfolio (20%) is the research evidence and supporting information that has informed the presentation of the pilot findings and will include (1) copies of the interview transcripts (formatted and checked; (2) data analysis table (including code definitions and data excerpts) and (3) research memos (a) site and participant selection memo, (b) formative data analysis memo (c) coding memo. The portfolio will be submitted on the day of the presentation. Students are also required to upload a copy of their presentation slides for marking using the assessment Turninin link.
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes per UQ Policy.
AI Statement:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
See Turnitin submission links on the course Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for an in-class presentation. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
10% Late Penalty applies to submitted material only. Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for the presentation portion of this assessment.
Qualitative Research paper
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Students will submit a 2500 word research paper that comprises of a literature review outlining qualitative research in their discipline, and incorporate reflection on how the planned qualitative research conducted in their pilot study (and future research) aligns with their disciplinary norms. The purpose of the research paper is for students to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative research in their discipline including focused explanation of data collection and analysis methods incorporated in published studies. Student need select a minimum 10 influential papers from quality journals in their discipline.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the strengths and limitations in following a qualitative inquiry process from their disciplinary perspective.
- Summarise the main challenges/concerns and opportunities in using qualitative methods for data collection and analysis and how this aligns with using data analysis software and AI technologies during the inquiry process. Claims and issues raised should be supported with citations from scholars in your field of research, or social science.
- Explain how ethical practice is (a) formative to qualitative inquiry processes in your field of research, and (b) your own research practice.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the quality criteria for qualitative research and how these criteria influence the qualitative inquiry process adopted in your project.
Students can draw on a range of research evidence to support their research argument. The majority of citations should refer to quality business and social research journals when completing their literature review, however, inclusion of researcher blogs and other sources are also acceptable (but should be kept to a minimum). Students will be expected to include a reference list of 10 original (or more), quality research papers, and 3-5 contemporary research sources (e.g., researcher blogs, editorial commentaries). Articles from the list of course readings should be kept to a minimum.
An abstract of no more than 150 words should be included at the beginning of the paper, and a Reference list attached as the final page. Select and consistently apply the referencing style typically used in your discipline. (e.g., APA, etc.)
Please note: a paper submitted that exceeds the maximum word count of 2500 is not a valid submission and the paper will be returned to you, and so on until the paper complies with submission requirements (i.e., the word limit). A late penalty will apply per day after the deadline until a paper that complies with submission requirements is received.
AI Statement:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
See Turnitin submission links on the course Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Ravitch, S.M. & Carl, N. (2021). Qualitative Research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological. SAGE: Thousand Oaks. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
The course blackboard includes a comprehensive list of recommended readings aligned with the weekly learning activities.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Introduction Qualitative Research Course overview and assessment. Open discussion of Why qualitative research in business. Required reading: Chapter 1 Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Qualitative Data: Planning your approach Research planning, questions and sampling approaches Required reading: Chapters 2 & 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Interviewing: Part 1 Planning & managing interviews; Question design; conducting interviews; projective methods Required reading: Chapter 5; See Blackboard recommended readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Interviewing: Part 2 Group interviewing; technology-mediated interviews; transcription and field notes Required reading: Chapter 5; See Blackboard recommended readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Archival Documents & Media Data Sources of archival data and media data; Document analysis techniques Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Leximancer Required reading: Chapter 5; See Blackboard recommended readings Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Observational data Participant observation, Netnography & Social Media data sources Required reading: Chapter 5; See Blackboard recommended readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Interpreting qualitative data: Coding Qualitative data analysis approaches: Coding qualitative data and constructing code books Required reading: Chapters 8 & 9; See Blackboard recommended readings. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Interpreting qualitative data: Thematic analysis Coding and categorising and developing themes from interview data Required reading: Chapters 8 & 9; See Blackboard recommended readings Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
IN-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Synthesising Qualitative Data Other interpretive representations: narratives, discourse and case study approaches Data management software: Nvivo Required reading: Chapters 8 & 9; See Blackboard recommended readings Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Ethics in Qualitative Research Ethical practices in qualitative inquiry Required reading: Chapter 7; See Blackboard recommended readings Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
Validity in Qualitative Research Required reading: Chapter 6; See Blackboard recommended readings Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Reporting and Presenting Qualitative Data Effective reporting and presentation of qualitative findings Required reading: Chapter 10; See Blackboard recommended readings Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Research Presentations Pilot research project presentations and discussions Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.