Course coordinator
Dr Justin Brienza
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
The scientific method is the particular focus of this course. Special attention is on the application of scientific methods to substantive research problems and issues in functional areas of business including marketing, management and international business.
This is an intermediate to advanced level research methods course. Knowledge of the basics of research process is presumed from the study of introductory (undergraduate) level courses in research methods.
This course focuses on how to conduct quality research that could assist students in formulating the research problem, identifying research questions, conceptualisation, and identifying appropriate research designs. Overall, completion of this course should aid students in the preparation of research proposals and/or in the construction of a research thesis at honours/Masters/PhD level.
This course will provide students undertaking a research thesis with the foundational knowledge required to successfully conceptualise, design and implement their research ideas. Students will acquire the necessary skills through a variety of interactive classroom activities and assessment items that encourage critical thought and enquiry, develop practical research design techniques and communication skills. Students will also hear from some of UQ Business School's esteemed research design experts as well as those that serve as editors of top-tiered journals to learn what constitutes quality research across the many business management disciplines including but not limited to: Management, Marketing, International Business, Strategy and Tourism.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Permission from Head of School
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
RBUS6931 or 6932 or 7994
Restrictions
BAdvBus(Hons), BBusMan(Hons), GCBusRMeth, GDipBRM. BAdvBus(Hons) students are required to email bel@uq.edu.au for permission to enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Justin Brienza
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 ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with the foundational skills required to complete a research thesis in the business management discipline areas.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Conduct a critical review of the academic literature in your chosen field and identify important knowledge gaps.
LO2.
Understand and consider important methodological and research design issues that underlie management research.
LO3.
Understand the importance of ethical research and identify and manage the ethical concerns relating to your area of study.
LO4.
Effectively justify and communicate the importance and outcomes of your research and in both written and spoken forms.
LO5.
Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to compile a research thesis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Literature Review | 30% |
6/09/2024 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Research Design Proposal | 40% |
4/10/2024 3:00 pm |
| Presentation | Research Presentation | 30% |
21/10/2024 2:00 pm
The presentation will be delivered during class. |
Assessment details
Literature Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
6/09/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Based on the knowledge acquired in class regarding what a literature review should be, you are required to construct a literature review based on a research topic of interest. The review must include:
1. An introductory paragraph that outlines the topic area of interest - i.e. what is your literature review about?
2. A critical review of the existing body of knowledge surrounding the chosen topic area including the identification of theoretical framework to which the chosen area of interest belongs.
3. A synthesis of the findings to date in this field and the relevant knowledge gap.
4. A maximum of three research questions that will guide your enquiry and address exposed knowledge gap.
Assessment length: 3,000 words
More detail regarding this assignment and a detailed assessment rubric will be provided in class.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This assessment is to be submitted via the Electronic Submission Folder available on the Course Blackboard site
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.
10% per day
Research Design Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
4/10/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assessment requires students to document their proposed research design. Requirements will be slightly different depending on whether students are undertaking a qualitative or a quantitative approach to their research. Specific guidelines will be made available in class but this assessment will require the following:
1. Introduction
2. Outline of Research Design and justification
3. Data collection processes and procedures
4. Data analysis techniques
5. Considerations regarding reliability and validity
Assessment length: 4,000 words
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This assessment is to be submitted electronically via the Assignment Submissions Folder on the Course Blackboard Site.
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.
10% per day
Research Presentation
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
21/10/2024 2:00 pm
The presentation will be delivered during class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Presenting your research findings effectively is crucial for engaging with academic peers and industry colleagues. This assessment requires students to present their research thesis work to date to the class and appropriately field questions from their peers and lecturer regarding their proposed research. The presentation must use no more than ten (10) Powerpoint slides and include the following elements:
- Background to the research and its importance
- Key literature and/or theoretical constructs guiding the research
- Outline of the research gap / problem
- Research questions / objectives
- Methodology
- Contributions to knowledge
- Anticipated practical implications
The presentation should be 10 minutes in length and should allow 5 minutes for questions after the presentation.
Detailed marking criteria and further details regarding this assessment will be provided in class.
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes.
Submission guidelines
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students are encouraged to make use of the Library resources and in particular Social Science and Management specific research texts and manuals. Weekly readings will be made available in the weekly content folders on Blackblard in advance of the seminars.ﾠ
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 |
|---|---|---|
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
IN-SEMESTER BREAK |
|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Course Introduction Research Skills Development Framework Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
The Research Thesis & Ethics Components of a Research Thesis Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Paradigms & Writing a Literature Review (1) The art of reading, thinking and writing critically; Organising Big Ideas Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Writing the Literature Review (2) Writing Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Research Design (1) Identifying the right methodological approach Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Research Design (2) Issues in Quantitative Research Design Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Research Design (3) Experimental Design; Reliability and Validity; Sampling & Compiling the Method Chapter Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Writing a Discussion and Conclusion: Bringing your results to life Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Lab Based Research Methods: Psychophysio Psychophysiological Measurement and More Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Communicating Research Communication Workshop Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 11 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
King's Birthday - No Classes |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Communicating Research for Impact Publication, The industry report Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Research Presentations Course wrap up Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and guidelines
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.