Courses & Units
Data Analysis and Research Methods BMA727
Introduction
In this unit students will explore advanced issues connected with the research process in Business Management. You will be equipped with a sound knowledge of a systematic and ethical approach to practice-led, data driven research. The unit will encourage critical understanding of qualitative and quantitative traditions and approaches in research and examine the research process from design to the reporting of findings.
During the unit, you will develop your draft research proposals, consider your data collection methods and prepare to apply for ethics approval for your research projects. You will also acquire the skills and techniques required to analyse and manage data, interpret results, and report data analysis methods and findings in a business environment. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches are examined to consider their respective contributions, discretely and in combination, to knowledge development through empirical research.
The quantitative component covers basic statistical thinking and data analysis techniques. A strong emphasis will be placed on the logic underlying statistical concepts such as probability and probability distributions, normal distribution, sampling distributions, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing.
The statistical computer package SPSS will be used for the statistical analysis of data. The qualitative component examines principles and techniques for organising, analysing and reporting qualitative data. The central principle of this component is the execution of rigorous qualitative data analysis through ‘good housekeeping’ –undertaking, recording and demonstrating careful, rational decision-making in qualitative data analysis (Marshall, 1999). Consequently, strategies for undertaking and reporting analysis of qualitative data are equally emphasised.
Strategies for reporting analytical processes will incorporate techniques for recording and describing data analysis, including the articulation of theoretical conclusions and the use of qualitative data to illustrate and support conclusions drawn. Data analysis processes will be undertaken using NVivo 12 for Windows a computer software program for qualitative data analysis. This unit will prepare you to undertake a major research project.
Summary
| Unit name | Data Analysis and Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BMA727 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Business & Economics Tasmanian School of Business and Economics |
| Discipline | Management |
| Coordinator | Doctor Megan Woods |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
Note
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Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and integrate the key concepts, processes and considerations of research design into a business-oriented research proposal;
- Evaluate ethical considerations and plan to mitigate ethical risks in research design and practice;
- Create appropriate research questions;
- Evaluate qualitative and quantitative methods and apply the most appropriate and rigorous methods to support sound outcomes from a research project;
- Apply principles of rigorous reporting of data analysis maintaining principles of research integrity;
- Communicate meaningful and insightful conclusions from data analysis.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Full Time MBA - Tutorials delivered four times during the semester Exec MBA – 2.5 day block delivery |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Short Research Proposal (20%)|Small-scale analysis of qualitative data in report form (40%)|Small-scale analysis of quantitative data in report form (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
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