Data Analysis and Research Methods unit (BMA727)

Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart

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	Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline	Management
Coordinator	Doctor Joseph Crawford
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Melbourne Study Centre	Semester 1
Ultimo Study Centre	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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
080301	$2,174.00	$1,703.00	not applicable	$3,284.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

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 UniConnect 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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.