Data Analysis and Research Methods unit (BMA727)

Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart

Introduction

This unit is organised around a live, semester-long research case study that guides students through the scientific method, from formulating an initial problem to developing evidence-based conclusions for theory and practice. It is well suited to business, economics, and social science students preparing for a dissertation. Students work progressively to design and undertake a study, observing how each research decision shapes those that follow. The unit begins with the identification of a meaningful research problem, examination of the assumptions underpinning different approaches to knowledge, development of a clear problem statement, and formulation of research questions that can be addressed through empirical investigation. Students then work through the practical and ethical dimensions of research design, including sampling, measurement, participant recruitment, data management, and responsible data collection. During the qualitative phase, the class analyses original data related to the shared research problem. Students develop exploratory, interpretive, and comparative approaches to qualitative analysis, with particular emphasis on reflexive thematic analysis. This phase builds their capacity to identify meaningful patterns, reflect critically on their role in the analytical process, develop defensible interpretations, and support conclusions with qualitative evidence. During the quantitative phase, students use class data to investigate the research questions from a different perspective. They develop statistical reasoning and apply methods for inference, prediction and explanation, with emphasis placed on selecting appropriate analyses, understanding their underlying logic, interpreting results carefully, and communicating what the evidence can support. By completing each stage together, students experience how a research project develops from a broad idea into a coherent and ethically conducted study. This guided process prepares them to design, undertake, analyse, and report their own dissertation research in the following semester.

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	22/02/2027	16/03/2027	19/04/2027	13/06/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Formulate evidence-based research questions investigating a contemporary social or economic problem
• Design an ethical research strategy encompassing sampling, measurement and data collection
• Generate credible, transparent and reflexive qualitative interpretations
• Develop defensible conclusions through valid and reliable quantitative research

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	$2,253.00	$1,764.00	not applicable

• 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	This unit comprises online self-paced content and readings to engage with ahead of the weekly workshop (from Week 1-12). Students also have access to a weekly drop-in Q&A to discuss with peers and their academic about the content, or their broader research project (from Week 1-12).
Assessment	Oral Defence (30%)|Reflexive Qualitative Analysis and Journal (30%)|Quantitative Data Analysis (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	All required journal articles are provided through the Library's reading list.

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