bus5rpd research philos
RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY AND DESIGN
BUS5RPD
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject considers the fundamental epistemological premises on which research may be developed. It explores ways of formulating research question(s), propositions and hypotheses, and identifies assumptions and theories that are relevant in the development of a conceptual framework for research. This subject provides students with an understanding of research design as the foundation for effective and informed research. It emphasises a systematic approach to developing rigour in research design, building theoretical and paradigmatic links from a research idea to the design of a research project. It will cover principles of the scientific method, key epistemological perspectives in business and social sciences, and argument analysis. The aim of these topics is to provide an understanding and appreciation of both the theoretical and practical foundations of research design, and to inform subsequent analyses of how to select different research methods.
SchoolLa Trobe Business School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorZahirul Hoque
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites This subject is designed for Hons and Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) students such as PhD and Masters by research. Any variation to this rule for any special cases must be approved by the Subject Coordinator.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Social Research Methods | Prescribed | Bryman, Alan 2014 (4th edition) | Oxford University Press |
| Discipline Specific | Methodologial Issues in Accounting Research | Recommended | Hoque, Zahirul 2006 | Spiramus, London |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Enhance awareness of the multiple and epistemological and ontological perspectives that underpin research.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
02. Understand notions of theory, theory building and theoretical contribution across the social sciences and business research fields.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
03. Evaluate the literature, philosophical traditions, methods and problems associated with several topics.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
04. Apply knowledge of ontological, epistemological, methodological and procedural assumptions to the preparation of papers that demonstrate an advanced understanding of the assumptions, methodology, techniques and results of research.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
05. Have an appropriate understanding of the purpose of research design: method, methodologies, and theoretical perspectives.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
06. Understand how to develop an appropriate research proposal for a relevant research area and questions.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
07. Understand issues of research quality and research ethics.
- Activities:
- Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorZahirul Hoque
Class requirements
Seminar
One 3.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2500 word individual assignment (literature review) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 | |
| One 2500 word individual assignment (research project design) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 | |
| One 1000 word individual reflexive written assignment (on elements 1 and 2) | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 |