Write a critical analysis of the research methodology and research methods that they plan to use in their thesis study – approximately 2000 words (Excluding diagrams, tables, reference list at the end, bibliography, and appendices).
Assignment Research Methods in Business & Management Assessment I: Research Methodology/Methods Analysis Total Marks: 90
Students should write a critical analysis of the research methodology and research methods that they plan to use in their thesis study – approximately 2000 words (Excluding diagrams, tables, reference list at the end, bibliography, and appendices). The structure and content of this individual assessment is as follows:
Student Name Proposed title Not exceeding 15 words
Introduction (Approx 250 words) The introduction should develop and provide the following information. The general area(s)/topics of literature(s) in which the study will be grounded. The focal literature on which the study will be concentrating/ examining. The gap the student has identified in the literature. Why the gap is important (in terms of knowledge development around it)? A clear statement of one clear research question (not more) that will address this gap. What contribution that answering that gap will make to the literature/conceptualisation/field/practice?
Main Body (Approx 1500 words) This section will discuss (all points to be underpinned by extensive contemporary sources and references (from primarily the last five years where possible). The overall research methodology for your thesis including: The overall research methodological paradigm that the research will employ and why this is being employed (e.g. inductive, deductive, positivism, interpretivism etc). An elaboration of the literature surrounding this paradigm and a critical analysis of its strengths and weakness. An elaboration of why other paradigms have not been selected/are not suitable for/employed in the study? This section will contain a discussion of epistemology, ontology and axiology and there relevance to the chosen research methodology. The research methods employed with the research methodology including: ©Al Tareeqah Management Studies – 2023 4 An elaboration of the chosen methods and a critical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses for your thesis. An elaboration of why other research methods have not been chosen. The approach to data analysis: What techniques and approaches will you be using to analyse your data? Why – provided reasons and explanations (e.g. thematic analysis, discourse analysis, correlation etc.) The approach to writing up: What techniques and approaches will you be using to analyse your data? Why? – provided reasons and explanations (e.g. case study, storytelling/narrative, statistical presentation, critical incident approach etc) What ethical considerations will your thesis field work require: e.g. consent protocols, data storage, usage and disposal, protection of respondents and yourself. Gannt Chart: A timeline of actions and when they will happen. Conclusion (Approx 250 words) The conclusion to your work should: Summarise the key points of the terrain examined and the arguments made. Not include any new material that has not been introduced in the earlier sections. Draw out the hoped for/intended areas of contribution to the field(s) of the work. Identify future possible directions of study based on the preceding discussion. Key References on which your proposed thesis is based All the references mentioned in the purpose statement should be listed in a ‘References’ list section located at the end of the work. Appendices Appendices are not recommended or encouraged. However, if you feel a need to add one it should appear here. ©Al Tareeqah Management Studies – 2023 5 Main module texts: Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research methods for business students. Pearson education. 4 th edition Stokes, P. and Wall, T. (2015) Research Methods. Basingstoke. Palgrave-Macmillan. (This text provides insights and advice on writing assignments and texts and also explains philosophical paradigms in a succinct and clear manner.) Stokes, P. (2011) Key Concepts in business and Management Research Methods, Basingstoke, Palgrave-Macmillan. (This text provides expanded dictionary-style explanations of the sometimes challenging research methodological language that is encountered in some articles.) Stokes, P. (2011) Critical Concepts in Management and Organization Studies. Basingstoke, Palgrave-Macmillan. (This text provides expanded dictionary-style explanations of the sometimes challenging sociological language that is encountered in some articles.) Indicative Reading Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D., (2018
