BMGT50040

This course will introduce you to a range of empirical research methodologies, allowing you to develop an understanding of how to use these approaches effectively in your own research, and preparing you to evaluate research done by others. The choice and execution of a research design is arguably one of the toughest decisions researchers face, as it involves making several trade-offs and coming to terms with the fact that no research design is perfect. This is particularly true for the social sciences and business disciplines, as constructs can be operationalized in many different ways, several concurrent factors/explanations tend to be relevant, and inferences drawn can be subjective. Additionally, knowledge is constantly evolving, with new studies questioning and adding to prior knowledge.

For your development as a top researcher in your own field, a sound understanding and appreciation of the main tools of the trade is essential, even if some of these tools may not fit your natural inclinations or may take some effort to nurture. You will often be asked to review, for your peers, conferences, and journals. You will also be exposed to increasingly sophisticated research design in seminars and presentations. Taking this course should at the very minimum help you become an informed and confident evaluator of others’ designs, even if you may very legitimately choose to not apply many of them yourself.