MMD013-Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Kleio Akrivou
Email: k.akrivou@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to the understanding of qualitative research, (in social science and particularly in the area of business and management studies).  It is designed for students mainly using quantitative methods in their PhD studies who wish to have an introductory class in qualitative research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Intended learning outcomes:

- To allow students to explore basic qualitative methods and research design and analysis for high impact qualitative research.

- To explore and reflect on the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of management and organisation and a basic knowledge of their respective philosophical positions.

- To introduce students to key qualitative research methods and their usefulness and a basic knowledge of the range of methods and types of data available to qualitative researchers.

- To understand the potential of case study research in the social and organisational science.

- To learn on the uses of documents and archive material in the study of organisational reality and consider other qualitative forms of data analysis.

- To appreciate the importance and usefulness of mixed methods approaches.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of:

- Some key methodologies within the qualitative tradition and their associated research methods;

- Qualitative research design, including the role of the researcher;

- High impact qualitative research.

By the end of the module students will be able to reflect on and discuss:

- A basic analysis of how key qualitative research methods such as case study research can be utilised to analyse research problems and questions for specific social, organisational and behavioural research analysis.

- The relationship and complement arity between qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of management and organisation and a basic knowledge of their respective philosophical positions.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the students’ effectiveness in group situations. Structured activities are designed to develop analytical skills, abilities to construct original arguments and independent learning. Students are encouraged to develop additional IT skills through the use of relevant web resources and communication techniques, including Blackboard.

Outline content:

The module addresses key qualitative research philosophies, methods and approaches through a combination of lectures and workshops covering qualitative research methods:

1) Introduction to Qualitative Methodology and Design Issues

2) Philosophy of Science

3) Case Study Research

4) Document and archival metho ds/ ethnography and document analysis

5) Interviewing and mixed methods approaches

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises interactive lectures and seminars which are enriched with conversational learning and practical tasks (where students are encouraged to discuss qualitative research methods and potential application to their own research and that of others in the class). Lectures and seminars form a unit and are complementary. Students are encouraged to present a basic research design proposal and get formative feedback. They are also suggested some key readings to further their knowledge and contribute to the lectures, sharing their ideas and relevant journal articles from related research areas. Some classes have workshops/exercises or presentations to reinforce the learning.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Class participation only, no formal examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

One formal extended work based learning class will be scheduled after lectures 3/4 as a class presentation session where students receive formative feedback for the work they present and peer feedback. A pass/fail mark is given based on each presentation.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

•  where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

•  where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A pass mark based on participation and interaction during class times and the formal work based learning presentation session.

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Students are not required to spend any additional costs.

Last updated: 8 April 2021