Course Title: Qualitative Research Methods

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Qualitative Research Methods

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BUSM4474

City Campus

Undergraduate

610P BUS Portfolio Office

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2022

Course Coordinator: Professor Diane Martin

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 1339

Course Coordinator Email: diane.martin@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 80, Level 10, 445 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000.

Course Coordinator Availability: Appointment via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

This course is a core course for students doing the Bachelor of Business Honours Program.

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information go to Recognition of prior learning (RPL) in Higher Education.


Course Description

This course equips you with some of the fundamental qualitative research techniques used by academics and business practitioners and provides practices on how to use these methods. The qualitative research journey will start with an exploration of the theoretical paradigms and philosophical underpinnings for qualitative research methods. We will then embark on a tour of the major research strategies that are prevalent in academic business journals. The journey will continue by investigating and experiencing methods of generating and analyzing qualitative data. The excursion will end by reflecting on the arts and practices of good interpretation in qualitative research. Issues of “quality” will be presented along the way.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

-


On the successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Review, synthesise and apply knowledge of the different kinds of inquiries employing qualitative methods to a business problem or issue.
  2. Apply critical thinking, logical reasoning and judgments in developing new understandings of a business problem or issue.
  3. Select and modify qualitative research methodology and tools to collect, analyse, and interpret data based on theory and research questions.
  4. Plan, design and ethically execute a qualitative research program in a particular area of business.
  5. Develop creative options and proposals, and plan for and produce practical research outcomes.
  6. Employ creative communication skills, including oral and written skills, in gathering, interpreting, and reporting on qualitative data.


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning in this course will occur through a variety of experiences that may include lectures, class discussion, field activities, guest speakers and practical workshops. You are expected to actively participate in these activities. Readings include books, book chapters, and papers about qualitative research methodology, as well as research articles exemplars including both theory and case driven work. You are expected to read assigned material in advance so that you can come to class fully prepared to participate.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be expected to utilize library, electronic resources and various statistical tools to facilitate your learning. Course materials are available on myRMIT Studies/Canvas. Online library resources are available through RMIT Library online. Hard copy resources will be made available as appropriate.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment alignment list below shows the assessment tasks against the learning outcomes they develop:

Assessment Task 1: 20%  
Linked CLOs: 1, 2

Assessment Task 2: 30%  
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 6

Assessment Task 3: 50%  
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or in online forums through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.