Research Methods in International Business

Module lead: Mark Saunders

Credits: 10

This module is delivered in Semester 2.

Module aims and objectives

This module is designed to introduce postgraduate students of international business (IB) to principal research methods applied to IB. It begins by discussing the evolution of IB as a field and, the emerging questions for research. This discussion provides a basis for the choice of the dissertation topic and also leads to a better understanding of IB foundations as a field of research. The module aims to develop students’ research skills so as to endow them with competencies to design a feasible and consistent research proposal. These will be achieved by developing students’ skills to choose a compatible and feasible research methodology. In addition, this module introduces the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative researches. The emphasis will be on encouraging and enabling students to develop their analytical and technical research skills, so that they are better able to undertake dissertation projects.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of evidence-based research.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the applicability of different methodologies within International Business research.
  • Demonstrate research skills on data collection methods, including designing a survey questionnaire and an interview guide.

Assessment

  • 2500 word assignment (75%) and group presentation (25%)