BUSI4T015: Qualitative Methods for Doctoral Research

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• To introduce students to the foundations of qualitative research and the key principles and characteristics that distinguish qualitative research methods.
• To develop students critical understanding of different theoretical traditions informing qualitative methodologies.
• To recognise the place of qualitative methodology in the process of research design.
• To facilitate students in-depth engagement with a range of contemporary qualitative approaches in management and marketing research.
• To explore methods of data collection and analysis and provide students with the opportunity to apply such qualitative research knowledge to specific topics.
• To develop students critical understanding of ethical implications throughout the qualitative research process.
• To develop students doctoral-level research skills in relation to developing innovative, rigorous, and relevant qualitative research design and delivery.
• To facilitate students doctoral-level writing and presentation skills for qualitative research.

• Traditions of qualitative research.
• Qualitative research design and process.
• Methods of qualitative data generation and collection (including interviewing, ethnographic methods, case studies, archival research and action research).
• Methods of qualitative data analysis (including thematic and template analysis, discursive approaches, visual approaches, etc).
• Interpreting qualitative research findings.
• Writing up and presenting qualitative research.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Critical understanding of different qualitative research strategies and approaches.
• Critical understanding of qualitative data collection techniques.
• Critical understanding of qualitative data analysis techniques.
• Critical understanding of ethical and open science practice in qualitative research.
• Critical understanding of key steps and decision points in qualitative research projects.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to critically evaluate qualitative research approaches.
• Ability to develop doctoral-level research design and clear research aims and questions for qualitative methods.
• Ability to evaluate strengths and opportunities of qualitative research designs.
• Ability to communicate qualitative research results, verbally and in writing.

Key Skills:

• Ability to undertake advanced academic reading and writing, especially of qualitative research.
• Ability to design an appropriate research strategy and set of techniques for qualitative research approaches.
• Ability to critically evaluate and develop qualitative research designs.
• Ability to implement data collection and analysis.
• Reflexivity and evaluation in qualitative research methods.
• Ability to communicate, receive and implement academic feedback.
• Ability to manage individual and collaborative projects, including self-management and time management skills.

• The module will be delivered in a blended format, including lecture-type delivery, but with a stronger focus on guided work in tutor supported small groups, and on individual and group work that helps students develop a deeper understanding of doctoral-level research.
• The group-based formative assessment is designed for students to learn from each other, strengthen the building of a doctoral community, and develop their teamwork skills for collaborative research.
• The assessment of the module is by (i) a 2,000 word written assignment based on a comparison of qualitative methods relevant to the students subject areas and making comprehensive arguments of the pros and cons for their choice of methods used in a piece of research; and (ii) a 2,000 word written learning log to discuss students learning on relevant aspects of the module (4 entries or 500 words each).
• Comprehensive reading and self-study materials will be provided online.

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