This course aims to introduce research students to a scientific approach to the study of management, marketing and international business issues. The focus is on equipping students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for undertaking quantitative research and to critically evaluate research conducted by others. The course consists of the following interrelated segments: problem formulation/conceptualisation, implementation, analysis, and publication and communication of research findings. At the end of the course, students can expect to have acquired an appreciation of the research process both as a craft and as methodology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical origins of the different methodological approaches used in management and organization
2. Identify management and organization problems and ensuing research needs through the critical analysis of extant knowledge
3. Recognise the role of scientific theory in relating and representing the management and organization world
4. Implement the scientific method when translating management and organization research needs into formal research questions and goals
5. Apply inquiry to investigate management and organization issues with the goal to expand theoretical knowledge in the field by using the scientific method
6. Differentiate between the various scientific explanations of management and organization phenomena
7. Critically evaluate the different research approaches and designs used in management and organization research
8. Develop a proposal that acknowledges the role of values and ethics in the unique kinds of theorizing in the areas of management and organization.

Research-Led Teaching

This course provides an introduction to key research methods across management disciplines, with a focus on the development and application of methodological approaches. Tailored for HDR students, it emphasises utilizing research methods effectively to design, execute, and interpret studies with methodological rigor, preparing them for impactful academic and professional research.

Field Trips

Not applicable

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional course costs for this course. 

Examination Material or equipment

The course includes six in-class assessments, with their formats determined and announced by the respective lecturers. Details of assessment activities will be provided 2 weeks in advance. Further, feedback from the first assessment task will be provided by 28 March

Required Resources

The course lecturers will supply a list of weekly readings on the course Wattle.

Recommended Resources

1. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2018) 5th or 6th Ed Creswell and Creswell (available online)
2. Social Research methods: Qualitative and Quantitative approaches by W. Lawrence Neuman (e-book available at ANU library)
3. Philosophy and management studies - a research overview by Mir, Raza; Greenwood, Michelle (available online at ANU library)

Other recommended readings will be announced and made available on Wattle.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to the whole class

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

The course will be taught in Face-to-Face (F2F) seminar mode.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction of Research Methods	Complete weekly readings
2	Introduction to Philosophical Issues in Management Research	Complete weekly readings & In-class assessment 1
3	Literature Review (Different Types and How to Do Them)	Complete weekly readings
4	Interviews	Complete weekly readings & In-class assessment 2
5	Survey Research	Complete weekly readings
6	Experimental Research	Complete weekly readings & In-class assessment 3
7	Quantitative Methods I	Complete weekly readings
8	Quantitative Methods II	Complete weekly readings & In-class assessment 4
9	Case Studies	Complete weekly readings
10	Ethnography	Complete weekly readings & In-class assessment 5
11	Archival Research	Complete weekly readings
12	Additional Topics (e.g., Media, Secondary Data)	Complete weekly readings & In-class assessment 6

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
In-Class Assessments	100 %	26/06/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in all class learning activities and assessment tasks.

Examination(s)

The course includes six in-class assessments, with their formats determined and announced by the respective lecturers.

Assessment Task 1

In-Class Assessments

This course includes six in-class assessments aimed at evaluating students' comprehension of key management methods. These assessments may include reflections on assigned readings, oral presentations, quizzes, or other formats determined by the respective lecturers. Details of assessment activities will be provided 2 weeks in advance.

Each assessment carries equal weight, contributing one-sixth (16.67%) to the total course mark.

Feedback will be provided at regular intervals. Feedback from the first assessment task will be provided by 28 March.

1. 8th March 2025
2. 29th March 2025
3. 17th April 2025
4. 8th May 2025
5. 30th May 2025
6. 26th June 2025

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

All requests for Assessment Adjustment (including Requests for Extension and for Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances) should be submitted via ISIS.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details section.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students