BUSINESS 705 : Qualitative Research Methods

Business and Economics

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Students will become familiar with current theory and practice as well as methodological debates in the use of qualitative methodologies, including ethnography, case studies, archival research, participant observation, interview and focus group methods, as well as transcription and analysis. A workshop on coding qualitative data will be included.

Course Overview

This course prepares students to undertake independent qualitative research. You will find this course useful if you are interested in collecting and interpreting non-numerical data, interested in undertaking a qualitatively based dissertation and/or research relating to  the behaviours, relationships and/or cultures associated with people, organisations, businesses and work. Qualitative research is diverse, rich, complex and sophisticated and you will be introduced to how to think qualitatively, as well as to plan, collect and analyse qualitative data. Expect to be reading deeply on the philosophy, theory and practice of research and applying such reading in class activities and coursework. 

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: BUSINESS 710 or PSYCH 744 Restriction: MKTG 703, 704

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Master of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Develop a critical awareness of philosophies, issues and debates related to the processes of conducting qualitative research. (Capability 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2)
  2. Critically analyse qualitative research utilising appropriate principles, assumptions, concepts, theories and tools (Capability 1, 2, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2)
  3. Understand and use the necessary principles and analytical tools to undertake independent, in-depth and knowledgeable qualitative research (Capability 1, 3, 4.2, 5.2 and 6)
  4. Competently design an ethically-informed qualitative research proposal (Capability 3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Article Critique 20% Group Coursework
Proposal 30% Individual Coursework
Reflection 30% Individual Test
Participation 20% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Article Critique
Proposal
Reflection
Participation

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course. Our meetings will take the form of seminars, each between 2 and 3 hours long. Some seminars may be replaced by self-paced learning modules to assist students in managing their time in this intensive course. Postgraduate students are expected to attend all scheduled seminars and to have fully prepared for seminars by completing, and reflecting on, the required readings.  Given that each point is equivalent to 10 hours learning, the 150 hours learning required for this course will involve:   36 contact hours, 48 hours preparatory reading, and 66 hours self-study and collaborative learning. Please note that some seminar sessions will involve hands-on workshops. 

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including workshops to complete and receive credit for components of the course. Some material may be available as recordings, but a significant proportion of the course is expected to be completed live.  The course will include live events including interactive discussions and workshops. The activities for the course are scheduled as a block delivery - six hours per week for six weeks.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Students will be expected to read and critically evaluate assigned journal articles and book chapters. These assigned articles (designated as “essential” readings), other useful articles (designated as “further” readings), and other recommended resources can all be accessed via the Talis reading list (this Talis reading list can be accessed from the relevant course page on Canvas). 

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Students in previous iterations of this course have commented that they appreciated both the in-class active learning experiences and the flexibility afforded by having some sessions provided as self-paced learning content.  Consequently, we will continue to provide both kinds of learning delivery. 

Other Information

Expected Weekly Schedule
Week A: (Seminars 1 & 2):   Introducing the Qualitative Research Landscape
Week B: (Seminars 3 & 4):   Fundamentals of Qualitative Research
Week C: (Seminars 5 & 6):  Methodological Approaches to Qualitative Research
Week D: (Seminars 7 & 8):   Working with Existing Qualitative Data 
Week E: (Seminars 9 & 10): From Qualitative Data to Analysis & Beyond
Week F: (Seminars 11 & 12): Qualitative Research Proposals

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 20/11/2023 07:32 p.m.