GSB012 Business Research Methods and Crucial Concepts
Task:
You will conduct a review of published material in the academic and industry/business literature relevant to your research topic, problem and question(s).
Section 1
Present a background of the business/industry and the identified research This first section should articulate the research problem or issue being explored. The significance or importance of the research also needs to be included.
Note: Within the bounds of confidentiality, you are required to provide a clear overview of the business/industry or organisational context and issues or questions that you seek to answer through research.
This first section of the report needs to include the following:
Introduction, outlining the purpose of the report and areas covered. List of key terms and definitions or terms (maximum half a page or 100 words) to operationalise your research concepts (e.g., wellbeing)
Current context: Discussion of the current situation, that is facing the business or industry. Provide a description that summarises the broader context of your problem.
Section 1
Present a background of the business/industry and the identified research This first section should articulate the research problem or issue being explored. The significance or importance of the research also needs to be included.
Note: Within the bounds of confidentiality, you are required to provide a clear overview of the business/industry or organisational context and issues or questions that you seek to answer through research.
This first section of the report needs to include the following:
Introduction, outlining the purpose of the report and areas covered. List of key terms and definitions or terms (maximum half a page or 100 words) to operationalise your research concepts (e.g., wellbeing)
Current context: Discussion of the current situation, that is facing the business or industry. Provide a description that summarises the broader context of your problem.
Use an appendix if you have a lot of descriptive information Research problem: A clear statement briefly describing the research problem and
issue (use sources from the academic literature to support your discussion about the importance of this problem or issue) and relevance to the business/industry.
Research topic and aim/s: A clear statement of the proposed research question (note: a research topic is the research question you are going to answer) and any sub questions. Also include a statement of the proposed research aims.
Note: these areas will most likely be revised further and with more detail in Assessment
A statement of the significance or value of the proposed research (e.g., what contribution this research may make within the body of literature or
Section 2
Review of published material in the academic and industry/business literature This review may include books, journal articles, reports and other relevant and credible publications that provide the background to your research problem.
1. Discuss the field and or area of research – e.g., operational improvement; leadership; HRM; marketing etc. You may also wish to drill down further, e.g., motivation and/or employee engagement.
2. Concepts and theories – these should flow from your field and area of research and from your primary research question and any sub-questions. Basically, you are reviewing what is known about crucial concepts drawn from the literature and how these relate to your intended research problem and topic.
3. Summary of approaches to Research Methodology You need to synthesise your source material for coherence (note: – do not simply describe each research article). Areas you need to consider include:
a. What presents within the extant literature(s) on your research area of interest/problem, including current and ‘classic’ knowledge?
b. What concepts and theories are already in use – including accepted relevant concepts/theories and practices?
c. What are contrasting themes, approaches, perspectives, areas of debate?
d. What are the common types of research methods used?
4. Gaps In the research – After reviewing the literature, identify what is still unknown.
issue (use sources from the academic literature to support your discussion about the importance of this problem or issue) and relevance to the business/industry.
Research topic and aim/s: A clear statement of the proposed research question (note: a research topic is the research question you are going to answer) and any sub questions. Also include a statement of the proposed research aims.
Note: these areas will most likely be revised further and with more detail in Assessment
A statement of the significance or value of the proposed research (e.g., what contribution this research may make within the body of literature or
Section 2
Review of published material in the academic and industry/business literature This review may include books, journal articles, reports and other relevant and credible publications that provide the background to your research problem.
1. Discuss the field and or area of research – e.g., operational improvement; leadership; HRM; marketing etc. You may also wish to drill down further, e.g., motivation and/or employee engagement.
2. Concepts and theories – these should flow from your field and area of research and from your primary research question and any sub-questions. Basically, you are reviewing what is known about crucial concepts drawn from the literature and how these relate to your intended research problem and topic.
3. Summary of approaches to Research Methodology You need to synthesise your source material for coherence (note: – do not simply describe each research article). Areas you need to consider include:
a. What presents within the extant literature(s) on your research area of interest/problem, including current and ‘classic’ knowledge?
b. What concepts and theories are already in use – including accepted relevant concepts/theories and practices?
c. What are contrasting themes, approaches, perspectives, areas of debate?
d. What are the common types of research methods used?
4. Gaps In the research – After reviewing the literature, identify what is still unknown.
Discuss how your intended research will help fill the gap. For example, it may be the research has not focussed on Australia, or your industry, or your particular angle on the problem.
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