Topic outline
Introduction
Hello and welcome to the module
We are Dr. Jugindar Sigh, Dr Ibiwani Hussain and Dr Lisa Lim Li Chen, your virtual lecturers for this module. Collectively we have over 25 years of experience in academia, teaching and practicing research methodology. This Research Methodology Module is fundamental to your understanding of research and the writing of your thesis chapters. At the end of this module, you will have produced a more rounded and complete Research Proposal, ready for your Proposal Defence.Let’s find out more about the Module.
Topic 1: Foundation of Research (15 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 1 which introduces the topic of research methodology. In this topic, we will explain the concept of theory and understand the language of research. There are 3 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 15 hours on this topic.Completing this topic will enable you to:- Explain the fundamentals of academic research concepts and theories.
- Explain preliminary data gathering processes in academic research
- Formulate a research topic.
Download and complete the checklist
- Congratulations on successfully completing this topic.
In this chapter, you have learned about:
- The definition of Research Methodology,
- Concepts and theories in research,
- The preliminary data gathering process, and
- Methods to formulate a robust research topic.
Topic 2 Problem Identification & Formulation (18 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 2. In this topic, we will explain the concepts of problem statement, research objectives, research questions, scope and literature review which you consider as you shape your PhD thesis. There are 4 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 18 hours on this topic.Completing this topic will enable you to:- Compose a problem statement
- Develop research objectives and research questions
- Verify the research scope and significance of study
- Conduct literature review, sources of literature and writing literature.
- Congratulations on successfully completing the topic. You should now be able to:
- Define research problems
- Determine and articulate research objectives and questions
- Explain the concept of a literature review, its purpose, and the process involved
- Identify key tools to search for literature search
- Construct your Literature Review
Topic 3 Research Design (15 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 3 which introduces research design of your study. In this topic, we will explain the concept of good research design and understand the different types of research. There are 3 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 15 hours on this topic.Completing this topic will enable you to:- Describe the research design and concept of good research design
- Explain the types of research design specifically exploratory design, descriptive design and experimental design
- Discuss the differences between Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Method Research.
- Congratulations on successfully completing the topic.
In this chapter, you have learned about:
- The Research Process
- Types of Research, specifically exploratory, descriptive, and experimental research designs
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Topic 4 Quantitative and Qualitative Research (18 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 4. In this topic, we will explain the concepts of measurement, causality, generalisation and merging of two approaches . There are 4 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 18 hours on this topicCompleting this topic will enable you to:- Describe the components of a Quantitative research design
- Develop a Quantitative research design
- Describe the components of a Qualitative research design
- Develop a Qualitative Research Design
- Congratulations, you have successfully completed the topic on Qualitative and Quantitative Research Design
In this chapter you have learnt about:
- How to write a quantitative research design.
- How to write a qualitative research design.
Topic 5: Measurement (18 Hours)
In this topic, we will discuss the concept of measurement. We will explain the four different types of scales (nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales) in questionnaire setting. In addition, the problem in measurement such as reliability and validity will be explain in more detail. There are 3 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 18 hours on this topicCompleting this topic will enable you to:- Explain the different scales of measurement
- Develop a questionnaire and determine the scales of measurement
- Explain the concept of reliability and validity
- Congratulations on successfully completing the topic of Measurement.In this chapter, you have learned about:
- The concept of measurement
- Assessing reliability and validity
- The different levels of measurement scales
Topic 6 Sampling (21 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 6 which introduces the topic of sampling. In this topic, we will explain the concept of population and sampling, sampling frame, sampling size and sampling methods (probability and non-probability sampling). There are 4 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 21 hours on this topic.Completing this topic will enable you to:- Explain the concept of population and sampling.
- Understand sampling frame
- Determine the sample size and sampling methods.
- Discriminant probability sampling with non-probability sampling.
- Congratulations on successfully completing the topic.
In this chapter, you have learned about:
- The various terms used in sampling, such as sampling elements, sampling units, and sampling frames.
- The different sampling methods, including both probability and non-probability sampling.
- How to calculate the appropriate sample size for your study.
Topic 7 Data Analysis - Quantitative (15 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 7. In this topic, we will explain the concept of quantitative research. There are 3 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 15 hours on this topic.Completing this topic will enable you to:- Explain the concept of quantitative research.
- Explain the quantitative research methodology
- Perform quantitative data analysis using SPSS software.
- Congratulations, you have successfully completed the topic on quantitative data analysis.
In this chapter, you have learned to:
- Understand the concept of quantitative research.
- Comprehend the methodology of quantitative research.
- Conduct quantitative data analysis using SPSS software.
Topic 8 Data Analysis - Qualitative (15 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 8. In this topic, we will explain the concept of qualitative research. There are 3 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 15 hours on this topic.Completing this topic will enable you to:- Explain the concept of qualitative research.
- Explain the qualitative research methodology
- Perform qualitative data analysis using Nvivo software.
- Congratulations on successfully completing the topic of data collection and data analysis.
In this chapter, you have learned about:
- Explaining the concept of qualitative research.
- Describing the qualitative research methodology.
- Performing qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.
Topic 9 Interpretation of Data and Thesis Writing (15 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 9 which introduces the topic of data interpretation in research. In this topic, we will explain the concept and importance of data interpretation in business research. Particularly, we will learn on data interpretation for quantitative and qualitative research. There are 4 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 15 hours on this topic:Completing this topic will enable you to:- Explain the concept and important of data interpretation in research.
- Understand data interpretation for quantitative study.
- Understand data interpretation for qualitative study.
- Understand the institution guidelines when writing a thesis.
- Congratulations on successfully completing the topic of Data Interpretation and Thesis Writing.In this chapter, you have learned about:
- Interpreting and reporting qualitative data
- Interpreting and reporting quantitative data
- Adhering to the university's thesis format and guidelines to guide your thesis writing
Topic 10 Ethics in Research (12 Hours)
Welcome to Topic 10 which introduces the topic of ethics in research. In this topic, we will explain the importance of ethics in business research. There are 2 main learning outcomes you will achieve through this topic, as shown below. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 12 hours on this topic:- Completing this topic will enable you to:
- Explain ethics in research
- Understand the ethics considerations in qualitative and quantitative study.
Click on the link below to know more about APU’s Research Ethics policy:
https://apiit.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PBR/pages/1883570313/Research+Ethics
- Congratulations, you have successfully completed the topic on Ethics in Research.
In this chapter you have learnt about:
- Definition of Ethics in Business Research
- The Ethical Principles in a University
Assessment
- Assessment Instruction
Write your Project Proposal. Go to APU Knowledge Base for layout and specifications of your proposal.
Ensure you follow the APA standard Version 7.- Project - Chapter 1
- Project - Chapter 2
- Project - Chapter 3
PhD ODL Jan 2024
- Submission of proposal Assignment
Before end of the semester - 10 Mar 2024
