Academic Business Research Methods: Strategy for Success

Hi, I am Janaka Low. Welcome to “Academic Business Research Methods: Strategy for Success”.

What I am going to share with you in this course is based on my (i) my experience as a panel member in many master and doctoral viva sessions, and (ii) my interactions with students.

This course is a result of my supervisory works with postgraduate students, both at master and doctoral levels, for more than 10 years.

This course is applicable to both master and doctoral business students.

In this course, you will learn about:

1. Choosing a research topic

2. Thesis structure

3. Writing introductory chapter

4. Conducting literature review and building theoretical framework

5. Designing Your Research Methodology

6. Reporting and discussing the results

7. Managing the research project

We have a lot to cover, so let's get started.

When you sign up for a postgraduate program, you may or may not be given a topic. If your supervisor has been working on a large research project, you maybe asked to work on part of the project.

On the other hand, some supervisors give you a total freedom in choosing your research area and topic. In this case, you will need to think carefully.

Generally, there are 3 considerations  when comes to choosing a research topic.

(a) choose an area that you are familiar with; (b) you must be able to collect data; (c) you have passion in the chosen area.

Being familiar with a topic is very important especially when you are defending your proposal or findings. You will face both broad and in-depth questions during your defense session. Your examiners can quickly form a negative opinion about you if your answers are superficial.

Ability to collect data is crucial. Without data, you will not be able to proceed with your research beyond proposal. You must also consider time factor. Given the time you have, are you able to collect enough representative set of data from your field?

Your passion in the chosen research area is important because you need the drive and motivation to complete the often long and arduous research journey. In addition, the examiners will feel positive about you if you speak passionately about your research during your defense. Generally, examiners despise candidates who don’t take interest in his or her research topic.