The research methodology component presents the students with the continuing challenge of research, examining alternative methodologies to the econometrics training received throughout the year. The rationale underlying the requirement of a dissertation is to require the student to gain a deeper understanding of a subject area of his/her own choice. The deeper understanding may be achieved by, for example through an empirical investigation, a simulation exercise, a case study, in-depth literature survey or company/industry analysis. Knowledge and its application to information is essential for the management process. The research process requires a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies in order to be able to transform, test, or generate theoretical propositions. It is understood that students will not necessarily have had previous opportunities to develop the skills and competencies relevant to the undertaking of a dissertation at Masters Degree level. The research methods component of this course seeks to address this issue.
Overview of the Research Process:
The business and finance research processes, attributes of a good research project, generating research ideas, turning research ideas into dissertations, writing the research proposal.
General Issues in Methodology:
Sources of knowledge and knowledge generation. Assumptions relating to the nature of financial reality. The role of theory. The empiricist tradition in Accounting and Finance. Scientific and Naturalistic research methods in Accounting and Finance.
Ethics in Finance Research:
Research ethics defined, relevance of research ethics, ethical obligations of the researcher, issues in obtaining access, implications of unethical behaviour.
Literature Review and Analysis:
Rational for literature reviews, the literature search, literature review approaches, functions and typologies, issues in reading, presentation and writing skills.
Empirical Research Methods:
1) Quantitative Analysis.
The econometric software will be used in laboratory sessions to explore a range of topics in Finance. Significant features would incorporate teasing through key stages of the analytical process, planning, data collection, data analysis: descriptive and inferential, reporting results. The principal focus would be primarily on statistical techniques as opposed statistical theory
2) Survey Method.
Issues relating to survey method, including the design of questionnaires in relation to content, format and response categories. Survey schedule, population identification, construction of sample, questionnaire design and coding.
3) Case Study Method.
Types of case studies in Finance. Interpretive and Positive methodological positions. Pattern and deductive models. Generalising from case studies. Evidence and its assessment. Pattern identification. Weaknesses and problems in case study research.
Communication of Results: Written and oral communication, starting the writing process, structure of the report/dissertation, developing appropriate writing styles, oral presentation of findings.
Supervision:
Once the project is approved a supervisor will be appointed. The supervisor will be responsible for the advice on the academic content and identifying other sources of academic expertise, which may be of assistance to the student.
Teaching Methodology:
Use will be made of formal lectures, tutorials and statistical laboratory sessions as appropriate. However, there will be an emphasis upon interactive learning via workshops and discussion groups. There will be group presentations on the various research methods and guest lecturers will be invited to present their research work and to lead the discussions on the choice of methodology adopted. In addition students will have a number of computer laboratory sessions on the use of various software packages. While formal lectures and tutorial sessions will be utilised, there will be an emphasis upon self study and problem based learning. In addition students will have a several computer laboratory sessions on the use of the various software packages that can be utilised for research purposes.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |