Research Methods

Subject 306-766 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours of seminars (Semester 1)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Master of Commerce by Coursework (Specialisation in Accounting and Business Information Systems) or the PhD program.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: The purpose of this subject is to assist students to develop research knowledge and skills which are specific to each of the advanced core areas of accounting and business information systems research: financial accounting, managerial accounting, business information systems and auditing. Students will gain an understanding of how research questions are created and developed into testable hypotheses; appreciate the range of alternatives and observe examples of analyses of the application of these methods; and develop an ability to critically analyse the research of others.
Assessment: Mid-semester examination (20%), written assignments of not more than 4000 words (40%), a take-home end of semester examination (40%).
Prescribed Texts: Readings in Research Methods, Department of Accounting and Business Information Systems (current year version).
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Identify and evaluate the fundamental approaches to research;
  • Classify and describe a range of analytical and empirical techniques;
  • Apply analytical and empirical techniques to research questions;
  • Critically evaluate existing work;
  • Discuss issues surrounding scientific enquiry in accounting research;
  • Apply relevant research, analytical and empirical methods to philosophy of science, research design, experimental research, archival research, survey research, case research, data analysis and ethics in research.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Problem solving;
  • Collaborative learning and team work;
  • Application of theory to the practice of scientific enquiry;
  • Evaluation of data and other information related to practical research problems;
  • Interpretation and analysis of information obtained in relation to practical research problems;
  • Ability to access data from a range of sources;
  • Articulation of responses either orally or in written form;
  • Ability to listen to others with tolerance;
  • Ability to engage in discussion where appropriate.

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