Research Methods Seminar and Thesis

Subject 325-639 (2008)

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

Credit Points: 75.000
Level: Research Higher Degree
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular contact with the supervisor. 3-hour seminar perweek for 24 semester weeks (full-year).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of Commerce in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis).
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: This subject is composed of two parts: a short research thesis and a research workshop. The research thesis should be of 20 000 to 22 000 words in length, inclusive of footnotes, bibliography and appendices. The workshop will be a weekly seminar held throughout the year. The workshop is designed to facilitate the choice of a research topic and the undertaking of the research work. It will enable students to evaluate contemporary research issues in employment relations and human resource management. Students will also be provided with a program of study on research methods. Students are also encouraged to attend the Department's regular Seminar Series involving presentations by staff and visitors on various management-related topics.
Assessment: A thesis of 20 000 - 22 000 words duration is assessed by two external examiners and is awarded a mark out of 100. Submission of a research proposal and regular attendance at the research workshop is also required.
Prescribed Texts: None
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:
  • Formulate a research question with testable hypotheses or research propositions;
  • Critically evaluate the literature on a particular topic;
  • Apply appropriate research techniques to a contemporary HRM or industrial relations issues;
  • Demonstrate sound analytical and written skills; and
  • Design and conduct an independent research programme.

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

  • Synthesis and evaluation of competing employee relations and human resource management theories;
  • Problem solving;
  • Critical analysis of the literature relevant to a research topic;
  • Accessing various forms of data and research material, including written and electronic sources;
  • Collaborative learning and team work, which should be fostered by working with other research students in class as well as part of the postgraduate student body of the Department;
  • Oral and written communication.

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