Research Decisions in Management#

Subject 325-710 (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: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD with Coursework (Management) 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: This subject introduces doctoral students to key topics and decisions relevant to research in the management domain, and to specific expectations of the Department. Topics will include but not be limited to; the nature of management and organisation as a field of study; history of management as a discipline; philosophy of science and epistemology (i.e., different ways of investigating organisational phenomena); alternative research paradigms and strategies (i.e., different ways of conducting management research); theoretical issues: nature of theory; creating/constructing new theory and building upon existing theory; ethical issues in management research: e.g., engagement with research subjects; and ethics committee approval process.
Assessment: Assignments not exceeding 4000 words (40%), contribution to seminar discussion (10%), and a take home examination not exceeding 5000 words (50%). This subject is assessed on a Pass-Fail basis; it is a requirement of confirmation that students achieve a Pass in this subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Subject objectives:
  • To enable doctoral students in Management to gain a common understanding of the research process ; and
  • To prepare doctoral students for an academic career in Management.

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

  • Problem solving skills, which should be enhanced through the study of research design and epistemology;

  • Writing skills appropriate for the preparation of a research proposal and thesis;

  • Analytical skills, which should be developed through the evaluation of theoretical and empirical research literature; and

  • Ability to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary management issues and problems.

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