Research Methods

Subject ACCT90022 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours of seminars
Total Time Commitment:

Estimated total time commitment of 144 hours per semester.
Prerequisites:

Acceptance into 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

Contact

Melbourne Business School @ Berkeley Street
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Email: mbs-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Web: http://mbs.unimelb.edu.au/

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.
Learning Outcomes:

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.
Assessment:

Weekly problem and exercise based assignments during the first half of semester covering half the course (50%) and a take-home end-of-semester examination not exceeding 4000 words covering half the course (50%).
Prescribed Texts:

Readings in Research Methods, Department of Accounting (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 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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