Business Research Methods, Third Edition, is a practical and comprehensive guide for business and management students embarking on research projects. The authors, along with students and supervisors, draw on their own experiences so that students can take note of real-world professional tips for success and avoid making common mistakes. Each chapter is filled with examples that provide context for the theories and concepts being discussed. In addition, "Student Experience" features offer helpful advice on successful research strategies and potential pitfalls.
A Companion Website offers resources for both students and instructors.
I often argue that wikification and the textbookification have - together - reduced the quality of our research and teaching. Bullet points, basic definitions and dated materials have caused long-term damage in our universities. Indeed the fifth edition of this book notes the death of one of the authors - Alan Bryman - but the revisions to the textbook continue.
As far as textbooks go, this is a solid and clear explanation of research methods. There are strong mechanisms to explain qualitative and quantative research methods, with considered attention to the specificity of business.
Solid. Straight forward. Clear. These are not the words we would hope to find in a scholarly book. But for a textbook - OK.
Well-structured and logical flow of the book provides important essentials on how to make a research in business studies - from which kind of theoretical perspective to choose to the tips on how to write up the final report. Particularly good are discussions on the mix of qualitative and quantitative methods as well as on the mix of different epistemological positions. Somewhat too much attention to feminist position in several places across the book. I didn't find the examples from students' experience very useful - but it may well be very interesting for less experienced researchers.
I was recommended by my MBA dissertation supervisor to read this book prior to starting the literature review. As a first time MBA student researcher, I was able to gain an overall idea of the methods of business researches and how to best apply them in my thesis. The author introduces both qualitative and quantitative methods in a very easy to understand manner while still being comprehensive. As a student, you will be able to read other MBA students experiences throughout the book that will help you gain more clarity and guidance on the way to go. I recommend this book to MBA students as well as other researchers who seek more literature on the topic.
Do not read this book if you want to learn anything about this subject.
Seriously.
The style is straight out of the 1950s and there are no redeeming features, like interesting illustrative stories or anecdotes whatsoever. It's just dry, dry stuff piled on top of other dry stuff. The effect is quite abysmal.
There's a tiny bit of light at the end as the authors talk of different ways that research can be written up, such as treating the paper as a piece of creative non-fiction. But it was too little and too late (last 2 pages) to redeem this sludgy mess of a book.
Only read this if you are a masochist (like me (not really - I just enjoy a challenge)) or you want to lose all interest in business research. If you're looking for a long book then read the Bible instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved reading book "Business Research Methods" as it is valuable source for those interested in understanding different research methods in the business field. I also discovered this comprehensive guide on types of research papers https://www.aresearchguide.com/types-... that can provide you with a deeper understanding of the different approaches and methodologies used in business research. By expanding your knowledge in this area, you can enhance your skills in conducting effective and impactful research in the business field.
Some chapters read thoroughly, some as a reference. Easy to grasp, filled with practical examples and wholly pedagogical. Yet, the book has its limitations: only the preferred choices of the authors are included. For example, research designs chapter outlines five designs which is way narrower than the reality of research.