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Business Research Methods
The Second Edition of Business Research Methods provides essential guidance on the practice of business research and how to carry out a small-scale research project or dissertation for the first time.
It offers an encyclopedic introduction to the core concepts, methods, and values involved in doing business research, from formulating research questions, reviewing the literature, and designing a questionnaire, to carrying out data analysis and presenting research results. The strengths and
weaknesses of each research method are examined to help students choose an appropriate methodology, and the wider philosophical issues and ethical controversies that affect business research are discussed to help students make informed research decisions.
The book examines in depth the distinction between quantitative and qualitative research techniques and how and when they should be used, and marries theoretical issues with topical case examples from a number of work-related fields (such as management, strategy, and marketing). It has also been
comprehensively updated to reflect the growing use of the internet as a source of data and medium for conducting research, and places new emphasis on the student experience of research by relating the activities of real student researchers back to the research process.
New to this Edition
- Brand new chapter on reviewing the literature that introduces the steps involved in undertaking a critical review to help students get the most out of their reading and build a strong platform for further research.
- Themed boxes that focus on examples of real, published research, key concepts, and practical tips and skills to help students grasp core principles sooner and apply their learning to new research situations.
- Expanded online research guide that takes students step-by-step through their research project and provides essential research advice, checklists, templates, and case exercises to help students become more engaged and organized researchers.
It offers an encyclopedic introduction to the core concepts, methods, and values involved in doing business research, from formulating research questions, reviewing the literature, and designing a questionnaire, to carrying out data analysis and presenting research results. The strengths and
weaknesses of each research method are examined to help students choose an appropriate methodology, and the wider philosophical issues and ethical controversies that affect business research are discussed to help students make informed research decisions.
The book examines in depth the distinction between quantitative and qualitative research techniques and how and when they should be used, and marries theoretical issues with topical case examples from a number of work-related fields (such as management, strategy, and marketing). It has also been
comprehensively updated to reflect the growing use of the internet as a source of data and medium for conducting research, and places new emphasis on the student experience of research by relating the activities of real student researchers back to the research process.
New to this Edition
- Brand new chapter on reviewing the literature that introduces the steps involved in undertaking a critical review to help students get the most out of their reading and build a strong platform for further research.
- Themed boxes that focus on examples of real, published research, key concepts, and practical tips and skills to help students grasp core principles sooner and apply their learning to new research situations.
- Expanded online research guide that takes students step-by-step through their research project and provides essential research advice, checklists, templates, and case exercises to help students become more engaged and organized researchers.
Paperback
First published February 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 31, 2021
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.
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.
August 3, 2011
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.
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October 15, 2011this book is helpful
September 12, 2017
A must read book for 1st time 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.
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.
December 17, 2021
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.
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.
July 5, 2023
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.
May 11, 2017
I had this for uni and at the very least I found it easy to read and follow.
December 21, 2018
Very useful and informative resource to understand Research, terminologies, Methodologies, tools and helps you with your business research
October 23, 2017
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.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews