Master Award in
Advanced Business Research Methods
Master Award could transfer 20 credits and full tuition fees to Master’s programs by SIMI and University Partners.
Master Award in Advanced Business Research Methods
The aim of this Master Award is to develop learners’ ability to prepare for various types of academically based management research through the development and design of a research proposal. Learners will develop a critical understanding of the philosophical, practical and ethical concepts of research within the context of the business environment.
Could transfer 20 credits and full tuition fee to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) of SIMI Swiss and University Partners.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Be able to develop research approaches in a relevant context.
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1.1 Appraise business research problems.
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1.2 Develop and justify appropriate research aims and objectives within a defined scope and timeframe.
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1.3 Critically explore, select and justify research approaches.
2. Be able to critically review literature on a relevant research topic.
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2.1 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a research problem.
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2.2 Create a structured and thorough critical literature review.
3. Be able to design business research methodologies.
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3.1 Critically evaluate relevant research methodologies to reflect the research objectives.
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3.2 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of the research objectives for a defined population.
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3.3 Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research objectives within agreed ethical guidelines.
4. Be able to develop a research proposal.
- 4.1 Create a research question, literature review and methodology.
- 4.2 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
Topics:
Research problem identification
Course Coverage
- Understanding the research context; research problem identification for investigation; research topic identification; the conceptualisation of a research problem; developing insights; feasibility and possibilities; the search for literatures; setting initial components e.g. working plan, research goals, time table and management, research process, monitoring, evaluation and revision.
Research problem selection and justification: rationale of the proposed research
Course Coverage:
- Appropriateness; reasons for selection of a specific research topic; skills, capacities and knowledge requirement identification; research question and hypothesis formulation; rationale elaboration; essential date setting; review and monitoring process.
Develop appropriate research objectives and justification: background, aims and objectives selection
Course Coverage:
- Reasons for these selections; length of the research; skills, capacities and knowledge enhancement e.g. literature review, methodology, research type selection, data collection and analysis, drawing a successful conclusion; critical knowledge on appropriate research methods e.g. qualitative and quantitative, statistical research tools; research validity, reliability and ethical issues; critical justification of these selections.
Literature review as relevant to the research problem and objectives
Course Coverage:
- Definition, features and ways to do literature review; the generic selection of literature; spotting the sources of literature; justification of an appropriate selection of literature.
To compare different theories and authors
Course Coverage:
- The selection of appropriate theories for the research; conceptualisation of the research phenomenon; including relevant theories and the justification of choices; the strength and credentials of relevant theoretical framework; the understanding and interpretation; developing the theoretical framework.
Critical review of the key literature for inclusion in a research proposal while focusing on concepts and methodologies followed by other
Course Coverage
- Knowledge on acceptability, reliability and validity of literature; the reference style of literature; key literature type selection e.g. journals, books, papers, conference papers; source of literature: library searches, internet, both online and offline publication media.
Research methodologies and relationship with research objectives
Course Coverage:
- Advanced knowledge on research methodologies; action research; intervention research; non intervention research.
Design and choose an appropriate methodology in terms of the research objectives
Course Coverage:
- Designing a research using the most appropriate method; research question or hypothesis test; reliability and validity test; ethical and access issues consideration; quantitative methodology; questionnaire design and distribution; conducting interviews; surveys; qualitative methodology; interviews; observation; case studies.
Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research objectives
Course Coverage:
- Critical knowledge on questions on the questionnaire, interviewee selection, data verification, bias, time and place selection, interview recording; justification of using any selected research tool.
Evaluate and use techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data
Course Coverage:
- Types of data presentation and analysis; qualitative data analysis e.g. techniques of categorisation and coding; transcripts interpretation, data analysis process, data analysis, data presentation, the use of information technologies, quantitative data analysis e.g. value analysis, coding, data analysis manually and electronically;
Indicative reading list
Core texts:
- Cameron, S. (2005) The MBA Handbook. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2010) Research Methods for Business Learners. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
Additional reading:
- Anderson, V . (2009) Research Methods in Human Resource Management. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
- Binsardi, A. (2008) Research Methods for Management. Cambridge: International Academic Press.
- Booth, A., Papaioannou, D. and Sutton, A. (2012) Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. London: Sage Publications. • Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2011) Business Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Burns, R. P. and Burns, R. (2008) Business Research Methods & Statistics Using SPSS. London: Sage Publications.
- Cooper, D. R. and Schindler, P. S. (2006) Business Research Methods. Boston: McGraw Hill.
- Deniels, P . and Becker, L. (2012) Developing Research Proposals. London: Sage Publications.
- Denscombe, M. (2007) The Good Research Guide. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
- Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Jackson, P. (2012) Management Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Fink, A. (2009) Conducting Research Literature Reviews. London: Sage Publications. Flick, U. (2011) Your Research Project. London: Sage Publications.
- Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2010) Research Methods for Managers. London: Sage Publications. Jankowicz, A. D. (2005). Business Research Projects. London: Thomson Learning.
- Jesson, J. K., Matheson, L. and Lacey, F. M. (2011) Doing Your Literature Review. London: Sage Publications.
- Keleman, M. L. and Rumens, N. (2008). An Introduction to Critical Management Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Malhatra, N. K. (2007) Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation. New Jersey: Pearson.
- McNiff, J. and Whitehead, J. (2009) Doing and Writing Action Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Moutinho, L. and Hutcheson, G. D. (2011) The Sage Dictionary of Quantitative Management Research. London: Sage Publications.
- Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Hampshire: John Wiley and Sons.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Learners. Harlow: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
- Thomas, R. and Lynn, P. (2009) Survey Research in Practice. London: Sage Publications.
Entry requirements
To enroll The Master Award, the learner must possess:
- Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or achieved a Level 6 Diploma according to the European Qualifications
- For a degree from non-recognized universities; The learner should have followed Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) policy of SIMI and/or University Partners.
- Learners must be over 21 years old.
The SIMI Swiss reserves the highest decision-making power for admission whether to accept or not accept after a specific review of each candidate’s profile to ensure that they can comprehend and gain benefits when participating. For the fake university or diploma mills, University Partners shall not be accepted.
English requirements
If a learner is not from a predominantly English-speaking country, proof of English language proficiency must be provided.
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or equivalent
- Or A minimum TOEFL score of 101 or IELTS 6.5; Reading and Writing must be at 6.5 or equivalent
After graduating with Master Award, students receive all certified documents from the SIMI Swiss.
Certified Documents:
- e-Certificate from the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss).
- Hard copy certificate from the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) – Optional.
- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) certified from SIMI Swiss for credit and tuition fee transfer.
Because the program is accredited and recognized, students can easily use certified in the working environment and have many opportunities for career advancement. In addition, in case if you want to study for a SIMI degree or university partner degree, students can convert all credits and the full paid tuition fee when participating in the program University Partners.
The SIMI Swiss’ Master Award means:
SIMI Swiss Master Award is the award at the master level and is equivalent to:
- Level 7 certificate of Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) of UK
- Level 10 certificate of Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
- Level 7 certificate of Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQFW)
- Level 7 certificate of European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
- Level 9 certificates of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
- Level 7 certificate of ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF)
- Level 9 certificate of the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF)
Students can convert all credits and the full tuition fee when participating in the SIMI Swiss and/or University Partners academic programs if they want to study for an academic degree.
Credits transfer:
Learners can accumulate 20 credits from the Master Award program when participating in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Please see the credit transfer policy HERE
Tuition fee transfer:
When participating in the MBA program, students who have graduated 1 Master Award will receive a discount of full tuition fee which you paid. Please see the tuition fee transfer HERE
The SIMI Swiss micro-credential program allows for the transfer of credits and tuition fees into full degree programs from SIMI Swiss and/or its university partners. SIMI Swiss reserves the right to limit admissions once the number of students exceeds the quotas.
Apply Policy:
- To participate in the SIMI Swiss micro-credential program, students need to meet the entry criteria corresponding to each level. Please see the “Entry” tab for more details.
- SIMI Swiss will not accept applicants if their entry qualifications are from diploma mill universities or schools/universities that are not accredited.
- For Master Award programs, if an entry bachelor is unavailable, students must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of work experience in the relevant field. Please note that a bachelor’s degree is required for the Master’s program at SIMI Swiss and University Partners so that you could study Master Award but could not move to the Master’s program of SIMI and University Partners.
- English is not a mandatory entry requirement for short course programs, but candidates need to ensure that English is used in reading documents, listening to lectures, and doing assignments. Candidates should note that English is a mandatory requirement when switching to an academic program at SIMI Swiss and University Partners.
Apply Process:
- Choose the program that suits your requirements. Note that applicants without a university degree will not be able to participate in the program at Master’s level, and applicants without a Master’s degree will not be able to participate in the program at the Doctoral level.
- Email your application to support@simiswiss.ch with all the required documents. You could download the application form here.
- Our admission department will contact you and guide you through further processes if the registration documents need to be supplemented.
- SIMI Swiss will issue the Letter of Acceptant (LOA). You wil proceed to the next steps according to the instructions and pay tuition fee.
- SIMI Swiss will issue a student confirmation letter, login account to the e-learning system and related documents.
- You have become an official SIMI Swiss student and enjoy your study journey.
The SIMI Swiss micro-credential program is fully online, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere. You have the option to attend live classes with SIMI Swiss. The final exam will be uploaded to the system and evaluated by the academic panel of SIMI Swiss. Students must submit assignments on time; failure to do so will result in the student being considered to have discontinued the program.
Pricing Plans
Take advantage of one of our non-profit professional certified programs with favorable terms for your personal growing carreers.
- Live Class (Option)
- Full online videos
- e-Books
- Self study contents
- Online tutor videos
- Assignment guide
- e-Certificate
- Hard copy certificate
- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) certified from University Partners for credit and tuition fee transfer
- Accreditation & Recognition certified from University Partners
- Deliver hard copy certificate and all certified documents to your home
- Transfer full credits & tuition fees to equivalent academic programs
- Get more support tuition fees and scholarships when becoming University Partners' international students
- (*) In the event that you receive a scholarship or discount, the fee you should transfer is the amount you actually paid.
SWISS MICRO CREDENTIAL
Contact us
If you interested this micro credential course, please feel free to contact with us! Please note that this program is a not for profit and learning with full online model.