PM600

Research Project
Theme: 9 Hour: 3 – 4
Methodology
 Lesson overview
 In this session, you will:
- review key research terms using Quizlet
- review the structure of the Methodology
chapter
- write and peer review the introduction to the
Methodology chapter
- analyse and evaluate student writing
 Learning objectives
 By the end of this lesson, you should be better
able to:
- structure the introduction and research
approach sections of the
Methodology chapter
- analyse and evaluate student writing
 Review of key terms
 Use Quizlet to review key terms you may need in the
Methodology chapter of your report

 If you belong to the PM600 Quizlet class, go to:

Week 14: Methodology

 Alternatively, click on the link below (also available on

the VLE in Theme 9)
https://quizlet.com/gb/483379762/week-14-methodology-flash-cards/?x=1jqt
 The Methodology Chapter
 Your chapter should follow this structure:
Introduction
Research Approach
Research Methods
Ethical Considerations
Limitations
Conclusion

approx.
 Approximately how many words should this650 – 750
chapter words
be? Check
the assessment brief.
 The Introduction
 All the major chapters in you Final
Report should have their own stand-
alone introductions

 These will be assessed in your final

report

 Let’s take a look at what to include in

the introduction to the Methodology
chapter
 The Introduction
1. A brief definition of methodology

2. A brief description of the purpose of the chapter

3. A restatement of your research questions

 Part 1: Definition
 How can we define methodology?
A methodology is the step-by-step process taken by
a researcher in order to complete his or her research.

It can involve primary research methods (for

example, experiments, surveys, or interviews) or
secondary research methods.

You can use your own definition, or you can cite

someone else’s.
 Part 2: Purpose
 Think back to the purpose of your literature review chapter.
Is it the same as the purpose of your entire report?

 No. The purpose of your methodology chapter should be

different as well.

 What is the purpose of this chapter?

 The purpose of this chapter is to explain the process of

your research so that it can be evaluated and, if needed,
replicated
 Part 3: RQs or Hypothesis
 At the start of the chapter, you should re-state the
aim of your study and remind the reader of the
research questions you want to answer
 Examples
 Let’s now examine two students’ introductions

 Can you identify the three aspects:

1. Definition of methodology
2. Purpose of the chapter
3. Aim and RQs of the project
 Example 1

This is Hazel

Her research topic is about wild and

domesticated rabbits

The working title of her research is:

A Comparative Study of the Longevity and

Quality of Life of Domestic and Wild Rabbits
 Example 1
 Here is the introduction to Hazel’s Methodology
chapter.
Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Introduction
A research methodology is the step-by-step process taken by a
researcher to achieve a specific aim. The specific aim of this research
was to analyse the claim that wild rabbits live longer lives on average than
domesticated rabbits. This is believed to be due to the fact that poor diet
and a lack of exercise pose more health risks for domestic rabbits than
the threat of predators to wild rabbits. The purpose of this methodology
chapter is to provide a detailed explanation of the methodology used, so
that it can be evaluated and, if needed, replicated. (96 words)
 Example 2 – Student writing
Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1: Introduction
The research methodology describes the steps which are followed in a
study. This chapter will outline the method that was used and explain the
reasons why it is a suitable method for this research project. In more detail,
this section provides the reader with an outline of the research approach,
the way data was collected and analysed, ethical considerations and the
limitations to the research. The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of
data analytics of Bancassurance by analysing Vietnam insurance market,
Bancassurance market in Asian countries and customer behaviour of using
financial services.
(97 words)
 Time to write
 Spend the next part of the lesson drafting the
introduction to your Methodology chapter
 Peer review
 Swap your draft introduction with a partner

 Does the introduction include:

 A definition of methodology?
 An explanation of the purpose of the chapter?
 A restatement of the aim of your research and
the research questions?
What comes next?
Introduction
Research Approach
Research Methods
Ethical Considerations
Limitations
Conclusion
 Research Approach
 This part of the Methodology chapter should
explain:
 the approach you have chosen
 your reasons for choosing this approach
 the strengths and weaknesses of this approach
 Research Approach
To help write this section, consider these questions:
Is your research:
 Positivist or interpretivist?
 Inductive or deductive?
 Qualitative, quantitative or both?
 Primary or secondary?
 Why did you make these choices?

Refer to PPTs 6 and 7 in Theme 2

Read pp. 142-150 (quantitative); 150-165 (qualitative); 276-281 (secondary
research) and 350-351 of the textbook

Suggested further reading:

Chapter 4 of Saunders et al (pp128 – 171)
Chapter 2 of Bell, Bryman, Harley (pp17 – 43)
 Critical thinking
 Complete the tasks on Worksheet 2 to analyse the
‘Research Approach’ section of five students’
Methodology chapter.
 Review
 Can you...

- structure the introduction and research

approach sections of the
Methodology chapter?
- analyse and evaluate student writing?
 Self study and homework
 Continue to draft the first two sections of the
Methodology chapter

 Review PPTs 6 and 7 from Theme 2

 Prepare your pilot study

 Continue planning your methods development

presentation
 References
Bell, E. Bryman, A. and Harley, B. (2019) Business Research Methods. 5th
ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research Methods

for Business Students. 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
(Available as an e-book. Follow link on VLE)

Thomas, G. (2017) How to do your research project: A guide for students.

3rd ed. London: SAGE Publications.