Research Methods for Managers

About the Book

is a stimulating guide for students in management, organization and organization research.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: ISSUES AND PROCESSES IN MANAGEMENT RESEARCH Introduction Starting Management Research The Role of Theory in Research Methods PART TWO: KEY METHODS IN MANAGEMENT RESEARCH Experimental Research Design Action Research Survey Research Design Qualitative Methodology The Case of Ethnography PART THREE: PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN MANAGEMENT RESEARCH Philosophical Disputes and Management Research Conclusions Evaluating Management Research

About the Author :
John Gill, before his retirement, was Reader in Management in Sheffield Business School. In recent years Phil has participated in the generation and management of over GBP420, 000 of research funding, over GBP330,000 of which was provided by EPSRC and ESRC. Involved in much of this research have been local public and private sector organizations as sponsors of research and as research sites for both data collection and for change-management interventions. This research has concerned a range of issues including: management control; corporate governance; contractor-client relations; evolving management roles. Recently Phil has engaged in ESRC sponsored research into "Benchmarking Good Practice in Qualitative Management Research" which is part of the ESRC Research Methodology Programme. Currently Phil is a referee for a number of academic journals and reviews book proposals for several major academic publishers. He has also been a guest editor for the journal Management Decision and has recently been appointed as Associate Editor for a new international journal, Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management. Phil's education includes: BA (Hons) Sociology (Sheffield); MSc Organization Development (CNAA); MSc Advance Educational and Social Research Methods (Open University); PhD Management and Organization (CNAA).

Review :
′This new edition of a book which has guided countless management research students over the years is now better than ever, powerfully combining down-to-earth practical advice with sophisticated insights into the challenging issues of theory, philosophy and evaluation.′

Tony Watson
, Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Nottingham University Business School

′An excellent introduction to the management research arena - this book covers everything the student needs to know.′

Catherine Cassell
, Professor of Occupational Psychology, Manchester Business School

′One of the best books on research methodology for management researchers - a treasure trove of ideas and practical advice for everyone, from the novice to the experienced researcher.′

Professor Andy Neely
, Deputy Director, AIM Research

′I have always used Research Methods for Managers as my preferred text for teaching the fundamentals of the subject. Its strength lies in the way it combines sound guidance on the conduct of research with a clear exposition of underlying philosophical issues. This new edition contains useful new content and aids that will help students master what many find to be a challenging subject.′

Professor John Child
, Emeritus Professor, University of Birmingham

A good textbook that provides a useful oversight of methodological issues for researchers interested in pursue a project in the broad area of management. Helpful research methods books for my MA education leadership and management students who will find the management perspective a helpful supplement to social science/education focused works. A very good book that offers students an holistic view of research used in and by business students. Brilliant resource for postgraduate level students undertaking independent research projects excellent book written for mature students who are in the work place already Excellent book, will be especially recommended for students taking a more managment rather than technical focus to thier dissertation. This is quite a detailed, academic text that will certainly be worth dipping into for the members of this course. I would not expect it to be read from cover to cover but it does contain helpful examples with some clear lists of learning outcomes at the beginning of each chapter. This helps the student to pick out which methods are most appropriate to their particular needs. A useful adjunct to core texts such as Saunders et al. Despite its brevity, the authors have managed to capture the complexity of conducting research in organisations. Interactive, comprehensive and with clear summaries this textbook will help post-graduate students ′find their own way′ to research their projects and dissertations. Excellent resource to support CIPD students in their research projects which will be recommended to the library An excellent book particularly for those involved in practitioner research An excellent book particularly for those involved in practitioner research A text that provides masters with a sound grounding in research methods. Ideal for students that struggle to get to grips with academic research conventions A good summary of the main research methods used in business. What I like is that it tells you how use the method in a clear concise way. The layout means that it is very easy to focus on the elements you need. This text book explains the process of researching in a very clear manner. The book de-mystifies a lot of the terminologies surrounding the research literature. I particularly like the way the authors explain the philosophical paradigms and how they affect one′s research project. The book is a must read for any person who is serious about research. My advice is that the book should be read more than once in order to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the good work done by the authors. My postgraduate students are finding it easier to understand the philosphical wars. I therefore strongly recommend this book without any reservations. Very useful and well structured text for use with those students often managers who need, and want to know about, and practically use research, in their, and for their, organisations. A useful study in addition to course input. Easy to read and comprehend. Useful for beginners and well-educated learners. I recommend the book to students who, having passed the course, would like to write their bachelor thesis on a course-related subject. Excellent text for all business students undertaking a research project. A logical format written in plain english avoiding long philosophical terminaology Good book but is covered by other books we use. Readable and relevant text for working students balancing study and work commitments Maintains the excellent standards achieved in the first three editions. Comments as for MBA This has been a standard text for some years and the new addition continues to maintain the high standard of the past. Good for post-grads. Book was not the right fit for level 1 students, although I found it useful as resource material and point of reference for delivery across all the levels. I am going to recommend this book instead of the one listed - it seems more appropriate. this text is a useful addition to our readiing list. However, our preferred texts are those that are written for hospitality and tourism students.
please note I sent written feedback when I received your inspection copy The level of the book is too high for the level of the course.

However, the book is very good, and I will recommend it to my collegues teaching on the higher level program. A useful text for managers starting on a course of research for the first time. Although not aimed at mangers within health and social care the majority of the material was applicable to these organisations. Students liked the fact it was focused on individuals for whom management was the key part of their job. Some good examples given and several students purchased their own copy. An extremely useful text for part-time, post graduate students with work experience - John Gill speaks their language. Although the book is quite interesting as such it is broad in concept. In my course I focus on quantitative and qualitative research in greater detail, while not discussing experiments and philosophical issues. Therefore I consider the book supplemental. The perfect book for introducing students to write their bachelor or master thesis. I consider this book as useful for my students.
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It is quite unique to find in one single book such an approach on research methods in management.
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I recommend it as a reference book for the methodology when working on their thesis.