Guide to Management Research Methods

This text shows business students how to conduct reliable research and how to argue the soundness of their research approach. A practical introduction to research methods for business students. Gives students the ability to conduct reliable research on the basis of empirical field data. Takes students through the research process systematically, from the initial definition of a research problem to the final presentation of results. Demonstrates the interrelationships between the different stages in a research project. Helps students to decide which methods are most appropriate. Teaches students to think both critically and creatively about research methods. Includes the most up-to-date methods, including use of the Internet and email. Supported by real-life examples, cases and practical guidelines.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Planning The Research Project:. 1. Introduction. What Is The Nature Of Fundamental Organisational Research?. What Distinguishes Fundamental Organisational Research From Applied Organisational Research?. Methodological Requirements And Rules Of Fundamental Research In General. Clients. Other Parties Involved In The Research Project. Overview Of Steps In The Research Project. 2. Problem Orientation. Introduction. Research Objective. Problem Definition. Research Questions. The Empirical Cycle. 3. Literature. Introduction. Sources Of Literature. Literature Search. Literature Review. Referring To Literature. 4. Design And Planning Of The Research Project. Introduction. Research Model And Variables. Hypotheses. Operationalization. Levels Of Measurement. Reliability And Validity. Population And Sampling. Ethical Issues. 5. Research Proposal. Research Strategies. Introduction. Classification. Main Categories Of Research Strategies. Casuality. Part II: Conducting The Research Project:. 6. Data Collection Methods. Introduction. Archival Data. Observation. Interview. Questionnaire. Multi-Method. 7. Questionnaires And Interviews. Introduction. Questionnaires - General Remarks. Structure Of The Questionnaire. Interviews - General Remarks. Pilot Study. Making Contact. Anonymity And Confidentiality. 8. Data Analysis. Introduction. The Code Book. Computer Use. Data Matrix. Missing Values. Overview Of Statistical Techniques. Statistical Significance Of The Results. Part III: Reporting The Research Project:. 9. The Research Report. Introduction. Planning. Target Group. Structure Of The Research Report. Style And Layout Of The Report. 10. Presentation. Introduction. Preparing The Presentation. Structure Of The Presentation. The Presentation: Some Rules Of Thumb. Tools. The Audience. 11. Case Study - The Transpost Case. Introduction. Problem Orientation. Research Model and Variables. Research Strategy. Collecting Existing Data. Practical Implementation. Data Analysis. Reporting. Presentation. Further Reading. Appendix: Checklist For Evaluating Research Reports. Index

About the Author :
Mandy van der Velde is currently Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at Utrecht School of Governance, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Paul Jansen is Professor of Industrial Psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Neil Anderson is Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Review :
"This is a thoroughly user-friendly introduction to business research methods, taking students through the research process in a logical and applied way. I see it being recommended on many courses, both final-year undergraduate and MBA." John Hassard, UMIST "The Guide to Management Research Methods has served us well on the Research Methods course in our Bachelor programme, which is now taught in English. The students will welcome the first English language edition." G. de Jong, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam