Research Skills for Business Administration Level 2

This course aims to narrow the divide between theory and practical application in business management research. It has been crafted for PhD candidates, both prospective and current, grappling with the challenge of acquiring intermediate skills and knowledge to wrap up their thesis or dissertation within a two-year timeframe. The focus is on mastering research principles within the realm of business administration. The goal is to equip participants to adeptly apply theories and principles, staying abreast of the latest developments in business administration to enhance competitiveness in the field.

Purpose of the course

This course is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in business management research, serving as a preparatory step for candidates eventually entering MBA and PhD degree programmes at NQF levels 9 and
10. The objectives include fostering the ability to craft a compelling research argument at the PhD level, demonstrating proficiency in conceptualising contemporary research problems in business management and administration, analysing methodologies employed by management researchers, showcasing advanced skills in critically reviewing cutting-edge research and literature in the business management and administration discipline, and attaining high-level proficiency in identifying and assessing potential research areas, particularly within the framework of PRME.

Admission requirements

Degree (NQF 7)

Learning assumed to be in place

Participants in this NQF level 7 programme are expected to demonstrate proficiency in key areas. These include crafting a clear research problem, conceptualising issues in contemporary business management and administration, analysing how management researchers conduct projects, and showcasing advanced skills in evaluating and critically reviewing research literature. Additionally, participants are anticipated to possess advanced abilities in research argumentation, problem statement formulation, scientific literature review, and their application to specific research studies, particularly within the context of PRME.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Outcomes	Assessment Criteria
Integrated knowledge and coherent understanding of writing a PhD-level research argument in support of stating a clear research problem or case.	Apply advanced and specialised business research skills to assess Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and responsible management practices that can be integrated into philosophies and paradigms.
The ability to access, analyse and conceptualise the research problem in the contemporary business management and administration field.	Apply arguments in support of stating a clear research problem or case to enable advancement in their current research or practices and an advanced scholarship or research in business administration.
Advanced proficiency in analysing the methodologies employed by management researchers in conducting research projects within the field of business administration and management.	Demonstrate command of and ability to develop and write conceptualising research problems to enable advancement in their current research or practices and an advanced scholarship or research in business administration.
High-level proficiency in evaluating and critically reviewing research literature at the forefront of the business management and administration discipline or their specific professional practice of interest.	Evaluate current processes of knowledge production in the evaluation and critically review research/literature at the forefront of the business management and administration discipline or professional practice of interest.
Competence in identifying and assessing potential research areas within various management disciplines under the umbrella of PRME (Responsible Management in Education).	Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of inquiry in analysing how management researchers have conducted research projects in the field of business administration and management.

Assessment

Formative and Summative assessment: Certificate of successful completion

Method of assessment

Assessment method and weight:
The evaluation will be conducted through a series of five individual assignments, each carrying a weight of 20% Candidates will engage in a comprehensive assessment process, requiring the submission of a portfolio of evidence (PoE) comprising five sections, each representing specific outcomes (1-5) and contributing 50% to the overall assessment.
This structured approach ensures a thorough evaluation of their proficiency across the outlined learning objectives. The duration allocated for the completion and submission of the PoE is 2 weeks (14 days), providing ample time for a thoughtful and detailed finalisation of the assessment.