Research Skills for Business Administration Level 1

This course aims to support PhD students in gaining admission to and completing their thesis/dissertation within two years. It provides a thorough grasp of fundamental research principles in the field of business administration, with a focus on empowering participants to apply relevant theories and principles for competitiveness in the field.

Purpose of the course

The course aims to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in business administration, equipping candidates for eventual entry into a PhD degree programme at NQF level 10. The objectives include demonstrating competence in applying philosophies and paradigms within the field, understanding methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, developing advanced skills in creating data collection tools and utilising statistical software, proficiency in qualitative research methods, and competence in quantitative research methods specific to business administration and management research.

Admission requirements

National Senior Certificate (NQF 4)

Learning assumed to be in place

English language proficiency and basic computer literacy skills.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Outcomes	Assessment Criteria
Detailed knowledge and clear understanding of philosophies and paradigms within the field of business management research.	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.
Detailed knowledge and clear understanding of applicable methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.	Demonstrate skills in the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods to enable advancement in their current research or practices and an advanced scholarship or research in business administration.
An ability to effectively implement and apply advanced skills in the development of data collection tools, data handling, and using appropriate statistical software.	Demonstrate command of and ability to design, select, and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, or technologies in the development and application of data collection tools, data handling, and use appropriate statistical software to enable advancement in their current research or practices and an advanced scholarship or research in business administration.
Detailed knowledge and clear understanding of high-level skills in qualitative research methods.	Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of inquiry in qualitative research methods.
An ability to effectively implement competence in quantitative research methods.	Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of inquiry in quantitative research methods.

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.