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MDD2QLA2: Introduction to Qualitative Techniques
Module code: MDD2QLA2
Module provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour; Henley Business School
Credits: 15
Level: NA
When you'll be taught: Semester 1
Module convenor: Professor Jane McKenzie, email: jane.mckenzie@henley.ac.uk
Pre-requisite module(s):
Co-requisite module(s):
Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):
Module(s) excluded:
Placement information: No placement specified
Academic year: 2024/5
Available to visiting students:
Talis reading list: Yes
Last updated: 19 November 2024
Overview
Module aims and purpose
Module aims and purpose
This module covers basic and advanced qualitative approaches to research within their related epistemological perspectives. It examines the flexible application of frequently used methodological approaches for qualitative business and management research, considering how the main data collection methods and analytical techniques can be combined within them or used in isolation and how sampling choices affect the contribution from the research. It emphasises the importance of transparent and well justified choices for research quality in different qualitative traditions, the role of reflexivity and the practical implications of the researcher’s role. The module helps the researcher make informed choices regarding the suitability of particular approaches for their research.
The module is structured in two parts:
1. A basic element for all programme members which aims to:
• Situate various qualitative methodologies within their underlying epistemological assumptionsÂ
• Discuss qualitative research practices associated with subjectivist approaches to data collection and analysis
• Examine the benefits and limitations of the primary methods and techniques for qualitative data collection and analysis for different types of research problem and question
• Emphasise the reflective and reflexive practices essential to qualitative methodsÂ
• Appraise the implications of qualitative sampling techniques and units of analysis
• Practice some basic qualitative data collection and analysis
• Deepen critical judgement of the quality of previously published qualitative research
2. Advanced tutorials for people intending to use qualitative research as part of their thesis, which aims to:
• Identify common challenges that arise in qualitative research practice
• Discuss steps for refining a qualitative research project to satisfy criteria for making a rigorous and relevant contribution to knowledge and practiceÂ
• Examine convincing structures for writing up results to a standard worthy of publicationÂ
• Develop practical skills in using software for qualitative data analysis
The key objectives are to enable programme members to:
• Develop knowledge and understanding of qualitative methods even when the researcher is not going to apply qualitative methodologies in their DBA research
• Recognise how qualitative methods align with methodologies to answer specific types of research questionsÂ
• Develop judgement about what prior qualitative research contributes to their own research Â
• Gain some basic experience in collecting and analysing a small but meaningful sample of qualitative dataÂ
• Recognise the value and challenges of reflection and reflexivity in the practice of qualitative data collection and analysisÂ
The objective of the advanced element of this module is to put the learning into practice through a simulated pilot study that will allow programme members to design, collect and analyse some qualitative data.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module it is expected that programme members will be able to demonstrate:
- How a qualitative methodology could address a research question by justifying suitable methods for sampling and data collection in the light of its philosophical underpinnings, showing critical reflection on the  effects from epistemological assumptions on qualitative methodologies
- The use of an appropriate analytical technique to a sample of qualitative data to demonstrate how patterns in raw data can be synthesised at conceptual level to produce rigorous findings, acknowledging any limitations in the process, and where relevant, demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate software for qualitative data analysis
- Demonstrate an appropriate degree of reflectivity and reflexivity about all the methodological choices and explain how this gives credence to the trustworthiness of results
- Report findings in a clear, concise and organised manner.
Module content
The module teaching is structured around one 6-day workshop covering methods for data collection and analysis in broad terms and the two final days are designed to dig deeper into the challenges and nuances of applying the methods.
Key topics include the:
• Skills of the qualitative researcher
• Selection of suitable qualitative methodologies, methods and techniques to suit different types of research questionsÂ
• Selection of suitable samples, unit of analysis and confirmatory techniques
• Identification of the practical challenges of data collection methods
• Assessment of fit between data collection methods like interview, focus group, observation and secondary and methodological approaches like grounded theory, ethnography, narrative and case study methodologiesÂ
• Identification of the purpose and practice of different analysis techniques like thematic analysis, template analysis, framework analysis, discourse and narrative analysis and others
• Reflection on the implications for quality of different choices in the various qualitative research traditions
• Know and apply the necessary skills related to reflexivity and judge how the quality of qualitative research can be enhanced with triangulation
• Introduction to appropriate qualitative analysis software
The context of the research may be global in nature, therefore, cultural issues will be highlighted to be taken into account when collecting, analysing and interpreting data.
Teaching will involve a combination of lectures, group seminars, practical experiential learning and individual activities in the form of guided self-study. Pre workshop briefings will give guidance as to the preparatory readings and exercises required to get the best from the teaching.Â
Structure
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will involve a combination of lectures, group seminars, practical experiential learning and individual activities in the form of guided self-study. Pre-workshop briefings will give guidance as to the preparatory readings and exercises required to get the best from the teaching.Â
The contact hours are shown by semester in the table below for illustrative purposes only. The actual timing will vary depending on your cohort start date.
Study hours
 Scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 32 | ||
Seminars | |||
Tutorials | 16 | ||
Project Supervision | |||
Demonstrations | |||
Practical classes and workshops | |||
Supervised time in studio / workshop | |||
Scheduled revision sessions | |||
Feedback meetings with staff | |||
Fieldwork | |||
External visits | |||
Work-based learning | |||
 Self-scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Directed viewing of video materials/screencasts | |||
Participation in discussion boards/other discussions | |||
Feedback meetings with staff | |||
Other | 60 | ||
Other (details) | Advance preparation for classes and wider reading | ||
 Placement and study abroad |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Placement | |||
Study abroad | |||
 Independent study hours |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Independent study hours | 42 |
Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.
Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.
Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.
Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.
Assessment
Requirements for a pass
Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.
Summative assessment
Type of assessment | Detail of assessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of assessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written coursework assignment | The application of a choice of qualitative research protocols to a research question from a prespecified range with reflection on a pilot study | 100 | 4,500-words (+20%-10%) | Submission deadlines are provided in your cohort schedule and can be found on Blackboard |
Penalties for late submission of summative assessment
This module is subject to the Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes policy, which can be found at:
/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties to work submitted late:
- where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark;Â
- where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.
Reassessment
Type of reassessment | Detail of reassessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of reassessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written coursework assignment | One re-submission is permitted for failed assignments | 100 | 4,500-words (+20%/-10%) | Date dependent on cohort entry and to be advised by the Programme Administrator |
Additional costs
Item | Additional information | Cost |
---|---|---|
Computers and devices with a particular specification | ||
Printing and binding | ||
Required textbooks | ||
Specialist clothing, footwear, or headgear | ||
Specialist equipment or materials | ||
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence | Travel to, and attendance at a workshop (may require accommodation/subsistence) |
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.