25938 Research Methodologies
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
The proficient use of research methodologies is essential for undertaking an academic research project or higher degree research. This subject is designed help graduate students choose and apply appropriate methodologies to address research questions in Finance. The subject runs over four consecutive days, with each day devoted to a particular research methodology.
The following methodologies are investigated: (1) systematic literature reviews, (2) qualitative research, (3) surveys and experimental research, and (4) econometrics. The general approach is to describe each methodology and explain how it is used, before providing concrete examples of its use in the published literature. Additional readings and resources are also provided, so that students can gain a deeper understanding of each research methodology, and they are given a hands-on example where they can practice applying it themselves. The subject also highlights the key methodological issues and concerns that attract the attention of journal editors and reviewers, so that students can successfully position their research for journal publication.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a chosen research methodology for answering a given research question |
|---|---|
| 2. | Implement an appropriate research methodology to address a given research question |
| 3. | Evaluate the methodological choices in a research paper, and identify the benefits, shortcomings, and avenues for improvement |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):
- Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
- Professional and technical competence
This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives in the Doctor of Philosophy:
- undertake original research, supervised by a senior member of the school's academic staff
- prepare a proposal, present it and gain approval before proceeding
- advance knowledge, work should be of a standard publishable in an international refereed journal
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will be taught in intensive mode in four workshops over consecutive days. Students will have access to a variety of preparatory material via the LMS, which will allow them to prepare for the workshops. The workshops themselves will be devoted to discussion and demonstration of the various research methodologies. These activities will be supplemented with additional electronic learning materials and resources. The LMS will be used to share information and encourage interaction between staff and students. Over the course of the subject, students will be required to complete a group presentation, as well as an individual research proposal, based on one of the research methodologies.
Content (topics)
- Systematic Literature Reviews
- Qualitative Research
- Survey and Experimental Research
- Fundamentals of Econometrics
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Presentation* (Group) and Reflection (Individual)
| Intent: | Group presentation (30%) |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 15-minute group presentation and 5-minute recorded video |
| Criteria: |
*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero. |
Assessment task 2: Research Proposal (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 and 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | 1500 words |
| Criteria: |
|
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
There are no required texts.
References
References to published articles used to demonstrate the methods considered will be provided via the LMS.