DRM706 Advanced Research Methods in Risk Management (F/650/5661) Assignment Brief 2026

Unit Aim

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ ability to prepare for various types of academically based management research through the development and design of a research proposal. Learners will develop a critical understanding of the philosophical, practical and ethical concepts of research within the context of the business environment.

Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Criteria

Indicative content

• Understanding the research context; research problem identification for investigation; research topic identification; the conceptualisation of a research problem; developing insights; and feasibility and possibilities.
• Definition, features and ways to do literature review; the generic selection of literature; spotting the sources of literature; justification of an appropriate selection of literature; : the selection of appropriate theories for the research; conceptualisation of the research phenomenon; including relevant theories and the justification of choices; the strength and credentials of relevant theoretical framework; the understanding and interpretation; and developing the theoretical framework.
• Designing a research using the most appropriate method; research question or hypothesis test; reliability and validity test; ethical issues consideration; quantitative methodology; questionnaire design and distribution; conducting interviews; surveys; qualitative methodology; interviews; observation; and case studies.
• Writing a research report for professional audiences; following a criteria sequence as rationale of the research, formatting, editing, critical analysis, discussions of evidence and findings.

Suggested Resources

• Bryman, Alan and Emma Bell (2015). Business Research Methods (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Chilsa, B. (2012) Indigenous Research Methodologies London: Sage
• Denzin, N.K., Lincoln Y.S., and Tuhiwai Smith, L. (2008, Eds.) Handbook of Critical and Indigenous Methodologies London: Sage
• Hantrais, Linda (2009). International Comparative Research: Theory, Methods and Practice. Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave
• Piekkari, R. and Welch, C. (2011, Eds.): Rethinking the Case Study in International Business and Management Research, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
• Marschan-Piekkari, R. and Welch, C. (2004, Eds.): Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods for International Business, Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar
• Neuman, W.L. (2011) Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Boston and London: Pearson Education