Week 1 – Assignment: Apply the Qualitative Method and the Research Problem

Qualitative Business Research Design and Methodology

(3 credits)

Course Description:

During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, mixed methods, narrative analysis, and phenomenology. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned dissertation research study.

Number of Activities: 9

Learning Outcomes:

1. Examine various qualitative research designs.

2. Determine the relationship between qualitative research and contributions to relevant theory.

3. Critique the use of qualitative design and methodology of prior research.

4. Formulate research questions and protocols appropriate for qualitative studies.

5. Design qualitative research studies.

Course Concepts:

1. Qualitative Research Method and the Research Problem

2. Qualitative Research Designs

3. Case Study and Phenomenology

4. Ethnography, Grounded Theory, and Other Designs

5. Qualitative Research Procedures and Participant Selection

6. Research Ethics and Qualitative Analysis

Primary Resource/textbook:

Bloomberg, L. D., & Volpe, M. (2019). Completing your qualitative dissertation: A road map from beginning to end (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

NCU School of Business Best Practice Guide for Qualitative Research Design and Methods in Dissertations

Course Overview

Section 1: The Qualitative Method and Research Designs

Week 1: The Qualitative Research Method and the Research Problem

Week 1 Assignment: Apply the Qualitative Method and the Research Problem (10 Points)

Week 2: Qualitative Research Methodology

Week 2 Assignment: Appraise the Merits of Using the Qualitative Method (10 Points)

Week 3: Determining the Value of Qualitative Designs

Designs Part I: Case Study and Phenomenology

Week 3 Assignment: Justify the Use of Qualitative Designs: Case Study or Phenomenology (10 Points)

Week 4: Determining the Value of Qualitative Designs

Designs Part II: Ethnography, Grounded Theory, and More

Week 4 Assignment: Create an Instructor’s Presentation to Teach Students about Qualitative Research Designs (10 Points)

Section 2: Qualitative Research Processes

Week 5: Qualitative Research Procedures and Participant Selection

Week 5 Assignment: Formulate a Strategy for Data Collection (10 Points)

Week 6: Research Processes for Qualitative Analysis

Week 6 Assignment: Analyze Qualitative Data (10 Points)

Section 3: Designing a Qualitative Study

Week 7: Designing a Qualitative Study

Week 7 Assignment: Signature Assignment: Design a Qualitative Study (25 Points)

Week 8: Research Ethics and Article Critique

Week 8 Assignment 1: Critique a Qualitative Article (10 Points)

Week 8 Assignment 2: Complete CITI Certification (5 Points)