Module Code 單元編號 EDA4137 Module Title 單元名稱 HONOURS PROJECT (I): RESEARCH METHODS AND PROPOSAL FOR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Module Synopsis 單元概要 This course aims to develop students as researchers, inquirers and knowledge creators in the area of executive management; and prepare them for conducting a research-based or an inquiry-based project in Honours Project II: Research Report for Executive Management. The course introduces basic research knowledge and principles of research methods for students to use and/or conduct research in/about/for educational and non-profit organizations, and ethical issues in the research process. (See Part A of Course Content) Besides general knowledge of research method, specific topics such as basic Operational Research, purposes and methods of case study, programme evaluation, mixed method, comparative method, experiential design, visual research and action research will be highlighted in order to facilitate students developing their proposals for conducting a research-based study in their chosen topic within the area of executive management. Students are encouraged to use creative methods which are appropriate for the inquiry of various dimensions of executive management. (See Part B of Course Content) The course emphasizes students’ roles as users of research as well as researchers themselves and the process of action research and/or action learning. Topics include recognising the value of educational research, understanding the process of research, the search and effective use of literature, identifying research topic and questions, features of research proposal and research report, ethical issues in educational research and reliability and validity of different research methods. Students will be guided to identify a topic, conduct a literature review, select appropriate methods of data collection and analysis/inquiry, and write a proposal.