PR800 Research Methods introduces doctoral candidates to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of research methodologies used in both academic inquiry and professional practice. The unit focuses on building students’ understanding of the philosophical foundations of research, including epistemological and methodological traditions that shape how knowledge is generated and evaluated.

Students examine the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches, and develop the capacity to critically assess the suitability of different methods for addressing complex research and workplace problems. The unit also introduces key concepts in data collection, sampling, measurement, and analytical techniques, enabling students to interpret and evaluate research findings in scholarly and applied contexts.

Attention is also given to research ethics, integrity, and responsible conduct of research, including ethical decision-making, participant protection, and data stewardship. Through engagement with real-world examples from organisational and professional settings, students develop the analytical skills required to critically interpret research and apply methodological principles in diverse contexts.

This unit provides the methodological and conceptual foundation for doctoral study, preparing candidates to engage with advanced research design and the development of their doctoral research proposal

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate major qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches used in academic and applied research contexts.
2. Analyse the philosophical foundations of research, including key epistemological and methodological traditions that inform scholarly inquiry.
3. Assess the strengths and limitations of different data collection and analysis methods in addressing complex research and organisational problems.
4. Apply principles of research ethics and integrity in the design and conduct of responsible research.

PR801 Supervised Research Proposal is an advanced research preparation unit in which doctoral candidates design and refine the scholarly foundations of their PhD thesis. Under the guidance of their supervisors, students undertake a systematic exploration of the academic literature relevant to their proposed field of inquiry and develop the conceptual and methodological framework for their doctoral research.

The unit requires students to compile an annotated bibliography that critically evaluates key scholarly sources, demonstrating the breadth and depth of existing research in their discipline. Building on this foundation, students produce a comprehensive literature review that synthesises major theories, debates, and research findings, identifying gaps in current knowledge that justify the proposed study.

Drawing on the insights developed through the literature review, candidates then prepare a formal research proposal outlining the research problem, research questions or hypotheses, theoretical framework, methodology, data collection and analysis strategies, ethical considerations, and expected scholarly contributions. The proposal is presented in both written form and through a viva voce presentation, allowing candidates to defend and refine their research design through academic dialogue with supervisors and/or a review panel.

Successful completion of the unit demonstrates that the candidate has developed a rigorous and viable doctoral research plan and is prepared to proceed to the thesis research phase.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Evaluate existing research relevant to their field of study
2. Debate the different types of research (legal, conceptual, empirical)
3. Formulate a concise research problem or hypothesis that is suitable for advanced research.
4. Develop a research proposal

Supervised Thesis

The supervised thesis is the principal component of the PhD candidature and represents a sustained program of independent research conducted under the guidance of an academic supervisory panel. Through this component, candidates design and undertake an original research project that makes a significant and demonstrable contribution to knowledge or professional practice within their field of study.

Throughout the candidature, candidates work closely with their supervisors to refine their research questions, apply appropriate theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, collect and analyse data, and critically engage with relevant literature. Regular supervisory meetings provide academic guidance, feedback, and support to ensure the research maintains scholarly rigour and progresses in accordance with approved milestones.

The thesis culminates in the preparation of a substantial written dissertation that presents the research context, methodology, findings, and contribution to knowledge. Candidates are expected to demonstrate advanced skills in critical analysis, scholarly communication, and independent inquiry. The completed thesis is submitted for examination by independent experts in the field, who assess the originality, methodological quality, and scholarly significance of the research.

Candidates can submit their work as:

A written thesis of 60,000 to 80,000 words OR

A minimum of four (4) peer-reviewed journal articles accepted and published and a integrative doctoral manuscript.