This course covers the nature, scope and significance of research methodologies in social sciences, particularly in accounting field. It emphasizes the theoretical and practical perspectives on how research can be conducted in real business world. Among subjects covered in this course are research methodological issues and research methods such as research paradigms, research design, data collection methods, relevant statistical techniques for data analysis, interpretation and report writing. The course is also designed to guide students to develop their individual research proposal based on an accounting issue of their area of interest.

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify and explain scientific research and methodological concepts and issues.
2. Define research process and apply research techniques; research design, measurement, data collection methods, sampling, data analysis, interpretation and report writing.
3. Critically identify and explain research issues in accounting field and its place within the broader body of accounting literature.
4. Develop and demonstrate an informative oral communication of a scholarly research proposal.

This course is composed of several parts. The first part introduces philosophy of science and its influence on scientific research method paradigms. The second provides students with tools to plan and initiate their own research proposal. The third part discusses issues in research designs. Within this part a consideration will be given to ethical and political issues relating to social research. Later, this course contains depth coverage of data collection methods that are important for students in accounting field to carry on their own research. Dealing with collected data and report writing are covered in the fifth part of this course. At the end of this course, more emphasize will be given to the research methodologies in accounting research.

The course is made up of a combination of lectures, workshops, and student presentations. Students are encouraged to explore research issues and problems in complex contexts using social, ethical, economical, political and global perspectives and to develop analysis and investigation skills that are required to undertake more advanced research. It is important all students appreciate that the dialogue involves all class members.

Robson C. and McCartan (2016) Real world research, 4^th Edition Wiley.
Bhattacherjee Anol (2012) Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices, University of South Florida (Link)
Olalere, Taiwo, Methodology in Accounting Research: A Critique of Taxonomy (September 2, 2011). Available at SSRN: link(1) or link(2)

Cooper, D. and Schindler, P. (2011). Business Research Methods. 11^th Edition. Singapore: McGraw-Hill.
Saunders, M., P. Lewis, et al. (2007). Research methods for business students. 4^th Edition. Prentice Hall, Pearson Education.
Creswell John W. (2009) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4^th Edition, SAGE: PDF is available at: Google search results
Further readings will be provided during the course term.