Research is the driving force behind human progress and is fueled by our natural curiosity. To satisfy this curiosity, we ask questions, analyse data and immerse ourselves in learning processes. Without inquiry and a healthy dose of curiosity, our knowledge and progress would stall and the modern world would be entirely different. Research broadens our field of knowledge, helps to increase people’s credibility, brings people closer, aids in solving problems and helps companies scale new heights. Its benefits are multifold and its impact on our collective curiosity and progress cannot be overstated. By utilising appropriate research methods and techniques, anyone can conduct research that produces precise and dependable results. This research methodology course equips you with the skills and strategies required to conduct proper research and obtain the information and solutions you need. We show you how to apply these methods in the world of business and cover diverse topics like assessments, business plans, research reports and more.

We start by introducing you to the concepts of objectives and scope, self-assessment and personal management skills. We'll identify the qualities that students studying business and management should have, including the organisational skills that are crucial for conducting research. We then compare primary and secondary types of background research and their research roles. We study the various types of interviews used in research, including structured and unstructured interviews. The course examines different types of questionnaires and lays out their advantages in terms of research. Recording information from various sources or platforms as a researcher can free you from the shackles of having to recall vital information, which is why note-taking is crucial to the research process as it enables effective information recording and data storage and analysis. We show you how to effectively take and write notes and provide effective reading strategies used to improve memory and comprehension.

The course then moves on to the concept of ‘active listening’ and discusses its purpose and benefits. We show you how to plan research and write a research proposal. We then explain how experienced readers of business plans review and evaluate them and lay out the dos and don'ts of writing a successful business plan. The course includes a data science section that provides data analysis methods. Finally, we take you through the steps of reaching research conclusions and provide effective ways to interpret and communicate research findings while making recommendations and identifying research limitations. Research is widely recognised in the business field and the academic community. It helps us to understand the world around us, make decisions, identify goals and resolve issues. This research methods course has no prerequisites and is designed for anyone who wants to acquire these skills, from students to business moguls. Research plays a key role in business so sign up to hone your research skills and learn how to apply them to grow your business.