The Research Skills 1 module introduces the candidate to the important concepts of knowledge and how to evaluate research papers available through various academic networks. Research integrity, reliability and quality are the focus of the module. Upon completion of the module Candidates will be able to discern good quality research from poor.  Candidates will be able to examine a chosen piece of research and critique the research based on the chosen method and methodology and whether the research achieved its stated goals and aims. 

This module builds on the knowledge gained in the Research Skills 1 module and introduces the candidate to the Monarch Standard Research Method. The candidate will further investigate the important differences between quantitative and qualitative research and their appropriateness for specific applications within business research. The module emphasizes the use of phenomenological research methods as applied to business research. The module covers the important concepts of Literature and Methodological triangulation and its importance in ensuring greater reliability of research results. At the completion of the module the candidate will be able to design a piece of research and execute the field research component to the satisfaction of a graduate level requirement. 

The research plan module focuses on the development of a 10 to 15 page research plan that outlines the intended research to be carried-out by the candidate. The research plan is developed with the assistance of the professor to ensure quality completion and understanding of the necessary components required of a graduate level academic research plan in business studies. Successful completion of the module is considered with the approval of the research plan by the Administration and the continuation of the program into the research phase.

The research phase of the M.A portion begins with the successful completion of the research plan module. At this stage, the candidate continues the research portion of the program by executing the authorized research plan. The MA research manuscript is begun and is divided into four distinct sections that are developed as an integrated whole: 1. Introduction and Background of the Problem, 2. Literature Review and Critique, 3. Methodology 4. Synthesis and Summary. The M.A. manuscript is a scholarly piece of research that focuses on the scholarship within the chosen domain of study. It should show mastery of the scholarly literature within the chosen domain and an understanding of graduate literature research methodology. Successful completion of the M.A. manuscript concludes the program and prepares the candidate for further academic or applied research within  management or academia. The M.A. in Business Research is the perfect stepping stone to the PhD in Business Research or the Doctor of Social Science.