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◄Faculty of Economics and Administration►

EXGA6122 PHILOSOPHY AND METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH
Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, students are able to:

(1) Examine the logic of scientific discovery and what
constitutes novelty in research;
(2) Apply the different types of research methodologies;
(3) Formulate a research proposal;
(4) Apply the rationale behind epistemological and
ontological research;
(5) Compare the usage of inductive and deductive
research; and
(6) Analyse the limits of research.

Synopsis of Course Using examples from past research and methodologies,
Contents this course seeks to examine in its entirety the whole value
chain of the philosophy and methodology of research so as
to help equip students with a better understanding of how to
undertake research, analyse data and write scholarly and
policy papers. Following a sequential exposition of the
philosophy, the epistemological and ontological
underpinnings of research and methodology, and the data
collection, estimation and interpretation procedures, the
course exposes students to a critical understanding of all
the main methodologies used today and to equip them with
both qualitative and quantitative instruments to analyse
data. The course will emphasize throughout elements of
objectivity and subjectivity, and bounded rationality and the
limits of research. Lectures will be supplemented with a
critical examination of the methodological frameworks used
in selected leading publications.
Assessment Methods Continuous Assessment: 70%
Final Examination: 30%
Main Reference Earl Babbie (2002), Social Research, Thomson Learning,
USA.

EXGA6181 RESEARCH PAPER

Learning Outcomes At the end of the course, students are able to:

(1) Formulate a research question;
(2) Integrate information from the relevant literature;
(3) Design a research framework;
(4) Analyze the information/data collected using statistical
techniques and appropriate software;
(5) Assess the significance and implication of research
findings;
(6) Adapt ethical practices in the conduct of research; and
(7) Write a research report.
Synopsis of Course The course is designed to train students in conducting a
Contents research in economics and writing a research paper.
Students are guided by at least one supervisor from the
development of a research project to preparation of the
report. The stages include identification of a research
question, designing a study, literature review (analysis,
synthesis and critic of empirical research and theory), data
collection, data analysis, analysis of the findings to answer

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