Research Methods for Business Students, 9th edition

Published by Pearson (1 July 2024) © 2025

  • Mark N. K. Saunders Professor of Business Research Methods, University of Birmingham
  • Philip Lewis Formerly of University of Gloucestershire
  • Adrian Thornhill Formerly of University of Gloucestershire
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Products list

Access details

  • Instant access once purchased
  • Offline access via app

Features

  • Learn with videos and interactives*
  • Highlight-to-translate in 100+ languages
  • Practice with quizzes and flashcards
  • AI-powered study support*

*Available for some titles

Products list

Access details

  • Instant access once purchased
  • Offline access via app

Features

  • Learn with videos and interactives*
  • Highlight-to-translate in 100+ languages
  • Practice with quizzes and flashcards
  • AI-powered study support*

*Available for some titles

Title overview

Conducting effective research is a vital skill for success in business, marketing, and management studies. Research Methods for Business Students provides step-by-step guidance through the entire research process, from developing a research idea and reviewing the literature to designing a study, collecting and analysing data, and presenting findings. Clear explanations, practical examples, and structured learning support help learners build confidence in planning and executing research projects. Fully updated to reflect contemporary research practice, the content explores both traditional and emerging approaches while addressing the challenges and opportunities facing researchers today. 

Learners develop the knowledge and practical skills required to complete high-quality research projects and dissertations. The content supports every stage of the research journey, helping learners evaluate literature, select appropriate research designs, address ethical considerations, gather and analyse data, and communicate findings effectively. Real-world case studies, practical checklists, self-reflection activities, and online datasets encourage learners to apply concepts directly to their own projects. Coverage of Internet-mediated research, visual methods, sustainability, and evolving ethical issues helps learners engage with current research practices and professional expectations.

Who It's For

Designed for Business, Marketing, and Management students undertaking a research project or dissertation.

Samples

Preview sample pages from Research Methods for Business Students >

Table of contents

  • 1. Research, reflective diaries and the purpose of this book
  • 2. Generating a research idea and developing your research proposal
  • 3. Critically reviewing the literature
  • 4. Understanding research philosophy and approaches to theory development
  • 5. Formulating the research design
  • 6. Negotiating access and research ethics
  • 7. Selecting samples
  • 8. Obtaining and evaluating secondary data
  • 9. Collecting primary data using observation
  • 10. Collecting primary data using interviews and diaries
  • 11. Collecting primary data using questionnaires
  • 12. Analysing data quantitatively
  • 13. Analysing data qualitatively
  • 14. Writing and presenting the project report
  • Appendix 1: Systems of referencing
  • Appendix 2: Calculating the minimum sample size
  • Appendix 3: Guidelines for non-discriminatory language

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