Request full copy

Research Methods for Business Students, 8th edition

Published by Pearson (May 27, 2019) © 2023

  • 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

Title overview

Support your students' journey to a successful dissertation

Research Methods for Business Students, 8th edition is the best-selling guide for students who need support to complete their dissertation or research-led project.

The latest edition includes updated features, recent cases, and new examples that will offer

This edition includes a Companion Website.

them additional support on the methodology to complete their project.

This edition is also available in Revel®.

Hallmark Features of This Title

A comprehensive textbook covering the entire research process.

  • From choosing their topic and critically reviewing the literature to collecting and analysing data, this text will offer your students the methodology to complete and present their project report.
  • Your students can delve deeper into the understanding of philosophies and ethics and the significance of secondary data in the quality of their work.

A book with a clear structure, including chapter checklists, help your students organise their work.

  • Chapter boxes and end-of-chapter cases explore topical examples, support reflection, and encourage your students to generate material for their project.
  • Appendices and glossary of over 700 research-related terms further support their work.

The most highly cited text in business, marketing, accounting, and economics

Research Methods for Business Students is now the most highly cited text in business, marketing, accounting, and economics, according to the global Power Teaching Rankings, 2021, a new ranking measure compiled for the Financial Times coming from 5m titles and cited in more than 7m syllabuses.

Source article: Harvard's ‘teaching power' puts business school in the lead for influence.

New and updated features of this title

Chapters fully updated and revised according to the latest developments in research methods.

  • New case studies: The recent research undertakings help your students keep their research up to date.
  • Innovative observation research methods: The additional research tools explore the use of audio recordings, visual images, and videography, encouraging your students to expand their research skills.
  • Technological development: Reflection on the latest research developments using online survey tools and general analysis software.

Updated features for your students' successful collection of sophisticated data.

  • Research diaries: A new section on the use of diaries to collect data.
  • What does it mean to be 'critical': Discussion and analysis for a successful critical literature review.
  • Academic posters: Advice and guidance on how your students can prepare and present a poster.

Table of contents

Brief Contents

  1. Business and management research, reflective diaries and the purpose of this book
  2. Choosing a research topic 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. Utilising secondary data
  9. Collecting data through observation
  10. Collecting primary data using research interviews and research diaries
  11. Collecting primary data using questionnaires
  12. Analysing data quantitatively
  13. Analysing data qualitatively
  14. Writing and presenting your project report

Bibliography

Glossary

Author bios

Mark NK Saunders is Professor of Business Research Methods and Director of Postgraduate Research Programmes at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.

Philip Lewis was a Principal Lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire.

Adrian Thornhill was a Head of Department at the University of Gloucestershire.

Need help?Get in touch

Video
Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

Pearson eTextbook: What’s on the inside just might surprise you

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. It’s the same with your students. Meet each one right where they are with an engaging, interactive, personalized learning experience that goes beyond the textbook to fit any schedule, any budget, and any lifestyle.