Outline

Overview

This unit is aimed at introducing Business School HDR students to a broad range of qualitative approaches to business research. Students discover the practical aspects of research design accompanying each of the approaches. Through this unit, students learn how to choose a qualitative method that is appropriate for a particular research enquiry, while keeping in mind the epistemological fit with the research question. The unit also helps students understand the implications of adopting qualitative research methods.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Business School
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ECOF7903
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Cary Di Lernia, cary.dilernia@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Engagement and Participation (Weeks 2-12) This is a readings-based course. Students are expected to be able to explain and discuss relevant concepts, engage with peers, and answer questions posed by the coordinator. Marks awarded for depth, clarity, and consistency of engagement with readings.	30%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Critique of qualitative research paper Students are required to search for and select a recent (last 3 years) research paper in their area of research interest employing qualitative method/s, develop a plan for critique, obtain coordinator approval, and present their critique to the class.	20%	Week 10	10-20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Final Presentation Critiques Engaged critiques on other students’ Final Presentations in Week 13. For further information, see description of Final Presentation.	20%	Week 13	10-20 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final Presentation Students are required to draft and present a pitch for a research project in their area of research interest employing qualitative method/s, defend their design choices against critiques from the audience, and write a reflection on the entire process.	25%	Week 13	10-20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written reflection Students are required to write a reflection on the entire process of drafting, presenting, and responding to critiques of their pitch for a qualitative research project in Week 13. For further information, see description of Final Presentation.	5%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Jun 2026	Final Presentation Reflection	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Engagement and Participation (Weeks 2-12): This is a readings-based course. Students are expected to come to class having completed set readings, be ready to explain and discuss relevant concepts therein, engage with peers, and answer questions relating to said readings posed by the coordinator. Marks will be awarded for the depth, clarity, and consistency of engagement with the said readings evidenced in workshops.

Critique of qualitative research paper: Students are required to search for and select a recent (last 3 years) research paper in their area of research interest employing qualitative method/s, develop a plan for critique, obtain coordinator approval, present their critique to the class, and answer questions and critiques arising.

Final Presentation: Students are required to draft and present a pitch for a research project in their area of research interest employing qualitative method/s, defend their design choices against critiques from the audience, and write a reflection on the entire process.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will be applied per University policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 02	Introduction and Briefing – In-Person Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	Qualitative Research in Theory – Reading Week – In Person Discussion and Consultation Session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	Qualitative Research in Theory – In-Person Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 05	Qualitative Research in Practice – Reading Week – In Person Discussion and Consultation Session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 06	Qualitative Research in Practice – In-Person Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	Qualitative Methods Deep Dive – Reading Week 1 – In Person Discussion and Consultation Session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	Qualitative Methods Deep Dive – In-Person Workshop / Guest Seminar	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 09	Qualitative Methods Deep Dive – Reading Week 2 – In Person Discussion and Consultation Session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	Qualitative Methods Deep Dive – In-Person Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	Writing Qualitative Research Papers – Reading Week – In Person Discussion and Consultation Session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Writing Qualitative Research Papers – In-Person Workshop / Guest Seminar	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Final Presentations – In-Person Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is expected/required unless prevented by accepted reason.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

TBA

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the general principles and methods of qualitative research, including the different genres and when and how to apply them
LO2. understand and apply the best practices prescribed in the literature in relation to the collection and analysis of qualitative data
LO3. identify a research gap within your majoring discipline that can be addressed by qualitative research, and design a qualitative study to fill the gap.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback from previous iterations of the course is reviewed in the process of formulating new offerings.

Additional information

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BUSS7903: Qualitative Business Research Methods

Research Period 2 Units, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links