Research Methods: Issues and Research Direction

This paper proposes a research plan to investigate the research methods issues (i.e. research design, sampling methods, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, measurement scales, and reliability/validity tests, among others) used in business students’ thesis/dissertation works in institutions of higher learning. Specifically, the proposed research aims to help in understanding the dominant research methods used by thesis/dissertation research students in the field of business management in institutions of higher learning, shed light on possible relevant research methodology issues in business management education and proffer managerial and theoretical recommendations that will assist research methodology in business disciplines in institutions of higher learning. Among other things, the proposed investigation is expected to help in assessing the quality and relevance of business research works in higher institutions; assist in repositioning business education curricula to align with academic, regulatory and industry expectations; improve the quality and relevance of research works undertaken in business schools in institutions of higher learning; and stimulate research in cognate areas.