Business and Management Research
Book Reviews
Business and Management Research: How to Complete Your Research Project Successfully
Westburn Publishers: Helensburgh, Scotland (2003)
Michael J. Baker
What is the positioning of this book? Who is it for? The positioning of this book in its author’s words is: “While there is no shortage of textbooks and monographs dealing with all aspects of research…experience in preparing students for project research work has highlighted that few offer a comprehensive overview of the issues and options facing the student embarking on [a major research project] for the first time.” Thus, the book is designed for self-study by students who are embarking on a research project. It is not limited to traditional research theses, such as Honours, MPhil/MSc, or PhD, but also covers coursework degree research projects such as MBA projects. However, it is not intended as a textbook for a conventional undergraduate or postgraduate Market Research course. In terms of research students (as in Honours, Masters, and PhD theses), one of Michael Baker’s strong qualifications for this topic is that he has supervised over 50 doctoral candidates to successful completion (!). Additionally, he has been an examiner for many doctoral theses, a journal editor, a head of department, etc. (there is not enough space here to go through his long CV of achievements!). Baker is also a frequent visitor to Australasia as a visiting professor. He not only researches marketing, but also practices marketing as an author/editor of over 30 books, each with its own target audience, such as this one. The content of the book serves to introduce students to how to do a research project, with an annotated set of Recommendations for Further Reading for pursing specific topics in more depth. The book’s coverage is indicated in its 15 chapters: 1. The Role of Research Projects in Business and Management Studies 2. Philosophical Issues and the Conduct of Research 3. Writing a Research Proposal
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Business and Management Research: How to Complete Your Research Project Successfully
Westburn Publishers: Helensburgh, Scotland (2003)
Michael J. Baker
What is the positioning of this book? Who is it for? The positioning of this book in its author’s words is: “While there is no shortage of textbooks and monographs dealing with all aspects of research…experience in preparing students for project research work has highlighted that few offer a comprehensive overview of the issues and options facing the student embarking on [a major research project] for the first time.” Thus, the book is designed for self-study by students who are embarking on a research project. It is not limited to traditional research theses, such as Honours, MPhil/MSc, or PhD, but also covers coursework degree research projects such as MBA projects. However, it is not intended as a textbook for a conventional undergraduate or postgraduate Market Research course. In terms of research students (as in Honours, Masters, and PhD theses), one of Michael Baker’s strong qualifications for this topic is that he has supervised over 50 doctoral candidates to successful completion (!). Additionally, he has been an examiner for many doctoral theses, a journal editor, a head of department, etc. (there is not enough space here to go through his long CV of achievements!). Baker is also a frequent visitor to Australasia as a visiting professor. He not only researches marketing, but also practices marketing as an author/editor of over 30 books, each with its own target audience, such as this one. The content of the book serves to introduce students to how to do a research project, with an annotated set of Recommendations for Further Reading for pursing specific topics in more depth. The book’s coverage is indicated in its 15 chapters: 1. The Role of Research Projects in Business and Management Studies 2. Philosophical Issues and the Conduct of Research 3. Writing a Research Proposal
4.
References: Alpert, F. and Kamins, M., 2004. Doctoral coursework is needed in Australasia. Australasian Marketing Journal 12 (1), 66-73. Hart, C. 1996. Doing a Literature Review. Sage Publishing: London. Philips, E.M. and Pugh, D.S., 1994. How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and Their Supervisors, 2nd edition. Open University Press: Buckingham. Perry, C., 1998. A structured approach for presenting theses. Australasian Marketing Journal 6 (1), 63-86. Polonsky, M.J., Lawson, R., Uncles, M.D., Johnson, L.W., Wilkinson, I. and Alpert, F. (1998). Perspectives on academic publishing: advice for those just starting. Australasian Marketing Journal 6 (2), 63-80. Uncles, M., 1998. A structured approach for presenting theses: commentary. Australasian Marketing Journal 6 (1), 87-94. Frank Alpert Griffith University 108 Australasian Marketing Journal 12 (3), 2004