A comprehensive introduction to research methods in business for students planning or undertaking a dissertation or extensive research project in business and management.

The sixth edition of Research Methods for Business Students brings the theory, philosophy and techniques of research to life and enables students to understand the practical relevance of the research methods. A highly accessible style and logical structure have made this the ‘student choice’ and run-away market leader.

The book is written for students on undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in business, or business-related disciplines.

The following online resources support the text:

• For Students: self-assessment questions, glossary, revision “flashcards”, tutorials for SPSS and NVivo, plus Smarter Online Searching Guide

• For Instructors: teaching manual, powerpoint slides, testbank

Mark Saunders is Professor of Business Research Methods at School of Management, University of Surrey. Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill are former Principal Lecturers, Gloucestershire Business School, University of Gloucestershire.

1 Business and management research, reflective diaries and the purpose of this book

2 Formulating and clarifying the research topic

3 Critically reviewing the literature

4 Understanding research philosophies and approaches

5 Formulating the research design

6 Negotiating access and research ethics

7 Selecting samples

8 Using secondary data

9 Collecting primary data through observation

10 Collecting primary data using semi-structured, in-depth and group interviews

11 Collecting primary data using questionnaires

12 Analysing quantitative data

13 Analysing qualitative data

14 Writing and presenting your project report