Welcome to this Research Methodology module. We believe that this module will be of great value to you during your studies and also in your future career in Human Resource Development. It all depends on whether your competencies will be enhanced and/or strengthened through the planned learning interventions in this module.

Research is essential for HRD practitioners as demonstrated on the undergraduate level in the modules HRDT 221 and HRDT 311, but also for senior HRD professionals who have to manage HRD. What’s more, the Honours degree consists of a major research component consisting of this module (Research Methodology) and a Research Project in the second year (HRDP 671). Advanced research knowledge and application are critical for students who enter post-graduate studies.  Therefore, you commence this Honours degree in the first semester of the first year with this module on Research Methodology.

You are sincerely invited, and challenged, to purposefully grasp every opportunity provided in this module for constructive action about the quest to act and function as a Human Resource Development Professional in the human resource development (and research) interventions you are engaged withWe encourage you to enter the wonderful world of research with us and to enjoy this journey!

Kindly note that this is a 16-credit module that requires 160 notional hours to complete.

The purpose of this module is to equip students with the necessary advanced research design and methodology knowledge and understanding to conduct research at the postgraduate level. The module also links to the contemporary challenges (HRDT 611), particularly the research discourse in HRD. This module is core in preparing students for the research project in the second year of the BHRD curriculum. Hence, this module in research methodology must be passed before students may proceed with the research project in the second year of the BHRD Hons curriculum.