ACX4000 Research design and methods
Faculty of Business and Economics
ACX4000 Research design and methods is a level 4, 12-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Caulfield
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
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Requisites
Before ACX4000
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ACX4000
4 units list ACX4000 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
You must be enrolled in course B3701, B6023 or B6038 to undertake this unit.
If you are enrolled in course B6038, you must be accepted into the Research Pathway to undertake this unit.
Overview
This unit introduces the research design process and a broad range of methodologies used in accounting research. It examines the foundations of scientific inquiry and the key components of research in accounting, including methodology selection, data considerations, and ethical issues. You will develop skills in formulating research questions and hypotheses, and in designing and applying appropriate research methods.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Caulfield | On campus, block |
Assessment
- Project45%
- Project30%
- Written15%
- Presentation10%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
critically analyse the philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry and assess their implications for research design in accounting
- 2
analyse and compare the ontological and epistemological assumptions underlying major research traditions in accounting, and justify the research positioning of a given study
- 3
apply and evaluate validity frameworks (conclusion, internal, construct, and external validity) to assess the rigour of accounting research designs
- 4
critically evaluate and justify the selection of major research methods in accounting— archival, experimental (laboratory and field), and survey/qualitative — considering their assumptions, strengths, and limitations
- 5
design and develop a coherent research proposal that includes a clearly articulated research question, theoretically grounded hypotheses, and an appropriate research design
- 6
effectively communicate and defend research design decisions through written and oral presentations.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
This unit engages you in enquiry-based learning, where you will be encouraged to use your own knowledge to develop and engage in a process of enquiry, study and research to identify areas to be investigated and an approach to doing so.
This unit allows you to develop your research skills by engaging in structured inquiry using a systematic approach and discipline-specific methodologies.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.
This unit allows you to engage in guided, immersive experiences to develop relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes through simulation or virtual practice.
Where it fits
ACX4000 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2027 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Soon-Yeow Phang
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ACX4000?
ACX4000 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after ACX4000?
ACX4000 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including ACF5003, ACF5004, ACX4019 and ACX4020.
When is ACX4000 offered?
In 2027, ACX4000 runs in Semester 1 at Caulfield.
How much work is ACX4000?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ACX4000 have an exam?
No. ACX4000 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include ACX4000?
ACX4000 is part of Accounting.