Complex Problems and Dealing with them on a Research Methods Course in a Business School

Area of Science:

• Systems Science
• Educational Research

Background:

• Complex situations require effective engagement strategies.
• The VIPLAN Methodology offers a holistic framework for managing complexity.
• Research is conceptualized as engagement with complex problem situations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the VIPLAN Methodology embedded in a postgraduate research methods course.
• To assess if this holistic approach enhances students' ability to define research problems.
• To explore the utility of VIPLAN in navigating situational complexity.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a postgraduate research methods course over three years, using data from the previous two.
• Analysis of student marks and dissertation topics.
• Conceptual explanation and application of the VIPLAN Methodology principles.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates a positive impact on student performance, particularly in establishing research questions.
• Holistic approach improved students' ability to move from situational understanding to problem definition.
• Five-year perspective suggests sustained positive effects.

Conclusions:

• Introducing VIPLAN principles into research methods courses enhances students' capacity to handle complex situations.
• The methodology positively influences the crucial step of formulating a research question.
• A holistic approach is beneficial for postgraduate research skill development.