COM511 Communication Audits and Applied Research (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Communication (COMUN)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject examines the main research methods used by organisational communication and public relations practitioners. It critically examines theoretical positions, use of major and emerging research methods, and explores communication audits and public relations communication evaluation.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Bathurst |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: COM511
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Not available to students who have completed COM502 Communication Research 1 and COM503 Communication Research 2
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to critically evaluate the application of the major research methods and designs used in organisational communication and public relations practice
- be able to commission research for organisational and public relations
- be able to demonstrate knowledge of the differing foci and characteristics of major research methods
- understand the role of, and different approaches to, communication audits and communication evaluation
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Decisions in qualitative research design: data gathering types including interviewing, focus groups, and observation
- Issues of evidence and data analysis in qualitative research: methods of analysis and reporting, including computer assisted techniques
- Secondary research
- Quantitative methodologies and decisions in research design: sampling, research questions, measurement, reliability and validity, generalisability
- Data analysis techniques in quantitative research, including reporting and computer-assisted techniques
- Critiques of qualitative and quantitative research
- Commissioning research
- Industry case studies
- Theory and practice of communication audits
- Theory and practice of public relations evaluation
Residential School
This subject contains a optional 2 day residential school.
The residential school will review subject learning by distance subject material, explore case studies and the application of different research methods.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.