Teaching research methodology is a core component in developing new researchers, however it is often a major challenge for many academics to pass on this knowledge and skills. To be a competent researcher it is necessary not only to acquire skills in the techniques, but also to have an understanding of the philosophical issues which underpin research. As a result, many research methodology courses can be superficial with the emphasis being placed on collecting and analysing data. This may not be sufficient for the purposes of quality academic research. However, some good work is being done in this field in various parts of the world and the Innovation in the Teaching of Research Methodology Awards provides an opportunity to highlight such initiatives.  

Past winners have included projects on Generating a Journal Article from a Thesis or Dissertation; Field Training Research Assistants and Using Storytelling and games to Teach Sampling Techniques and qualitative research. These projects have come from a wide range of countries including Malaysia, South Africa, UK and the Netherlands.  

To enter the competition this year we ask you, in the first instance, to submit a 300 word abstract describing the initiative. If your proposal is suitable you will be invited to submit a case history of no more than 3000 words which will be considered as an entry to the competition. A panel of international adjudicators will evaluate the case histories. When preparing your abstract, keep in mind that full case history submissions will be structured around the following headings:  

• Introduction to the specific objectives of the teaching initiative;
• The infrastructure i.e. people, systems, exercises, or perhaps hardware, software if any;
• The challenges that were encountered, how they developed and how they were overcome;
• How the initiative was received by the learners;
• The learning outcomes that were achieved and how they were measured and evaluated;
• Plans to further develop the initiative.

Authors of the top rated initiatives will be invited to register and attend the European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies (ECRM) in Derry ~Londonderry on 19 June 2025 to present their case histories to the judges and conference participants.  Finalists will also have their case histories included in a book.  Prizes will be awarded to the initiative judged to be the most creative thinking with regards to teaching Research Methodology.  

All presenters in the awards must attend the physical conference.

Important Dates   

• Abstract Submission – 08 January 2025
• Notification of Abstract Acceptance – 22 January 2025
• Full Case History Submission –  03 March 2025
• Finalists announced – 03 April 2025

If you have any queries please email: marti@academic-conferences.org