Program Overview

CUS551 Customs Research Methods

The subject introduces students to research methodology and planning in the context of the Customs Administration and its related disciplines. The subject focuses on research traditions and paradigms relevant to the student's discipline, and the nature of the research process, including planning and designing a research project. In consultation with their supervisor/mentor, students will be required to propose/select a research topic, develop appropriate research method(s), and undertake a preliminary literature review.

Subject Outlines

Current students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

• Session 1 (30)
  • Online
  • Canberra Campus
• Session 2 (60)
  • On Campus
  • Port Macquarie Campus
  • Online
  • Canberra Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• Centre for Customs and Excise Studies

Subject Relationships

• CUS550: This subject is a prerequisite subject for CUS550 Customs Research Project

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate an informed understanding of the broad body of knowledge in the specialist field of customs administration, including recent developments in theory and practice
• be able to demonstrate familiarity with the role and potential of research in the field of Customs Administration and related disciplines, including concepts and theories in a professional and/or academic context
• be able to select, evaluate, justify, and communicate appropriate research methods for their chosen topic area
• be able to develop a research plan to explore critically the issues in their chosen topic area in depth and with balance
• be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the importance and various roles of the literature review in research
• be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the ethical issues in research and their particular relevance to Customs Administration, including recognizing the significance of consent, confidentiality, and other ethical considerations in relation to research
• be able to formulate and articulate well-developed approaches to a research project, including specificity of purpose and a clear set of objectives
• be able to demonstrate the research skills and expertise necessary to prepare a major paper or a work-based project

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Research Process, Planning, and Design
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies
• Developing a research proposal
• Conducting a review of the literature
• Ethics in research