Research design and methodology

This chapter outlines the research process undertaken to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business postgraduate students’ learning within UK higher education institutions. Employing a mixed-method design grounded in a critical realist philosophy, the study integrates qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and quantitative data from surveys conducted with MBA students and academics across multiple universities. The research follows an inductive approach to generate new insights where limited theory exists, using thematic and statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Trustworthiness and validity are ensured through triangulation, transparency, and adherence to ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approval. Overall, the chapter establishes a rigorous methodological foundation for understanding how AI influences postgraduate learning experiences in higher education.