Business Research Methods - Course Outline
Essay by Tejaswi Reddi • November 13, 2015 • Research Paper • 1,353 Words (6 Pages) • 1,658 Views
Institute of Management Technology
Academic City, Dubai
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Course Outline
MBA Program: Business Research Methods
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I. Course Description
This course introduces the importance and use of research orientation for gathering better information that aids in complex management decision making. This course aims to provide a broad understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues involved in conducting the systematic inquiry in the field of business.
II. Course Objectives
- To provide an overview of the research process used in Modern Business.
- To provide knowledge of tools and techniques required to conduct research.
- To develop research skills to identify the types of methods best suited for investigating different types of problems and questions.
- To develop capacity to come out with relevant research questions based on a critical appraisal of existing research and come out with a research proposal based on the research questions identified.
- To inculcate the ability to carry out the research by collective data, analyzing data, interpret the results and write a report based on the research outcomes.
- To develop capability to take appropriate business decisions based on the research undertaken.
III. Learning Outcomes
After completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the awareness of research process used in business.
- Demonstrate understanding of various statistical tools and techniques applied in research.
- Identify the methodology to be used for a given research problem.
- Show the ability to come out with the relevant research questions to be addressed after reviewing the existing literature in the area.
- Demonstrate ability to come out with appropriate research proposal, carry out research scientifically and come out with answers to the research questions by writing a report.
- Recommend solutions and take appropriate business decisions based on the finding of the research undertaken.
IV. Textbook and reference books
A) Textbook
The main textbook for the course is:
Donald R. Cooper, Pamela S. Schindler, ‘Business Research Methods’ Eleven’th Edition, Mc Graw Hill, 2011.
B) Other References
- Sreejesh, S, Mohapatra, Sanjay, Anusree, M R, ‘ Business Research Methods: An applied orientation’, Springer.
- Larry B. Christensen, R. Burke Johnson, Lisa A. Turner, ’ Research Methods, Design, and Analysis’, Pearson, 2011
V. Pedagogical Approach
The course employs a balanced mix of lectures/class discussions, exercises and project. Class lectures and discussions provide an exposition of key concepts and Exercises/projects provide an opportunity to apply the theories, concepts, and analytical devices developed in the lectures.
VI. Course Evaluation
All students are expected to observe the academic rules and regulations of the IMT. Please refer to your Student Handbook for specific details. Feel free to ask your instructor or Program Director if you have any questions as to how those rules and regulations apply to this course. NOT knowing the rules is not an excuse for breach of the rules Regular attendance is expected of all students. Assignments are important part of this course. All assignments must be handed-in on the due dates. Evaluation would be based on class participation, presentations, assignments, tests, projects etc. and a Final Examination.
Evaluation scheme is as follows:
- Business Research Project 40%
- Quizzes 10%
- Class participation 10%
- Mid Semester Exam 15%
- Final exam. 25%
Total 100%
VII. Course Delivery Plan
Week | Topics | Hrs | Activities (Exercises, Quizzes, Stages of Business Research Project, Mid- term and Final exam) |
1st | Course Overview Identifying a Business Problem Formulation of Business Problem as a Research Problem Research as a process Review of literature | 2 | Business Research Project (BRP):
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2rd | Designing Business research Data collection approaches | 2 | BRP: Topic definition
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3rd | Measurement, scaling and instrument designing | 2 | |
4th | Research Methods for Exploration Secondary data analysis | 2 | Quiz-1 BRP: Research goals & objectives Introduction and motivation for the Study Literature review Developing the hypothesis Identifying data sources |
5th | Focus groups Depth Interviews | 2 | Focus group exercise |
6th | Observation methods Survey method (mail survey / telephonic and face to face interviews) | 2 | |
7th
| Designing Sampling surveys for collecting data. Issues regarding the sample size and bias in the collected data | 2 | |
8h | Designing Experiments for causal research | 2 | BRP: Research plan Deciding methodology, recommended sample frame and size, sample source, Quiz-2 |
9th | Introduction to Statistical Packages (Eg, SPSS) Using Cross tabulations with statistical packages for business problems | 2 | SPSS exercises |
10th | Parametric and non-parametric tests using statistical packages | 2 | SPSS exercises |
11th | Data analysis and interpretation by using simple linear models | 2 | BRP: Making Instrument for data collection |
12th | Issues regarding the validity of the results in linear model | 2 | |
13th | Data analysis and inferences with the data on nominal or interval scales | 2 | |
14h | Writing research reports | 2 | BRP: Final report Preparation
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15th | Presentations of Final reports by the students | 2 | Final Exam |
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