Essays24.com - Term Papers and Free Essays
Search

Business Research Methods - Course Outline

Essay by   •  November 13, 2015  •  Research Paper  •  1,353 Words (6 Pages)  •  1,528 Views

Essay Preview: Business Research Methods - Course Outline

Report this essay
Page 1 of 6

Institute of Management Technology

Academic City, Dubai

[pic 1]

Course Outline

MBA Program: Business Research Methods

[pic 2]

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

  1. To provide an overview of the research process used in Modern Business.
  2. To provide knowledge of tools and techniques required to conduct research.
  3. To develop research skills to identify the types of methods best suited for investigating different types of problems and questions.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6.  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:

  1. Demonstrate the awareness of research process used in business.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of various statistical tools and techniques applied in research.
  3. Identify the methodology to be used for a given research problem.
  4. Show the ability to come out with the relevant research questions to be addressed after reviewing the existing literature in the area. 
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. Sreejesh, SMohapatra, SanjayAnusree, M R, ‘ Business Research Methods: An applied orientation’, Springer.
  2. 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:

  1. Business Research Project                                                        40%
  2. Quizzes                                                                        10%
  3. Class participation                                                                10%
  4. Mid Semester Exam                                                                15%
  5. 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):

  • Group formation

2rd 

Designing Business research

Data collection approaches

2

BRP: Topic definition

  • Summary in paragraph format of the topic you are proposing to research.
  • Statement of the reasons you are proposing to study this topic.

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

  • Objectives and methodology
  • Executive summary & recommendations
  • Detailed Analysis and findings

15th

Presentations of Final reports by the students

2

Final Exam

...

...

Download as:   txt (7.3 Kb)   pdf (242.4 Kb)   docx (123.5 Kb)  
Continue for 5 more pages »
Only available on Essays24.com
Citation Generator

(2015, 11). Business Research Methods - Course Outline. Essays24.com. Retrieved 11, 2015, from https://www.essays24.com/essay/Business-Research-Methods-Course-Outline/64526.html

"Business Research Methods - Course Outline" Essays24.com. 11 2015. 2015. 11 2015 <https://www.essays24.com/essay/Business-Research-Methods-Course-Outline/64526.html>.

"Business Research Methods - Course Outline." Essays24.com. Essays24.com, 11 2015. Web. 11 2015. <https://www.essays24.com/essay/Business-Research-Methods-Course-Outline/64526.html>.

"Business Research Methods - Course Outline." Essays24.com. 11, 2015. Accessed 11, 2015. https://www.essays24.com/essay/Business-Research-Methods-Course-Outline/64526.html.