Doing research is an important activity of the for today’s business environment. Business and economics students need to understanding basic concepts of business research methodology and research process as well as acquiring basic research skill. Application of the basic business research concepts and ability to prepare a sound and acceptable research proposal is part of essential skill for business and economics programmes. Research method is one of the school core subjects. 5. Semester and Year offered: SEM. 2 2012/2013 6. Total Student Learning Time (SLT) Face to Face
Total Guided and Independent Learning L = Lecture T = Tutorial P = Practical O= Others L T P O (see Appendix SLT ) 7. Credit Value: 3 8. Prerequisite (if any): Nil 9. Learning outcomes: At the end of the course students should be able to: To explain the underlying research philosophical assumptions related to the various research paradigms. ( PLO1, C2, P2, A2) To recognize the intricacies of the research process within the various research paradigms. ( PL02, C2, P2, A2) To compare qualitative and quantitative research approaches and various the research methods from each approach.
(PL03, C4, P3, A4, CTPS) To design and articulate a research proposal and project based on group work. ( PLO5 C4,P4, A2, TS3) To outline ethical issues in conducting research projects and to understand the protocols governing the ethical clearance of research projects. (PLO3, C2, P3, A3, CTPS) 10. Transferable Skills : Planning and conducting research project Problem solving skill -Techniques for generating research ideas and topics Literature search skill Data analysis and report writing skill Writing research proposal Team working 11. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy
The Coursework on Research and Distance Learning
Throughout this assignment I intend to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of research methodology. I will examine how research is used to support practice and policy. I will address research terminology and the roles and responsibilities of the researcher. Our group research project will be critically analysed. Kumar (2001) implies research is more than a set of skills. Research is a way ...
Lectures, Tutorials, midterm examination, group project assignment , presentation and final examination 12. Synopsis The course is designed to provide students with good foundation in the research methodology and the application of research to issues of current concern in business and management. The course is structured to provide a broad understanding of research and research methodologies. It aims to enhance the student’s understanding business research concepts and provide students with the knowledge, understanding and necessary skills to complete a piece of business research proposal and project.
The course focuses on the analysis of business problems and the use of scientific research as a problem-solving tool. Students are taken step-by-step through the research process, while numerous worked examples, real-life case studies and student activities bring to life the realities of undertaking business research. This encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate research study, research designs, research statistics, and the use of the computer for data analyses, report writing and presentation. 13. Mode of Delivery Lecture, Tutorial, group project and presentation. 14.
Assessment Methods and Types Presentation of research proposal – 20 minutes -10% Literature review (2000 words) -10% Mid-term evaluation -20% Group Research Proposal Project and assignment -20% (3000 words) Final examination -40% 15. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Aims Refer to Program aims in program structure 16. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Learning Outcomes Refer to Course /module learning outcomes matrix 17. COURSE OUTLINE WEEK 1 Chapter 1 The Nature of Business and Management Research This chapter outlines the purpose and distinct focus of management research.
The Research paper on Us And Them A Research Proposal
Section 0.0: Introduction “Americans do not know Malaysia or Burma or even India… they know an image of Burma generated by our media… Americans believe what they are told to believe, they perceive what they are told to perceive, they feel what they are told to feel by or media.. they do not know these countries at all.. (Stagner, 1967: 12). The research issue revolves around the theme that western ...
It gives understanding to place the research project on a basic-applied research continuum according to its purpose and context and gives understanding on the stages to be completed (and revisit) as part of a research process. Assigning Groups for Research Proposal Discussion on Research Proposal Topic and Objectives (I-Introductory) Tutorial: Discussion Questions: 1) What research is all about? 2) Describe the characteristic of scientific method (What is scientific research? ) 3) What is problem statement? How to write a problem statement References: Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A.
(2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 2 Chapter 2 Formulating and Clarifying Research Topic This chapter gives understanding to generate ideas that will help in the choice of a suitable research topic. It also focuses on identifying the attribute of good research and the methods to turn research ideas into a research project that has clear research questions and objectives. Drafting a research proposal is another focus of this chapter. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Group Presentation of Research Proposal title and discussion Discussion Questions:
1) What is business research? 2) What is a thesis? 3) Discussion on Research Proposal Topic and Objectives (II-Concluding) Students must assemble their Group for Research Proposal and Project NOTE: All groups MUST SUBMIT their summary of research proposal to the Tutor by the end of Week 4. FORMAT: Research Topic, Research Problem, and Objectives. Not more than 4 pages. 1. 5 spacing References: Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 3 Chapter 3 Critically Reviewing the Literature
This chapter provides understanding on the importance and purpose of the critical literature review of research project. It discusses on what to include on writing a critical review, keeping a ware of the range of primary, secondary and tertiary literature sources available. It focuses on indentifying the keywords to undertake a literature search using a range of methods including the Internet. This chapter discusses method to evaluate the relevance, value and sufficiency of the literature found, to create reference of the literature found accurately and method to apply the knowledge, skills and understanding gained into a research project.
The Review on Issue Question Research Findings Methods
COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT ABSTRACT Succinct summary Use keywords INTRODUCTION: what this is all about Background to the issue Rationale for this project, ie. Why do it? How the issue / question relates to existing theory and practice Broad parameters of the research project, eg. location, research approach & methods (refer to the notes handed out on Research Methods earlier in the ...
Tutorial: Research Proposal: Group Presentations of the literature review and Problem Statement Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 4 Chapter 4 Understanding Research Philosophies and Approaches This chapter defines the key terms epistemology, ontology and axiology and explain their relevance to business research. It explains the relevance for business research of philosophical perspective such as positivism, realism, pragmatism, interpretivism, objectivism and constructionism.
This chapter also outlines the main research paradigms which are significant for business research and distinguish between the main research approaches: deductive and inductive. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Group Presentation and Discussion on research objectives Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 4 Chapter 5 Formulating the Research Design The chapter defines the importance of having thought carefully about the research design.
It identifies the main research strategies and explains why these should not be thought of as mutually exclusive. It also explains the difference between quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and analysis procedures. The chapter also explains the benefit of benefits of adopting multiple methods to conduct research, the implications of adopting different time horizons for research design. It also clarifies the concepts of Tutorial: Research Proposal: Discussion and Group Presentation on the Scope of Study and Significance of the Study Main Text: Saunders, M.
, Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 5 Chapter 6 Negotiating Access and Research Ethics This chapter gives an overview of the issues related to gaining access and research ethics and evaluates a range of strategies to help gain access to organization and individual participants. It also focus on how to anticipate ethical issue at each stage of research process and be aware of a range of strategies to help to deal with this.
The Business plan on Data Warehousing Warehouse Business Information
Data Warehouses MGT 327 April 13 th, 2004 In the past decade, we have witnessed a computer revolution that was unimaginable. Ten to fifteen years ago, this world never would have imagined what computers would have done for business. Furthermore, the Internet and the ability to conduct electronic commerce have changed the way we are as consumers. One of the upcoming concepts of the computer ...
It also discusses the ethical issues, associated with range data collection techniques, so that can consider these in relation to proposed research methods. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Discussion and Group Presentation on the issues of research ethics faced in your study Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 6 Chapter 7 Selecting Samples This chapter explains the need for sampling in business and management research.
It outlines the range of probability and non-probability sampling techniques and the possible need to combine techniques within a research project. This chapter also explains the method to select appropriate sampling techniques for a variety of research scenarios and its justifications. It also explains method to access the representativeness of respondents and the reasons to generalize from a sample. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Discussion on Sampling Method Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition.
London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 7 Mid-Term Exam (No tutorial class) WEEK 8 Chapter 8 Using Secondary Data This chapter gives understanding of the full variety of secondary data that are available by explaining the ways in which the secondary data can be utilized to help to answer research questions to meet the objectives. It gives the understanding on the advantages and disadvantages of using secondary data in research projects. This chapter also explains the range of techniques, including published guides on the internet, to locate secondary data.
It also explains the suitability of secondary data for answering research question and meeting objectives in terms of coverage, validity, reliability and measurement bias. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Group Presentation and Discussion on Research Variables Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
The Term Paper on Data collection methods
Introduction Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes. Data Collection Techniques include the following: Personal Interviews Conducting personal interviews is probably the best method of data collection to gain ...
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 9 Chapter 9 Observation Studies This chapter focuses on the role that observation may play as a data collection method in the research design.
It also discuss on the two types of observation, participant observation and structured observation, and their differing origins and application. It also explains the threats to validity and reliability faced by two types of observation validity and indentifies the main threats to validity and threats and outlining some of the main ethical issues implied by the choice of research strategy. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Group Presentation and Discussion on Proposed Research framework Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 10 Chapter 10 Collecting Primary Data Using Semi-Structured, in- depth and group interview This chapter gives an overview of research interviews in order to help to understand the purpose of each type, explaining the research situations favoring the use of semi structured and in depth interviews and their limitations. It also reveals the competence to undertake semi-structured and in-depth interviews and the logistical and resource issues that affect their use.
This chapter also explains the relative advantages of using one to one and group interviews, including focus groups, in particular contexts and issues and advantages conducting interviews by telephone and via internet or intranet. Tutorial: Research Proposal: Research Methodology Discussion Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 11 Chapter 11 Collecting Primary Data Using Questionnaires This chapter explains the advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires as a data collection method.
It highlights the self administered and interviewer administered questionnaires and the possible need to techniques within a research project. This chapter also covers the design, pilot and administer a questionnaire to answer research questions and to meet objectives, including the appropriate action to enhance response rates and ensure the validity and reliability of the data collected. Tutorial: Review and discussion on Research Proposal Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
The Review on Factors in connecting students to their curriculum:Research design and methods
Research design is a component of the whole research which indicates the general outline of the research project in regards to data collection and analysis. The project design will show all aspects of the research in regards to the sample population, data analysis, research tools, time schedule, synopsis, research plan, resources among others. One of the researches we are going to examine is ...
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 12
Chapter 12 Analyzing Quantitative This chapter identifies the main issues need to consider when preparing quantitative data for analysis and when analyzing these data by computer. It explains the different types of data understand the implications of data type of subsequent analyses. It expose the data matrix and code data for analysis by computer, and methods to select the most appropriate tables and diagrams to explore and illustrate different aspect of data. This chapter also highlights the most appropriate statistics to describe individual variable and to examine relationship between variables and trends in data.
Tutorial: Final Review and Discussion of Research Proposal Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 13 Chapter 13 Analyzing Qualitative Data This chapter gives the understanding the main issues that need to consider when preparing qualitative data for analysis, including when analysis these data using computer aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS).
It also clarifies the difference between qualitative and quantitative data and gives the understanding of the implications of this for qualitative data analysis.
It discusses both deductive and inductive approaches to, and procedures for, analyzing qualitative data. The chapter also identifies the common functions of CAQDAS and the issues associated with its use. Tutorial : Submission of Research Proposal Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. WEEK 14 Chapter 14 Writing and Presenting your Project Report This chapter gives the view on the writing of the final project report as an exciting report.
It reveals the method to write a final project report that presents an authoritative account of your research by adopting appropriate format, structure and style for the final project report ensuring the report meets the necessary assessment criteria. Tutorial: Revision/Questions and Answers session Main Text: Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited. 18. Main references supporting the course Saunders, M. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012).
Research Methods for Business Students, 6th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited.
Academic Research Journals Research Methodologies Babbie, E. 1973 Survey Research Methods. Belmont Cal: Wadsworth Publishing. Babbie, E. et al. 2003 Adventures in Social Research: Data Analysis Using SPSS for Windows. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press. Block M. 1953 The Historian’s Craft. New York: Knopf. Burawoy, M. ed. 19 Ethnography Unbound. Berkeley CA: University of California Press. Carr, E. H. 1961 What is History? New York: Vintage. Cook, T. and Campbell, D. 1979 Quasi-Experimentation: Design and Analysis Issues for Field Settings. Chicago: Rand McNally Publishing. Denzin, N. 1970 The Research Act.
Chicago: Aldine Press De Vaus, D. A. 2002 Surveys in Social Research. Crows Nest Emerson, R. 1983 Contemporary Field Research. Boston: Little Brown Glaser, B. and Strauss, A. 1967 The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Chicago: Aldine. Gray, G. and Guppy, N. 1999 Successful Surveys: Research Methods and Practice. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Hair, J. et al. 2006 Multivariate Data Analysis. Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Hindess, B. 1973 The Use of Official Statistics in Sociology. London: Macmillan. Morgan, D. 1997 Focus Groups as Qualitative Research. London: Sage Press.
Shalev, M. 1978 “Lies, Damn Lies and Strike Statistics” in Crouch, C. and Pizzorno, A. eds. The Resurgence of Class Conflict in Western Europe Since 1968, Vol. 1. New York: Holmes and Meier. Skocpol, T. 1985 Vision and Method in Historical Sociology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Smelser, N. 1976 Comparative Methods in the Social Sciences. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Whitfield, K. and Strauss, G. eds. 1998 Researching the World of Work. Ithaca NY: Cornell University Press. Yin, R. 1988 Case Study Research. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage NOTES: Students will be assigned into one of the tutorials
Week 7 (W7) is the semester break. Students are required to spend time at the library for literature search and (optionally) at the computer labs for data analysis. Final Project must be submitted by the end of Week 14. All students are compulsory to attend all lectures and tutorial classes. In case of absence (for econs), a FORMAL letter with reason(s) is to be written addressed to Dr. Janice L. H. Nga within two weeks from the date of absence. Letter is to be sent to her pigeon hole (No. 52) in SPE. Students are not allowed to CHANGE his/her tutorial group and shall not REPLACE tutorial class attendance when he/she is absent.
