Essay About Business Research Methods And Course Outline Mba Program

Business Research Methods – Course Outline
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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 ObjectivesTo 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 booksA) TextbookThe 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, 2011V.   Pedagogical ApproachThe 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 WeekTopicsHrsActivities (Exercises, Quizzes, Stages of Business Research Project, Mid- term and Final exam)1st Course OverviewIdentifying a Business ProblemFormulation of Business Problem as a Research ProblemResearch as a processReview of literature2Business Research Project (BRP):Group formation 2rd Designing Business researchData collection approaches2BRP: Topic definitionSummary 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 designing24th Research Methods for ExplorationSecondary data analysis2Quiz-1BRP: Research goals & objectivesIntroduction and motivation for the Study Literature review Developing the hypothesisIdentifying data sources5th Focus groupsDepth Interviews2Focus group exercise6th Observation methodsSurvey method (mail survey / telephonic and face to face interviews)27th   Designing Sampling surveys for collecting data.Issues regarding the sample size and bias in the collected data28h  Designing Experiments for causal research2BRP: Research planDeciding  methodology, recommended sample frame and size, sample source, Quiz-29th Introduction to Statistical Packages (Eg, SPSS) Using Cross tabulations with statistical packages for business problems2SPSS exercises10th Parametric and non-parametric tests using statistical packages2SPSS exercises11th Data analysis and interpretation by using simple linear models 2BRP: Making Instrument for data collection12th Issues regarding the validity of the results in linear model213th Data analysis and inferences with the data on nominal or interval scales214h Writing research reports 2BRP: Final report  PreparationObjectives and methodologyExecutive summary & recommendationsDetailed Analysis and findings15thPresentations of Final reports by the students2Final Exam