BBM521/03 Research Methods

Research Methods is an important course for all of us. Managers in organizations, for example, may want to do research in order to make good decisions. This course explores the meaning of research and explains the steps in the research process. It also discusses various designs of research, such as case studies and quasi-experiments. Once you have decided on the design, you must collect suitable data. You will learn about the various methods to collect data, such as interviews and surveys as well as types of data. Oft times you need to do sampling, that is, you must use a sample, or a small part of the population of your interest in your research. Probability and non-probability sampling will be discussed. Data that you have collected should be analyzed using various statistical methods which will be discussed in this course. Last but not least, the results of your research should be documented in a well-written and effective report. Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
• comprehend the meaning of research and the need to do research.
• describe and utilize the various types of research designs.
• implement the various techniques of data collection and measurement.
• create a proper sampling.
• analyze the collected data.
• prepare and present a good research report.

Topics
• Introduction to Business Research and Formulation of Research Problem
• Research Design
• Data Collection, Sampling and Data Processing
• Statistical Analysis: Nonparametric Tests and Multivariate Analysis
• Report Writing

Main Reference

Bryman, A. and Emma Bell (2007), Business Research Methods, 2nd Edition., Oxford
University Press: Oxford etc.

Other references

Saunders, Mark, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill (2009), Research Methods for Business Students, 5th Edition., Pearson: Harlow, England.

Leedy, Paul D. and Jeanne E. Ormrod (2010), Practical Research: planning and design, 9th Edition., Pearson: Saddle River, N.J., USA.