Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
MBM6010
Module Title
RESEARCH METHODS FOR MANAGERS
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 hours (2 x 1 hour lecture per week) |
| Practical | 2 hours (computing practical) |
| Other | 4 hours (4 x 1 hour example classes, plus tutorials as required) |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 2 Hours (open book, in class test) | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours (written examination) | 70% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours [If open book test passed (50% or more), mark is carried forward with weighting 30% and supplementary exam wil contribute 70%. If open book test failed, supplementary exam will be 100%.] | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, a student should be able to
- To assess the research studies carried out by others
- To define and commission effective research studies
- To prepare convincing research proposals
- To demonstrate understanding of methods of conducting research in a business context
- To evaluate research reports and assess the reliability and validity of research findings
Brief description
Nurturing of information and knowledge are indispensable tools for helping ensure the continuity and sustainability of any organisation. They have to be acquired first and then assessed before they can be utilised in the decision-making proces. This is where the usefulness of business research methods lies.
Through the application of careful scientific methods, and by using proven analytical and evaluative tools and techniques, corporate managers can acquire insights into issues which they can use to help them accomplish their organisational goals and objects, set correct priorities, adopt prudent strategies and approaches, handle risks and effectively manage their resources.
The module will give a comprehensive introduction to the subject of business research methods and includes the fundamentals of all modern and universally applied research concepts, tools and techniques, research design, survey design, fielding research projects, data input and analysis, as well as secondary research.
Through the application of careful scientific methods, and by using proven analytical and evaluative tools and techniques, corporate managers can acquire insights into issues which they can use to help them accomplish their organisational goals and objects, set correct priorities, adopt prudent strategies and approaches, handle risks and effectively manage their resources.
The module will give a comprehensive introduction to the subject of business research methods and includes the fundamentals of all modern and universally applied research concepts, tools and techniques, research design, survey design, fielding research projects, data input and analysis, as well as secondary research.
Aims
The main aim of this module is to provide the basic knowledge of concepts and techniques which are the building blocks of business research methods. The module will cover both qualitative and quantitative methods, using both primary and secondary data. The course will use a hands-on approach, to ensure that students are able to actively carry out business-related research. The application of the acquired theoretical knowledge to real-life situations are paramount course objectives.
Content
Introductory Lecture
Self-introduction, review of module outline, discussion of expectations and assignments
Basic Terminology/Issues in Research Methodology
Definition and role of business research, business research types, theories/concepts, propositions/hypotheses
Research Problem Definition
Searching and reviewing the existing literature, defining a research problem, exploratory research techniques, primary and secondary data and their advantages/disadvantages
Research Methods for Collecting Data
Tools for collecting primary and secondary data - e.g., bibliometrics, surveys, interviews, case study, focus groups, observations and experiments, and their associated advantages/disadvantages
Analyzing and Interpreting Research Data
Preparing data for analysis, statistical tools and techniques, software packages
Communicating Research Findings
Preparing research results for reports and presentations
Self-introduction, review of module outline, discussion of expectations and assignments
Basic Terminology/Issues in Research Methodology
Definition and role of business research, business research types, theories/concepts, propositions/hypotheses
Research Problem Definition
Searching and reviewing the existing literature, defining a research problem, exploratory research techniques, primary and secondary data and their advantages/disadvantages
Research Methods for Collecting Data
Tools for collecting primary and secondary data - e.g., bibliometrics, surveys, interviews, case study, focus groups, observations and experiments, and their associated advantages/disadvantages
Analyzing and Interpreting Research Data
Preparing data for analysis, statistical tools and techniques, software packages
Communicating Research Findings
Preparing research results for reports and presentations
Reading List
Recommended TextBrynam, A. & Bell, E. Business Research Methods 2 Edition Oxford University Press Primo search Saunders, M.N., Lewis, P. & Thomhill, A. Research Methods for Business Students 5 Edition Prentice Hall Primo search Supplementary Text
Cooper, R. & Schindler, P. Business Research Methods McGraw-Hill Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7