Module Information
Module Identifier
MMM7010
Module Title
RESEARCH SKILLS FOR MANAGERS
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Practical | 4 hours (4 computing practicals) |
| Other | 8 hours (8 x 1 hr example clases & tutorials as required) |
| Lecture | 20 hours (20 x 1 hr lectures per week) |
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 will 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 o any organization. They have to be acquired first and then assessed before they can be utilized in the decision-making process. 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 organizational 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.
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.
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 organizational 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.
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.
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. In addition to this aim the intention is to enable the students to develop the knowledge and skills required.
Content
Basic Terminology/Issues in Research Methodology
Definition and role of business research, business research types, theories/concepts, propositions/hypotheses, planing and design issues in research
Problem Definition
Searching and reviewing the existing literature, exploratory research techniques, primary and secondary data and their advantages/disadvantages
Research Methods for Collecting Data and Its Representation
Tools for collecting primary and secondary data - e.g., surveys, interviews, case study, observations and experiments, and their associated advantages/disadvantages
Role of different mathematical, statistics tools and hypothesis testing
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
Definition and role of business research, business research types, theories/concepts, propositions/hypotheses, planing and design issues in research
Problem Definition
Searching and reviewing the existing literature, exploratory research techniques, primary and secondary data and their advantages/disadvantages
Research Methods for Collecting Data and Its Representation
Tools for collecting primary and secondary data - e.g., surveys, interviews, case study, observations and experiments, and their associated advantages/disadvantages
Role of different mathematical, statistics tools and hypothesis testing
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 Oxford University Press Primo search Cooper, R. & Schindler, P. Business Research Methods McGraw-Hill Primo search Curwin, J., and Slater, R. (2000) Improve Your Maths, A Refesher Course Thomson Learning Primo search Curwin, J., and Slater, R. (2001) Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions 5 Edition Thomson Learning Primo search Fleming, M. C., and Nellis, J. G. (2000) Principles of Applied Statistics 2 Edition Thomson Learning Primo search Gill, J. & Johnson, P. Research Methods for Managers Paul Chapman Publishing Primo search Saunders, M.N., Lewis, P. & Thomhill, A. Research Methods for Business Students Prentice Hall Primo search Swift, L., and Piff, S. (2005) Quantitative Methods for Business, Management and Finance Palgrave Macmillan Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7