Research Methods in Concentration

SYLLABUS MAN 6525
RESEARCH METHODS IN CONCENTRATION
3 CREDIT UNITS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course facilitates students to learn qualitative and quantitative methods of business research. Business research used by business organization, consultant, and business decision makers as they attempt to systematically understand business phenomena based on experience, experimentation, or observation (evidence). Such a research is conducted to answer research questions or to test hypotheses (educated guess). The course covers four broad topics: the foundations of behavioral and social science, research design, data collection, and data analysis. Students will get exposure on the latest trending topics of research for each concentrations. This course will have opportunities to learn by doing in all aspects of the course—in class meetings, the computer lab, out-of-class assignments, and case analysis approach so that students could get insight on their thesis topics.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:

1. Design excellent research proposal based on concentration;
2. Formulate good research questions and hypothesis for relevant research;
3. Collect data using a variety of methods;
4. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills;
5. Present the research findings; and
6. Provide recommendations based on research findings.

MAIN TEXTBOOK

• Cooper, D.R. and Schindler, P.S. (2019). Business Research Methods, 13th Edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York, NY. (CS).

ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS

• Neumann, W.L. (2011). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. (N)
• Additional materials will be distributed during the sessions.

LEARNING METHOD

This method is a particular type of learning methods under the student-centered learning (SCL) paradigm. In this approach, students are active learners to find and construct their own knowledge. The instructor serves only as a facilitator to help students achieve learning objectives and develop interpersonal skills. The class time will be devoted to discuss any concepts, materials, and or issues in the subject.

EVALUATION METHOD

1. Mid-term Exam (25%)
2. Proposal Presentation (25%)
3. Discussion & Participation (20%)
4. Assignment and Quiz (30%)

COURSE SESSIONS

The course Business Research Methods weighs 3 credit units which is held in 14 sessions of lectures and 2 sessions of exams @ 150 minutes for regular class and 12 sessions of lectures and 2 sessions of exams @ 180 minutes for the executive class.

Session	Topic	Reading Materials
1	Sources of knowledge and style of thinking Approach to social science Dimensions and Major Type of Research	CS (Ch. 3, 6)
2	Aspects of Theory Forms of Explanation Defining Problems Theoretical framework	CS (Ch. 3, 5)
3	Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Quantitative measurement: conceptualization and operationalization Inductive and deductive measurement process Formative and reflective indicator measurement models	CS (Ch. 7, 11, 12)
4	Validity and reliability of measure Commonly used scales	CS (Ch. 11, 12)
5	Unit of Analysis Sampling: accuracy and precision Sampling: Probability and non-probability	CS (Ch. 14)
6	Basic evidence of causality Experiment vs. Ex-post facto Experimental design	CS (Ch. 9)
7	The logic of survey research Steps in the process of survey research Constructing the questionnaire	CS (Ch. 10, 13)
Mid-Term Exam
8	Observation Studies Unobtrusive measures Content analysis Existing Statistics and secondary analysis	CS (Ch. 8)
9	Case Study Hypothesis testing Data analysis, research findings, conclusions, and recommendations	CS (Ch. 7, 17, 18, 19, 20)
10	Research proposal presentation and discussion
11	Research proposal presentation and discussion
12	Research proposal presentation and discussion
13	Research proposal presentation and discussion
14	Research proposal presentation and discussion
Final Exam