MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGYSemester 2/2010 ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY Martin de Tours School of Management Department of Management COURSE OUTLINE Semester 2 / 2010 School of Management’s Vision To be the leading international business school in the ASEAN region providing high quality business education to enable graduates to make invaluable contributions to organizations and society. School of Management’s Mission To shape our students into independent-minded graduates who are well-versed in business, able to communicate effectively, tech savvy, innovative, and ethical to successfully face global challenges. COURSE TITLE: PREREQUISITES: MGT 3940 Business Research Methodology BG 2200 Statistics II BIS 3340 Computer Tools in Research Asst. Prof. Dr. Nucharee Supatn Dr. Sasithorn Phonkaew Dr. Ing-Wei Huang Dr. Watcharinpan Noypayak ([email protected]) ([email protected]) ([email protected]) ([email protected]) LECTURERS COURSE DESCRIPTION: A study of scientific research methods for business decision-making and problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on the nature of research, choosing a problem and scope for research in business administration, planning and organizing the research project, methodology and techniques in data collection, design of research project, processing, analysis and presentation of data in appropriate report format. Students will be trained in writing the research report. On completion of this course, students are expected to attain the followings: 1. Theoretical foundations on conducting both basic and applied research. 2. Sufficient knowledge on research types, process, and methodology. 3. Ability to develop a valid and reliable survey questionnaire. 4. Ability to determine appropriate statistical tools for data analysis. 5. Skill of team orientation in order to work as a team. Zikmund, W. & Babin, B. (2010). Business Research Methods. Singapore: South Western-Cengage Learning, 8th edition Cooper D.R. & Schindler P.S. (2003). Business Research Methods. Boston: McGrawHill, 8th edition. Sekaran, U. (2000). Research Methods for Business: a Skill-building Approach. New York: Wiley, 3rd edition. 20 % 40 % 20 % 5% 15 % 100% COURSE OBJECTIVES: REQUIRED TEXT: ADDITIONAL READING: MARK ALLOCATION: Mid-term exam Final exam Group Project:* Report Group Assignments Project Presentation Total * See the details of group project in PAGE 5 Updated on October 11, 2010 1 Intervening variable Theoretical Framework Remarks 2 Group Formation (Not more than 8 members each)* Group Discussions .Respondent errors: non response errors & response bias and Administrative errors .Theory building*** Ladder of abstraction Inductive-deductive reasoning Concepts vs.defining the research objectives The research program strategy Stage I: Problem Discovery Chapter 5: Problem Definition: Jump Starting the Research Process The nature of marketing research problem Problem definition process .What can be done to reduce survey errors? Classifying survey research methods Chapter 9: Survey Research: Basic Methods of Communication with Respondents Media used to communicate with respondents .Set up the main research problem of the research Chapter 6: Qualitative Research Tools What is qualitative research? Qualitative research orientations (Overview) .The proposal as a planning tool .Advantages of surveys Errors in survey research .Moderating variable . 2010 .The proposal as a contract .The problem definition process step .How to apply the exploratory research to the students’ project? Updated on October 11. variables Propositions vs.Problem mean gap .MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semester 2/2010 Chapters and Topics list Week 1 Discussion Class Course introduction Chapter 1: The Role of Business Research Business Research Defined Scope of Business Research When is business research needed? Major Topics for Research in Business Lecture class Introduction to research Chapter 3: The Marketing Research Process Decision making Types of marketing research: Exploratory/descriptive Stages in the research process .Dependent variable .Free association/sentence completion method Stage II: Research Design Chapter 8: Survey Research: An Overview The nature of survey .Random sampling errors VS Systematic errors .Anticipating the outcomes Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Development The Need for a Theoretical Framework: Types of variables .Research plan Handout Hypothesis Development 3 Class work: Brain storming on the research model of the semester project .Personal interview .Conversations .alternatives in the research process .Depth interview .Survey objectives: types of information gathered . hypotheses Clarifying in research questions and hypotheses The research proposal .Grounded theory .How to perform a literature review? .Ethnography .Research topics for student project .What is Secondary data study (Literature review)? .Telephone interview .Independent variable .Case studies Common techniques used in qualitative research .Focus group interview .Self-administered questionnaire Selecting the appropriate survey design 2 4 Class Discussion: . and sampling distribution Central limit theorem Estimation of parameters Sample size Stage V: Data Processing and Data Analysis Chapter 19: Editing and Coding: Editing .The data file . and Sampling Chapter 16: Sampling Designs and Sampling Procedures Sampling terminology Why sample? Practical sampling concepts Random sampling and non sampling errors Probability vs.Techniques for measuring attitudes .Sorting Selecting a measurement scale: some practical decisions Chapter 15: Questionnaire Design Questionnaire quality and design What should be asked? How should questions be phased? The art of asking questions What is the best question sequence? What is the best layout? Stage III: Population Sample. Validity & Sensitivity Remarks 6 Chapter 14: Attitude Measurement Attitudes in marketing research .Data collection plan Assignment: Data Collection Chapter 17: Determination of Sample Size: A Review of Statistical Theory Review of basic terminology The normal distribution Population distribution.Sample size determination .Ranking .Attitude rating scales . in house editing .Sampling plan . Interval scale & Ratio scale Index measure Three criteria for good measurement: Reliability.Field editing vs.Targeting the population for students’ project .Code construction Chapter 20: Basic Data Analysis: Descriptive Statistics The nature of descriptive analysis Tabulations & Cross tabulations Data transformation Calculating rank order Tabular and graphic methods of displaying data 10 Class Work: Pre-coding the questionnaire Stage IV: Data Collection Updated on October 11.Coding the qualitative response . non-probability sampling What is the appropriate sampling design? 7 Class work: Questionnaire development II 8 Class work: Questionnaire development III Each group is expected to have the usable version of questionnaire Mid-term Examination (Chapter 1-9. sample distribution.Specifying the sampling technique. 2010 3 .MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semester 2/2010 Week 5 Discussion Class Class work: Research framework and core literature reviews Comments and Modification of the framework Research questions and research hypotheses (Student project) How to apply survey design to the students’ project Class work: Questionnaire development I Questionnaire should be developed based on the research framework of the students’ project Lecture class Chapter 13: Measurement What to measure: Concepts & Operational definitions Levels of scale measurement: Nominal scale. 13-15 and supplement handout) 9 Class work: . completeness & questions answered out of order Coding .Editing for consistency.Measuring behavioral intention . . Ordinal scale. and Research Follow-Up Insights from the communication model The reports in context Report format Effective use of graphic aids The oral presentation Other Research Designs Chapter 7: Secondary Data Research in a Digital Age (Overview) Chapter 10: Observation (Overview) Observation in marketing research Observing human behavior Observation of physical objects Content analysis Chapter 11: Experimental Research (Overview) The nature of experiments Basic issues in experimental design Wrap Up 13 Class Work: Data Analysis & Hypothesis testing II * Practice with the data from students’ project 14 Class Work: Preparing for presentation and report 15 Project Presentation Final Examination (All chapters are included) Note: All class activities and time schedule can be changed or modified by the instructors. Chapters those are NOT included in this course: Chapter 2: Information Systems and Knowledge Systems Chapter 4: The Human Side of Marketing Research: Organizational and Ethical Issues Chapter 12: Test. 2010 4 .Markets and Experimental Design Chapter 18: Fieldwork Chapter 24: Introducing Multivariate Statistical Analysis Chapters to be overviewed: Chapter7: Secondary Data Research in a Digital Age Chapter 10: Observation Chapter 11: Experimental Research: An Overview Updated on October 11. Oral Presentation.MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semester 2/2010 Week 11 Discussion Class Class Work: Editing and coding the data from students’ questionnaires Descriptive data analysis * Practice with the data from students’ project Lecture class Chapter 21: Univariate Statistical Analysis Hypothesis testing Choosing the appropriate statistical technique The t-distribution The chi-square test for goodness of fit Remarks 12 Class Work: Data Analysis & Hypothesis testing I * Practice with the data from students’ project Chapter 22: Bivariate Statistical Analysis: Differences Between Two Variables What is the appropriate test of differences? Cross-tabulation: The chi-square test The t-test for comparing two means Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Chapter 23: Bivariate Statistical Analysis: Measures of Association Simple correlation coefficients Regression analysis Stage VI: Communicating Research Results Chapter 25: Communicating Research Results: Research Report. All projects will have to be submitted to the corresponding instructors at the school of management Office (MSM 2nd floor) unless it is otherwise specified by the instructor. Submission of the group project is on the date specified above. individual class make up is not allowed.Submit the written report of group project by Monday February28. Presentation of the research project The presentation schedule i. Presentation Procedures: . Also.The student projects must be a survey research project. and contributions of each member in group are important. The empirical data collection is required. and such. . The name list of all group members must be submitted to the responsible instructor by Friday November 19.The theme of the project is “Perceived Value”.The presentation score will be deducted for the late comers. .MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semester 2/2010 GROUP PROJECT To help students develop skills in conducting a business research. . its result is a group effort. any part of report and/or data analysis performed by someone else who is not formal member of the group is unacceptable. The handout consists of the print of power point presentation and questionnaires (English and Thai (if any) version). To avoid problems caused by uncooperative group members and late submission. 2010 5 . There are no classes during presentation period. . time and place will be announced in the class.e. 2010. 2011 . . The project details and requirements are as follows: . discussions. 15% presentation score will not be given to them. . Grade “F” will be given to the students who violate these regulations.5 hour-presentation session.The project scores will be given on an “INDIVIDUAL BASIS” depending on each student’s contribution to his/ her group work. . and there will be no extension. and recommendations (2%) Congruence and coverage of all chapters (4%) Format and organization of the paper (2%) Student’s name and admission code number.All group members have to be in the presentation room for the whole 1. all group members have to join together in a particular presentation class. . The project leader should have full authority to set up and assign specific task to each member. course number & name and section number must be presented in the first page. a semestrial group research project is required. Updated on October 11.The group of 5-7 students should be formed within the first week after semester begins. Project score will be deducted proportionally to the group size if the size exceeds 8 persons Research report . Time Roman New #12 with 1. those who absent from presentation class would have NO CHANCE to get presentation score. . Presentation schedule will not be made for any groups that fail to submit their name list on time.Each group will have 10-15 minutes only for presentation and another 10 minutes for Questions and Answers.The final report should be written in a research format (to be guided by the instructor). Keep in mind that the project is the group responsibility. it is vital for group members to select their project leader immediately after the project is assigned. This.The copying or duplication of other research projects (either partly or totally) is prohibited. . Three to six slides per page is NOT acceptable.Mark Allocation for Group Research Project: 5 % Class Performances and Classroom Presentations (If any) 15 % Project Presentation 20 % Report Chapter 1: Introduction (2%) Chapter 2: Literature review (3%) Chapter 3: Research Methodology (2%) Chapter 4: Data analysis and Research results (5%) Chapter 5: Conclusions.Each group has to prepare 4 sets of handout for the evaluators. inevitably.5 line-spaces are required.Power point must be printed as 2 slides per page.The handouts have to be given to all evaluators at the beginning of each presentation class. is one of many tasks a student will have to perform in order to prepare him/her for more important challenges in their future career. thus. On the contrary. not using English in class.e. Last Date to WITHDRAW with W is Monday January 31. 2010 6 . It is not up to the students to decide whether a lecture is too simple and hence.1 Brief sample profile 3. For a 3-credit hour subject. and with 3 hours class. The lecturer does not have any authority to allow his/her students to switch section without proper authorization from the registrar. Research Problem (some research objectives.. and other personal reasons. data collection method 3. i. Brief conclusion and recommendation. It is always desirable for students to reserve at least 2 allowable absences for some unanticipated situations. as they have paid tuition fees for 45-hour class (for 3-credit hour subject). the ABAC School of Management requires all students enrolling in courses offered by the School. Nonetheless. CLASS ATTENDANCE In compliance with the University’s policy on class attendance. not preparing well for class. Nonetheless. hypotheses. and being too critical for class evaluation at the end of the semester.e. sample size. It is always arguable whether class attendance has any correlation with passing or failing a subject. to obtain a minimum of 80% class attendance to be eligible to sit and take the final examination. with one-and-a-half hour. Please keep in mind that the permission of the Lecturer to audit his/her lecture in other sections does not imply that students can receive class attendance in those sections – there is no such thing as ‘make-up class attendance. questions) and conceptual model -. how to interpret the results from SPSS) 4. Updated on October 11. and Lecturer of this subject are empowered to withdraw or withhold correction of the final examination papers from students lacking class attendance requirements without the students’ consent. The 20% absence is the maximum number of allowable absences. the student’s primary responsibility to determine the necessity and ascertain the number of times of their absences.’ CHANGING SECTIONS Students are neither allowed to study in other section they have not enrolled for. quadrant analysis (if any) and so on. given that the lecturer of the section grants permission. personal and family matters. LATE WITHDRAWAL Last day to withdraw with “W” is the examination date.2. business trips. not necessary to attend. students should not be missing any classes in order to obtain maximum value for what they have paid for.3 Hypotheses testing. It is therefore. 3.MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semester 2/2010 Topics to be presented: 1. sampling technique. 2011. Rank order. Methodology: population. i. Department Chairperson. nor do the project with their friends in other sections. not being punctual. Research results: 3. it is the student’s effective time management and discipline to attend classes that enable them to meet minimum attendance requirements and thus appear for the final examination. Automatic Withdrawal without Students’ Consent The Dean. i. sickness or business trips that might result in their absences.very brief 2. it is the students’ primary duty to provide feedback to the concerned Department Chairperson regarding the perceived poor performance of their lecturers. they can be absent 3 times. sickness. students are allowed to miss the class 6 times. present some SPSS tables and results (see how they choose what statistics to use. Class attendance can only be checked for the section the student is registered in: Students are not allowed to ask lecturers to check their attendance in sections other than the one they have enrolled in.e. students are permitted to audit lectures in other sections. Students who would like to drop the subject on the subject’s final examination date SHOULD NOT enter the examination room and request for their late-withdrawal permission from the Dean or Department Chairperson and submit the request to the Office of the Registrar within three days after the date of the final examination. It is inclusive for all excuses. to give students an opportunity to catch-up classes that they have missed or to review certain topics they did not understand. Descriptive data analysis such as some important frequency and contingency tables. Generally speaking. 2010 7 .MGT 3940 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semester 2/2010 ****************************** Updated on October 11.