Business Research Methods - MB25C08

MB25C08:

Business Research Methods

Course Objectives:

This course aims to develop a research-oriented mindset by imparting the principles and practices of scientific Business research. It enables students to systematically approach real-world Business problems using exploratory, descriptive, and causal research designs. Emphasis is placed on quantitative and qualitative research techniques, instrument design, statistical analysis using software tools, and ethical report writing. The course also trains students to critically evaluate research studies and independently prepare Business research reports for data-driven decision-making.

Foundations of Business Research and Scientific Inquiry

Business Research – Definition and Significance – the research process – Types of Research – Exploratory and causal Research – Theoretical and empirical Research – Cross –Sectional and time – series Research – Research questions / Problems – Research objectives – Research hypotheses – characteristics – Research in an evolutionary perspective – the role of theory in research.

Research Design and Measurement Techniques

Research design – Definition – types of research design – exploratory and causal research design – Descriptive and experimental design – different types of experimental design – Validity of findings – internal and external validity – Variables in Research – Measurement and scaling – Different scales – Construction of instrument – Validity and Reliability of instrument.

Data Collection Methods and Sampling Techniques

Types of data – Primary Vs Secondary data – Methods of primary data collection – Survey Vs Observation – Experiments – Construction of questionnaire and instrument – Types of Validity – Sampling plan – Sample size – determinants optimal sample size – sampling techniques – Sampling methods.

Data Preparation and Analytical Techniques

Data Preparation – editing – Coding –Data entry – Validity of data – Qualitative Vs Quantitative data analyses – Applications of Bivariate and Multivariate statistical techniques, Factor analysis, Discriminant analysis, Cluster analysis, Multiple regression and Correlation, Multidimensional scaling – Conjoint Analysis – Application of statistical software for data analysis.

Report Writing and Research Communication

Research report –Types – Contents of report – need for executive summary – chapterization – contents of chapter – report writing – the role of audience – readability – comprehension – tone – final proof – report format – title of the report – ethics in research – Ethics in research – Subjectivity and Objectivity in research.

Integrity and Trends in Business Research

Research Integrity – Emerging Trends: Digital Surveys, AI in Research, Online Panels, Real-Time Analytics – Case Studies on Ethical Dilemmas in Research.

References:

1. Donald R. Cooper, Pamela S. Schindler, J. K. Sharma, Business Research Methods, McGraw Hill, 13th Ed., 2021

2. Uma Sekaran & Roger Bougie, Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, Wiley, 7th Ed., 2020

3. William G. Zikmund et al., Business Research Methods – South Asian Perspective, Cengage, 9th Ed., 2018

4. Alan Bryman & Emma Bell, Business Research Methods, Oxford University Press, 5th Ed., 2019

5. R. Paneerselvam, Research Methodology, PHI Learning, 2nd Ed., 2015

6. Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, Pearson, 8th Ed., 2022

7. Davis Bunn & Jennie Tranter, Business Research and Statistics Using Excel, Wiley, 1st Ed., 2021

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to: 

● CO1: Demonstrate conceptual knowledge of the research process, various research designs, data collection methods, analytical techniques, report writing, and emerging trends and ethical considerations in business research.

● CO2: Interpret and relate research questions and objectives to appropriate research designs, measurement scales, sampling techniques, and data analysis methods for conducting scientific inquiry.

● CO3: Apply research design principles, instrument construction, data collection methods, and statistical software to collect, prepare, and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data.

● CO4: Analyze the validity and reliability of research instruments, the outcomes of bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses, and the ethical implications of a research project to derive meaningful insights and conclusions.

● CO5: Evaluate different research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and ethical dilemmas in business research to ensure the integrity, objectivity, and reliability of research findings.

● CO6: Develop a comprehensive, ethically sound business research report by integrating knowledge of research design, data collection, analytical methods, and emerging technologies to support data-driven managerial decision-making.