Research Methods in Business

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles, techniques, and practices of business research. It emphasizes the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to support business decision-making. Students will learn both quantitative and qualitative research methods, research design, data collection tools, sampling techniques, and report writing. The course prepares students to conduct independent research and develop analytical thinking skills.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the purpose and types of business research.

2. Formulate research problems, objectives, and hypotheses.

3. Apply appropriate research methodologies and data collection techniques.

4. Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.

5. Prepare professional research reports and presentations.

Course Content (Main Topics)

• Introduction to business research: importance and scope

• Research process and problem formulation

• Types of research: exploratory, descriptive, analytical, and experimental

• Research design and methodology

• Sampling techniques and sample size determination

• Data collection methods: surveys, interviews, observation, and secondary sources

• Questionnaire and interview guide design

• Data analysis techniques: descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing

• Qualitative research methods: case studies, focus groups, thematic analysis

• Reporting research findings: structure, style, and presentation

• Ethical considerations in business research

Teaching Methods

• Lectures and discussions

• Practical exercises using real business data

• Case studies and group projects

• Use of statistical software (SPSS, Excel, or R) for data analysis

Assessment Methods

• Continuous Assessment (Assignments, Quizzes, Class Participation) – 40%

• Research Proposal/Project – 20%

• Final Examination – 40%

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Formulate research problems and objectives for business contexts.

• Select and apply appropriate research methodologies.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively.

• Prepare professional research reports.

• Demonstrate ethical conduct in research activities.

✅