EC Research Methodology

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Chien-Ta Ho

TEL (04) 2284-0515 ext 16
Mobile: 0953276828
E-MAIL bruceho@dragon.nchu.edu.tw

Course Description
This course aims to give you an introduction to the research
methods most often used in social science. Students will
gain a knowledge and understanding of the concepts and
terminology of empirical methods used in EC field.
Research design, data collection, analysis, validity, and
report writing will all be covered. Also, Quantitative
research methods are included in this course as they are
appropriate for certain research investigations. Selection of
a particular research method will be determined based on
the problem under investigation and its underlying
assumptions.

Course Objectives
1. To acquire skills to locate problem areas in
organisational settings, and plan, organise, design,
and conduct research to help solve the identified
problems;
2. To gather and analyse data, using both qualitative
and quantitative methods.
3. To be able to write and present research reports;
and
4. To develop skills and knowledge to discriminate
"good" from "bad" research reported in academic,
business, and trade journals.

Planned Sequence of Topics and/or

Learning Activities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Introduction to Research.
Scientific Investigation.
Technology and Business Research.
The Research Process: Steps 1 to 3: The
Broad Problem Area, Preliminary Data
Gathering, Problem Definition.
The Research Process: Steps 4 and 5:
Theoretical Framework Hypothesis
Development.
The Research Process: Step 6: Elements of
Research Design.
Experimental Designs.
Measurement of Variables: Operational
Definition and Scales.
Measurement: Scaling, Reliability, Validity.
Data Collection Methods.
Sampling.
Data Analysis and Interpretation.
The Research Report.
Managerial Decision Making and Research.

1. A scientific approach to
business research
2. Initial stages and design
of a research project
3. Qualitative business
research
4. Quantitative business
research
5. Research reporting and
managerial decision
making

Course Grading
Students are evaluated on the basis of two written
exam and a series of in-class activities. The grade
will be weighted as follows:
1. Two Written Exams and Several Quiz: 60%
2. Class Activities: 40% (Students learn a lot by
doing rather than by simply reading the
materials.)

Course Textbook
Uma Sekaran (2003), Research Methods for
Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4th
Edition, John Willey & Sons, Ltd.
( Bookstore: Please contact
Phone:(02)2368-4198 Mobile:0936187-660))

About the Textbook

This book is the story of the coming together of three
strangers from three countries.
Bob (Robert) from New Zealand (Quantitative)
Brian from Australia (Qualitative)
Uma from USA
Umas highly successful Research Methods for Business: A
skill-building Approach, Published in the USA, is now in its
fourth edition.
They have tried to maintain the strengths of Umas original
book and to add new materials about the use of both
qualitative and quantitative methods. Also, a wide variety of
Australian and New Zealand examples of business research
have been provided.

What is Research ?
Just close your eyes for a moment
to think about that ? ?

What is Research ?
Research is simply the process of thoroughly
studying and analysing the situational factors
surrounding a problem in order to seek out
solutions to it.
Basically, Research is the process of problemsolving.
Research =
Re
+ Search

( )

What is the purpose to do

Research?

What is the purpose to do

Research?
1. Finding problems
2. Analyzing the problems (Analyzing Data) (Let
data do the talking and serve as the departure point
of analysis)
3. Solving the problems
4. Proposing solutions (Erasing the problems and
Predicting problems)

Some Tips for making postgraduate

study a success
Choose your supervisor carefully: Be bold, be polite and get to know
your supervisor. A good supervisor welcomes interaction and treats
students as collaborators.
Get a good group: Nothing helps more than finding a nice bunch of
people to work with, either in a study group or as a part of the subjects
assessment. While you will be tempted to work with friends or people
from similar disciplines or cultures, some of the best group are those
with people in them from completely different backgrounds.
Set aside study time and the right location: Set aside regular study time
and set up a home office to allow you to work effectively.
Network: Establish a network among your peers and teaching staff.
Visit the library: The library will become your best friend. You can
search the world in seconds and download all the information you
need.
Have fun

Have fun and a gratifying experience

learning this course!