RESEARCH METHODS IN

BUSINESS
Overview of Syllabus

UNIT- I
INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH
The

hallmarks of scientific research the

building blocks of science in research
the research process for applied and basic
research the need for theoretical framework
hypothesis development hypothesis
testing with quantitative data. The research
design. The purpose of the study: Exploratory,
Descriptive, Hypothesis testing (Analytical and
Predictive) cross sectional and longitudinal
studies

UNIT- II
DESIGN
The

EXPERIMENTAL

laboratory and the field experiment

internal and external validity factors
affecting internal validity. Measurement
of variables scales and measurement
of variables development scales rating scale and concept in scales being
developed. Stability measures.

UNIT- III
METHOD
Interviewing,

DATA COLLECTION

questionnaires etc. Secondary

sources of data collection. Guidelines
for questionnaire design electronic
questionnaire design and surveys. Special
data source: Focus groups, Static and
dynamic data-collection methods and when
to use each. Sampling techniques and
confidence in determining sample size.
Hypothesis testing determination of optimal
sample size.

UNIT- IV
A REFRESHER ON SOME
MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES
Factor

analysis cluster analysis

discriminant analysis multiple regression
& Correlation canonical correlation
application of SPSS package.

UNIT- V
REPORT
The

THE RESEARCH

purpose of the written report concept

of audience Basics of written reports.
The integral parts of a report the title
of a report. The table of content, the
synopsis, the introductory section, method
of sections of a report, result section
discussion section recommendation and
implementation section.

TEXT BOOKS:
1.

Donald R.Cooper and Ramcis

S.Schindler, Business Research Methods,
Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company
Limited, New Delhi, 2000.
2. C.R.Kothari Research Methodology,
Wishva Prakashan, New Delhi, 2001.

REFERENCES:
1. Uma Sekaran, Research Methods for
Business, John Wiley and Sons Inc., New
York, 2000.
2. Donald H.Mc.Burney, Research Methods,
Thomson Asia Pvt. ltd. Singapore 2002.
3. G.W.Ticehurst and A.J.Veal, Business
Research Methods, Longman, 1999.
4. Ranjit Kumar, Research Methodology, Sage
Publication, London, New Delhi, 1999.
5. Raymond-Alain Thietart, ET, al., doing
management research, sage publication,
London, 1999.

Class Rules
Make

yourself available for all classes without

fail.
Make it to the class in time. Refrain from
entering late.
Read the topics to be discussed in class.
Maintain a copy of all submissions.
Make yourself available for all evaluations.
In case you miss something, contact the
instructor immediately failing which no marks
shall be awarded.
Keep in touch with the class coordinators for
instructions related to the subject.
Respect the decorum of the class.

Term Project
Phase

1:

Identify a topic of research. Conduct literature review on

the same. Develop objectives/propositions.
Phase

2:

Describe the study design; population; sample;

sampling method; tool for data collection; tool for

data analysis. Create the data collection tool

Term Project
Phase

3:

Collect and collate data. Analyze the data using

statistical tools.
Phase

4:

Write a detailed report on your study.

TERM PROJECT
GUIDELINES
Project

has to be taken in group of 3-5.

Each should declare its group leader.
All groups will make a common submission
for all phases but marks will be awarded
individually during presentation/viva based
on performance and contribution to the
project.
All submissions should meet deadlines.
This is a compulsory activity.