Professional Documents
Culture Documents
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Khalil Gibran
OBJECTIVES
Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the semester the students will be equipped with research methods that can be used
in most business, and other social related, research and will be able to:
Skills/Abilities Outcomes
Students are expected to develop the following skills/abilities:
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
A case-based approach to learning is used in this course where theory and concepts will emerge
from discussing real business scenerios. A student-based learning approach is utilised where
case-discussion participants are encouraged to put forth their ideas and suggestions based on the
reading materials and their own best judgement. Quantitive theory is reinforced through case and
text book exercises.
READINGS
Text Book
“Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation” by Naresh K. Malhotra & Satyabhushan Dash,
6th Edition.
Cavana, R. Y., Delahaye, B. L. & Uma Sekaran (2001). Applied Business Research: Qualitative
and Quantitative, Australia: John Wiley & Sons
CLASS PROCEDURES
Class Preparation
Students are expected to read all material assigned for a particular session. This includes the
chapters from the text and the assigned case. You need to be well prepared on a topic in order to
participate gainfully in the case discussion.
Grading Plan
Grading plan for the course will be as follows
Quizzes 15%
Mid Term/Assignment 20%
Final Exam 25%
Total 100%
Quizzes
Class quizzes may be held unannounced and may be as few as one or as many as the situation
demands but the final quiz grade will be totalled to 15%.
Examinations
Mid-Term
Since this is a 1.5 credit course, an assignment of 20 marks will be taken in lieu of mid-term. The
assignment consists of individual literature review of at least three articles related to the group
project. It should be noted that though literature review is related to the research framework of
the project, each member of the group is expected to conduct this exercise individually and will
be awarded the mid-term grade on the basis of quality of work. Details of the requirement of
assignment will be communicated when the assignment is announced.
Final Exam
Final exam is case-based and designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the
concepts learned in the course and their ability to identify and utilize the tools and techniques of
business research applicable in the given situations.
Research Project
The purpose of this group assignment is to apply the theories and tools of research learned in the
course to a real business situation. Students will work on this group assignment throughout the
course. Groups will not exceed five members and will not be less than three members in all.
Students are encouraged to suggest topics for their research but a topic will not be finalized
without the instructor’s approval.
The project will be carried out in eight short modules in order to provide system and scientific
methodology to the process. Four modules will be covered in this course whereas Marketing
Analytics will cover the remainder four. Each module will be completed and submitted on the
assigned date.
5. Sampling
6. Descriptive Analysis
7. Inferential Analysis
8. Final Project
Class Participation
Case-study method of teaching is highly student-centric therefore class participation is essential.
A record will be maintained of every student’s role in case-solving and class participation marks
will be based on each student’s contribution and the relevance and usefulness of that
contribution. Whereas positive and constructive criticism of others’ viewpoints is welcomed, all
negative behavior including cynicism, sarcasm, and abusing is not only discouraged but may
result in negative marking.
CALENDER OF ACTIVITIES
APPLIED BUSINESS RESEARCH
Suggested
Week Case Topic / Class Activity
Readings
Introduction to Marketing Research Malhotra
Ch: 1
1 Malhotra
Defining the Marketing Research Problem Ch: 2
and Developing an Approach
Research Design
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by
his questions."
Naguib Mahfouz