BUS 6220-B Summer 2023 Course Syllabus

SEMESTER: SUMMER 2023
COURSE: BUS 6220-B BUSINES RESEARCH METHODS

LECTURER: PROF. GEORGE O. K’AOL
DAY/TIME: SATURDAY 9:00 – 12:20PM VENUE ROOM SC3
CONSULTATION: FRIDAY 3:00 – 5:30PM
CREDIT 3 UNITS
CONTACT: Email: gkaol@usiu.ac.ke Office Phone +254 730 116 516
Mobile Phone +254 711 985 115
1.0 COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is designed to review research methodology in business management
context. It examines research planning and implementation process including,
identification of research problem and formulation of research questions, literature
review, data collection and data analysis methods, and dissemination of research
findings. Emphasis is placed on quantitative research designs, scientific methods and
business research ethics. The major purpose of the course is to develop a viable
research project proposal on a relevant business management topic.
Prerequisite: BUS 5090 or BUS 6225 Business Statistics
2.0 LINK TO THE UNIVERSITY MISSION OUTCOMES AND TO THE

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
2.1 Link to the University Mission Outcomes

The major university mission outcomes include higher order thinking, literacy, global
understanding and multicultural perspective, preparedness for a career, leadership and
ethics, and community service. This course (BUS 6220) is designed to contribute to
the achievement of higher order thinking, literacy, and preparedness for career in
global and multicultural environment.
2.2 Link to School of Business Outcomes

The School of Business mission outcomes are linked to the university mission
outcomes and include global oriented, multidisciplinary, change oriented, experiential,
initiative and problem solving, team player, effective communication, preparedness
for a career, and transformational leadership. BUS 6220 course is designed to
contribute to the achievement of the Chandaria School of Business mission outcomes
including problem solving, change oriented, and effective communication.
1
2.3 Link to MBA Program Learning Outcomes
The mission of the MBA program is to provide a range of knowledge, skills and
abilities in Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Finance, IT,
Marketing and Entrepreneurship with an emphasis on practical applications, case
studies, simulations and research. BUS 6220 course is designed specifically to
contribute to the achievement of program outcome of designing, collecting, analysing
and disseminating research data.
3.0 EXPECTED COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
3.1 Purpose of the Course

The major purpose of this course is to equip the students with skills, knowledge and
attitudes necessary for effective research design, data collection, data analysis and
dissemination of research findings
3.2 Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course the students should be able to:
3.2.1 Discuss the nature and importance of research in business organizations.
3.2.2 Identify management dilemma and formulate research problem
3.2.3 Apply relevant tools and skills to conduct business research effectively and
efficiently.
3.2.4 Use research methods to analyze and solve business problems.
3.2.5 Appreciate the nature and implications of ethical behavior in business research
3.2.6 Develop a feasible research project proposal for business research in an area of
specialization
4.0 COURSE CONTENT
4.1 Week 1: Introduction Business Research
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this topic the students will be able to:
 Discuss course requirements and expectations
 Explain the meaning and importance/role of research in business
 Distinguish between basic and applied research
 Discuss the nature of business research and business research concepts
Discussion Topics
 Course introduction, course requirements and expectations
 Meaning and of importance of research
 Basic and applied research
 The nature of business research and business research concepts
2
Class Activities and Assignments
 Read Course Text – Cooper, R. & Schindler, P.S. (2014) Business Research
Methods Chapters 1
 Sanders, M., Lewis, P & Thornhill, A. (2016) Research Methods for Business
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall – Chapters 1,3
 Adams, J., Hafiz T A Khan, H. T., & Raeside, R. (2014) Research Methods for
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication (Chapter 1)
 Identify a relevant research article for Journal Critique Assignment
4.2 Week 2: The Research Process
Learning Outcomes
 Discuss research process and major stages
 Discuss the characteristics of a good research
 Discuss the nature and sources of research problem
Discussion Topics
 Research process and major stages
 Characteristics of a good research
 The nature and sources of research problem

Methods Chapter 4
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication (Chapters 1&2)
 Identify a relevant research article for Journal Critique Assignment
 Identify a research topic/area of interest for research proposal.
4.3 Weeks 3: Research Problem Formulation and Research Proposal Development
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session the students will be able to:
 Describe the major components of the research project
 Explain the nature and importance of the research proposal in research
 Discuss the structure and content of a research proposal
Discussion Topics
 The nature and importance of the research proposal
 The major components of research project
 The Structure of Research Proposal
3
Methods Chapters 4, 5
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall. Chapter 5
 Read Research Handbook
 Present research journal article critique in class
 Research Problem Identification Formation
4.4 Week 4: Research Proposal Development (Chapter 1)
Learning Objectives
 Identify research topic and formulate research problem
 Formulate research questions
 Conduct literature review for the background of the study
 Prepare chapter one of the research proposal
Discussion Topics
 Research topic and research problem formulation
 Research questions and objectives
 Content and structure of chapter one of the research proposal
 Formulate research problem and Submit for review

 Prepare and discuss Chapter One of the research proposal in your Team
 Formulate research problem and Submit for review
4.5 Week 5: Literature Review and Research Proposal Development – Chapter 2
Learning Objectives
 Review research problem and research questions
 Discuss literature review and citation methods (APA Style)
 Discuss literature review process
 Prepare Chapter Two of the research proposal
4
Discussion Topics
 Research problem and research questions
 Literature review and citation methods (APA Style)
 Literature review process

 Submit the Draft of Chapter One of the research proposal for Review
4.6 Week 6: Business Research Ethics
Learning Objectives
 Explain the meaning and importance of ethics in business research
 Analyze the major ethical issues and violations in business research
 Discuss strategies of resolving ethical issues in business research
 Discuss the nature of plagiarism and its impact in research
Discussion topics
 Meaning and importance of ethics in business research
 Ethical issues and violations in business research
 Strategies of resolving ethical issues in business research
 The nature of plagiarism and its impact in research

Methods Chapter 2
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication
 Discuss Chapter Two of the research proposal in your Team
4.7 Week 7: Mid Semester Examination
5
4.8 Week 8: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Designs
Learning Objectives
 Describe the role of research design in business research
 Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research designs
 Discuss common types of qualitative and quantitative research designs.
 Compare different types of quantitative and qualitative research strategies
Discussion topics
 The role of research design in research
 Quantitative and qualitative research designs
 Common types of quantitative and qualitative research designs.
 Compare different types of quantitative and qualitative research strategies

Methods Chapters 6, 7,10
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall. Chapters 4, 5
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication (Chapters 3, 4, 5 &6)
 Submit the Draft of Chapter Two of the research proposal for Review
4.9 Week 9: Sampling Design and Sampling Techniques
Learning Objectives
 Explain the meaning and importance of sampling in research
 Distinguish between probability and non-probability sampling designs
 Determine sample size for a research study
 Discuss sampling procedure in business research
Discussion topics
 Meaning and importance of sampling in research
 Probability and non-probability sampling designs
 Sample size determination for a research study
 Sampling procedure in business research

Methods Chapter 14
6
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication (Chapters 3, 4, 5 &6)
 Prepare Chapter Three of the research proposal
4.10 Week 10: Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods
Learning Objectives
 Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data
 Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data
 Compare and contrast types of data collection methods (Questionnaires,
Interviews, Observations, Experiments)
 Discuss factors affecting reliability and validity of measurement scales
Discussion topics
 Quantitative and qualitative data
 Primary and secondary sources of data
 Data collection methods (Questionnaires, Interviews, Observations, Experiments)
 Factors affecting reliability and validity of measurement scales
 Ethical issues in data collection process

Methods Chapters 11, 12, 13
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall. Chapters 8, 9
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication (Chapters 4, 5, 6 & 7)
 Prepare Chapter Three of the research proposal
4.11 Week 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods
Learning Objectives
 Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods
 Distinguish between descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques
 Discuss the importance of data preparation in data analysis process
 Describe common data analysis tools for quantitative data
7
Discussion topics
 Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods
 Descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques
 Importance of data preparation in data analysis process
 Data analysis tools and techniques

Methods Chapters 15, 16 &17
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall Chapters 12, 13
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication (Chapters 5, 6 & 7)
4.12 Week 12: Writing Research Report and Dissemination of Findings

Learning Objectives
 Discuss the major components or contents of research project report
 Develop appropriate writing style for research project report
 Discuss the characteristics of a well written research report
 Discuss strategies for disseminating research project findings
Discussion topics
 Major components or content of research project report
 Appropriate writing style for research project report
 Characteristics of a well written research report
 Strategies for disseminating research project findings

Methods Chapter 19
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall Chapter 14
4.12 Week 13: Course Summary and Presentations
4.14 Week 14: Final Examination
5.0 TEACHING METHODOLOGY

The course will be conducted through brief lectures, group discussions, case studies,
guest speakers, video clips and projects of practical nature.
8
6.0 KEY INSTITUTIONAL ACADEMIC POLICIES
 Regular class attendance is required
 All assignments should be submitted on time
 Make up exams will not be given for missed exams
 Students are expected to abide by all the academic codes of conduct and ethics as
provided in the Students Handbook.
7.0 READING MATERIALS

7.1 Recommended Course Text
Cooper, R. & Schindler, P.S. (2014) Business Research Methods
Sanders, M., Lewis, P & Thornhill, A. (2016) Research Methods for Business
Students Edinburg Prentice Hall
7.2 Recommended Readings

Adams, J., Hafiz T A Khan, H. T., & Raeside, R. (2014) Research Methods for
Business and Social Science Students. SAGE Publication
Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2013) Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach.
John Wiley & Sons Ltd
K’Aol G. O. (2017) Research Handbook
8.0 COURSE EVALUATION

1. Attendance and participation 05%
2. Journal Article Critique 10%
3. Research Project Proposal 35%
4. Mid-Semester Exam 20%
5. Final Exam 30%
Total 100%
9.0 GRADING SYSTEM

90 – 100 A
87 – 89 A-
84 – 86 B+
80 – 83 B
77 – 79 B-
74 – 76 C+
70 – 73 C
67 – 69 C-
64 – 66 D+
62 – 63 D
60 – 61 D-
0 - 59 F
9
BUS 6220 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS
ASSIGNMENTS
10
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
INSTRUCTOR: PROF. GEORGE O. K’AOL
1.0 ASSIGNMENT 1: JOURNAL ARTICLE ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUE - (10 MARKS)
1.1 Identification of the Journal Article
Each student in this course is required to identify, summarize, analyze, critique and present to
the class a recent and relevant journal article in their area of concentration or major. The
articles may be obtained from print or online refereed research journals. The journal articles
should be based on empirical research and should be recent or at most five (5) years old.
Once the journal article has been identified, it should be recorded (patented) in the
designated class list to avoid presentation of the same article by another student.
1.2 Structure and Format

The journal article summary should be approximately three pages typed in MS Word) using
1.5 line spacing, fonts 12, and margins of 25mm all round. Once the three-page MS Word
summary has been prepared, then 8-10 power point slides should be developed for class
presentation. The fonts for power point presentation should be 28 on the average, but not less
than 24. The structure and format of the Journal Article summary should include the
following:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Title of Article and Author
1.2 Source and year of publication
1.3 Brief Description of the Articles
2.0 SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.0 ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUE OF THE ARTICLE
3.1 Analysis of the Article
3.2 Critique of the Article
4.0 CONCLUSION AND LEARNING POINT

4.1 Major Conclusions
4.2 Learning Points for Research Project
1.3 Class Presentation and Submission

The power point presentation should have four major sections based on the structure above
including: INTRODUCTION, SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE, ANALYSIS AND
CRITIQUE, CONCLUSION AND LEARNING POINT. The class presentation should take a
maximum of 8 minutes per student. A type written summary of the journal article (three-
page MS Word document), Power point presentation (8-10 slides), and a softcopy of the
original article should be submitted before class presentation. In addition, the document
should have a Cover Page with the Title of the Assignment, Name & Student ID, Course
Number and Semester.
1.4 Marking Scheme Marks

1. Introduction 1.0
2. Summary of the Article 2.0
3. Analysis & Critique 2.0
4. Conclusion & Learning Point 2.0
5. Power Point and Class Presentation 3.0
Total 10.0
11
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
INSTRUCTOR: PROF GEORGE O. K’AOL
2.0 ASSIGNMENT 2: RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT- (35 MARKS)

The research proposal should be developed in two stages. Stage one will involve research
problem identification and formulation, and stage two will involve preparation of the three
chapters of the research proposal (chapters 1-3 and the abstract).
2.1 Research Problem Identification and Formulation - Research Concept (Week 4)

Research problem is a situation or circumstance that requires a solution to be described,
explained, or predicted. It is an unsatisfactory situation that should be investigated.
Research problem identification and formulation assignment (concept paper) should be about
3 pages typed using Times New Roman 12, line spacing 1.5, and margins of 25mm all round.
References or citations should be in APA Style 7th edition.
The research concept paper should include the following:
1.0 RESEARCH PROBLEM/MANAGEMENT DILEMMA

Provide a brief description of the management dilemma/research problem in your area of
specialization supported by relevant references.
2.0 BROAD RESEARCH TOPIC

Provide a broad research topic or title relevant to the research problem.
3.0 EXPLORATORY LITERATURE REVIEW

Provide relevant exploratory literature review from past studies supported by current and
relevant references or citations in APA Style 7th edition.
4.0 RELEVANT THEORY OR MODEL

Identify and describe the constructs of a relevant theory or model in your area of
specialization to be applied in your research study.
5.0 REFINED RESEARCH TOPIC

Provide a refined research topic or title in your area of specialization with independent and
dependent variables, target population, and geographical scope.
6.0 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

6.1 Purpose of the Study
Provide purpose of the study
6.2 Research Questions

Provide at least 3-5 research questions to guide the study. The research questions should be
informed by the constructs of the applied theory
7.0 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Describe the scope of the study in terms of the target population, geographical coverage,
applied theory, and timeframe.
8.0 REFERENCES
Provide at least 15 current references to support the research problem using APA style
12
2.2 Research Proposal Development
Once a suitable research problem/topic has been identified in the area of concentration, then a
detailed research proposal should be developed based on the following structure and contents:
THE ABSTRACT (WEEK 11)

Purpose of the Study and Research Questions
Summary of the Research Methodology
Summary of the Significance of the Study
CHAPTER ONE (WEEK 5)
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Problem
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study/General Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions/ Specific Objective of the Study
1.4.1 ---------
1.4.2 ---------
1.4.3 ---------
1.5 Significance of the Study

1.5.1 ---------
1.5.2 ---------
1.5.3 ---------
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Definition of Terms

1.7.1 ---------
1.7.2 ---------
1.7.3 ---------
1.7.4 ---------
1.7.5 ---------
1.8 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER TWO (WEEK 8)
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Sub-Heading Based on Research Question 1
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.5 Chapter Summary
13
CHAPTER THREE (WEEK 10)
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Population and Sampling Design
3.3.1 Population
3.3.2 Sampling Design
3.3.2.1 Sampling Frame
3.3.2.2 Sampling Technique
3.3.2.3 Sample Size
3.4 Data Collection Methods

3.5 Research Procedures
3.5.1 Permission
3.5.2 Pilot Study
3.5.2.1 Reliability Test
3.5.2.2 Validity Test
3.5.3 Administration of the Instrument
3.5.4 Ethical Considerations
3.6 Data Analysis Methods

3.6.1 Data Preparation
3.6.2 Descriptive Statistical Analysis
3.6.3 Inferential Statistical Analysis
3.6.3.1
3.6.3.2
3.6.3.3
3.6.3.4
3.7 Chapter Summary
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Data Collection Instruments
Appendix 2: Research Budget
Appendix 3: Implementation Schedule
MARKING SCHEME
Components Marks
1. Abstract 2.0
2. Introduction (Chapter One) 9.0
3. Literature Review (Chapter Two) 9.0
4. Research Methodology (Chapter Three) APA 9.0
5. References and Citations (APA Style) 2.0
6. Appendix (Questionnaire, Budget, Schedule) 2.0
7. Overall Quality and Format 2.0
Total 35.0
14

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SEMESTER: SUMMER 2023

COURSE: BUS 6220-B BUSINES RESEARCH METHODS

1.0 COURSE DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite: BUS 5090 or BUS 6225 Business Statistics

2.0 LINK TO THE UNIVERSITY MISSION OUTCOMES AND TO THE

2.1 Link to the University Mission Outcomes

2.2 Link to School of Business Outcomes

3.0 EXPECTED COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

3.1 Purpose of the Course

3.2 Course Learning Outcomes

4.0 COURSE CONTENT

4.1 Week 1: Introduction Business Research

4.2 Week 2: The Research Process

Class Activities and Assignments

4.3 Weeks 3: Research Problem Formulation and Research Proposal Development

4.4 Week 4: Research Proposal Development (Chapter 1)

Class Activities and Assignments

4.5 Week 5: Literature Review and Research Proposal Development – Chapter 2

Class Activities and Assignments

4.6 Week 6: Business Research Ethics

Class Activities and Assignments

4.7 Week 7: Mid Semester Examination

Class Activities and Assignments

4.9 Week 9: Sampling Design and Sampling Techniques

Class Activities and Assignments

4.10 Week 10: Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods

Class Activities and Assignments

4.11 Week 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods

Class Activities and Assignments

4.12 Week 12: Writing Research Report and Dissemination of Findings

Class Activities and Assignments

4.12 Week 13: Course Summary and Presentations

4.14 Week 14: Final Examination

5.0 TEACHING METHODOLOGY

7.0 READING MATERIALS

7.2 Recommended Readings

K’Aol G. O. (2017) Research Handbook

8.0 COURSE EVALUATION

9.0 GRADING SYSTEM

1.2 Structure and Format

4.0 CONCLUSION AND LEARNING POINT

1.3 Class Presentation and Submission

1.4 Marking Scheme Marks

2.0 ASSIGNMENT 2: RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT- (35 MARKS)

2.1 Research Problem Identification and Formulation - Research Concept (Week 4)

The research concept paper should include the following:

1.0 RESEARCH PROBLEM/MANAGEMENT DILEMMA

2.0 BROAD RESEARCH TOPIC

3.0 EXPLORATORY LITERATURE REVIEW

4.0 RELEVANT THEORY OR MODEL

5.0 REFINED RESEARCH TOPIC

6.0 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

6.2 Research Questions

7.0 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

THE ABSTRACT (WEEK 11)

CHAPTER ONE (WEEK 5)

1.5 Significance of the Study

1.7 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO (WEEK 8)

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.4 Data Collection Methods

3.6 Data Analysis Methods

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