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MMBA 8109: RESEARCH METHODSInstructors: Dr. Christopher Ouma & Dr. Elizabeth MuthumaPre-requisite: MBA 8104Contact Hours: 45Course DescriptionResearch Methods focuses on the process of conducting research. It is a prerequisite to thedissertation unit (MBA 8902) to be undertaken during the second year of study. The course isdesigned to equip students with the skills to undertake an independent research project in the fieldof business/management. The course provides an overview of the research process – fromchoosing a topic, formulating a research problem, developing an appropriate research design,collecting and analyzing data, and writing the dissertation.Expected Learning OutcomesBy the end of the course, the student should be able to:1.2.3.4.5.Propose and justify an appropriate business/management research problem.Critically review and synthesize relevant literature for the research problem.Choose and apply an appropriate research methodology to the selected research problem.Evaluate the logical consistency and quality of a research report.Prepare a research proposal.Course MaterialsCore TextSaunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2012). Research Methods for Business Students (6th ed.).Harlow, England: Pearson.Other textsCooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods (9th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2009). Research Methods for Business (5th ed.). Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.1
Course Content & ScheduleDayTopicSpecific learningoutcomesActivitiesBookReadingsMODULE 2A (Aug 11-23, 2014)1Basic elements of scientificresearchExplain concepts andoperational definitions inresearch (variables,hypotheses, theory, models)Lecture and ClassdiscussionSaundersChapter 12The research processDiscuss the steps of thescientific methodLecture and ClassdiscussionSaundersChapter 13Choosing research topicsand formulating researchproblemsDistinguish between aresearch topic and a researchproblemDevelop research objectivesand questionsEvaluate literature sourcesPrepare an annotatedbibliographyDevelop a theoretical orconceptual frameworkDiscuss the importance ofresearch ethics and the needto act ethicallyAnticipate ethical issues inyour researchWeek 2LectureSaundersChapter 2Discuss groupassignment 14Review of literatureLecture and Classdiscussion5Ethical issues in research6Research designsExplain differences betweenquantitative, qualitative andmultiple method researchdesignsLecture and classdiscussionSaundersChapter 57MeasurementLecture and classdiscussionSaundersChapter 118Population and samplingExplain how variables aremeasured (operationalization)Distinguish types ofmeasurement scalesDesign a measurementinstrument (questionnaire)Define the study populationExplain the nature of samplingand steps in sampling designProbability & non-probabilitysamplingLecture and classdiscussionSaundersChapter 7Case discussionSaundersChapter 3Sekaran &Bougie,Chapter 4SaundersChapter 62
9Qualitative methods10CAT 1Discuss the use of observation,interviews and focus groups(FGDs) to answer researchquestionsDesign an interview/FGD guideLecture and classdiscussionSaundersChapters 9& 10RECESS WITH RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT(Individual assignment)MODULE 2B (Nov 10 – 22, 2014)1Analysis of qualitative data2Analysis of quantitativedata (primary data)345Analysis of quantitativedata (secondary data)Discuss the main issues toconsider in qualitative dataanalysis (QDA)Apply appropriate techniquesto undertake QDAExplain the use of descriptiveand inferential statistics tointerpret primary dataDiscuss how to explorerelationships in the dataSimulation and modelingLecture andpractical exercisesSaundersChapter 13Lecture andpractical exercisesSaundersChapter 12Lecture andpractical exercisesPresentation of research Differentiate between aClass discussionfindingsresearch and a consultancyreportDiscuss the formal content,structure, format and style ofthe research reportPreparation of individual research concept paper(submission end of Wk 2)SaundersChapter 14*There is no examination for this unit – students are expected to submit aconcept paper that will enable them conduct their research.3
AssessmentGroup Assignment 1: Choose a topic and formulate a research problem. Describe theresearch problem in one paragraph. Formulate between 3-5 research objectives andquestions to address the research problem. Write up a 2-page literature review on thetopic and include an annotated bibliography. Ensure you use the APA referencing style.Submit a 3,500-word document of your assignment.CAT 1 –Supervised sit-in assessment.Individual assignment – Evaluate a sample research report according to the clarity of theproblem; logical consistency; relevance and adequacy of the literature. You will also assessthe appropriateness of research design and method. Submit a 2,500 word assignment.Concept paper: Submit an 8,000-word concept paper which will form the basis of yourresearch proposal. The paper should include: Research titleBackground of the studyProblem statementResearch objectives and questionsLiterature review and theoretical / conceptual frameworkResearch methodologyList of references (not included in the word count)Group assignmentCAT 1Individual assignmentConcept paperTOTAL10%20%20%50%100%Online resources – eLearning websiteThis is a general class resource where we will post lecture notes and slides, handouts, aswell as any other relevant material.PoliciesStyle: The classes will be interactive, in a presentation-discussion format. Yourperspectives will be welcome so please do not hesitate to contribute to, or seek clarificationon any issue of discussion. Students will be expected to read before class, and may be called4
upon at random to present a prelude to various lessons. Graded presentations will begroup-based.Classes: Punctuality is fundamental. Let’s keep tardiness to the first 10 minutes of each class!Active participation in class exercises/discussion is essential.Students are required to sit for the CATs during the course. No special CAT is givento those who miss the CAT without valid reasons and prior arrangement.Assignments and/or Course Work1. Plagiarism is a serious offense. If detected in any form in course work and assignments,the following will apply:a. In partial or non-serious cases (such as not citing whole word-for-word quotes),half the total possible marks of the assignment are duly struck off.b. In serious cases (such as whole duplication of a paper), a zero policy will applyi.e., all offending assignments will be awarded a mark of zero.Note: The level of seriousness referred to above is at the discretion of thelecturer. Appeals are certainly possible through the relevant channels.2. Notwithstanding the above, collaboration in course work is certainly encouraged as thispromotes team spirit and group synergy provided originality is preserved.Appointments & Office hoursPlease make these by email whenever possible, though we could set up appointments aftereach class session.You may use the e-mails provided below for any communication.Dr. Christopher Ouma Onyangoconyango@strathmore.eduDr. Elizabeth Muthumaemuthuma@strathmore.edu5
Pre-requisite: MBA 8104 Contact Hours: 45 Course Description Research Methods focuses on the process of conducting research. It is a prerequisite to the dissertation unit (MBA 8902) to be undertaken during the second year of study. The course is designed to equip students with the skills to undertake an independent research project in the field .
