Last Update 9.5.

19
Ref No. 5

Name of Course : Business Research Methods

Course Code : RSM 7101
Rationale for the inclusion of the course/module in the programme :

In the current rapidly changing business environment, business managers are

continuously being challenged with new decision issues or problems and
solutions to such issues o problems are needed. This course equips students not
only with the knowledge and skills involved in the research process but also
how the researcher communicates the benefits of the research findings to aid
business decision making.
Guided and Total Student Learning
Learning Activity
Independent Learning Time (SLT)
L = Lecture L IL GD AP
IL = Independent
Learning 30 60 0 30
120
GD = Group Discussion
AP = Assignment
Preparation
Credit Value : 3 (3+0) 3 hours lecture
: Business Economics, Human Centrality in
Organisations, Making Decision with Accountability,
Prerequisite Managing Operations of Business, Managing Product
Visibility, Financing Businesses, Managing Information
System, Strategising Decision
Learning Outcomes :
At the end of the course, student will be able to :
1. Apply different research approaches and methodologies to
business issues and problems (PLO1, P6).
2. Critically review research articles and publications (PLO2, C5).
3. Analyze research data to meet research questions and objectives
(PLO3, C4).
4. Develop practical skills in conducting business research (PLO3,
C6).

Teaching-Learning and assessment strategy :

1
 Teaching-Learning Methods Assessment
Lectures, Problem Based Assignments, individual
Learning (PBL) and Student participation, group report and
Centered Learning (SCL) presentations, quizzes
Synopsis :
This course equips students not only with the knowledge and skills involved in
the research process but also on how the researcher communicates the
benefits of the research findings to aid the business decision making. The
course focuses on the analysis of business problems and the use of scientific
approach as a problem solving tool. This encompasses problem identification,
research objectives, literature review, identifying research designs, data
collection, techniques of data analysis, and research report writing.

Assessment methods and Types:

Assignment 1 – Research Topic &

(20%) – Learning Outcome 2
Literature Review
Assignment 2 – Data Analysis &
(25%) – Learning Outcome 3
Interpretation
Assignment 3 – Presentations (25%) – Learning Outcome 1
Final Assessment – Research Proposal (30%) – Learning Outcome 1 and 4

Main reference supporting the course:

1. Uma Sekaran and Roger Bougie (2016) Research Methods, for Business: A
Skill Building Approach, 7th Edition. Chichester, West Sussex, UK, John Wiley
and Sons.

Supporting References:
2. Mark Eastery-Smith, Richard Thorpe and Jack R. Jackson (2012)
Management Research, 4th Edition, London, Sage Publication.
3. Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill (2016) Research Methods
For Business Students, 7th Edition, Harlow, Pearson.
4. West,J. (2015). Quantitative Method in Finance: From Detachment to
Ethical Engagement. Journal of Business Ethics. Vol 129(3),599-611.
5. Singh, K.D. (2015). Creating Your Own Qualitative Research Approach:
Selecting, Integrating and Operationalizing Philosophy, Methodology and
Methods. Vision - The Journal of Business Perspective, 19(2),132-146.
6. David E. Gary (2014) Doing Research in the Real World, 3rd Edition,
London, Sage Publication.

2
Session Topic Reference Mode of Allocated
(can be delivery (can time
articles, include class (if
web link participation, possible
etc.) exam, quiz etc.) break in
various
mode of
delivery -
minutes)

Introduction to Business and

Management Research
1st
Lecture Meeting
1. Understanding research Lecture
Notes
philosophies and
1 hour
approaches-Research
process and overview of
research methods
Formulating and Clarifying
1st
Research Topic Lecture
Meeting
2. Notes & Lecture
Guidelines for Developing Guideline
2 hours
and Defining Research Topic
1st and 2nd
Developing research
Lecture Meeting
3. questions and research Lecture
Notes
objectives
2 hours
2nd
Reviewing the literature- Lecture Lecture and Meeting
4.
Introduction Notes Class Discussion
1 hours
2nd
Reviewing the literature-
Lecture Meeting
5. underpinning theories and Lecture
Notes
research framework
2 hours
3rd
Formulating research design- Lecture Meeting
6. Lecture
population and sampling Notes
2 hours
Formulating research design
3rd and 4th
– questionnaires and
Lecture Meeting
7. instrumentations Lecture
Notes
3 hours
3
 Assignment 1 Due in Fourth
Meeting with Presentation
4th
Collecting qualitative and Lecture Meeting
8. Lecture
quantitative data Notes
2 hours
4th
Lecture Meeting
9. Validity and reliability Lecture
Notes
1 hour
5thand 6th
Data analysis: Lecture Meeting
10. Lecture
Quantitative Data Notes
6 hours
Data analysis: 6thand 7th
Qualitative Data Lecture Meeting
11. Lecture
Notes
Assignment 2 3 hours
Lecture Lecture and 7th
Writing and Presenting Notes Class Discussion Meeting
12.
Project Report
2 hours
7thand 8th
Assignment 3: Research Meeting
13.
Proposal Presentations
5 hours