RES/351 Business Research Copyright ©2014 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. SYLLABUS Course Description This course evaluates the process of conducting business research for improving decision making within an organization. Students will learn to apply an understanding of commonly employed business research techniques to improve a situation, solve a problem, or change a process. Other topics include problem framing, data collection, data analysis, and data presentation. Course Dates Jul 22, 2014 - Aug 25, 2014 Faculty Information • Academic Policies • Instructor Policies University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Get Ready for Class • Familiarize yourself with the textbooks used in this course. Course Materials All electronic materials are available on your student website. Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents (both located on your student website): Policies Bob Strong (PRIMARY)Name : Email Address : Alternate Email Address Phone Number : (407) 234-3522 Week1 Jul, 22 - Jul, 28 Recognizing the Situation Tasks 1.1 Recognize a situation, problem, issue, or opportunity that needs addressing. 1.2 Determine the significance, scope, magnitude and feasibility of finding a solution to the situation, problem, issue, or opportunity. 1.3 Identify ethical issues involved in business research. 1.4 Describe the business research process. Objectives/Competencies Required Learning Activities • Business Research Methods, Ch. 1 • Business Research Methods, Ch. 2 • Business Research Methods, Ch. 3 • Business Research Methods, Ch. 4 • Week One Electronic Reserve Readings • Business Problems/Ethics • Future Business Dilemmas • Carry Out Research for a Business Project • Small Business Decision Making • Assessment Activity - Questions • Assessment Activity - Case Study Assignments See the student website for additional recommended learning activities that may help you learn this week's concepts. Title Type Due Points Week One Participation Participate in class discussion. Individual Jul 28, 2014 11:59 PM 4 Current Events in Business Research Resources: The University Library or the Electronic Reserve Readings Find an article in the University Library that contains a research study in the functional area of your own job or a functional area you desire to be a part of someday. Write a 700- to 1,050-word summary: Describe the business research process followed in the study in the article. • Identify the research problem and the research method used. • Discuss how the research is solving the problem within the chosen functional area. • Identi ...

1. RES/351 Business Research
Copyright ©2014 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
SYLLABUS
Course Description
This course evaluates the process of conducting business
research for improving decision making within an organization.
Students will learn to apply an understanding of commonly
employed business research techniques to improve a situation,
solve a problem, or change a process. Other topics include
problem framing, data collection, data analysis, and data
presentation.
Course Dates
Jul 22, 2014 - Aug 25, 2014
Faculty Information
• Academic Policies
• Instructor Policies
University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the
policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be
slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend
class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the
policies governing your current class modality.
Get Ready for Class
• Familiarize yourself with the textbooks used in this course.
Course Materials

2. All electronic materials are available on your student website.
Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for
understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the
following two documents (both located on your student
website):
Policies
Bob Strong (PRIMARY)Name :
Email Address :
Alternate Email Address
Phone Number : (407) 234-3522
Week1 Jul, 22 - Jul, 28
Recognizing the Situation
Tasks
1.1 Recognize a situation, problem, issue, or opportunity that
needs addressing.
1.2 Determine the significance, scope, magnitude and feasibility
of finding a solution to the situation, problem, issue, or
opportunity.
1.3 Identify ethical issues involved in business research.
1.4 Describe the business research process.
Objectives/Competencies
Required Learning Activities
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 1
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 2
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 3
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 4

3. • Week One Electronic Reserve Readings
• Business Problems/Ethics
• Future Business Dilemmas
• Carry Out Research for a Business Project
• Small Business Decision Making
• Assessment Activity - Questions
• Assessment Activity - Case Study
Assignments
See the student website for additional recommended learning
activities that may help you learn this week's concepts.
Title Type Due Points
Week One Participation
Participate in class discussion.
Individual Jul 28, 2014 11:59 PM 4
Current Events in Business Research
Resources: The University Library or the Electronic Reserve
Readings
Find an article in the University Library that contains a research
study in
the functional area of your own job or a functional area you
desire to be
a part of someday.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word summary:
Describe the business research process followed in the study in
the

4. article.
• Identify the research problem and the research method
used.
• Discuss how the research is solving the problem within the
chosen
functional area.
• Identify other potential applications using business
research within
this functional area or related areas.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your Assignment.
Individual Jul 28, 2014 11:59 PM 7
• Review end of chapter questions.
Week2 Jul, 29 - Aug, 04
The Purpose of Business Research
2.1 State the purpose of the business research.
2.2 Develop appropriate research questions and hypotheses.
2.3 Identify dependent and independent variables in business
research.
Objectives/Competencies
Required Learning Activities
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 3
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 5
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 6
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 11
• Week Two Electronic Reserve Readings

5. • Combination of Two Mathematical Relationships
• Data and Graphs: First Independent Variable
• Data and Graphs: Second Independent Variable
• Hypothesis Test Example
• Hypothesis Testing
• Reviewing Hypothesis Testing
• Assessment Activity - App Development
• Collaborative Activity - Peer Review--Business Research
Ethics
• Collaborative Activity - Preparing to Conduct Business
Research: Part 1
Assignments
See the student website for additional recommended learning
activities that may help you learn this week's concepts.
Title Type Due Points
Week Two Participation
Participate in class discussion.
Individual Aug 04, 2014 11:59 PM 4
Business Research Ethics
Resources: The University Library or the Electronic Reserve
Readings
Identify a business research project in your own business or
locate a
business research article in the library. This project should be
one that
you perceive to be conducted in an ethical manner.

6. Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you create a set of
ethical
research guidelines for the research:
• Summarize the business research project or article.
• What unethical research practices should be avoided in this
project?
• How could unethical behavior in this research affect the
organization,
the individual, and society?
• How could the unethical behavior be monitored or resolved
if found
to be occurring?
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your Assignment.
Individual Aug 04, 2014 11:59 PM 7
Preparing to Conduct Business Research: Part 1
Select an issue, opportunity, or problem facing an organization.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word proposal that addresses the
following
questions:
• Describe the selected issue, opportunity, or problem facing
the
organization.
• Discuss the significance, scope, magnitude, and feasibility
of finding
a solution to the issue, opportunity, or problem.
• Justify why the chosen issue, opportunity, or problem

7. facing the
organization is important to be researched and whether it can be
solved
with business research.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your Assignment.
Learning
team
Aug 04, 2014 11:59 PM 6
Week3 Aug, 05 - Aug, 11
Types of Research Design
3.1 Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative methods
of research.
3.2 Explain commonly used qualitative research designs and
quantitative research designs.
3.3 Select the appropriate type of research design in a given
business situation.
Objectives/Competencies
Required Learning Activities
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 6
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 7
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 8
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 9
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 10
• Week Three Electronic Reserve Readings
• Types of Data
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Qualitative Methods
• Questionnaire Method
• Interview Method

8. • Observational Method
• Assessment Activity - Mastering Teacher Leadership
• Assessment Activity - Starbucks, Bank One, and Visa Launch
Starbucks ® Duetto ® Visa ® Card
• Collaborative Activity - Yahoo Consumer Direct Marries
Purchase Metrics to Banner Ads
• Collaborative Activity - Preparing to Conduct Business
Research: Part 2
Assignments
See the student website for additional recommended learning
activities that may help you learn this week's concepts.
Title Type Due Points
Week Three Participation
Participate in class discussion.
Individual Aug 11, 2014 11:59 PM 4
Stages of the Research Process
Resources: The University Library or the Electronic Reserve
Readings
Find at least two business research peer-reviewed articles in the
University Library.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you practice
identifying the
critical first stage of developing any research study:

9. • State the purpose of the business research for each article.
• Determine the research questions and hypotheses being
researched
in each article.
• Identify the dependent and independent variables being
manipulated
or measured in each article.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your Assignment.
Individual Aug 11, 2014 11:59 PM 7
Preparing to Conduct Business Research: Part 2
Build on the business problem identified in Preparing to
Conduct
Business Research: Part 1.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following
questions:
• What are the key business objectives?
• What are the questions that must be researched?
• What are the hypotheses and variables that must be
considered?
• What ethical considerations must you take into account?
• Define the purpose of the research.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
Learning
team
Aug 11, 2014 11:59 PM 6

10. Week4 Aug, 12 - Aug, 18
Data Collection
4.1 Develop the data collection instruments.
4.2 Differentiate between sampling methods and their
application in business research.
Objectives/Competencies
Required Learning Activities
• Business Research Methods, Ch.10
• Business Research Methods, Ch.11
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 12
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 13
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 14
• Week Four Electronic Reserve Readings
• Sampling Data
• Selecting a Representative Sample
• Selecting a Sample
• Data Types
• Correlational Method
• Variability in Data Collection
• Turning Data into Information
• Assessment Activity - Mastering Teacher Leadership, Part 2
• Assessment Activity - Tasty Restaurant
• Collaborative Activity - Preparing to Conduct Business
Research Part 3
Assignments
See the student website for additional recommended learning
activities that may help you learn this week's concepts.

11. Title Type Due Points
Week Four Participation
Participate in class discussion.
Individual Aug 18, 2014 11:59 PM 4
Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 1
Identify two articles in the University Library: one in which the
business
problem is researched using a qualitative design and the other
using a
quantitative design.
Summarize each of the research designs.
Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you compare and
contrast the
two approaches:
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?
• How can they be used most effectively in a combined
approach?
• Which method is more appropriate for research in your
own business
and functional area?
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
Individual Aug 18, 2014 11:59 PM 6
Preparing to Conduct Business Research: Part 3

12. Build on the work you conducted in Preparing to Conduct
Business
Research: Parts 1-2.
Discuss whether your business problem could primarily be
solved using
a qualitative or quantitative research design and also discuss the
benefits of using a both designs in your research.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following
questions:
• Which design (qualitative or quantitative) will become the
primary
research design?
• How can you most effectively use the power of both
designs?
• What are the drawbacks of just using one design to
research the
problem?
Discuss the insights each type of design will generate and the
importance of having those insights to solve the business
problem.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
Learning
team
Aug 18, 2014 11:59 PM 6

13. Week5 Aug, 19 - Aug, 25
Data Analysis Approaches
5.1 Prepare collected data for analysis.
5.2 Differentiate between descriptive statistics and inferential
statistics.
5.3 Determine the overall data analysis approach for a data set.
Objectives/Competencies
Required Learning Activities
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 15
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 16
• Business Research Methods, Ch. 17
• Business Research Methods, Appendix 15a
• Week Five Electronic Reserve Readings
• Descriptive Statistics
• Statistics: Probability and Certainty
• Statistics: Probability and Prediction
• Tests of Difference
• Sampling, Surveying, and Data Analysis
• Statistics Intro: Mean, Median, and Mode
• Assessment Activity - Mastering Teacher Leadership, Part 3
• Assessment Activity - Starbucks, Bank One, and Visa Launch
Starbucks Duetto Visa
• Collaborative Activity - Yahoo Consumer Direct Marries
Purchase Metrics to Banner Ads
• Collaborative Activity - Preparing to Conduct Business
Research Part 4
Assignments
See the student website for additional recommended learning
activities that may help you learn this week's concepts.
Title Type Due Points

14. Week Five Participation
Participate in class discussion.
Individual Aug 25, 2014 11:59 PM 4
Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2
Research at least three quantitative data collection instruments
and
sampling methods available to researchers using the text and
additional
resources from the University Library.
Identify two articles in the University Library: one in which the
business
problem is researched using a descriptive statistical method and
another using an inferential method.
Summarize each of the data collection instruments, sampling
methods,
and the statistical methods.
Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in which you compare and
contrast
each of the approaches:
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each sampling
approach?
• What are the specific situations in which you would choose
to use
each of the instruments and designs?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each statistical

15. approach?
• How can they be used most effectively in a combined
approach?
• Which methods are more appropriate for research in your
own
business and functional area?
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
Individual Aug 25, 2014 11:59 PM 10
Preparing to Conduct Business Research: Part 4
Build on the work you conducted in Preparing to Conduct
Business
Research: Parts 1-3.
Develop or select the instruments your team will use to collect
data and
conduct interviews and the appropriate sampling or research
methods
for your quantitative design.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following
questions:
Develop the overall data analysis approach and quantitative and
qualitative result reporting:
• How will you have access to the population to be sampled
or
interviewed?
• What are the instruments you will use to collect data or

16. qualitative
information?
• What is the appropriate sampling method?
• What sampling frame will be used?
• What is the appropriate sampling size?
• How will the sample size be determined?
• Which qualitative methods will be used and why?
• Which statistical tests will be used and why?
• How will the results and insights be displayed?
• What conclusions should be made if the hypothesis is
found to be
correct or if it is incorrect?
Discuss the timing and resources required to conduct this
research
effort and how you will use the insights developed from the
study to
influence an improvement in the business process or attempt
further
research.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Combine the four parts of the Preparing to Conduct Business
Research
assignment to develop a Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation
of at
least 4-6 slides representing a research brief to senior
management.
Include the following elements:
• Business problem being solved through research
• Significance, scope, magnitude, and feasibility of finding a
solution to
the issue, opportunity, or problem
• Research question, hypothesis, and variables

17. • Research design
• Instrument you developed or selected
• Sampling method
• Overall data analysis approach
• Result reporting
• Ethical considerations
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
Learning
team
Aug 25, 2014 11:59 PM 10
Final Examination
Complete the Final Examination. You are allowed one attempt
to
complete the exam, which is timed and must be completed in 3
hours.
Results are auto graded and sent to your instructor.
Individual Aug 25, 2014 11:59 PM 15
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
University of Phoenix® is a registered trademark of Apollo
Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft®, Windows®, and PowerPoint® are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. All other company and product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply
endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation.
Trademark