This 3 credit course titled "Business Research Methods" is offered in the 6th semester of year 2 of the program. It aims to equip students with the ability and skills to conduct research in the field of business through developing their analytical, communication, and research skills. The course introduces students to research methods and focuses on analyzing business problems and using scientific research as a problem-solving tool. It involves lectures, case studies, group work, and students independently researching and presenting a proposal and findings. Assessment consists of assignments, a research proposal, presentation, and final exam.

1. 1. Name of Course: Business Research Methods
2. Course Code: EIB20503
3. Names of Academic Staff: Prof Dato’ Dr Che Musa Che Omar
4. Rationale for inclusion of the course in the program:
This course equips students with ability and skills to conduct research in the field of business.
The skills gained are pertinent and useful for decision making within an organisational and
business context. It also encourages critical thinking.
5. Semester and
Year Offered:
Semester: 6
Year: 2
6. Total Student Learning
Time (SLT): 120 hours
Face to face (F2F): 42
hours
Total guided and independent
learning (non F2F): 78 hours
L= Lecture
T=Tutorial
P=Practical
O=Others
L T P O
42
7. Credit Value: 3
8. Prerequisite: Nil
9. Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify and describe problem areas in organisational settings;
2. Plan, organise, design and conduct research to help solve the problems identified;
3. Use statistical analysis and computer programmes to analyse data;
4. Write and present research reports;
5. Differentiate “good” from “bad” research reported in academic, business and trade
journals; and
6. Review literature on topics selected.
10. Transferable skills
Skills Development of the skills Skills assessments
1. Analytical skills Developed through data
analysis.
Teacher’s evaluation of
tasks assigned.
2. Communication skills Developed through
discussions and oral
presentation tasks given.
Evaluation of oral
presentation and group
discussions.
3.Research skills Developed through
conducting research
projects.
Evaluation of students’
presentation of projects.
11. Teaching-learning strategy
Concepts and theories are covered through lectures and case studies. Students engage in
cooperative learning to analyse business cases and research topics, and conduct oral
presentation/forum/panel discussion.
Assessment strategy:
Assessment consists of coursework and a final examination.
SLT-EIB20503-BRM-MQA2-V1

2. 12. Synopsis:
The course introduces students to the basics of research methods needed in business and
other fields. It focuses on the analysis of business problems and the use of scientific research
as a problem-solving tool. This encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate
research designs, research statistics, use of the computer for data analyses, and report writing
and presentation.
13. Mode of Delivery:
Lectures, independent research and presentation of research proposal and findings.
14. Assessment Methods and Types:
Coursework
Assignments 20%
Research proposal 20%
Presentation 20%
Final Exam 40%
TOTAL 100%
15. Mapping of the Course to the Program Aims/ Program Objective:
Course Name PEO1 PEO2 PEO3 PEO4 PEO5
Business Research
Methods x
16. Mapping of the course to the Program Learning Outcomes:
PLO
1
PLO
2
PLO
3
PLO
4
PLO
5
PLO
6
PLO
7
PLO
8
PLO
9
CO 1 x x x x x
CO 2 x x x x x
CO 3 x x
CO 4 x x
CO 5 x x
CO 6 x x x
17 Content outline of the course and the student learning time per topic
Topic F2F Non
F2F SLT
L T P O
1 Introduction to Research
Scientific Investigation
Technology and Business Research
Managerial Decision Making and Research
6 12 18
2 The Research Process I
The Broad Problem Area
Preliminary Data Gathering
Problem Definition
9 18 27
3 The Research Process II
Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis Development
9 18 27
SLT-EIB20503-BRM-MQA2-V1

3. Elements of Research Design
4 The Research Process III
Experimental Designs
Measurement of Variables – Operational Definition
and Scales; and Scaling, Reliability and Validity
6 10 16
5 Data Collection Methods
Sampling
Data Analysis and Interpretation
6 10 16
6 The Research Report
The Research Proposal
The Written Report
Oral Presentation
6 10 16
TOTAL Student Learning Time (h) 42 78 120
References: Compulsory:
1. Sekaran,U. & Bougie, R. (2010). Research Methods For Business: A
Skills Building Approach, 5th. Ed. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons,
Inc.
1. Cooper D. & Schindler, P. (2006) Business Research Methods. Boston,
McGraw Hill.
2. Jankowicz, A.D. (2005) “Business Research Projects” (4th edition).
London, Thomson Learning. ISBN: 1-84480-082-2.
SLT-EIB20503-BRM-MQA2-V1