Research Methods

1. Course Title: Research
Methods
Credit Hours: 3
Schedule: every Thursday
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2. 1. Course Outline
Course Description
• The Purpose of this course is to furnish you to the basics of
research methodology.
• This course is intended primary for undergraduate students in
commerce and business management which brings the theory,
philosophy and techniques of research methodology.
• The course is organized around the operational steps in the
research process.
• Each chapter is devoted to a particular aspect of that step.
• The structure of this course which is based on the popular
research model for social sciences is designed to be practical.
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3. 1. Course Outline
Course Objectives
• research methodology is taught as supporting subject in
several ways in many academic disciplines at various
levels.
• Therefore, the research model developed here is generic in
nature and can be applied to a number of disciplines in the
social sciences.
• This clear and concise course links theory with practical
steps central to any research process.
• It includes detailed discussions of aspects that are
appropriate for post graduate students and uses flow charts
and examples to communicate concepts.
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4. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction to research
1.1 Application of research
1.2 Definition of research
1.3 Types of research
1.4 Characteristics of research
1.5 Reviewing the Literature
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5. 1. Course Outline
SECTION TWO: Formulating a research problem
2.1 Necessary conditions for formulating a research problem
2.2 Sources of a research problem
2.3 Formulating a research problem
2.4 Identifying variables
2.5 Constructing hypothesis
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6. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER THREE: The research design
3.1 Definition of a research design
3.2 Functions of a research design
3.3 selecting a study design
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7. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER FOUR: Constructing a research instrument
4.1 Methods of data collection
4.2 Selecting a method of data collection
4.3 Measurement scales
4.4 Establishing the validity & reliability of a research instrument
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8. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER FIVE: Selecting a sample
5.1 Census & sampling
5.2 The concept of sampling in qualitative research
5.3 Principles of sampling
5.4 Types of sampling
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9. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER SIX: Writing a research proposal
6.1 Research proposal
6.2 Contents of a research proposal
6.3 Work schedule
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10. 1. Course Outline
SECTION SEVEN: Collecting data
7.1 Considering ethical issues in data collection
7.2 Stakeholders in research
7.3 Ethical issues concerning stakeholders
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11. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER EIGHT: Processing data
8.1 The process of data processing
8.2 The role of computers in research
8.3 The role of statistics in research
8.4 Displaying data
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12. 1. Course Outline
CHAPTER NINE: Writing a research report
9.1 Research writing in general
9.2 Writing referencing
9.3 Developing an outline
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13. 1. Course Outline
Textbook & References:
• William G. Zikmund, “Business Research
Methods”, Thomsom Business Information
Private Ltd., India, 2006.
• CR Cothari, “Research Methodology- Methods
and Techniques”, Wishwa Prakshan
Publications, India, 2002.
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14. 1. Course Outline
Grading & Feedback:
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Assessment Methods Points
Test (Chapter 1 and 3) 10
Synopsis Development 10
Research Proposal Development 15
Presentation (Individual Presentation) 10
Class activity and Participation 5
Final Exam 50
Total Points 100

15. Thank You
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