Business Research is a truth-seeking function that gathers, analyzes, interprets and reports information so that business decision makers become more effective. 'Essentials of Business Research Methods' - a European adaptation of our US book of the same title - presents a balance between quantitative and qualitative methods in an easy-to-read style, with plenty of relevant real world examples. A running case study is also presented throughout so that students can follow it through each chapter.
Chapter 1. The Role of Business Research.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Business Research Defined.
Elements of Business Research.
What Does Business Research Study?.
Trends Impacting Business Research.
The Manager-Researcher Relationship.
Summary.
Chapter 2. Overview of the Research Process.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
The Business Research Process.
Contrasting Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approaches.
Theory and Science in Business Research.
Summary.
Chapter 3. Ethics in Business Research.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Relevance of Business Ethics.
Ethical Obligations of Researcher.
Ethical Obligations of Business Decision Makers.
Ethical Obligations of Research Participants.
Summary.
Chapter 4. Defining the Research Problem.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
What is a Good Research Topic.
Research Questions and Objectives.
Role of Theory in Research.
Conceptualization of Research Ideas.
Writing a Research Proposal. include examples of research proposals. See Appendix 1. A from 1e for materials to use here. May want to include another example of a proposal.
Summary.
Chapter 5. Reviewing the Literature and Developing Hypotheses.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Preparing a Literature Review.
Specific Contributions of the Literature Review.
Sources of Literature.
Planning the Literature Search.
Writing a Literature Review.
The Literature Review and Research Questions.
Developing Hypotheses.
Summary.
Chapter 6. Secondary Data.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Value of Secondary Data.
Nature and Scope of Secondary Data.
Secondary Data Sources.
Internal Background Reviews.
External Sources of Secondary Data.
Syndicated Sources of Secondary Data.
Using the Internet to Obtain Secondary Data.
Applications of Secondary Research in Practice.
Summary.
Chapter 7. Conceptualization and Research Design.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Developing a Conceptual Framework.
Basic Research Designs.
Exploratory.
Descriptive.
Causal.
Combining Research Designs.
Summary.
Chapter 8. Sampling Approaches and Considerations.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Sampling.
Sampling Process.
Probability Sampling.
Nonprobability Sampling.
Sample Size.
Summary.
Chapter 9. Data Collection Methods.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Data Collection. Qualitative vs. Quantitative.
Observation. primary & secondary methods; include material on designing observation forms to collect data..
Survey Approaches, including panels.
Depth Interviews.
Focus Groups.
Case studies.
Content analysis.
Summary.
Chapter 10. Measurement & Scaling.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
What is a Concept?.
How to Measure Concepts.
Practical Decisions When Developing Scales.
Criteria for Assessing Measurement Scales.
How to Develop a Scale.
Summary.
Chapter 11. Designing the Questionnaire.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Questionnaire Design.
Questionnaire Sections and Sequence.
Preparing and Presenting Good Questions.
Pretesting Questionnaires.
Summary.
Chapter 12. Basic Data Analysis.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Data Preparation.
Analyzing Qualitative Research.
Using Charts and Graphs.
Measures of Central Tendency.
Measures of Dispersion.
Other Diagnostic Measures.
Summary.
Chapter 13. Data Analysis for Quantitative Research.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Understanding Hypothesized Relationships.
Hypothesis Testing.
Single Group Hypothesis Testing.
Chi-Square & t-test.
Multiple Group Hypothesis Testing.
Analysis of Variance.
Summary.
Chapter 14. Relationships Between Variables and Prediction.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Types of Relationships.
Covariation and Variable Relationships.
Analyzing Association Using Correlation.
Prediction Using Regression.
Summary.
Chapter 15. Reporting & Presenting Results.
Learning Objectives.
Introduction.
Written and Oral Communication.
The Written Research Report.
Guidelines for the Written Report.
Oral Presentations.
Using Visuals.
Summary.
