Institute Of Management Sciences

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan

(City Campus)

Course Title: Business Research Methods Programme: MBA(Semester 2)

Course Instructor: Zainab Rehman Class Timings : TBD
Course Description

With the use of careful scientific and statistical methods, and by applying proven analytical and
evaluative tools and techniques, managers can get insights into issues which can help them
accomplish their organizational goals, set correct priorities, adopt far-sighted strategies, handle risks
and effectively and efficiently manage available resources.

This course introduces the student to basic business-related research methods. Areas of study include
the research process, problem solving, data collection instrument development, data collection, data
analysis & results reporting.
Course Objectives

The intent of the course is to develop an understanding of business research. The key objectives are
to:
 Provide the research design and analysis skills needed to conduct business research.
 Provide an understanding of ethical implications involved in business research.
 Provide the understanding required to critically evaluate and be an educated consumer of
business research.

Proposed Session wise Schedule

Week Topic Contents Chapters Class activities

No.
What is business research?
Introduction to Types of research studies Chap # 1 Course preview, group
1 Business Research Conducting a good research formation

The research process

2 The design of --- Chap # 2 Assignment #1

Business Research ---
Step 1: Think Like a
Scientist, Step 2: Choose a
Student as Research Question, Step 3: Assignment # 1 due
researcher: Generate a Research
Hypothesis

Page
1
 Step 4: Form Operational
how to approach a Definitions, Step 5: Handouts
research project? Choose a Research provided
3 Design, Step 6: Evaluate
the Ethics
Step 7: Collect Data, Step 8:
Analyze Data and Form
Conclusions, Step 9: Report
Research Results, Step 10:
Take the Next Step
Justice. Beneficence,
Respect for persons,
4 Ethical Issues in Informed consent Chap # 5 Research Proposal due
Business Research ---
---
Primary & secondary data
The sources and Data collection instruments Assignment # 2
5 Collection of data Questionnaire Construction, Chap # 10
Cover Letter
Planning and conducting
The sources and interviews Assignment # 2 due
6 Collection of data Face-to-face interviews Handouts
Telephone surveys, mail provided
surveys
Surveys, sampling
7 Survey Research Survey error Chap # 7
---
Measurement Scales
8 Measurement Validity & Reliability Chap # 8
--- &9
Quantitative data analysis
9 Analysis of data Qualitative data analysis Chap 16, Research report due
Statistical techniques 17 & 18
Statistical techniques
10 Analysis of data --- Handouts Assignment # 3
--- provided
Writing research report
11 Reporting the Prefatory parts, main body Chap # 20 Assignment # 3 due
results
Appended parts
Statistical functions
Using MS Excel & Charts and graphs Handouts
12 SPSS with & slides
Business Research provided
Methods ---

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2
 ---
---
13 Project --- ---
Presentations ---

---
--- ---
14 Project ---
Presentations ---

15 Revision of --- --- ---

concepts

Note: The schedule is approximate and may vary as circumstances dictate.

Recommended Books

 Donald R. Cooper, Pamela S. Schindler, “Business Research Methods”.

Reference Books:

 William G. Zikmund, “Business Research Methods”, 7th Edition

 Dr Mark N K Saunders, Dr Phillips Lewis, and Dr Adrian Thornhill, “Research Methods
for Business Students”, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall.
 Uma Sekaran, “Research Methods for Business”, 4rd Edition.
 David Doodley, “Social Research Methods”, 4th Edition.

Important Note: Relevant articles/research papers/ case studies will also be

included during course.

Course Evaluation

Quizzes: 10% Assignments / Presentations: 10%

Mid-Term : 30% Final: 50%

General Rules and Procedures

 Keep track of your attendance, 85% attendance is mandatory to be eligible for sitting in
final exam. No late comer will be allowed to attend the class.
 All the assignments should be submitted within specified time, no late submission will be
accepted.
 Plagiarism/cheating will not be tolerated in any case.

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