School of Management and Logistic Sciences

Research Methods for Business

MGT213
Fall 2017
Instructor Information
Name Talah S. Arabiyat
E-mail Address talah.arabiyat@gju.edu.jo
Office Location Building B, 3rd floor, room 312
Office Hours Mon-Wed, 11:00-12:30 PM or by appointment
Course Information
Sections Sec 1: Sun-Tue, 2:00 - 03:30 PM
Days & Time Sec 3: Sun-Tue, 11:00 -12:30 PM
Location Sec. 1: B301
Sec. 3: B301

Course Description
The primary purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction of research methods and to
prepare students to critically read research. The course is introductory in the sense that the emphasis is on
exposure to a variety of research methods and methodologies, rather than developing expertise in any one
particular method. Besides, it is designed to acquaint students with a range of research methods available and
the criteria for choosing among them. More specifically, Research Methodology educates students about
types of scientific quantitative and qualitative methods and its applications to research process in business
discipline.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course all students will have developed skills in identifying the research method(s)
employed from among various methods available, generating possible solutions to business problems by
applying appropriate concepts and principles of research design and implementation, identifying strengths
and limitations of various research methods and approaches with respect to drawing valid conclusions.
Specifically, you are expected to:
1. Understand research terminology
2. Be aware of the ethical principles of research, ethical challenges and approval processes
3. Describe quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches to research
4. Identify the components of a literature review process
5. Be knowledgeable about the process of conducting research
6. Identify, understand, and apply steps of designing a research study to tackle particular research
question or problem
7. Judge the logical consistency of written material & evaluate the quality of a research report.

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 Teaching Pedagogy
This course will integrate lectures, class discussions, instructional videos, assigned readings, in-class
exercises, teamwork, and final project.
Textbooks & Materials
Required Textbook Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2016). Research Methods for Business: A Skill
Building Approach, (7th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Required Materials Other additional material will be posted on Moodle.
You should be enrolled automatically in the course. However, if you have any
trouble with your account, please contact the computer department.
Research Project
You are required to write a short research paper that applies the principles discussed in class. Based on your
research paper you are required to make a presentation. Further details will be posted on Moodle.

Course Components and Requirements

Attendance Unless you have an acceptable excuse and make special arrangements
with me before class begins, you are expected to attend class, arrive on
time, and remain until class is over.
I strongly recommend that you attend every class if you want to earn a
good grade or even pass this course.
Grading Criteria
First Exam 20
Second Exam 20
Project, homework and quizzes 20
Final Exam)comprehensive( 40
Classroom Conduct Any successful learning experience requires mutual respect on behalf of
the student and the instructor. The rules and regulations of the university
does not tolerate to any student's behavior that is in any way disruptive
to the learning environment.
Cell phones, PCs, iPods, or any other electronic devices are not allowed
in the classroom.
Missed Exams A Student who has a legitimate excuse for missing an exam should contact me
to make the necessary arrangements.
Late Assignments No late assignments are accepted for any reason whatsoever. However, your
lowest assignment grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Extra Perks If you read an interesting article related to the course, you can write a one-
paragraph summary with your opinion and present it at the end of the class. By
sharing your knowledge with your colleagues you can earn up to 2 points!
Study Expectations The posted class notes are a courtesy to you and intended to help you
understand the material, and by no means are a substitute for the book.
Please talk to me immediately if you are having any difficulty. I am here
to help you learn, so do not hesitate to call on me.
Students, who believe that they may need accommodations because of a
disabling condition, please contact me as soon as possible.

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 Academic You are expected to do your own work. Cheating, plagiarism and any other
Dishonesty/Plagiarism form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please refer to the students
handbook for GJU rules and regulations.
http://www.gju.edu.jo/page.aspx?id=41&type=o&lng=en&page=215.

Class Schedule and Readings (tentative)

Topic Readings

Introduction to research Chapter 1

The scientific approach and alternative approaches to investigation Chapter 2
The broad problem area and defining the problem statement Chapter 3
The critical literature review Chapter 4
Theoretical framework and hypothesis development Chapter 5
Elements of research design Chapter 6
Data collection methods: Introduction and interviews Chapter 7
Data collection methods: Observation Chapter 8
Data collection methods: Questionnaires Chapter 9

Sampling and measurement Chapter 12- 13 Selected

material
Quantitative Data Analysis Chapter 14- Selected material
Qualitative Data Analysis Chapter 16- Selected material

Research Report Chapter 17- Selected material

Presentation and final review

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