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2013/2014  BA-1BRM  Business Research Methods

English Title
Business Research Methods

Course information
Language English
Exam ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Course period Autumn
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board
Study Board for Asian Study Programme
Course coordinator
  • Evis Sinani - Department of International Economics and Management (INT)
Main academic disciplines
  • Philosophy and philosophy of science
  • Organization
  • Statistics and mathematics
Last updated on 14-08-2013
Learning objectives
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
  • Distinguish between different types of data and present them in a graphical and summary form
  • Estimate and make basic statistical inferences (tests) about population characteristics from samples as well as interpret the results
  • Calculate and interpret measures of correlation, partial correlation, and regression coefficients from different regression models
  • Identify a research topic, critically review the appropriate existing literature and develop hypotheses that reflect the theoretical setting
  • Apply the use of appropriate qualitative tools including interviews, qualitative and quantitative surveys
  • Critically reflect on the notions of validity and reliability
Examination
Business Research Methods:
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period December/January
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure
72-hour written individual assignment of max. 5 standard pages.
Course content and structure

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the required research skills that will make them educated users of quantitative techniques needed in addressing a variety of problems in economic and business research. The study of the material will allow the students to understand how methodological tools blend together in order to result in competent design and analysis of research projects.

The course introduces students to basic statistical skills in business analysis. These skills include graphing techniques, the use of spreadsheets and statistical software, discussion of the type of data used in business research, methods of data collection, summary measures of location and spread, index numbers and measures of change, introductory probability theory and Bayesian inference, statistical distributions most frequently used in business research, estimation and inference from population samples, hypothesis testing, correlation, single and multivariate regression analysis, and residual analysis. Further, the course introduces students to two main theoretical approaches in modern interdisciplinary business research, namely interpretivism and positivism, which will help them in building their methodological and reflexive skills. These skills include formulating a research question, making a research design, collecting and analyzing relevant data, and analyzing and writing up the research material.
Teaching methods
Teaching consists of lecturing and tutorial sessions. Lectures focus on presenting theory, concepts and insights, while tutorials focus on applying these to concrete exercises. During tutorials students will be asked to either work individually or in small groups to facilitate learning. Students are required to be prepared for each class by reading the recommended material. One of the major components in this course is class participation and that cannot be achieved if students do not come prepared on the recommended reading list. This will enhance our interaction in the class and lead to creative discussions
Expected literature
  1. Saunders, Mark, Lewis, Philip & Thornhill, Adrian. (2007). Fourth Edition. Research Methods for Business students. (selected chapters)
  2. Lind, Douglas, Marchal, William and Wathen, Samuel Adam. Latest Edition. Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics. (selected chapters)
Last updated on 14-08-2013