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2012/2013  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
  • Quantitative methods
    Bersant Hobdari - Department of International Economics and Management
  • Qualitative methods
    Lisbeth Clausen - Department of Intercultural Communication and Management
Main Category of the Course
  • Philosophy and philosophy of science
  • Organization
  • Statistics and mathematics
Last updated on 06-08-2012
Learning objectives
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
  • Distinguish different types of quantitative data and present them in graphical and summary forms appropriate for the purpose at hand.
  • Use elementary probability theory and distributions to calculate probabilities of alternative outcomes
  • Understand sampling techniques
  • Estimate and make statistical inferences (tests) about population characteristics from samples.
  • Apply simple analysis of variance techniques
  • Calculate and use measures of correlation, partial correlation, single- and multivariate
  • Identify a research topic.
  • Define the required theoretical framework and critically review the existing literature
  • Develop hypotheses or research questions that reflect the theoretical setting
  • Construct empirical measures of theoretical concepts and identify and collect the right type of data
  • Understand and apply the use of appropriate empirical qualitative tools including interviews, qualitative and quantitative surveys and observation.
  • Reflect on the notions of validity and reliability.
Examination
Business Research Methods:
Type of test Home Assignment
Marking scale 7-step scale
Second examiner Second internal examiner
Exam period December/January
Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below
Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below
72-hour written individual assignment of max. 5 standard pages.  
Course content

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 06-08-2012