1. Name of Course: Business Research Methods 2. Course Code: EIB205033. Names of Academic Staff: Prof Dato’ Dr Che Musa Che Omar4. Rationale for inclusion of the course in the program:

This course equips students with ability and skills to conduct research in the field of business. The skills gained are pertinent and useful for decision making within an organisational and business context. It also encourages critical thinking.

5. Semester andYear Offered:

Semester: 6Year: 2

6. Total Student Learning Time (SLT): 120 hours

Face to face (F2F): 42 hours

Total guided and independent learning (non F2F): 78 hours

L= LectureT=TutorialP=PracticalO=Others

L T P O42

7. Credit Value: 38. Prerequisite: Nil9. Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, students should be able to:1. Identify and describe problem areas in organisational settings;2. Plan, organise, design and conduct research to help solve the problems identified;3. Use statistical analysis and computer programmes to analyse data;4. Write and present research reports;5. Differentiate “good” from “bad” research reported in academic, business and trade

journals; and6. Review literature on topics selected.

10. Transferable skillsSkills Development of the skills Skills assessments

1. Analytical skills Developed through data analysis.

Teacher’s evaluation of tasks assigned.

2. Communication skills Developed through discussions and oral presentation tasks given.

Evaluation of oral presentation and group discussions.

3.Research skills Developed through conducting research projects.

Evaluation of students’ presentation of projects.

11. Teaching-learning strategy

Concepts and theories are covered through lectures and case studies. Students engage in

cooperative learning to analyse business cases and research topics, and conduct oral

presentation/forum/panel discussion.

Assessment strategy:

Assessment consists of coursework and a final examination.

SLT-EIB20503-BRM-MQA2-V1

12. Synopsis:

The course introduces students to the basics of research methods needed in business and

other fields. It focuses on the analysis of business problems and the use of scientific research

as a problem-solving tool. This encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate

research designs, research statistics, use of the computer for data analyses, and report writing

and presentation.

13. Mode of Delivery:Lectures, independent research and presentation of research proposal and findings.

14. Assessment Methods and Types:Coursework Assignments 20% Research proposal 20% Presentation 20%Final Exam 40%TOTAL 100%

15. Mapping of the Course to the Program Aims/ Program Objective:

Course Name PEO1 PEO2 PEO3 PEO4 PEO5Business Research Methods

x

16. Mapping of the course to the Program Learning Outcomes:

PLO1

PLO2

PLO3

PLO4

PLO5

PLO6

PLO7

PLO8

PLO9

CO 1 x x x x xCO 2 x x x x xCO 3 x xCO 4 x xCO 5 x xCO 6 x x x

17 Content outline of the course and the student learning time per topic

TopicF2F Non

F2FSLT

L T P O1 Introduction to Research

Scientific InvestigationTechnology and Business ResearchManagerial Decision Making and Research

6 12 18

2 The Research Process IThe Broad Problem AreaPreliminary Data GatheringProblem Definition

9 18 27

3 The Research Process II 9 18 27

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Theoretical FrameworkHypothesis DevelopmentElements of Research Design

4 The Research Process IIIExperimental DesignsMeasurement of Variables – Operational Definition and Scales; and Scaling, Reliability and Validity

6 10 16

5 Data Collection MethodsSamplingData Analysis and Interpretation

6 10 16

6 The Research Report The Research Proposal The Written ReportOral Presentation

6 10 16

TOTAL Student Learning Time (h) 42 78 120

References: Compulsory:

1. Sekaran,U. & Bougie, R. (2010). Research Methods For Business: A Skills Building Approach, 5th. Ed. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

SLT-EIB20503-BRM-MQA2-V1

1. Cooper D. & Schindler, P. (2006) Business Research Methods. Boston, McGraw Hill.

2. Jankowicz, A.D. (2005) “Business Research Projects” (4th edition). London, Thomson Learning. ISBN: 1-84480-082-2.