Research methods
Dr Kosmas Smyrnios
6 points * 6 hours per week * Full year * Caulfield * Prerequisites: Acceptance for enrolment in BBus(Hons) program
Objectives On completion of this subject students should have conducted a critical review of the literature relevant to their field of study; derived appropriate hypotheses for testing, or question or problem to be answered; devised an empirical test of the hypotheses showing regard to practical problems of conducting research, ethical considerations, and principles of scientific method; conducted a planned study and managed any practical problems that might have arisen in the course of data collection; selected and conducted an appropriate analysis of data; and written a report on the project, showing due regard to relevant stylistic conventions.
Synopsis Given that business professionals are increasingly becoming involved in conducting research, it is vital that professionals are aware of the principles of research design and statistical testing of data. Furthermore, it is essential for all business professionals to keep informed of developments in their field. This requires reading professional journals and an ability to read articles critically. Thus, the study of research methods is an important part of the training of a business professional regardless of the area in which he or she intends to work following graduation.
Assessment 3-hour examination: 50% * submission of research proposal (2000 words): 25% * submission of literature review (3000 words): 25%
Prescribed texts
Zikmund W G Business research methods 3rd edn, Dryden, 1991