Business Research Methods-2020-22
Business Research Methods-2020-22
Business Research Methods-2020-22
Course Description:
A course in Business Research Methods (BRM) aims at creation of ability as well as willingness
for evidence based thinking and action in different business situations and functions. Situations
and functions that require application of BRM emanate in courses which deal primarily with
managerial decision making. Though a course in BRM is covered in semester I, its applications
continue throughout the PGDM programme in helping managers in analysis and/or planning.
Further, the course is essential as it would enhance the quality of projects that the students would
be undertaking during their summer internship.
Course Objectives:
Main objectives of this course are:
1. To understand the concept and process of business research in business environment.
2. To know the appropriate use of tools and techniques for exploratory, conclusive and
causal research.
3. To understand the concept of measurement in empirical systems.
4. To understand the concept of sampling and its types and techniques.
5. To use appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of research data.
Content:
UNIT – I
1. Foundations of Research (6 Hours)
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(i) From Problem Definition to Report Writing
(c) Qualitative research and Quantitative research approaches: Comparison - Pros and
Cons of both approaches. Types of Qualitative Research (1 Hour)
(e) Descriptive Research Designs: Concept, types and uses. Concept of Cross-
sectional and Longitudinal Research, (1 Hour)
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(g) Hypothesis: Qualities of a good Hypothesis –Framing Null Hypothesis &
Alternative Hypothesis. Concept of Hypothesis Testing – Logic, Importance & Steps
(1 Hour)
Case Study Presentation –II
ASSIGNMENT
UNIT – III
(d) Types of Data - Primary Data: Definition, Advantages and disadvantages over
secondary data. (1 Hour)
Class Test (20 Marks): (It covers from Topic/Unit no 1 to 3 of the syllabus)
UNIT – IV
4. Sampling (3 Hours)
(a) Basic Concepts: Defining the Universe, Element Vs. Unit, Concepts of Statistical
Population, Sample, Characteristics of a good sample. Sampling Frame, Sampling errors,
Non Sampling errors, Methods to reduce the errors, Sample Size constraints, Non
Response. (1 Hour)
(b) Probability Sample: Simple Random Sampling, Systematic Sampling, Stratified
Sampling, Area Sampling & Cluster Sampling. (1 Hour)
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(c) Non Probability Sample: Judgment Sampling, Convenience Sampling, Purposive
Sampling, Quota Sampling & Snowball Sampling methods. Determining size of the
sample - Practical considerations in sampling and sample size, (sample size determination
formulae and numerical not expected). (1 Hour)
Case Study Presentation –IV
QUIZ & PRESENTATION
UNIT – V
(d) Linear Regression Analysis: Meaning and concept of two lines of regression;
relationship between correlation and regression co-efficient. (1.5 Hours)
(f) Research Reports: Structure of Research report, Report writing and Presentation.
(1 Hour)
Case Study Presentation –V
Total (30 Hours)
Text Book:
1. Business Research Methods William G. Zikmund, Barry J. Babin, Jon C. Carr, Mitch
Griffin, Cengage Learning, 8th Edition.
Reference Books:
1. Business Research Methods Donald Cooper & Pamela Schindler, TMGH, 9th Edition.
2. Research Methods: The Basics Nicholas S. R. Walliman, Nicholas Walliman, Routledge,
1st Edition.
3. Business Research Methods Alan Bryman& Emma Bell, Oxford University Press, 2nd
Edition.
4. Research Methods for Social Work Allen, Earl R. Babbie, Cengage, 7th Edition.
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