EC Research Methodology Instructor: Dr. Bruce Chien-Ta Ho TEL ： (04) ext 16 Mobile: ：

Course Description This course aims to give you an introduction to the research methods most often used in social science. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the concepts and terminology of empirical methods used in EC field. Research design, data collection, analysis, validity, and report writing will all be covered. Also, Quantitative research methods are included in this course as they are appropriate for certain research investigations. Selection of a particular research method will be determined based on the problem under investigation and its underlying assumptions.

Course Objectives 1.To acquire skills to locate problem areas in organisational settings, and plan, organise, design, and conduct research to help solve the identified problems; 2.To gather and analyse data, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. 3.To be able to write and present research reports; and 4.To develop skills and knowledge to discriminate "good" from "bad" research reported in academic, business, and trade journals.

Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities: 1.Introduction to Research. 2.Scientific Investigation. 3.Technology and Business Research. 4.The Research Process: Steps 1 to 3: The Broad Problem Area, Preliminary Data Gathering, Problem Definition. 5.The Research Process: Steps 4 and 5: Theoretical Framework Hypothesis Development. 6.The Research Process: Step 6: Elements of Research Design. 7.Experimental Designs. 8.Measurement of Variables: Operational Definition and Scales. 9.Measurement: Scaling, Reliability, Validity. 10.Data Collection Methods. 11.Sampling. 12.Data Analysis and Interpretation. 13.The Research Report. 14.Managerial Decision Making and Research. 1. A scientific approach to business research 2. Initial stages and design of a research project 3. Qualitative business research 4. Quantitative business research 5. Research reporting and managerial decision making

Course Grading Students are evaluated on the basis of two written exam and a series of in-class activities. The grade will be weighted as follows: 1. Two Written Exams and Several Quiz: 60% 2. Class Activities: 40% (Students learn a lot by “doing” rather than by simply reading the materials.)

Course Textbook Uma Sekaran (2003), Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4th Edition, John Willey & Sons, Ltd. ( 雙葉 Bookstore: Please contact 羅曼瑄小 姐 Phone:(02) Mobile: ))

About the Textbook This book is the story of the coming together of three strangers from three countries. Bob (Robert) from New Zealand (Quantitative) Brian from Australia (Qualitative) Uma from USA Uma’s highly successful Research Methods for Business: A skill-building Approach, Published in the USA, is now in its fourth edition. They have tried to maintain the strengths of Uma’s original book and to add new materials about the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Also, a wide variety of Australian and New Zealand examples of business research have been provided.

What is Research ? Just close your eyes for a moment to think about that ? ?

What is Research ? Research is simply the process of thoroughly studying and analysing the situational factors surrounding a problem in order to seek out solutions to it. Basically, Research is the process of problem- solving. Research = Re + Search 研究 ＝ 一再反覆的意思 ＋ 尋求 ( 不斷地尋求真理的意義 )

What is the purpose to do Research?

1. Finding problems 2. Analyzing the problems (Analyzing Data) (Let data do the talking and serve as the departure point of analysis) 3. Solving the problems 4. Proposing solutions (Erasing the problems and Predicting problems)

Some Tips for making postgraduate study a success Choose your supervisor carefully: Be bold, be polite and get to know your supervisor. A good supervisor welcomes interaction and treats students as collaborators. Get a good group: Nothing helps more than finding a nice bunch of people to work with, either in a study group or as a part of the subject’s assessment. While you will be tempted to work with friends or people from similar disciplines or cultures, some of the best group are those with people in them from completely different backgrounds. Set aside study time and the right location: Set aside regular study time and set up a home office to allow you to work effectively. Network: Establish a network among your peers and teaching staff. Visit the library: The library will become your best friend. You can search the world in seconds and download all the information you need. Have fun

Have fun and a gratifying experience learning this course!