1. MBA 231
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Course Introduction
Dr. Mohammed Al-Abed

2. Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Course Objectives
To identify problem (s) of the study and to develop the study based on the problems identified.
To communicate the report in accordance with the academic write-up standard.
To use experience and develop the academic knowledge gain from the project study.

3. Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Learning Outcomes
To identify and determine the problem objectively, analytically and critically, besides solving the problem (s) systematically.
To work independently on the research study to use appropriate method to solve the research problem (s).

4. Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Learning Outcomes
To communicate the outcomes in a form of standardized academic write-up format.
To use appropriate computer software packages in analyzing and preparing the report write-up.
To apply and develop academic knowledge gain from the course and to gain as much experience as possible in running the study.

5. Course Contents Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Course Contents
Topic 1 – Introduction To Business Research
Research Definition
Types of Business Research
Importance of Business Research
Why do managers have to do Research?
Major Areas for Business Research
Ethics in Research
When is Business Research Needed?
Topic 2 – Scientific Research
Introduction
Scientific research characteristics
Meaning of Theory, Concepts and Proposition
Scientific Method
Developing and Verifying Theories

6. Course Contents Research Methodology Topic 3 – Research Process
Course Introduction
Course Contents
Topic 3 – Research Process
Type of Business Research
Exploratory Research
Descriptive Research
Causal Research
Research Process
Hypothetico-deductive Method
Topic 4 – Research Problem And Proposal
Importance of Defining a Research Problem
Process of Defining a Research Problem
Research Proposal, Budget and Activity Plan
Components of a Research Proposal

7. Course Contents Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Course Contents
Topic 5 – Secondary Data Collection Methods
Importance of Data
Literature Surveys
Types and the Differences of Data
Purpose of Secondary Data
Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Data
Classification of Secondary Data
Topic 6 – Primary Data Collection Methods
Survey
Advantages of Survey
Classifying Survey Research Method
Method of Communication
Structured and Disguise Questions
Temporal Basis
Observation Method

8. Course Contents Research Methodology Topic 7 – Measurements
Course Introduction
Course Contents
Topic 7 – Measurements
What is to be Measured?
Operational Definition: Dimension and Elements
Types of Scale
Goodness of Measurement
Attitude Measurement
Attitudes rating scale
Topic 8 – Questionnaire Design
Questionnaire Design
What Should be Asked?
Phrasing Question
Question Sequence
Question Layout
Pre-testing and Revising Questionnaire

9. Course Contents Research Methodology Topic 9 – Sampling Why sample?
Course Introduction
Course Contents
Topic 9 – Sampling
Why sample?
Sampling Design and Concepts
Random Sampling Error and Non-sampling Error
Types of Sampling
Determination of Sample Size
Topic 10 – Data Analysis
An Overview of the Stages of Data Analysis
Editing
Field Editing
In-house Editing
Coding
Fixed Alternative Response Questions
Open–ended Response Question

10. Course Contents Research Methodology Topic 11 – SPSS (Part 1)
Course Introduction
Course Contents
Topic 11 – SPSS (Part 1)
Introduction to SPSS
Data Entry
Handling Missing Data
Frequency Distribution
Measures of Central Tendency & Variability
Normal Distribution
Topic 12 – SPSS (Part 2)
Parametric and non-Parametric Techniques
T-test
Analysis of Variance ( One-Way ANOVA)
Reliability
Correlation
Factor Analysis
Simple/Multiple Regression

11. Lectures, discussions and Q&A Case studies and presentation
Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Delivery Mode
Lectures, discussions and Q&A
Case studies and presentation
Learning by Doing approach
Let’s hope we have enough time!

12. Assessment Research Methodology
Course Introduction
Assessment
Writing the first three chapters of the dissertation 70%
Presentation 30%

13. Reference Sources Research Methodology Main:
Course Introduction
Reference Sources
Main:
Sekaran, U. (2003), Research Methods for Business – A Skill Building Approach, John Wiley and Sons Inc. New York
Additional:
Cooper, D.R and Schindler, P.S. (2002), Business Research Method, McGraw-Hill Singapore
Norusis, M.J (2000), SPSS: SPSS Professional Statistics 10.0, SPSS Inc. Chicago
Ghauri, P; Gronhaug, K. (2002). Research methods in Business Studies: A Practical Guide, 2nd ed. Pearson Higher Education