Business Research Methods

MODULE 01: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Definition, Nature, and Scope of Research, Objectives and Significance of Research, Types of Research (Basic, Applied, Exploratory, Descriptive, Causal), Research Process, Criteria for Good Research, Ethical Considerations in Research (Informed Consent, Confidentiality, Integrity), Scientific vs. Non-Scientific Research, Management Research: Nature and Importance, Philosophy of Management Research (Positivism, Interpretivism, Pragmatism), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), such as copyrights, patents, types of intellectual property, the Intellectual Property System in India, and the importance and protection of patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, integrated circuits, and geographical indications.

MODULE 02: RESEARCH PROBLEM AND RESEARCH DESIGN

Meaning and Importance of Research Problem, Statement and Criteria for Identifying Research Problem, Steps in Formulating Research Problem, Review of Literature and Identification of Research Gap, Strategies to Frame Research Objectives. Hypothesis: Nature, Definition, Characteristics, and Types Formulating Hypothesis, Research Plan Development, Research Design: Conceptual Framework, Types (Exploratory, Descriptive, Causal, Experimental, etc.,), Concept of Variables and Types (Independent, Dependent, Moderating, Mediating, etc.,).

MODULE 03: SAMPLING AND DATA COLLECTION

Concept of Population and Sample, Characteristics of a Good Sample, Sampling Design Process, Probability vs. Non-Probability Sampling Methods, Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors, Determining Sample Size: Approaches and Considerations, Levels of Measurement: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio, Measurement Scales: Development, Validation, and Application, Scaling Techniques: Likert Scale, Semantic Differential, Guttman Scale, Questionnaire Design: Structure, Types, and Pilot Testing, Validity and Reliability of Questionnaire, Data Collection Methods: Primary (Surveys, Interviews, Focus Groups, etc.,) vs. Secondary (Published Data, Reports, etc.,)

MODULE 04: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Data Preparation: Editing, Classification, Coding, Tabulation, Handling Errors in Data Preparation, Statistical Testing - Descriptive Statistics; Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing: Concepts, Types 81 of Errors (Type I & II), and Significance Levels, Use of Statistical Tools (SPSS, Excel, R, etc.) in Data Analysis, Interpretation of Results: Practical Implications and Insights.

MODULE 05: RESEARCH WRITING AND REPORTING

Structure and Components of a Research Report, Types of Research Reports, Guidelines for Writing a Research Report, Citation Styles: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc., Writing Guidelines for Clarity, Coherence, and Academic Integrity, Avoiding Plagiarism: Tools for Plagiarism Detection, Research Proposal Writing: Structure, Purpose, and Best Practices.

PEDAGOGY

Begin each topic with interactive classroom lectures to build a solid theoretical foundation for students. The course adopts a learner-centered approach that combines academic rigor with practical relevance. Interactive lectures, case studies, and discussions help students develop conceptual clarity and apply research principles to real-world contexts. Workshops and practical sessions provide hands-on training in questionnaire design, hypothesis testing, and data analysis using tools such as SPSS and Excel. The flipped classroom model encourages active participation, while group projects and peer reviews enhance teamwork and communication. Experiential methods like simulations and research clinics enable students to engage with ethical dilemmas and research challenges effectively. Technology integration through platforms such as Google Forms, Zotero, and plagiarism detection tools reinforces modern research practices. Continuous assessment through quizzes, assignments, and a final research proposal ensures students gain both theoretical understanding and practical competence.