RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS DECISIONS

Syllabus

Course Code: C-205

Research Methods for Business Decisions

UNIT-1

Introduction: Nature and Importance of Research, the role of Business Research, aims of social research, Types of Research- Pure research vs. Applied research, Qualitative research vs. Quantitative research, Exploratory research, Descriptive research and Experimental research, ethical issues in business Research-Defining Research Problem, Steps in Research process.

UNIT-2

Data Base: Discussion on primary data and secondary data, tools and techniques of collecting data. Methods of collecting data. Sampling design and sampling procedures. Random vs. Non-random sampling techniques, determination of sample size and an appropriate sampling design. Designing of Questionnaire –Measurement and Scaling – Nominal Scale – Ordinal Scale – Interval Scale – Ratio Scale – Guttmann Scale – Likert Scale – Schematic Differential Scale.

UNIT-3

Survey Research and Data Analysis: Selection of an appropriate survey research design, the nature of field work and Field work management. Media used to communicate with Respondents, Personal Interviews, Telephone interviews, Self-administered Questionnaires- Editing – Coding – Classification of Data – Tables and Graphic Presentation –Preparation and Presentation of Research Report.

UNIT-4

Statistical Inference: Formulation of Hypothesis –Tests of Hypothesis - Introduction to Null hypothesis vs. alternative hypothesis, parametric vs. non-parametric tests, procedure for testing of hypothesis, tests of significance for small samples, application, t-test, Chi Square test.

UNIT-5

Multivariate Analysis: Nature of multivariate analysis, classifying multivariate techniques, analysis of dependence, analysis of interdependence. Bi-Variate analysis-tests of differences-t test for comparing two means and z-test for comparing two proportions and ANOVA for complex experimental designs.

Relevant cases have to be discussed in each unit and in examination case is compulsory from any unit.