MC 401: BUSINESS RESEARCH
Course Objective:
To provide an exposure to the students pertaining to the nature and extent of research
orientation, which they are expected to possess when they enter the industry as
practitioners. To give them an understanding of the basic techniques and tools of business
marketing research.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
1. Clearly identify and analyse business problems
2. Understand and apply the major types of research designs
3. Formulate research questionnaires
4. Present research reports
Course Contents:
Unit I (2 Weeks)
Nature and scope of business research Role of Business Research in decision making.
Applications of business research. The Research process Steps in the research process;
the research proposal; Management decision problem Vs. Business Research objective
References:
Deepak Chawla and Neena Sondhi, Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases, Vikas
Publishing House, India [Chapter 1,2]
Unit II (3 Weeks)
Research Design: Exploratory, Descriptive, Causal. Secondary Data Research: Advantages
& Disadvantages of Secondary Data, Criteria for evaluating secondary sources, secondary
sources of data in Indian Context, Syndicated Research (in India)
References:
Deepak Chawla and Neena Sondhi, Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases, Vikas
Publishing House, India [Chapter 3,4,5]
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BUSINESS RESEARCH
Unit III (3 Weeks)
Primary Data Collection: Survey Vs. Observations. Qualitative Research Tools: Depth
Interviews focus groups and projective techniques; Measurement & Scaling: Primary
scales of Measurement-Nominal, Ordinal, Interval& Ratio. Scaling techniques- paired
comparison, rank order scale, constant sum scale, semantic differential scale, itemized
ratings, scale, Likert Scale; Questionnaire- form & design
References:
Deepak Chawla and Neena Sondhi, Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases, Vikas
Publishing House, India [Chapter 6,7,8]
Unit IV (4 Weeks)
Sampling: Sampling techniques, Data Analysis: Chi square test, Non-parametric test:
Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for paired samples, Introduction to
theoretical concept of Factor Analysis and Discriminant Analysis. Conjoint Analysis,
Innovation-diffusion model: Introduction and managerial implication, Business Report
writing (Using Primary and/or secondary data).
References:
Deepak Chawla and Neena Sondhi, Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases, Vikas
Publishing House, India [Chapter 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21]
Wayne L Winston, Marketing Analytics: Data Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel,
Wiley Publication [Chapter 16, 27]
Text Books:
1. Donald R. Cooper & Pamela S. Schindler, Business Research Methods, McGraw-
Hill Education, India
2. Naresh Malhotra, Marketing Research, Pearson India
3. Deepak Chawla and NeenaSondhi, Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases,
Vikas Publishing House, India
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BUSINESS RESEARCH
Additional Readings:
1. Wayne L Winston, Marketing Analytics: Data Driven Techniques with Microsoft
Excel, Wiley Publication
Teaching Learning Process:
The teaching learning process will consist of imparting key concepts of Business Research
to the students. To make the lectures interesting use of PPTs and audio visual presentation
is advisable as and when needed. The students should be encouraged to attempt real life
business/ managerial problems through minor projects and case studies.
Assessment Methods:
Assessment of the students will take place on a continuous evaluation basis. It will
primarily consist of class test, assignment, presentation and attendance.
Internal Assessment: 25 marks (including 5 marks for attendance)
End term written examination: 75 marks
Keywords:
Research Proposal, Exploratory Research, Primary Data, Secondary Data, Measurement of
Scale, ANOVA, Factor Analysis, Discriminant Analysis, Conjoint Analysis
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