Saintgits Institute of Management

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Trimester III, Batch 2019– 2021(A &B)
Subject: Business Research Methods, Course No. 34
Course Plan
Name of the Faculty : Nisa James
Email Id : [Link]@[Link]
Mobile No : 9656808654

Programme Outcomes (POs) of MBA:

Our graduates will
PO1:-Apply knowledge of management theories and practices to assess business
environment and solve business problems
PO2:-Foster Analytical and critical thinking abilities for data based decision making
PO3:-Ability to develop Value based Leadership ability
PO4: -Ability to work in teams to achieve organizational goals
PO 5:- Express willingness and enthusiasm to accept responsibilities, learn from
mistakes and take on challenges with confidence
PO6:-Discuss ideas effectively and persuasively in different settings, using modern
technologies
PO7:-Think creatively and be open to diverse views and acting in ways that benefit society
PO8:-Be trustworthy and fair in all their interactions

Significance of research methodology course

Business Research Methods provides a systematic approach to solve a problem. This course
aims at equipping the students with the theoretical and practical approaches required to
describe, explain and predict a phenomenon through research. The study of business research
methods provides the student with the necessary inputs in choosing methods, materials,
scientific tools and training in techniques relevant for the problem chosen.
Course Objectives
The course objective is to familiarize the research methods used in decision making
by managers. The subject aims to meet the challenge of the fast pace decision making
environment, to provide the knowledge and skills a manager needs to solve business
problems.
Expected Course Outcomes:
On completion of this course, it is expected that the student will:

ECO1: Understand business problems and develop appropriate research designs

ECO2: Select the right scales for measurement
ECO3: Be familiar with sampling methods
ECO4: Define research hypotheses and test them statistically.

Linkage of Course Outcomes to Program Outcomes

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8

Knowledge Decision Leadership Team- Confidence Communication Creativity Integrity

Making player

ECO1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ECO2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ECO3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ECO4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Assessment of Course Outcomes

[Link] Assessment Method ECO1 ECO2 EC03 ECO4

Internal Examination I 2 2 0 0
1
Internal Examination II 0 2 2 1

Assignment I 2 2 0 0
2
Assignment II 0 0 2 2

Project – Stage I 2 0 0 2

3 Project – Stage II 0 0 2 2

Project – Stage III 0 0 2 2

4 End Semester University examination 3 3 3 3

Sl.
Indirect Assessment Method ECO1 ECO2 ECO3 ECO4
No.

1 Seminar Presentation 2 2 2 2
 2 Case Study Presentation 0 0 0 0

3 Quiz 0 0 0 0

4 Class Room Activity 2 2 2 2

The Code of Academic Behaviour

Students are expected to adhere to the Academic Conduct and Discipline mentioned
in Students' Handbook

Overall Teaching Methodology

The course will be administered with significant emphasis on the understanding of
Research methodology and practices. In order to achieve the objectives of this course, your
learning experiences will include three different elements:
 Brief lectures
 Analysis of case studies using concepts from your assigned readings
 Student presentations

Evaluation
Total Marks = 50
External evaluation = 30
Internal evaluation = 20
Out of which,
Two Internal Examinations = 7.5each
Assignments/ Presentations =5
Project & Presentations = 7.5

Prescribed Texts
1. Malhotra, N.K. (2010), Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation (6/e). Pearson
Education. (T1)
2. Uma Sekaran & Roger Bougie (2006), Research Methods for Business- A skill building
approach, Fourth edition, Wiley India Edition, New Delhi (T2)

Reference Books and Texts

1. Cooper, D.R., Schindler, P.S. and Sharma, J.K. (2013), Business Research Methods
(11/e). New Delhi: McGraw Hill Education India. (T3)
2. Kothari C R (2010), Research Methodology Methods & Techniques, Revised second
edition, New Age international Publishers, New Delhi (T4)
3. Krishnaswamy, O.R. and Ranganathan, M. (2011) Methodology of Research in Social
Sciences. Himalaya Publishing House.
4. Levin, R.I., et al. (2012). Statistics for Management (7e). Pearson Education.
5. Paneerselvam, R. (2011), Research Methodology, First Edition. PHI Learning Private
Limited, New Delhi.
 6. Chawla, D. and Sondhi, N. (2011), Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases. Vikas
Publishing House.

Allocation of Sessions
The syllabus is divided into 5 modules as below
Content
Module 1 2 3 4 5 beyond Total
syllabus
Sessions
4 4 4 4 13 1 30
Allotted

Syllabus

% of
Unit Topics marks
in final

Basic Concepts Exam.

Introduction to Business Research: Definition - need for business research - types

I of research - exploratory and conclusive - basic and applied research - qualitative 20
research - general research process - identifying and defining research problem -
literature survey - identification of key research variables - theoretical framework-
formulating research hypothesis
Formulation of research design - sampling design – data collection and data editing
- data analysis and interpretation - preparation of research report - research
II proposal - framework - business research applications in marketing - human 20
resource management - financial and accounting decisions - production and
operations management - cross-functional areas - case studies
Measurement and scaling - concepts and operational definitions - nominal, ordinal,
interval and ratio scales - comparative scales - paired comparison scales - rank
III
order scaling - constant sum scaling - Q sort technique - non-comparative scales - 20
Likert, Semantic Differential - Staple - criteria for good measurement - reliability –
validity - sensitivity
 Data Collection: Sampling design - secondary and primary methods of data
collection - probability and non-probability sampling methods - merits and
demerits - Review of various sampling methods - determination of sample size -
IV data collection and data editing – coding - categorization - handling unsatisfactory 20
responses and missing values - questionnaire construction - type of questions -
guidelines for questionnaire designing – questionnaire testing - other methods of
data collection – observation - projective methods - goodness of fit of data -
reliability and consistency - Cronbach’s Alpha
Data Analysis and Reporting: Data analysis – descriptive analysis of univariate and
bivariate data – parametric tests for hypotheses testing - z test - t test - ANOVA –
introduction to MANOVA and ANCOVA; SEM- non-parametric tests for
hypotheses testing - Chi-square - run test for randomness - one and two-sample
V sign tests - Mann- Whitney U test - Wilcoxon signed-rank test - Kruskal-Wallis 20
test - Correlation and regression analysis – Multivariate analysis - dependency
techniques: multiple regression - discriminant analysis - conjoint analysis
interdependency techniques: Factor Analysis - Cluster Analysis. Preparation of
Research Report

Session Plan

Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks

No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

1 Introduction Need, Nature 1 T4 Lecture +

to Business and scope of Chap 1 PPT
Research, research, Basic
Types of and Applied
Research Research,
quantitative and
qualitative
research,
Exploratory and
conclusive
research
2&3 Business Stages of 1 T4 Lecture + @MKT-T4-5,
Research Research, Chap1 PPT Marketing
Process, Broad Problem T2 Research,
Research Area - Chap 2 Basic and
problem, Preliminary Applied
Literature data collection Research, The
survey, -Literature Marketing
Theoretical survey - Research
Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks
No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

framework Problem Process, Types

definition - of Research
Theoretical
Framework @MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research,
Steps in
Marketing
Research
Process
4 Variables, Variable 1 T2 Lecture + Self developed
Hypothesis identification, Chap5 PPT case
Development Formulation of Case
research discussion
hypothesis
5 Research The Purpose of 2 T1 Lecture + @MKT-T4-5,
Design the study; Chap 3 PPT Marketing
Types – T2 Research:
exploratory, Chap 6 Sampling
descriptive, Design and
causal, Procedure
experimental

6 Research Population, 2 T1 Lecture +

Design Sampling Chap 3-7 PPT
formulation Frame, T2
Sampling Chap 6
Design, Data
Analysis –
Cross Tab,
Summary
Statistics,
Graphs;
Interpretation
7 Research Research 2 T2 Lecture +
Proposal and Proposal, Time Chap 3 PPT
Reports horizons,
Review,
Research
Report – Types,
formats and
presentations.
8 Research Research 2 Lecture +
Application Application in PPT
Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks
No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

Marketing, HR,
Finance and
Operations,
Cross
Functional
Research
9 Measurement Concepts and 3 T1 Lecture +
& Scaling Operational Chap 8 PPT
Definition-
Nominal,
Ordinal,
interval and
ratio scales

10 Comparative Paired 3 T2 @MKT-T4-5,

Scales comparison Chap 12 Marketing
scales, Rank Research:
ordering scales, Scaling
Constant sum Procedure
scales, Q sort
scales @MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research:
Validity &
Reliability of
measurement

11 Non - Likert Scales, 3 T1 Lecture +

Comparative Semantic Chap 9 PPT
Scales Differential T2
Scales, Staple Chap 12
scales
12 Criteria for Reliability, 3 T1 Lecture +
Good Validity and Chap 9 PPT
Measurement Sensitivity T2
Chap 12
First Internal Examination
13 Sampling Sampling 4 T1 Lecture +
Design, Chap 11 PPT
Probability & T2
Non-Probability Chap 13
Sampling
Methods,
Merits &
Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks
No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

Demerits,
Review of
Sampling
Methods,
14 Sampling, Determination 4 T1 Lecture + @MKT-T4-5,
Data of Sample Size, Chap PPT Marketing
Collection Secondary and 11,13,14 Research, Data
Primary data T2 collection,
collection Chap 7,13 Collection of
methods, data secondary data,
collection and Collection of
editing, coding, primary data
categorization, methods
handling
unsatisfactory
responses and
missing values
15 Questionnaire Questionnaire 4 T1 Lecture, PPT, @MKT-T4-5,
construction, Chap 10 Case Marketing
types of discussion Research:
questions, Sampling
guidelines for Methods, Non-
questionnaire probabilistic
designing, sampling,
questionnaire Techniques,
testing Probabilistic
sampling
Techniques
@MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research:
Sample size
determination
@MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research:
Sampling
Errors.

@42, Business
Analytics,
Datasets, data
cleaning,
missing data
Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks
No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

handling,
outliers.
@MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research:
Errors and
difficulties in
data
processing,
coding and
editing

Self developed
case
16 Other Observation, 4 T1 Lecture +
Methods of Projective Chap 11 PPT
Data Methods, T2
Collection, Goodness of fit Chap 8,12
Goodness of of data,
fit of data reliability and
consistency,
Cronbach’s
Alpha
17 Data Analysis Data Analysis, 5 T1 Lecture+ PPT
and Reporting Descriptive data Chap 15
analysis of T2, Chap
univariate and 14-15
bivariate data,
Hypothesis
testing –
Confidence
level &
Significance
level
18 Parametric z – test, t – test, 5 T1 Lecture + @FIN-T5-12,
Test for Chap 15, PPT Cost
Hypothesis T2 Chap Accounting &
testing 14-15 Budget
Control,
Variance
Analysis
@MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research:
Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks
No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

Introduction,
Hypothesis,
Steps Involved
in Hypothesis
Testing, Test
of Significance
of a Mean,
Test of
Significance of
Difference
between Two
Means

19 Parametric ANOVA – one 5 T1 Lecture +

Test for way and two Chap 16 PPT
Hypothesis way ANOVA. T2 Chap
testing 14-15
Second Internal Examination

20 Parametric Introduction to 5 T1 Lecture +

Test for MANOVA and Chap 15 PPT
Hypothesis ANCOVA T2 Chap
testing 15
21 Parametric SEM 5 T1 Lecture, PPT
Test for Chap 15
Hypothesis T2 Chap
testing 15
22 Non- chi – square test 5 T1 Lecture, @MKT-T4-5,
Parametric , run test for Chap 15 PPT Marketing
Test for randomness T2 Research, Chi
Hypothesis Chap 14 Square
testing @MKT-T4-5,
Marketing
Research:
Non-
Parametric test
23 Non- one and two 5 T1 Lecture +
Parametric sample sign test Chap 15 PPT
Test - T2
Hypothesis Chap 14
testing
24 Non- Kruskal – 5 T2 Lecture +
Parametric Wallis test Chap 14 PPT
Test - T2
Session Main Topic Concepts Module Resources Teaching Remarks
No for the Methodology /Subj linkage
session

Hypothesis Chap 14
testing
25 Correlation & Correlation, 5 T1 Chap Lecture, PPT
dependence Regression 17, T2
technique Analysis Chap 15
26 Multivariate Multivariate 5 T1 Chap Lecture, PPT
Analysis Regression, 17, T2
Chap 14
27 Multivariate Discriminant 5 T1 Chap Lecture,
Analysis Analysis, 18,21.T2 PPT
Conjoint Chap 15
Analysis
28 Multivariate Factor 5 T1 Chap Lecture + @ OM-T4-3,
Analysis Analysis, 19,20.T2 PPT QM, Scatter
Cluster Chap 15 diagram
Analysis @ FIN-T5-8,
SAPM, Capital
Asset Pricing
Model

@ 42, BA,
segmentation
using factor
analysis and
cluster analysis
29 Research Preparation of 5 T1 Chap Lecture, PPT
Report Research 22, T2
Report Chap 17
30 Content Introduction to Lecture, PPT
beyond mixed method
syllabus research
Final exam

Assignment

Students are divided into five groups and are assigned different topics, on which they have
to write assignment and present in class.

No. Topics Deadline

1 1. Various stages in Research process By the end of 11 sessions

with the help of a diagram.
2. Qualitative research
 3. Business research applications-
Marketing & HR
4. Business research applications-Finance
& Operations
5. Type of scales

2 1. Q sort technique By the end of 19 sessions

2. Probability and non-probability
sampling methods
3. Reliability and consistency -
Cronbach’s Alpha
4. Correlation and regression analysis
5. Factor analysis

Class Test

No. Modules Covered Deadline

1 1,2 By the end of 12 sessions

2 3,4 By the end of 19 sessions

Project
A group project (consisting of two students), to design and administer a questionnaire, code
and analyze the data and present it as a report, on a research topic that will be identified by
the student and approved by the faculty.
S. No Deliverable Submission Date
Submit a Research Proposal for a Topic approved by
Faculty
- Identify a Business Problem On or before 10th
1 - Conduct Literature Survey
session
- Define the Research Problem
- Identify Variables
- Formulate Hypothesis
- Define the Scaling and Measurement
- Do a Pilot On or before 17th
2
- Check Validity of Instrument session
- Collect Data
- Conduct Data Analysis On or before 25th
3
- Present/Submit Report session
Explanatory notes on Internal Evaluation (Basic):

No Parameters Details Total

1 Internal Examination 2 exams (7.5 marks each) 15 marks
 2 Assignments 2 assignments (5 Marks 10 marks
each)
3 Project 1 project 15 marks
TOTAL 40 marks

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Trimester III, Batch 2019-2021
Subject: 34 – Business Research Methods

FEED BACK ON ACHIEVEMENT OF COURSE OUTCOMES

Dear Student,
The intended course outcomes of the Course – 34, Business Research Methods are
listed below. You are requested to make a self-assessment, how far you have been able to
achieve the objectives of the course.

Please mark on a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 - lowest level, 5- highest level of rating.

Sl.
Expected Course Outcome
No. 1 2 3 4 5
I am able to study business problems, solve them by
1 collecting relevant data and analyze it to reach valid
and insightful results and conclusions
2 I am familiar with sampling methods
I can define research hypothesis and test them
3
statistically.

Date: Name:
(Optional)