Course Outline
Programme PGDM
Batch 2023-25
Core/ Elective CORE
Course Code 0404C804
Course Title Business Research Methods
Course Credits One and half (1.5)
Term Three (3)
Academic Year 2023-24
Course Pre-requisite(s) Business Statistics
Course Instructor Dr. Alok Kumar
Course Instructor Email [email protected]
Course Instructor Phone (Office) 011 – 46485538
Student Consultation Hours Friday (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Office location B-316, Third Floor
1. Course Overview
Business Research Methods is the application of the scientific method in searching for the
truth about business phenomena. It is an essential tool for management in virtually all
problem-solving and decision making-activities.
2. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
CLO1: Analyze different qualitative and quantitative techniques for conducting business
research.
CLO2: Solve decision making problem using the relevant statistical software.
3. Mapping of CLOs with Programme Objectives (POs)
PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
CLO1 R
CLO2 E
{I – Introduce (Level-1), R – Reinforce (Level-2), E – Emphasis (Level-3)}
4. Pedagogy
The pedagogy includes the examples and cases often taken from real-life situations which
mainly illustrate business research concepts and build knowledge and research skills. These
cases offer students the opportunity to participate actively in the decision-making process,
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one of the most effective forms of learning. Several topics will be discussed through different
softwares such as Ms-Excel, SPSS etc.
5. Evaluation Components
Component Description Weight CLO
Class Participation Assessment to measure student’s Attendance/ 10% N/A
Punctuality/ Preparedness of the class/
Contribution to class discussion.
Quiz (Two) Assessment to measure student’s 10% N/A
understanding and grasping power through
objective type questions shared in Quiz.
Group Assessment to measure student’s growth in 30% CLO2
Project/Presentations knowledge, abilities, and skills using
innovative thinking and software.
End Term Exam Assessment to evaluate student’s ability of 50% CLO1
learning and analyze the knowledge of &
students on complete syllabus through CLO2
conceptual and application-based questions in
end-term question paper.
6. Text Book / Reference Book(s)/ Resources
Text Book: “Business Research Methods” by William G. Zikmund, Barry J. Babin, Jon C.
Carr, Atanu Adhikari and Mitch Griffin (2013) Eighth edition, published by Cengage
Learning.
Reference Book(s):
Business Research Methods by Donald R Cooper, Pamela S Schindler and J K Sharma
(2019) published by McGraw Hill, 12th edition.
7. Session Plan
Session Topic Readings/ Cases Learning Outcomes
1 Introduction to Chapter-1, Chapter-3 Analyze the meaning of business
Business Research, & Chapter-4 of the Text research and its contribution
The Research Book towards business success. [CLO1]
Process
2 Exploring and Chapter-19 & Chapter- Discuss how SPSS can be used
displaying data 20 of the Text Book & for data analysis. [CLO2]
using SPSS, Reference Book
Data analysis and
interpretation using
SPSS
3 Research design Chapter-7, Chapter-8, Examine the basic concepts
Chapter-9 & Chapter- associated with research design,
10 of the Text Book
2
types of data and the meaning of
survey methods. [CLO1]
4 Sampling Design Chapter-16 of the Text Analyze the process associated
Book with sampling design and how to
choose an appropriate sample.
[CLO1]
5-6 Bivariate Statistical Chapter-22 of the Text Discuss when a particular bivariate
Analysis Book statistical test is appropriate.
[CLO2]
7 Measurement and Chapter-13 & Chapter- Understand the significance of
Scaling 15 of the Text Book & measurement and scaling
Techniques, Reference Book techniques and the process
Questionnaire associated with questionnaire
Design design and sampling design.
[CLO1]
8 Basics of Factor Chapter-24 of the Text Understand the concept and
Analysis and Book & Reference importance of factor analysis and
Discriminant Book Discriminant Analysis in a
Analysis business research. 2
9 Qualitative Chapter-7 of the Text Understand the importance of
Research Book & Reference qualitative research. [CLO1]
Book
10 Research Report Chapter-25 of the Text Discuss the research report and its
Writing Book & Reference format from the perspective of the
Book communication process. [CLO1]
& [CLO2]
Important Instructions for class conduct:
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the requirements for this course and
understand the specific details included in this document. In addition, students are required to
note the following:
It is emphasized that this course requires a significant commitment outside of
formal class contact. The learning tasks in this course may include classes (lectures
or seminars), required reading, the preparation of answers to a set of questions,
exercises, and problems, and self-study.
It is the individual responsibility of each student to maintain the class decorum. Failing
to uphold this responsibility may result in appropriate consequences or disciplinary
actions.
The use of Cell Phones in class is strictly prohibited. Phones must be kept in silent
mode during the class.
Students coming late to the class will not be given entry to the class.
Late Submission- Assessment tasks submitted after the due date, without prior
approval/arrangement, will not be accepted. Requests for an extension of time must be
made based on Special Consideration guidelines. 25% of the Marks per day or part
of the day will be deducted in case of late submission of Assignment/Project.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is looked at as the presentation of the expressed thought or work of another person
as though it is one's own without properly acknowledging that person.
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Cases of plagiarism will be dealt with according to the Plagiarism Policy of the institute. It is
advisable that students should read the Plagiarism clause mentioned in the Student
Handbook for detailed guidelines. It is also advisable that students must not allow other
students to copy their work and must take care to safeguard against this happening. In cases of
copying, normally all students involved will be penalized equally; an exception may be, if the
students can establish the work is of their own and they have taken reasonable care to safeguard
their work against copying.
For official use:
As Benchmarked with course content in previous year, the contents of this course: (Please
mark the right option below)
(a) Is totally new
(b) Has not changed at all √
(c) Has undergone less than/equal to 20% change
(d) Has undergone more than 20% change
Approvals:
Course Faculty Area Chair
AACSB Accreditation Committee:
Sr. Manager (Academics-I)
Dean (Academics)
