Course Details

1. Comprehend the nature and usefulness of research
2. Write the research report: Structure of the research report
3. Understand different methodologies for quantitative data
4. Collect and analyze quantitative data (actual data obtained online from various organizations and use of questionnaires)
5. Use of software packages for data processing
6. Describe data using basic statistics and graphs (mean-variance-quartiles etc)
7. Analyze and explain data results using basic estimation techniques (Regression analysis-Least squares method)
8. Apply all the above during both the mid-term and final presentation and subsequent preparation of the research project submitted

1.      Introduction: Research process: Steps we follow to do research.

2.   Structure of a research report. Writing using appropriate layout, style,organization, structure and referencing a research project to academicstandards. Synthesize information in a focused way in order to develop andsupport arguments through a project in which students will apply themethodological concepts obtained in lectures

3. Understanding different methodological approaches. Main researchstrategies and elements of a research design. An introduction to various methodused for research. Structure of a questionnaire.

4.  Quantitative research: Analysis and organization of data. Analysis oftwo variables and the relationship between them. Examples using real data inlab, along with using appropriate software packages such as SPSS, Excel, Stataand other.

5.    Statistical methods: Regression analysis (least squares method) forquantitative data. Introduction to Simple Regression (between two variables).Analysis and explanation of the results.

6.      Multiple regressions: analysis between more than two variables,interpretation of the results.

7.     Extensions of multiple regressions using dummy variables, logarithms andquadratics. Hypothesis testing using basic statistical tools on thesignificance of the results.

8.   Application of all the above regression analysis tools using actual dataand the appropriate software in a project.

9.      Orally present part of the research project

• Saunders/Lewis/Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 4th edition, Prentice Hall, 2007
• Wonnacott and Wonnacot, Introductory statistics for business and economics, Fourth edition.

• Crowther David and Lancaster Geoff (2008) Research Methods: A concise introduction to research in management and business consultancy, Butterworth-Heinemann
• Sekaran, U (2003). Research methods for business: A skill building approach, 4th edition, New Jersey, John Wiley and Sons, Inc
• Cooper Donald and Schindler P (2006), Business Research methods, 9th edition, McGraw Hill
• Wooldridge J.M (2006). Introductory Econometrics: A modern approach, 3rd edition, Thomson Higher Education