This course provides an overview of business research and the requirements needed to conduct quality business research. The knowledge gained from this class will help teach students how to read and understand research reports, analyse and interpret results, prepare a research design, and finalize a research project.

The course begins with a discussion of the process of knowledge creation, with emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are frames of reference, scientific ideals, problem formulation, scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis.

The course also includes activities that develop students’ ability to find information in databases, to use different types of information in an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant criteria.

The key points of this course are:

•  Definition and importance of business research methodology
•  Business research design
•  Review literature & business information resources
•  Keywords and bibliographic databases
•  Report writing
•  Qualitative – quantitative research and analysis.

On completion of this course students should be able to:

•  understand and explain the terminology involved in conducting research;
•  demonstrate the methodological and analytical skills related to researching a business problem;
•  describe the interdisciplinary relationship between business research and other fields;
•  present both an oral and written research proposal and report;
•  prepare a research proposal leading to a research study; and
•  understand both qualitative and quantitative research methods; be able to read and understand research reports.