RESEARCH – FINANCE FINC 661

OVERVIEW

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course intends to develop a research orientation among the students to acquaint them with
fundamentals of research methods. It will expose the students to different types of methodologies used
in various researches for critical analysis. Through designing research framework, collecting and analyzing
data, students will build their skills for the in-company project work, writing and presenting reports, and
writing research for dissertation. Further, with their skills and knowledge, students would be able to apply
appropriate analysis methods to examine the impact of the data on business operations. Thus, in this
course, students would gain hands-on different data collection methods, data analysis and report writing.

2. REASON FOR THE COURSE

The course aims to develop a range of skills among students in formulating research proposals including
framing research questions, developing hypotheses, designing research framework, collecting and analyzing
data, and reporting. Further, students will be able to understand and adhere to appropriate methodology
for conducting research. Throughout the course, the focus is on core concepts underpinning all stages
of the research process to conduct research professionally and produce a ‘good quality’ research output.
Thus, the course is designed to prepare future professionals to employ appropriate research methods in
conducting research for the success of their business ventures.

3. STUDY HOURS

4. ROLE IN CURRICULUM


Prerequisites:
To enroll in this course, students must have completed:
• Advanced Financial Management FINC 601

SKILLS

  • LEARNING OUTCOMES
  • ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
  • TEACHING METHODS
  • STUDY PLAN
  • TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES

5. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)

The learning outcomes for this course cover three main areas: The research proposal development, preparation of a research paper for seminar presentation, and conducting of research to produce a research paper for publication. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge Level of Learning Related PLO
Describe Types of Business Research (CK1)
Describe the types of business research, process of research including broad problem areas and the purpose.		 Understand PK1
Describe Knowledge of Research and Managerial Effectiveness (CK2)
Discuss the knowledge about research and managerial effectiveness including the population element, population frame, sample, and subject in the research		 Understand PK1
Explain Type of Sampling (CK3)
Explain different types of sampling in research.		 Understand PK1
Cognitive Skills Level of Learning Related PLO
Apply Ethics in Business Research (CC1)
Apply ethics in business research, use different processes of collecting preliminary data, and extracting information for research.		 Apply PC1
Analyze Methods of Research (CC2)
Analyze methods of research and obstacles to conducting scientific research in the management area. Also, analyze the conceptual and empirical literature in research.		 Analyze PC3
PC5
Analyze the Theoretical Framework (CC3)
Analyze the theoretical framework in research and the process of developing hypotheses for a research including measurement of variables.		 Analyze PC3
PC5
Construct Elements of Research Design (CC4)
Construct elements of a research design – type of investigation, unit of analysis, time horizon, and rating scale. Develop the contents of a research report.		 Create PC3
PC5
Communication, Information Technology, and Numerical Skills Level of Learning Related PLO
Determine the Representativeness of the Sample Size (CCIT1)
Determine the representativeness of the sample size and issues of precision and confidence in its determination including use of software package for data analysis.		 Understand PCIT1
Interpret Data (CCIT2)
Analyze and interpret data and test the hypothesis.		 Analyze PCIT1
Interpersonal Skills and Responsibilities Level of Learning Related PLO
Apply Ethical Norms (CIP1)
Apply ethical norms and professionalism to conduct research, protect the confidentiality of the respondents, and produce the proposal research, research report including its executive summary.		 Apply CIP1

6. ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Grades will be determined based on a grading score, calculated using the following assessments and score allocations:

SKILL Assessment Skill Weighting for Grade
Research presentation and Final paper
Introduction
Describe the broad problem areas and the purpose, including research questions (CK1) 100% (Class) 10%
Analyze theoretical framework (CC3) 100% (Class) 10%
Literature review
Analyze the conceptual and empirical literature (CC2) 100% (Report) 20%
Research Methodology
Construct Research Design (CC4) 100% (Class) 5%
Develop a Sample Design CK2) 100% (Class) 5%
Explain type of sampling (CK3) 100% (Class) 5%
Determine the Representativeness of the Sample Size (CCIT1) 100% (Class) 5%
Findings
Interpret Data & prepare the report (CCIT2) 100% (Report) 20%
Conclusion and Limitations
Apply Ethics in Business Research (CC1) 100% (Report) 10%
Apply Ethical Norms (CIP1) 100% (Report) 10%

Research Assignment

Work Arrangment : Individual assignment

Output format : APA Format Report

Language : English

Assignment : Students will develop a research proposal for conduction of the research and to
prepare a research paper for publication. In addition, they are required to carry out
group research to develop a paper for the presentation in a research seminar. To
complete the research assignments successfully, students are required to consult
their instructor.

The assignment involves the following steps:

1. Selecting a topic
2. Conducting a preliminary literature survey
3. Developing a research proposal
4. Conducting research
5. Producing a research paper for presentation and publication

7. TEACHING METHODS

This course uses lectures, research cases, proposal development, seminar presentation and research report
preparation. Students are assigned to read the textbook and research materials in order to support their
learning and produce research papers. During class, approximately 50 percent of the class time is devoted
to building up research skills through proposal writing and presentation including development of research
papers for seminar presentation and publication. Students are encouraged to bring real life problems to
discuss and conduct research for solutions.

8. STUDY PLAN

The course targets the 50 lessons in the study plan below. Each lesson is 1.5 class hours, for a total of 75 class hours, including conducting research, preparing research seminar papers for presentation, and submitting a research paper for publication. The study plan below describes each lesson’s learning outcome and what the student should be able to do at the end of the lesson. Students should do readings before the start of each class. Implementation of this study plan may vary depending on students’progress and needs.

  Lesson Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Activities, Assessment
1 Introduction to Research

  1. Explain the meaning of research (CK1)
  2. Describe business research and types of business research (CK1)
  3. Discuss business research and types of business research and managerial effectiveness (CK2)
  4. Explain the necessity to adhere ethics in business research (CC1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 1 pp: 3-9, 17-18
2 Scientific Investigation

  1. Explain the hallmarks of scientific research (CK1)
  2. Discuss some obstacles to conducting scientific research in the management area (CC2)
  3. Describe the hypothetico-deductive method and other types of research (CC2)
  • Lecture
  • Group discussion

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 2 pp: 22-26, 29-36
3 The Research Process: The Broad Problem Area, Preliminary Data Gathering

  1. Explain the research process for applied and basic research (CK1)
  2. Identify the broad problem area (CK1)
  3. Determine the process of collecting preliminary data (CC1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Problem selection

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 4 pp: 55-61
4 The Research Process: Literature Review, Problem Definition

  1. Explain the conceptual and empirical literature in research (CC2)
  2. Determine the process of identifying relevant sources and extracting information for research (CC1)
  3. Prepare a well-defined problem (CC2)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Problem definition

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 4 pp: 63-70
5 The Research Process: Theoretical Framework

  1. Discuss the need for a theoretical framework in research (CC3)
  2. Explain the components of the theoretical framework with examples (CC3)
  • Lecture
  • Group discussion

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 5 pp: 86, 97-99
6 Research Case 1
Problem Statement: Setting Research Questions and Objectives

  1. Review and assess learning outcomes of lecture 1-5
  • Research case 1
7 The Research Process: Hypothesis Development

  1. Discuss the process of developing hypotheses for a research (CC3)
  2. Prepare the statement of hypothesis (CC3)
  • Lecture/Discussion
  • Group research project – Statement of hypothesis

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 5 pp: 103-105
8 The Research Process: Elements of Research Design

  1. Prepare the research design (CC3)
  2. Discuss the purpose of the study: Exploratory, descriptive, hypothesis testing, case study analysis (CK1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Purpose of the study

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 6 pp: 117-125
9 The Research Process: Elements of Research Design

  1. Discuss the type of investigation: Causal versus Correlational (CC4)
  2. Determine the Unit of analysis: Individuals, dyads, groups, organizations, cultures (CC4)
  3. Classify time horizon: Cross-sectional versus longitudinal studies (CC4)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Research design

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 6 pp: 126-135
10 Measurement of Variables: Operational Definition and Scales

  1. Discuss how variables are measured (CC3)
  2. Explain operational definition: Dimensions and elements (CC4)
  3. Differentiate various scales: Ordinal scale, interval scale, and ratio scale (CC4)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 8 pp: 174-192
11 Measurement: Scaling, Reliability, Validity

  1. Discuss the rating scales: Dichotomous scale, ranking scale (CC4)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 9 pp: 196-202
12 Research Case 2
Hypotheses formulation, and preparation of research design

  1. Review and assess learning outcomes of lecture 7-11
  • Research case 2
13 Measurement: Scaling, Reliability, Validity

  1. Explain goodness of measures (CC4)
  2. Discuss reliability and validity in research (CC4)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Rating scale

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 9 pp: 202-207
14 Data Collection Methods

  1. Discuss sources of data for research (CC1)
  2. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data (CC1)
  3. Explain data collection methods – Interviewing (CC1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Sources of data

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 10 pp: 219-228
15 Data Collection Methods

  1. Explain data collection methods – Questionnaires (CC1)
  2. Discuss other methods of data collection (CC1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Methods of data collection

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 10 pp: 236-243, 250-255
16 Research Case 3
Preparation of rating scale, and development of questionnaire

  1. Review and assess learning outcomes of lecture 13-15
  • Research case 3
17 Sampling

  1. Discuss population element, population frame, sample, and subject (CK2)
  2. Distinguish between probability and nonprobability sampling (CK3)
  3. Explain different types of probability sampling (CK3)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Sampling frame

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 11 pp: 265-276
18 Sampling

  1. Explain different types of nonprobability sampling (CK3)
  2. Discuss sampling in cross-cultural research (CK3)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Sampling frame

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 11 pp: 276-286
19 Sampling

  1. Determine the sample size (CCIT1)
  2. Explain the issues of precision and confidence in determining sample size (CCIT1)
  3. Discuss the sample data and hypothesis testing (CCIT1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Sample size

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 11 pp: 286-292
20 Research Case 4
Determination of sample size and sampling

  1. Review and assess learning outcomes of lecture 17-19
  • Research case 4
21 Data Analysis and Interpretation

  1. Prepare data for analysis and interpretation (CCIT2)
  2. Discuss the use of descriptive and inferential statistics in data analysis (CCIT2)
  3. Analyze data for hypothesis testing (CCIT2)
  4. Discuss the use of software packages for data analysis (CCIT1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Plan for data analysis and interpretation

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 12 pp: 301-308
22 The Research Report

  1. Discuss the contents and characteristics of a research report (CC4)
  2. Explain the integral parts of the report (CC4)
  3. Prepare the executive summary of a report (CIP1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Report contents

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 13 pp: 341-351
23 The Research Report

  1. Identify the components of research proposal (CC4)
  2. Prepare the complete research proposal (CIP1)
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Group research project – Proposal development

Reading: References: textbook
Chapter 13 pp: 339-341
24 Research Case 5
Preparation of research layout

  1. Review and assess learning outcomes of lecture 21-23
  • Research case 5
25 Review and preparation for final research proposal
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
26 Complete Research Proposal Presentations – Small Groups
  • Presentation
  • Feedback for improvement
27 Complete Research Proposal Presentations – Small Groups
  • Presentation
  • Feedback for improvement
28 Complete Research Proposal Presentations – Small Groups
  • Presentation
  • Feedback for improvement
29 Research Seminar

  1. Prepare topics for research seminar and allot to groups
  2. Determine guidelines for research seminar
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
30 Research Seminar- Paper Preparation by Groups
  • Consultation
31 Research Seminar- Paper Preparation by Groups
  • Consultation
32 Research Seminar- Paper Preparation by Groups
  • Consultation
33 Research Seminar- Paper Preparation by Groups
  • Consultation
34 Research Seminar

  1. Student presentations in groups
  2. Discuss the main outcomes of the research
  • Group presentations
  • Discussion
35 Research Seminar

  1. Student presentations in groups
  2. Discuss the main outcomes of the research
  • Group presentations
  • Discussion
36 Research Seminar

  1. Student presentations in groups
  2. Discuss the main outcomes of the research
  • Group presentations
  • Discussion
37 Group Research Project – Preparation of Research Instruments/Tools
  • Consultation
38 Group Research Project – Pre-testing of Research Instruments/Tools
  • Field survey
  • Consultation
39 Group Research Project – Finalization of Research Instruments/Tools
  • Consultation
40 Group Research Project – Finalization of Research Instruments/Tools
  • Consultation
41 Group Research Project – Field Survey – Data Collection
  • Experience sharing
  • Consultation
42 Group Research Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • Consultation
43 Group Research Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • Consultation
44 Group Research Project – Report Writing
  • Consultation
45 Group Research Project – Report Writing
  • Consultation
46 Group Research Project – Report Presentation

  1. Student presentations in groups
  2. Discuss the main outcomes of the research
  • Group presentations
  • Discussion
47 Group Research Project – Report Presentation

  1. Student presentations in groups
  2. Discuss the main outcomes of the research
  • Group presentations
  • Discussion
48 Group Research Project – Refinement of Research Report for Publication
  • Consultation
49 Group Research Project – Refinement of Research Report for Publication
  • Consultation
50 Review of Group Research Project
Submission of Research Paper for Publication
  • Experience sharing
  • Discussion

9. TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES

Textbooks

1. Sekaran, Uma. (2003). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. New York: USA

References

1. Research reports published by the World Bank, UNDP, IMF, ADB, NBC, and RGC.
2. Selected articles published in professional journals

Education Resources