RNCP 40257 · Business Management

Course Description

The seminar is devoted to a detailed study of an individual research theme on an assigned theoretical or applied business problem. Each student prepares a paper during the semester. The student is advised by an instructor in his/her research and is expected to write regular progress reports so that specific problems and aspects of his/her work can be discussed.

Course Objectives

To have a preliminary orientation of research methods before starting the thesis.

Key Concepts

1. Research in Business Administration- Concept: Research in business administration involves systematically investigating business-related issues to provide data-driven solutions. This course will guide students through the stages of planning, designing, and conducting high-quality research for business environments. Key Idea: Developing the mindset to explore business challenges through structured inquiry.
2. Crafting a Research Proposal- Concept: A research proposal is a formal plan for a study that defines the topic, purpose, and methodology. It communicates the intended research project to advisors, sponsors, or academic reviewers for approval. Key Idea: A well-developed research proposal lays the foundation for a successful project by focusing on key areas: problem, scope, and method.
3. Defining the Research Problem- Concept: The research problem is a gap in knowledge or a challenge that requires a solution. It must be clearly stated to direct the focus of the study and ensure the project addresses a meaningful issue. Key Idea: A well-articulated problem ensures clarity of purpose and research relevance.
4. Rationale and Study Objectives- Concept: The rationale explains why the research is important, while objectives outline what the study intends to achieve. These components justify the study and define measurable goals. Key Idea: The rationale shows the value of the research; objectives break it down into manageable tasks.
5. Developing Research Questions and Hypotheses- Concept: Research questions guide the inquiry by framing the key issues under investigation. Hypotheses are testable statements predicting relationships between variables. Key Idea: Good research questions are specific and aligned with objectives, while hypotheses provide a scientific basis for analysis.
6. Research Design and Modeling- Concept: Research design outlines the methodology to collect, measure, and analyze data. Modeling involves representing relationships between variables to draw meaningful conclusions. Key Idea: A well-structured design ensures the study is scientifically sound and addresses the research problem effectively.
7. Identifying Data Sources- Concept: Data sources are the origin points for the information used in research, including primary sources (surveys, interviews) and secondary sources (reports, databases). Key Idea: Selecting appropriate data sources improves the reliability and depth of research.
8. Data Gathering Techniques- Concept: Data collection techniques include surveys, interviews, experiments, and observation. The choice of technique depends on the research design and type of data needed. Key Idea: Accurate data gathering is critical for achieving reliable research outcomes.
9. Reliability and Validity in Research- Concept: Reliability refers to the consistency of research results, while validity ensures that the study measures what it intends to measure. Key Idea: Balancing reliability and validity enhances the credibility of research findings.
10. Sampling Methods- Concept: Sampling involves selecting a subset of the population for analysis. Methods include probability sampling (random) and non-probability sampling (convenience, purposive). Key Idea: The quality of the sample determines how well the research represents the larger population.

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. Being able to handle a research project
2. Showing capability in writing a master thesis
3. Understanding a problem from multiple perspectives
4. Distinguishing qualitative research from the quantitative one
5. Gaining the ability to identify and define research problems
6. Familiarizing with the process of conducting a comprehensive literature review
7. Becoming familiar with a variety of research methodologies appropriate to business studies
8. Improving academic writing and presentation skills