1.

Name of Course: RESEARCH METHOD

2. Course Code: BT21603
3. Name(s) of academic staff: DR. JANICE L. H. NGA (janice@ums.edu.my)
DR. LIU HAO (hao_liu@ums.edu.my)
4. Rationale for the inclusion of the course/module in the programme:
Doing research is an important activity of the for today's business environment. Business and
economics students need to explain basic concepts of business research methodology and
research process as well as acquiring basic research skill. Application of the basic business
research concepts and ability to prepare a sound and acceptable research proposal is part of
essential skill for business and economics programmes research method is one of the school core
subjects.
5. Semester and Year offered: Semester 4 for 2nd Year Students
6. Total Student Face to Face Total Guided and Independent Learning
Learning Time
(SLT)
L = Lecture L T P O See appendix
T = Tutorial
P = Practical
O= Others
7. Credit Value: 3
8. Prerequisite (if any): NONE
9. Learning outcomes:
(Please note that course learning outcomes must be supported by level of taxonomy)

After completing the course, a student will be able to:

1. Explain the underlying research philosophical assumptions related to the various
research paradigms. Make a basic inferences of protocols governing the ethical clearance of
research projects [PLO1]
2. Develop the intricacies of the research process within the various research paradigms.
Analyses qualitative and quantitative research approaches and different the research
methods from each approach. Generate a research proposal and project based on group
work. Identify ethical issues in conducting research projects. [PLO2]

10. Transferable Skills:

Planning and conducting research project, generating research ideas and topics, literature search
skill, data analysis and report writing skill, team-work skills
11. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy:
Lectures: Typically 2 hours lecture per week for 14 weeks.

Group Assignment: Maximum 10 pax/group, comeout with a literature review (2000 words) and
design a research proposal (3000 words). The literature review needs to be uploaded in one
document file to Smart2 UMS and send the hard copy to the lecturer at Week 4's tutorial. The
research proposal needs to be uploaded in one document file to Smart2 UMS and send the hard
copy to the lecturer at Week 10's tutorial.

Presentation: A oral presentation of literature review and research proposal at week 12 and 13's
tutorial.

Mid-term Evaluation: Assessment based on selected topic from the syllabus

Examination: A final examination will be administered at the end of the semester.

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 12. Synopsis:
The course is designed to provide students with good foundation in the research methodology
and the application of research to issues of current concern in business and management. The
course is structured to teach students to be able to apply the broad understanding of research
and research methodologies, in terms to contribute to a research project. It aims to enhance the
students' understanding business research concepts and provide students with the knowledge,
understanding and necessary skills to complete a piece of business research proposal and
project. The course focuses on the analysis of business problems and the use of scientific
research as a problem-solving tool. Students are taken step-by-step through the research
process, while numerous worked examples, real-life case studies and student activities bring to
life the realities of undertaking business research. The encompasses the understanding and
application of appropriate research study, research designs, research statistics, and the use of
the computer for data analysis, report writing and presentation.

13. Mode of Delivery:

Lectures (including E-Learning and E-Discussions), Tutorials (presentation), Group Assignments
14. Assessment Methods and Types:

Refer to Appendix 1

All components of the above assessment are compulsory and must be completed before the
stipulated deadline.

Penalty for late submission: 10% deduction from TOTAL GIVEN MARKS, and 5% for every extra
week after the date of submission.

There is no re-submission for this assignment.

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 15. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Aims

The course is designed to provide

students with good foundation in the
research methodology and the
application of research to issues of
current concern in business and
management. The course is structured to
teach students to be able to apply the
broad understanding of research and
research methodologies, in terms to
contribute to a research project. It aims to
enhance the students' understanding
business research concepts and provide
students with the knowledge,
understanding and necessary skills to
complete a piece of business research
proposal and project. The course focuses
on the analysis of business problems and
the use of scientific research as a
problem-solving tool.
CLO
1 Explain the underlying research philosophical
/
assumptions related to the various research
paradigms. Make a basic inferences of protocols
governing the ethical clearance of research
projects [PLO1]
2 Develop the intricacies of the research process
/
within the various research paradigms. Analyses
qualitative and quantitative research approaches
and different the research methods from each
approach. Generate a research proposal and
project based on group work. Identify ethical issues
in conducting research projects. [PLO2]

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Table 3 / BT21603/ Versison 2 updated 6 Feb 2017
 16. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Learning Outcomes

ContentKnowledge in Specific Area

HumanitiesEthics, Professionalism &

Communication, Leadership & Team

Scientific Method. Critical Thinking

Information Management and Life

Entrepreneurship & Managerial

Social Skills & Responsibilities

& Problem Solving

Practical Skills

Long Learning
Skills

Skills
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
(CLO) P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

Explain the underlying research

/
philosophical assumptions related
to the various research paradigms.
Make a basic inferences of
protocols governing the ethical
clearance of research projects
[PLO1]
Develop the intricacies of the
/
research process within the various
research paradigms. Analyses
qualitative and quantitative
research approaches and different
the research methods from each
approach. Generate a research
proposal and project based on
group work. Identify ethical issues
in conducting research projects.
[PLO2]

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Table 3 / BT21603/ Versison 2 updated 6 Feb 2017
 17. Content outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic (Please Refer to Appendix A)

CLO Topics
Explain the underlying research 1. Business Research Strategies Chapter 1 (Week
philosophical assumptions 1)
related to the various research 2. Ethics of Business Research Chapter 23 (Week
paradigms. Make a basic 4)
inferences of protocols
governing the ethical clearance
of research projects [PLO1]
Develop the intricacies of the 1. Research Designs Chapter 2 (Week 2)
research process within the 2. Getting Started: Review the Literature Chapter
various research paradigms. 4 (Week 3)
Analyses qualitative and 3. Ethics of Business Research Chapter 23 (Week
quantitative research 4)
approaches and different the 4. The Nature of Quantitative Research Chapter 5
research methods from each (Week 5)
approach. Generate a research 5. Sampling in Quantitative Research Chapter 6
proposal and project based on (Week 5)
group work. Identify ethical 6. Structured Interviewing Chapter 7 (Week 6)
issues in conducting research 7. Self Completion Questionnaires Chapter 8
projects. [PLO2] (Week 6)
8. Structured Observations Chapter 10 (Week 8)
9. Content Analysis Chapter 11 (Week 8)
10. Quantitative Data Analysis Chapter 12 (Week 9)
11. Using SPSS for Windows Chapter 13 (Week 9)
12. Nature of Qualitative Research Chapter 14
(Week 10)
13. Sampling in Qualitative Research Chapter 15
(Week 10)
14. Ethnography and Participant Observation
Chapter 16 (Week 11)
15. Interviewing in Qualitative Reserch and Focus
Groups Chapter 17 (Week 11)
16. Documents as Source of Data Chapter 18 (Week
12)
17. Qualitative Data Analysis Chapter 19 (Week 12)
18. Mixed Methods Research: Combing Quantitative
and Qualitative Research Chapter 20 (Week 20)
19. Writing and Presenting Your Project Report (Week
14)

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 18. Textbooks and references:

Main Reference
Main Text: Bryman, A, Bell E 2015. Business Research Methods, International 4 th Edition. London:
Oxford University Press.

Supporting References
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. 2012. Research Methods for Business Students, 6 th
Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited.
Babbie, E. 1973. Survey Research Methods. Belmont Cal: Wadsworth Publishing.
Babbie, E. et al. 2003. Adventures in Social Research: Data Analysis Using SPSS for Windows.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
Block, M. 1953. The Historians Craft. New York: Knopf.
Carr, E. H. 1961. What is History? New York: Vintage.
Cook, T. and Campbell, D. 1979. Quasi-Experimentation: Design and Analysis Issues for Field
Settings. Chicago: Rand McNally Publishing.
Denzin, N. 1970. The Research Act. Chicago: Aldine Press
De Vaus, D. A. 2002. Surveys in Social Research. Crows Nest
Emerson, R. 1983. Contemporary Field Research. Boston: Little Brown
Glaser, B. and Strauss, A. 1967. The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative
Research. Chicago: Aldine.
Gray, G. and Guppy, N. 1999. Successful Surveys: Research Methods and Practice. Toronto:
Harcourt Brace
Hair, J. et al. 2006. Multivariate Data Analysis. Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Hindess, B. 1973. The Use of Official Statistics in Sociology. London: Macmillan.
Morgan, D. 1997. Focus Groups as Qualitative Research. London: Sage Press.
Shalev, M. 1978. Lies, Damn Lies and Strike Statistics in Crouch, C. and Pizzorno, A. eds. The
Resurgence of Class Conflict in Western Europe Since 1968, Vol.1. New York: Holmes
and Meier.
Skocpol, T. 1985. Vision and Method in Historical Sociology. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Smelser, N. 1976. Comparative Methods in the Social Sciences. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice
Hall.
Whitfield, K. and Strauss, G. eds. 1998. Researching the World of Work. Ithaca NY: Cornell
University Press.
Yin, R. 1988. Case Study Research. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

All relevant academic research journals

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 19. Other additional information
This subject is a compulsory Core subject for all registered students of the Faculty of Business,
Economics and Accountancy.

All components of the assessment are compulsory and must be completed before the stipulated
deadline. Failure to undertake any single evaluation component will determine a Final Grade of
E and the student will have to retake the subject.

Required Student Participation: (1) Learning is best accomplished when students are provided
with experiential opportunities. Accordingly, students are expected to improve their knowledge
(or facts/theories) about each topic area from the readings, instructor e-lecture notes, and e-
discussions with classmates and the lecturer. (2) Students are expected to demonstrate
comprehension [or seeing relationships, concepts, principles, and abstractions beyond simply
remembering material (read: translating, interpreting and estimating future trends)] through
essay answers, e-discussions with classmates and instructor, and the mid-term evalutation and
final exam; and (3) Understand the application (or the ability to use learned material in new and
concrete situations, including the application of rules, methods, concepts, principles, laws and
theories) to specific issues and challenges in business ethics.

Smart 2 Log in: Students are expected to log into the course (BT21603) site at least once a week,
for postings, assignments, e-discussions and e-learning advisement. All evaluated assignments
are to be submitted online, unless indicated otherwise.

Tardiness in terms of the submission of assignments is not tolerated, and hence, will
be ungraded.

Prepared by Verified by
Janice L. H. Nga Jakaria Dasan
Liu Hao

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Table 3 / BT21603/ Versison 2 updated 6 Feb 2017
 Appendix 1
Assessment Method and Types

Details of
Assessment Component/Method Total
Assessment
Course Learning Outcome (CLO) PLO/ Student
Delivery
No. At the end of this course, MQF Group Assignment Present Learning
Methods Mid term Final
student should be able to: LOD research Time (SLT)
Evaluation Exam
Literature Reserch proposal
review proposal
Explain the underlying research The evaluation and
philosophical assumptions related to exams assess
the various research paradigms. research method
Make a basic inferences of protocols knowledge from
governing the ethical clearance of two attributes, 1)
research projects [PLO1] research
philosophical
PLO1 Interactive
1 20% 40% 60% assumptions 72 Hours
LOD1 Lecture
related to the
various research
paradigms and 2)
protocols governing
the ethical
clearance of
research projects.
Develop the intricacies of the
research process within the various
research paradigms. Analyses
qualitative and quantitative research
approaches and different the
Group The assessments
research methods from each
PLO2 Assignment cover written,
2 approach. Generate a research 10% 20% 10% 40% 48 Hours
LOD2 and presentation and
proposal and project based on group
presentation team building skills.
work. Identify ethical issues in
conducting research projects. [PLO2]

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 TOTAL 20% 40% 10% 20% 10% 100% 120 Hours

Appendix 2: Assessment Rubric

Students need to be assigned to a group (Max 10 persons) to perform the following assignments.

Group Assignment - Literature Review (10%)

Students are required to provide a literature review that relates to their research topic.

The literature review should be within 2000 words. Students are also required to give detail description/explanation of the literatures. A list
of bibliography (APA Style) must be attached at the end of the report.

Group Assignment - Research Proposal (20%)

Students are required to produce a research proposal.

The proposal should be within 3000 words. A list of bibliography (APA Style) must be attached at the end of the report.

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Table 3 / BT21603/ Versison 2 updated 6 Feb 2017
 ASSESSMENT RUBRIC : Practical Skills (LOD 2)

LEVEL OF APPLICABILITY

Very Weak Weak Fair Good Very Good

N The literature review The literature review The literature review is in
SUBATTRIBUTE does not match with does not match with
The quality of literature
high-quality. The literatures
O review is at the The literature review is in
the research topic. the research topic. match with the proposed
satisfactory level. The high-quality. The
Meanwhile, the Meanwhile, the research topic. The
Literature review (10%) explanation and explanation and
explanation and explanation and explanation and description
description of description of literatures
description of description of of literatures are clear, and
1 literatures reach a are clear. The quality and
literatures are poor. literatures are all the important points are
certain level. There are quantity of citation are
There are major relatively poor. The mentioned by the students.
no major mistakes of generally good.
mistakes in citation style of citation has There are no mistakes on
citation style.
style. the serious problems. citation style.
1. Analyse topic
related
literatures.
2. Aware citation
style.
The research process
is misleading and Following the proposed Following the proposed
The research Following the proposed
unable answering research objectives, can research objectives, is able
questions and research objectives,
the research lead to the answer of the to lead to the answer of the
objectives are unfit. can lead to the answer
questions and research questions. research questions.
Research of the research
objectives. Selection Research philosophy and Research philosophy and
methodology and questions. Research
of research research methodology are research methodology are
2 Research Proposal (20%) methodology does
research philosophy philosophy and
well chosen. The quality well chosen. There are no
are not matching. research methodology
not reflect the and quantity of citation are mistakes on citation style.
The style of citation are well chosen. There
research philosophy. generally good. The The research topic has been
has the serious are no major mistakes
There are major research topic has been selected is interesting and
problems. of citation style.
mistakes in citation selected is interesting. has its original value.
style.

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Table 3 / BT21603/ Versison 2 updated 6 Feb 2017
 1. Explain the
underlying
research
philosophical
assumptions.
2. Aware research
ethical issues.
3. Design and
articulate a
research
proposal.

Research proposal presentation (10%)

Students are required to give an oral presentation of the research proposal. Presentation must NOT be more than 5 slides inclusive of
cover page/slide.

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC : Practical Skills (LOD 2)

NO SUBATTRIBUTE LEVEL OF APPLICABILITY

Very Weak Weak Fair Good Very Good

Research Proposal
1 Presentation
During oral During oral presentation: During oral During oral During oral presentation:
presentation: The The research questions presentation: presentation: Following Following the proposed
research process is and objectives are unfit. Following the the proposed research research objectives, can
misleading and unable Research methodology and proposed research objectives, can lead to lead to the answer of the
answering the research research philosophy are objectives, can lead the answer of the research questions.
questions and not matching. The style of to the answer of the research questions. Research philosophy and
objectives. Selection of citation has the serious research questions. Research philosophy research methodology are
research methodology problems. Students are Research philosophy and research well chosen. There are no
does not reflect the lacked of confidence when and research methodology are well mistakes on citation style.
research philosophy. handling questions during methodology are well chosen. The quality and The research topic has
There are major Q&A session. chosen. There are no quantity of citation are been selected is interesting
mistakes in citation major mistakes of generally good. The and has its original value.
style. Students are citation style. research topic has been During the Q&A session,
unable to handle the Students can provide selected is interesting. students are fully confident

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Table 3 / BT21603/ Versison 2 updated 6 Feb 2017
 certain answers to Students are able to with their job that has been
questions been asked the questions been handle the questions presented, and handled
during the Q&A session. asked during the Q&A been asked during the questions at a professional
session. Q&A session. level.
1. Explain the
underlying
research
philosophical
assumptions.
2. Aware research
ethical issues.
3. Design and
articulate a
research proposal.

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