Syllabus (COMMERCE)

Course Type: MAJ-12

Semester: 7

Course Code: BCOMMAJ12T

Course Title: Fundamentals of Business Research Methodology

(L-P-Tu): 5-0-1

Credit: 6

Practical/Theory: Theory

Course Objective: The Paper aims to help the students: 1. To understand basic research methods and processes. 2. To learn how to design effective empirical research studies. 3. To gain different quantitative and qualitative methods of research. 4. To develop the ability to interpret and analyse data. 5. To gain a clear understanding of ethics in research.

Learning Outcome: The outcomes for studying Fundamentals of Research Methodology include gaining an understanding of the area of knowledge associated with research, developing the ability to select appropriate research methodologies and techniques for a particular purpose, and the capacity to develop research proposals. Other outcomes may include enhanced critical thinking and communication skills, understanding of how to manage and interpret data, and improved research report writing abilities.

Subject: Fundamentals of Business Research Methodology

Unit-1: Introduction (Lectures: 10)

Meaning, Purpose, Characteristics and Types - Process of Research: Literature review and research gap, Formulation of research problem, objectives and Hypotheses: Types of Hypotheses - Methods of Research: Survey, Observation, Case study, experimental- Difficulties in Business research.

Unit-2: Techniques of Research: (Lectures: 15)

Meaning, Need and Importance - Classification: Statistical Techniques - Operations Research techniques - Role of Quantitative Techniques in Business and Industry - Quantitative Techniques in Decision making - Limitations.

Unit-3: Collection of Data: (Lectures:10 )

Primary and Secondary Sources - Methods of collecting Primary Data - Designing Questionnaires- Sampling Design, Measurement Scale, Attitude Measurement.

Unit-4: Data Processing: (Lectures:15 )

Editing, coding, classification, and tabulation - Graphical and diagrammatic presentation. Statistical analysis of Data: Types of analysis-Descriptive analysis and inferential analysis.

Unit-5: Interpretation (Lectures:15 )

Essentials for Interpretation, Precautions in interpretation - Conclusions and Generalizations - Report Writing: Meaning and types of reports - Stages in preparation of Report - Characteristics of a good report - Structure of the report'- Footnotes and Bibliography.

Unit-6: Ethics in Business Research (Lectures: 10)

Research and publication Ethics; Plagiarism, Research Integrity

Reading References:

Panneerselvam, R., RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi.

Kothari CR , RESEARCH METHODOLOGY-METHODS AND TECHNIQUES, New Wiley Eastern Ltd., Delhi.