Research Methodology
- Management Sciences
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 299 pages
- 21 units
This course introduces students to research design and methodology within the global business environment. It emphasizes the practical aspects of research in humanities and social sciences, focusing on the research process, topic selection, research design, data collection, and statistical inferences. Ethical considerations in research are addressed, along with challenges specific to developing countries. Students will learn data presentation techniques and research report preparation, equipping them with skills for business planning and policy problem-solving.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Self Assessment Exercises
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of FMS825, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
FMS825 · UNIT 1 CONCEPT OF RESEARCH
Unit 1 introduces you to the basic concepts of research. It presents important definitions which are required for the basic understanding of a scientific research process.
What you should be able to do
- Define and understand the research process.
- Choose a researchable project topic.
- Understand the basic operations in scientific research.
- Understand different types of research designs.
- Effectively present and analyze data.
- Prepare a research report.
What it prepares you for
- Business Analyst
- Market Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Research Consultant
- Project Manager
- Market Research
- Business Consulting
- Policy Development
- Academic Research
- Data Analytics
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Methodology
Unit 4: Types of Sampling (Part 1)
Understanding the nuances between different sampling methods (simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster) and their appropriate applications requires careful consideration of research goals and potential biases.
- Module 4: Data Presentation and Analysis
Unit 1: Presentation and Analysis of Data
Requires understanding of various statistical techniques and their appropriate application, as well as the ability to interpret results accurately.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Research Approaches And Process
Unit 1: Concept of Research · 3 hours
Define research and its characteristics.. Understand the importance of scientific rigor and avoiding bias.. Differentiate between conceptual and operational definitions..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Research Approaches And Process
Unit 2: Basic Operations in Scientific Research Process · 3 hours
Discuss the major classifications of variables.. Enumerate the basic postulates on which the scientific method is based.. Understand the difference between independent, dependent, moderating, and mediating variables..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Research Approaches And Process
Unit 3: Review of Related Literature · 3 hours
Define research and enumerate the characteristics of research. Discuss the major classifications of variables. Enumerate the basic postulates on which the scientific method is based.
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Research Approaches And Process
Unit 4: Hypothesis (Part One) · 3 hours
Define hypothesis and enumerate the characteristics of research. Discuss the major classifications of variables. Enumerate the basic postulates on which the scientific method is based.
- Week 5Module 2: Methodology
Unit 1: Research Design · 3 hours
Discuss the various factors instrumental to an individual choosing a research topic.. Explain four major ways of evaluating problem's significance. Understand the guidelines for selecting a research topic.
- Week 6Module 2: Methodology
Unit 2: Components of a Research Design · 3 hours
Discuss four sources of research problem. Explain four major ways of evaluating problem's significance. Understand the elements of a research design.
- Week 7Module 2: Methodology
Unit 3: Overview of Data Collection and Sample Selection · 3 hours
Discuss the three main types of literature sources and the key differences between them. Explain four major ways of evaluating problem's significance. Understand the importance of data collection.
- Week 8Module 2: Methodology
Unit 4: Types of Sampling (Part 1) · 3 hours
What is the purpose of literature review in research?. Discuss the three main types of literature sources and the key differences between them. Understand the different types of sampling.
- Week 9Module 2: Methodology
Unit 5: Measurement Scales · 3 hours
What is the purpose of literature review in research?. Discuss the three main types of literature sources and the key differences between them. Understand the different types of measurement scales.
- Week 10Module 3: Data Acquisition and Procedure
Unit 1: Data Acquisition/Collection and Procedure · 3 hours
What are the two basic parametric tools for testing statistical or parametric hypothesis?. What are the two methods of control that can be employed to counteract the effect of extrinsic factors?. Understand the data acquisition process.
- Week 11Module 3: Data Acquisition and Procedure
Unit 2: Validity and Reliability · 3 hours
What are the two basic parametric tools for testing statistical or parametric hypothesis?. What are the two methods of control that can be employed to counteract the effect of extrinsic factors?. Understand the data validity and reliability.
- Week 12Module 3: Data Acquisition and Procedure
Unit 3: Research Proposal · 3 hours
What are the two basic parametric tools for testing statistical or parametric hypothesis?. What are the two methods of control that can be employed to counteract the effect of extrinsic factors?. Understand the structure of a research proposal.
- Week 13Module 3: Data Acquisition and Procedure
Unit 4: Structure and Evaluation of A Research Proposal · 3 hours
What are the two basic parametric tools for testing statistical or parametric hypothesis?. What are the two methods of control that can be employed to counteract the effect of extrinsic factors?. Understand the evaluation of a research proposal.
Preparing for the exam
- Focus on understanding the different types of research designs (experimental, survey, case study) and their applications.
- Practice identifying independent and dependent variables in research scenarios.
- Review the ethical considerations in business research, especially concerning data privacy and informed consent.
- Create concept maps linking different sampling techniques to appropriate research contexts.
- Study data presentation methods (tables, charts) and practice interpreting statistical outputs.
- Practice writing clear and concise research proposals, focusing on problem statements and research objectives.
Questions students ask about this course
What is FMS825 about?
This course introduces students to research design and methodology within the global business environment. It emphasizes the practical aspects of research in humanities and social sciences, focusing on the research process, topic selection, research design, data collection, and statistical inferences. Ethical considerations in research are addressed, along with challenges specific to developing countries. Students will learn data presentation techniques and research report preparation, equipping them with skills for business planning and policy problem-solving.
How many units does FMS825 have?
FMS825, Research Methodology, has 21 units across 5 modules, over 299 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is FMS825?
FMS825 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Management Sciences.
Is FMS825 hard?
FMS825 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study, problem solving and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does FMS825 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is FMS825 assessed?
FMS825 is assessed by Assignments, Self Assessment Exercises, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with FMS825?
Business Analyst, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst, Research Consultant and Project Manager.