Reference no: EM131207120 , Length: word count:2000 + 20 slides

In your business career you will face many decisions. This subject examines the techniques available for undertaking research, analysing data, identifying alternatives, making choices and formulating recommendations.

Knowledge
Graduates will be able to, evaluate theoretical and practical knowledge of Business Research in context of Management decision making

Skills

On successful completion of this course students will be able to;

- Analyse business problems, identify how research can increase understanding, reduce risk and contribute to improved decision making.

- Explain why a particular management problem would require use of qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques

- Develop a research plan

- Design a survey

- Perform data collection and analysis

- Analyse and Interpret research data

- Prepare a persuasive research report

- Work with others to find solutions for management problems.

Application of Knowledge and skills

Graduates will be able to, apply theoretical and practical knowledge of Business Research and in the diagnosis of organizational issues and the formulation of appropriate strategies

Students will demonstrate research skills, showing initiative in consulting the academic literature and integrating fresh ideas into the discourse in preparation for life-long learning.

Students will demonstrate the capacity to write persuasive reports containing sound recommendations, in preparation for their career in business.

Group Project:

Form groups of 3 Identify a company.

Identify a management problem. (Note: not a market research nature). Specify research questions which address the management problem/decision. Design a research program.

Carry out the research.

Sourcing both secondary and primary data Analyse the findings.

Identify alternatives and make recommendations to improve the performance of the organisation Prepare a persuasive report showing how the management problem/decision should be managed. Prepare and deliver a persuasive presentation of the key points in your report.

Each group will also make a 10 minute presentation of their research and findings in week 10 or 11 and there would be an additional 5 minutes for questions and answers.

Assessment criteria

Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the concepts covered in the course and their capacity to apply that knowledge to improve business decision making.

Recommended Reading
When big data goes lean - The combination of advanced analytics and lean management could be worth tens of billions of dollars in higher earnings for large manufacturers. A few leading companies are showing the way, (2014), Rajat Dhawan, Kunwar Singh, and Ashish Tuteja, Mckinsey Quarterly

Scoring dynamics across professional team sports: tempo, balance and predictability
Sears Merritt1, and Aaron Clauset, Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309

Review On Evaluation and Benefits Of Decision Support Systems, (2013), Roger Alan Pick, University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA, Nancy Weatherholt, University of Missouri, Vol 17, Number 1, Kansas City, USA