SYLLABUS AND COURSE OUTLINE BA 595, APPLIED BUSINESS RESEARCH Summer I, 2011 PROFESSOR: OFFICE NUMBER: OFFICE PHONE:

EMAIL: OFFICE HOURS: Donald English BA 318 (903) 886-5662 Donald_english@tamu-commerce.edu 5:30PM Monday and Wednesday (Rockwall)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A course to investigate the techniques of the research process as applied to business and economics. Experience is gained in defining research problems, designing a research project, and in collecting, analyzing, recording and interpreting data. Also, an analysis of pertinent research literature in business and economics is conducted. COURSE PREREQUISITE(S): No graduate prerequisites. This should be one of the first courses taken in the MBA program. COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. Understands the scientific method of research. 2. Contrasts applied and theoretical forms of research. 3. Differentiates descriptive, historical, correlational, and experimental research methods. 4. Demonstrate the ability to review appropriate literature. 5. Develops an appropriate research question/problem. 6. Identifies the advantages and disadvanges of various data collection techniques. 7. Constructs an appropriate bibliography from scholarly scources of material for study and research. 8. Utilizes secondary data appropriately. 9. Generates an appropriate research plan. 10. Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate hypotheses. Students requesting accommodations for disabilities must go through the Academic support committee. For more information, please contact the Director of Disability Resources & Services, halladay Student Services Bldg., Rm. 303D, 903-886-5835.

MEANS TO ACCOMPLISH OBJECTIVES: 1. 2. The student will be required to prepare three (3) papers. These papers will be prepared in accordance with APA Publication Manual. A library tour will be conducted demonstrating the library services and sources of material for study and research. A library exercise in familiarization of various indices, abstracts, and publications will be conducted. Class time may be made available to the student for library research during the term. (time permitting) The student will select a research problem, prepare and turn in a prospectus indicating the background of the problem, the purpose of the study, the study's hypothesis (es), the need for the study, the study's assumptions and applicable delimitations, the methodology to be employed in the study and a review of the literature pertaining to the problem. (see attachment #2)

3. 4.

TEXTBOOK(S) AND OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS: Business Research Methods, William Zikmund, 8th ed. APA Publication Manual. 6th edition. GRADING POLICY: Paper #1 Paper #2 Midtern Test Prospectus or Research Project Final Exam 100 points 100 points 100 points 100 x 2 = 200 points 100 points

Minimun percentages for grade level are as follows: A B C D 90+ 80-89 70-79 60-69 percent of total point percent of total point percent of total point percent of total point

Any student absence for more than two classes (excused or unexcused) will have his/her grade lowered by one letter grade. One grade will be deducted for papers turned in late. Anyone caught plagiarizing will receive an F in the course. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is mandatory. Anticipated absences for work related reasons should be explained to the instructor. Excessive absences may result in a lower grade. All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. (See Students Guide Book)

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE Date June 6 June8 June 13 June 15 June 20 June 22 June 27 June 29 Reading Assignments Introduction to Course Chapters 1 Chapters 8 Chapter 3, 4 and 6 Research night Mid Term Test (chapters 1,3,4,6,8 plus class notes Chapter 9, 10, 11 Chapters 13, 16 Paper 2 due Paper 3 due Paper 1 due Paper Assignments Due

July 6

Final Exam Chapters 9, 10, 11, 13, 16

June 23 June 30

Last day to drop a class. Last day to withdraw

TERM PAPER ASSIGNMENTS The following are the specific assignments: Paper 1. Paper 2. Prepare a short term paper on a business/economics topic of your choice (4 pages in length). Follow APA format. Prepare a paper which evaluates the use of the scientific method in an actual research project. Find a research based article in a business journal and appraise the methodology employed and the interpretation of the study's results and conclusions. (2 pages in length) The student will select a research problem, prepare and turn in a prospectus indicating the background of the problem, the purpose of the study, the studys hypothesis(es), the need for the study, the studys assumptions and applicable delimitations, the methodology to be employed in the study and a review of the literature pertaining to the problem.

Paper 3.

PAPERS WILL BE GRADED ON CONTENT, ORGANIZATION, AND FORMAT.

Attachment #1

TERM PROJECT (PROSPECTUS) 1. The term project is to develop a finished "Prospectus for a Thesis." The student is referred to APA Manual for the mechanical details of a prospectus preparation. 2. Approval of the research topic by the instructor can be obtained at any time, but no later than June 22. For approval, each student must submit the following information: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Proposed research topic. Definition of the problem. Some evidence of delimitation. Preliminary statement of justification. Preliminary statement of hypothesis. Preliminary statement of methodology. Preliminary review of the literature.

None of the above need be submitted in a "formal" manner (i.e.this information may be presented on one or two sheets of paper--written in longhand or may be discussed with the instructor informally). 3. The student should consider the following elements when preparing Chapter I of the prospectus (all elements may not be required and no order is implied in this listing). A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
syl595e2/syllabi & course gbus mis

Background Problem Statement Purpose of Study Study Hypothesis (es) Study Delimitations Study Limitations Definitions

Attachment #2