EC Research Methodology.ppt

EC Research Methodology Instructor: Dr. Bruce Chien-Ta Ho TEL： 04 2284-0515 ext 16 Mobile: 0座机电话号码8 E-MAIL ： bruceho@dragon.nchu.edu.tw Course Description This course aims to give you an introduction to the research methods most often used in social science. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the concepts and terminology of empirical methods used in EC field. Research design, data collection, analysis, validity, and report writing will all be covered. Also, Quantitative research methods are included in this course as they are appropriate for certain research investigations. Selection of a particular research method will be determined based on the problem under investigation and its underlying assumptions. Course Objectives To acquire skills to locate problem areas in organisational settings, and plan, organise, design, and conduct research to help solve the identified problems; To gather and analyse data, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. To be able to write and present research reports; and To develop skills and knowledge to discriminate good from bad research reported in academic, business, and trade journals. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities: Introduction to Research. Scientific Investigation. Technology and Business Research. The Research Process: Steps 1 to 3: The Broad Problem Area, Preliminary Data Gathering, Problem Definition. The Research Process: Steps 4 and 5: Theoretical Framework Hypothesis Development. The Research Process: Step 6: Elements of Research Design. Experimental Designs. Measurement of Variables: Operational Definition and Scales. Measurement: Scaling, Reliability, Validity. Data Collection Methods. Sampling. Data Analysis and Interpretation. The Research Report. Managerial Decision Making and Research. 1. A scientific approach to business research 2. Initial stages and design of a research project 3. Qualitative business research 4. Quantitative business research 5. Resea