Posted: May 14th, 2015

Statistical thinking is as important for effective citizenship as the ability to read and write

Course texts

Mandatory

• Bryman, A. and Bell, E . (2011), Business Research Methods. Oxford University Press.

Recommended

• Field, A. (2009).”Discovering Statistics using SPSS”, 3”   edition, SAGE.

This isahighly accessible and non-technical combination of textbook and SPSS manual

Course goals

1. Business Research Methods

The course starts with the basics (strategy, research, question, design) and next, focuses on quantitative data collection methods. Application of the theory by discussing some limited research steps (by the participants) makes sure that we link the concepts to application modus.

1. Statistical introduction

“Statistical thinking is as important for effective citizenship as the ability to read and   write”

(H.G. Wells)

The objective of the second part of the course istwofold:

(1) to acquire the ability to read and interpret statistical information n in order to find the correct answer(s) to research questions; and

(2) to acquire the ability to use statistics (and spot misuse by others) yourself and apply iton a doctoral researchproject.

We start off with discussing the difference between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Next wezoom in on graphical representationof data,inferentialstatistics andrelations between variables (correlations, regressionanalysis).

Learning outcomes

• Knowledge: understand how to design and conduct a valid and reliable research
• Application: demonstrate knowledge gain by designing an individual empirical research
• Judgment: evaluate the value of research conducted by yourself and others
• Communication: able to clearly report research findings and conclusions to expertand non-specialist audiences
• Skills set: develop skills and competences that allow you to conduct the researchautonomously

Assignment and Grading

Essay topic:Quantitative Data collection and data analysis

Present a pilot study using quantitative methods.   Make sure that you cover thefollowing points:

• A brief introduction to the research project, outlining its objectives (contribution) and critically discussing and justifying the research question, conceptual model, operationalization and research design.
• Describe the data gathering instruments to be deployed (and why these are the most appropriate).

Demonstrate how you intend to apply the chosen methods of analysis to your data, with exam pies (hypothetical if necessary), and show how you will display yourresults.