Research Methodologies: Resources for Business

Summary: This introductory textbook presents research methods and data analysis tools in non-technical language. It explains the research process and the basics of qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including procedures and methods, analysis, interpretation, and applications using hands-on data examples in QDA Miner Lite and IBM SPSS Statistics software. The book is divided into four parts that address study and research design; data collection, qualitative methods and surveys; statistical methods, including hypothesis testing, regression, cluster and factor analysis; and reporting. The intended audience is business and social science students learning scientific research methods, however, given its business context, the book will be equally useful for decision-makers in businesses and organizations.

Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students aims to present a clear discussion of the research methods employed in various disciplines related to our daily life problems. The theoretical basis of research methods is explained clearly and succinctly. Collecting data is a key part of the book and this includes both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The book also describes in clear terms how students can analyse data, interpret results and link these to the literature review and hence their own contribution. It sets out a range of fundamental ideas in research methods, such as deductivism and inductivism, and explains why methodology is not the same as method. In this second edition every chapter has been re-written to be more readable and also to include more examples. The authors have also added a real student research proposal and a multiple-choice test with answers for the readers to test their own understanding of the ideas in the book. The book has been designed to illustrate research tools in a clear and accessible manner through chapters on such topics as formulating research, research design, data analysis and writing up the research results.

In Postgraduate Research in Business, Sarah Quinton and Teresa Smallbone provide a vital introduction to the research process and the thinking and learning skills needed to successfully complete postgraduate research. In step-by-step terms, the authors detail the `tools of the trade′ - the practical and the intellectual skills - that underpin the study of Business and Management, from research skills and project planning to strategies for reading, writing and presentation. Postgraduate Research in Business provides:'A student-friendly guide to thinking critically about Business and Management research'Guidance on the best way to approach research'A clear focus on finding research topics and developing them in to dissertations'Essential help in forging critical reading skills'Helpful advice on making your research project manageable'An inside view on the assumptions and requirements of post graduate research in business'Structured support for writing up your research This is essential reading for any student doing an MBA, an MA, or starting a PhD in Business or Management Studies. It will provide a vital supplement to the plethora of textbooks in Business and Research Methods.

Summary: Showcasing methodological rigour and state-of-the-art methods as hallmarks of modern international business (IB) research, this book offers a collection of the most relevant and highly cited research methods articles from the Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS). Each piece is accompanied by a new Commentary written by experts in the field; some also include Further Reflections by the original authors. Encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this comprehensive volume explores research design, testing and reporting, as well as specific methodological issues such as endogeneity, common method variance, and theorising from case studies. With recommendations for best practices relating to interaction effects, hypothesis testing, and replicability, this book is a unique and up-to-date reference source on the latest research methods and practices in international business. The book will also be essential reading for those studying any sub-discipline of IB research, including international economics, entrepreneurship, finance, management and marketing.

Summary: "Business Research Methods, 2e, provides students with the knowledge, understanding and necessary skills to conduct business research. The reader is taken step-by-step through a range of contemporary research methods, while numerous worked examples and real-life case studies enable students to relate with the context and thus grasp concepts effectively. Keeping in mind the developments in the subject area and necessary feedback from the users of this book, the latest edition has been extensively revised to include the necessary updates. The revision has been carried out in three ways: (i) by adding a few topics in existing chapters, (ii) by restructuring chapters pertaining to multivariate techniques, and (iii) by including a new chapter - Chapter 20: Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modelling and Path Analysis."

Summary: Since research is best learned by doing, this book emphasizes a hands-on, do-it yourself approach. The readers have many opportunities to see how business researches affect and support management decision. The book used a case study approach for all the chapters with interactive videos. The book gave emphasis to quantitative data analysis using a software program, IBM SPSS 20.0. The data analysis chapters illustrate in detail each step in running the software programs. The software programs files are provided for all data sets: outputs, demonstration movies, and screen captures are on the book's website. This book provides students most extensive help available to learn quantitative data analysis using SPSS. Thus, the authors prepared this textbook and all the additional materials to help the students to understand the functional principles of business research and how to apply them in real-life situations.

Summary: This book introduces students to major research processes and methods used in business research. The research process includes all steps in the research project beginning from the problem formulation, through research design, proposal, conducting the research, deriving conclusions, writing research report, and preparing and making presentation. The major research methods include risk assessment, statistics, sampling, hypothesis testing, surveys, and comparative analysis. It helps students develop solid knowledge and practical skills sufficient for conducting a research project from its initiation, through completion, and delivery. The author provides multiple examples as well as the questions and problems for self-testing and self-evaluation in each chapter. The book is structured to provide a smooth flow of understanding and learning the material along the learning curve and is concise enough to fit a one-semester course.

Summary: Explore the essential steps for data collection, reporting, and analysis in business research. Understanding Business Research offers a comprehensive introduction to the entire process of designing, conducting, interpreting, and reporting findings in the business environment. With an emphasis on the human factor, the book presents a complete set of tools for tackling complex behavioral and social processes that are a part of data collection in industry settings. Utilizing numerous real-world examples throughout, the authors begin by presenting an overview of the research process, outlining key ideas relating to the business environment, ethics, and empirical methods. Quantitative techniques and considerations that are specific to business research, including sampling and the use of assessments, surveys, and objective measures are also introduced. Subsequent chapters outline both common and specialized research designs for business data, including: correlational research, single variable between-subjects research, correlated groups designs, qualitative and mixed-method research, between-subjects designs, between-subjects factorial designs, and research with categorical data. Each chapter is organized using an accessible, comprehensive pedagogy that ensures a fluid presentation. Case studies showcase the real-world applications of the discussed topics while critical thinking exercises and Knowledge Checks supply questions that allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material. Numerous graphics illustrate the visual nature of the research, and chapter-end glossaries outline definitions of key terms. In addition, detailed appendices provide a review of basic concepts and the most commonly used statistical tables. Requiring only a basic understanding of statistics, Understanding Business Research is an excellent book for courses on business statistics as well as business and management science research methods at the graduate level. The book is also a valuable resource for practitioners in business, finance, and management science who utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods in their everyday work.