Business Research – An Informal Guide

Part 1: Research Basics

·        The importance of research

·        The nature and scope of business research

·        Ground rules for the business researcher

Part 2: Using a Research Model

·        The scientific method

·        A basic model for primary research

Part 3: Observation Techniques

·        Observation in research

·        Guidelines for effective observation

·        Specific observation techniques

Part 4: Surveys

·        Understanding surveys

·        Preliminary factors necessary for effective surveys

·        How to get a random sample

·        Questionnaire design and survey administration

·        Survey applications in business research

Part 5: Interview Techniques

·        The interview process

·        Interview formats

Part 6: Experiments and Tests

·        Effective tests and experiments

·        The game is to control the variables

·        In search of validity and reliability

Appendix: A Sample Research Instrument

·        Organizational communication questionnaire survey