**Emergency Management Research Methods/Analysis**

**EAM 4033**

**Instructor**

> George R. Franks, Jr.
>
> Meetings will be arranged as needed, at mutually agreeable times.
>
> Hm: 501-821-6353
>
> Ofc: 501-569-2421
>
> FAX: 501-568-4921
>
> e-mail: grfranks@ yahoo.com

**Catalogue Description of Course**

> "This course covers the basic research methodology and statistical
> analysis required for managing a research/data base to be utilized for
> decision-making and policy development. Prerequisite, Math 2163."

**Text Required for Course**

> In addition to material provided by the instructor, each student will
> be required to access and read portions of an on-line textbook on
> social science research. William M. Trochim wrote the book, The
> Research methods Knowledge Base, 2nd Edition, and it is available
> online at http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/index.htm .

**Justification/Rationale for the Course**

> Practitioners in the field of disaster and emergency management need
> to be skilled in identifying research problems. They must be
> knowledgeable in the methods of conducting research and in
> communicating the results to interested parties.

**Course Objectives**

> The Student will:
>
> Aquire an introduction to current research pertaining to emergency
> management.
>
> Aquire the ability to use Microsoft Excel in preparing and presenting
> statistical information.
>
> Improve reporting of emergency management community/program impact
> studies.
>
> Gain additional knowledge of the use of the Internet for research.
>
> Learn to use a variety of "hard" sources for statistical
> investigation.
>
> Gain an understanding of the various processes used in the conducting
> of statistical research.

**Assessment Methods**

> Students will receive credit through the completion of two tests (one
> mid-term and the other final), the completion of a research report
> (described in detail), and course participation. Because of the nature
> of this course, it is imperative that every student participates in
> discussions with the instructor through a variety of mediums. The
> breakdown of the course final grade is made in the following manner:
>
> Mid-term Test = 25%
>
> Final Test = 30%
>
> Research Report = 30%
>
> Class Projects and Participation = 15%
>
> The course grade will be based as follows:
>
> A = 90%
>
> B = 80%
>
> C = 70%
>
> D = 60%
>
> F = Below 60%

**Test:**

> The mid-term test will be composed of short-essay descriptions of
> statistical
>
> information. The final test will be composed of long essay
> descriptions and
>
> diagramming models of statistical information.

**Research Report:**

> The research project report will be submitted on the last day of class
> for the semester. The report is to be type-written, double spaced,
> with one-inch side, top, and bottom margins. Type face is to be
> 12-point Arial or New Times Roman. References will be made in
> accordance with the APA Style Manual and a bibliography will be
> provided at the end of the paper. The report is to be a minimum of
> five (5) pages and a maximum of ten (10) pages, ecluding tables and
> graphs. Citation of references is to be made in the APA style. The APA
> Style Manual is available for purchase through a variety of sources,
> the ATU library contains references and there are several web sites
> available for this style.

**Class Projects and Participation:**

> Students are expected to participate in discussions. Work projects are
> designed to promote learning. Participation and completion of assigned
> work projects are required for successful completion of this course.

**Policy on Absences, Cheating, Plagiarism, and Discrimination**

**Cheating:**

> Any student caught cheating will be immediately excused from the
> course
>
> and notification made to the Dean for appropriate action by the
> University.

**Plagiarism:**

> According to Webster, ***plagiarism*** is the act of taking ideas or
> writings from another and pass them off as one's own. Sometimes,
> plagiarism is committed through error of citation. Other times,
> plagiarism is an attempt to short-cut the effort that needs to be
> expended for preparing material. If there is an indication that a
> student has plagiarized material, the instructor will discuss the
> issue with the student in an attempt to identify the reason. If the
> instructor determines that the act was in error, the student will be
> allowed to correct the error. If the instructor determines that the
> act was intentional, the student will be dismissed from the course and
> the Dean notified for appropriate action by the University.

**Discrimination:**

> In this course, discrimination means much more than the usual view. Of
>
> course, students will not discriminate against another because of
> race, sex, religion, age, physical disability, or sexual preference.
> Students are also cautioned to respect the views of others and to not
> let differing opinions interfere with their participation in the
> course.