Business Research Methods (RMB301)
Vietnamese title: Phương pháp nghiên cứu
Credits: 3

Description:
This course introduces students to a number of research methods useful for academic and professional investigations of business practices. By examining the applications, strengths, and weaknesses of methodologies drawn from both the qualitative and quantitative traditions, this course permits an understanding of the various steps involved in designing and executing a research project so that students will be able to conduct their research later.
A key feature of this course is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications. Students learn to use theses tools to :
- support generating and refining research topics,
- assist in content suggestions,
- assist in answering questions on Edunext, in-class discussions, and identifying credible sources.
- supports summarizing and concluding research findings through data-driven insights and structured templates.

Learning outcomes:
Write a literature review that synthesises and evaluates literature in a specific topic area to justify a research questions
Apply appropriate research design and methods to address a specific research question and acknowledge the ethical implications of the research
Develop a research proposal as the basis for a thesis
Present and defend a research proposal

Student tasks:
Students need to
- Class attendance is strongly encouraged. Attend at least 80% of class hours in order to be accepted to the final examination
- Actively participate in class activities
- Fulfill tasks given by instructor after class
- Use their own laptop in class only for learning purpose
- Read the textbook in advance
- Access the course website (http://flm.fpt.edu.vn) for up-to-date information and materials of the course, for online supports from teachers and other students, and for practicing and assessment.

Tools:

Materials:
description: Research Methods for Business Students
author: Mark N.K. Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill
publisher: Pearson
published_date: 2019
edition: 8th
description: Hướng dẫn làm khóa luận tốt nghiệp đại học hệ chính quy khối ngành kinh tế và các biểu mẫu chấm điểm tại các syllabus GRI491, GRH491, GRT491 hoặc GRP490 (ban hành kèm theo quyết định số 870/QĐ-ĐHFPT ngày 06/08/2021)
published_date: 2021
description: Research Methods for Business Students
author: Mark N.K. Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill
publisher: Financial Times Press
published_date: 2012
edition: 6th
description: Coursera - FPT University Private Authored Courses: Guided Project - Basic data analysis using SPSS
published_date: 2022
edition: 1st
description: Introductory econometrics: A modern approach
author: Jeffrey M. Wooldridge
publisher: South-Western Cengage learning
published_date: 2012
edition: 5th or newer
description: Research Methods for Business Students
author: Mark N.K. Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill
publisher: Pearson
published_date: 2024
edition: 9th edition
note: Chọn một trong 3 ấn bản. Ưu tiên ấn bản mới nhất

Assessments:
category: Class Participation
type: on-going
weight: 15.0
no_question: OP1: Each student should make at least 1 individual presentation during the course in front of the class.
OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal
category: Group Assignment 1
type: on-going
weight: 10.0
no_question: OP1: The class should be divided into 4 or 6 groups. Each group will choose a business/management problem to formulate a research topic and corresponding research questions/objectives. The report should include research topic, research rationale, and research questions/objectives. OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal OP3: Complete the Guided Project -Basic data analysis using SPSS
knowledge_and_skill: OP1: Maximum length of the assignment should be 2 pages excluding appendices OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal
grading_guide: Combination of all relevant acquired knowledge, and research and written skills
note: For presentation, the instructor will make a random order of group presentations. All individuals need to give feedback to other groups' presentation.
category: Group Assignment 2
type: on-going
weight: 20.0
no_question: OP1: Based on results of Group Assignment 1, students will continue to write literature review and theoretical framework for their research topic. OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal
knowledge_and_skill: OP1: Maximum length of the assignment should be 15 pages excluding appendices OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal
grading_guide: Combination of all relevant acquired knowledge, and research and written skills
note: For presentation, the instructor will make a random order of group presentations. All individuals need to give feedback to other groups' presentation.
category: Group Assignment 3
type: on-going
weight: 25.0
no_question: OP1: Based on results of Group Assignment 1 and Group Assignment 2, students will complete their research proposal. The final report will include contents of Group Assignments 1 & 2 plus sections on proposed research methods, research scope, and thesis structure. OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal
knowledge_and_skill: OP1: Maximum length of the assignment should be 20 pages excluding appendices OP2 (For Constructivism Approach only): Follow lecturer's proposal
grading_guide: Combination of all relevant acquired knowledge, and research and written skills
note: For presentation, the instructor will make a random order of group presentations. All individuals need to give feedback to other groups' presentation.
category: Final Exam
type: Final exam
weight: 30.0
duration: 60'
no_question: Multiple choice
knowledge_and_skill: 50 multiple choice questions
grading_guide: The questions will cover the lectures, class discussions, activities, exercises, and textbook.
note: Exam room

Schedule:
session: Course Introduction
learning_outcomes: IT
materials: RMB301
session: Chapter 1: Business and management research, reflective diaries and the purpose of this book
learning_outcomes: TU
materials: RMB301
session: Group Formation
Group Assignment Guidelines
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 2: Formulating and clarifying the research topic [Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 3: Critically reviewing the literature
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 3: Critically reviewing the literature (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 3: Critically reviewing the literature (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Practice
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 4: Understanding research philosophies and approaches
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 4: Understanding research philosophies and approaches (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 4: Understanding research philosophies and approaches (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Practice
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 5: Formulating the research design
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 5: Formulating the research design (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 5: Formulating the research design (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Practice
learning_outcomes: U
session: Review, Progress Report & Discussion
learning_outcomes: U
session: Review, Progress Report & Discussion
learning_outcomes: U
session: Submission of Group Assignment 1
Chapter 6: Negotiating access and research ethics
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 6: Negotiating access and research ethics (cont.) & Practice
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 1
[Practice: 4 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 1
[Practice: 4 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 1
[Practice: 4 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 1
[Practice: 4 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 7: Selecting samples
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 7: Selecting samples (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 7: Selecting samples (cont.)
learning_outcomes: U
session: [Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 8: Using secondary data
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 8: Using secondary data
[Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 9: Collecting primary data through observation
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 9: Collecting primary data through observation
[Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 10: Collecting primary data using semi-structured, in-depth and group interviews
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 10: Collecting primary data using semi-structured, in-depth and group interviews
[Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 11: Collecting primary data using questionnaires
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 11: Collecting primary data using questionnaires (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: [Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Submission of Group Assignment 2
Chapter 11: Collecting primary data using questionnaires
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 2
[Practice: 6 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 2
[Practice: 6 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 2
[Practice: 6 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 2
[Practice: 6 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 2
[Practice: 6 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 2
[Practice: 6 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 12: Analysing quantitative data
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 12: Analysing quantitative data (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 12: Analysing quantitative data (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: [Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 13: Analysing qualitative data
learning_outcomes: U
session: Chapter 13: Analysing qualitative data (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 13: Analysing qualitative data (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: [Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Submission of Group Assignment 3
Chapter 14: Writing and presenting your project report
learning_outcomes: TU
session: Chapter 14: Writing and presenting your project report (cont.)
learning_outcomes: TU
session: [Practice: 1 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 3
[Practice: 5 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 3
[Practice: 5 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 3
[Practice: 5 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 3
[Practice: 5 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U
session: Presentation of Group Assignment 3
[Practice: 5 period(s)]
learning_outcomes: U