CDL Research Methods: A Panel Discussion

Dee BrittonJoyce ElliottMichele Ogle

Patrice Prusko-TorciviaMagdy Roufaiel

CDL Research Methods Commons Site

CDL Research methods

Quantitative Methods for Management

Magdy Roufaiel

Quantitative Methods for Management (SMT-214104)

is a course designed for individuals who are interested in “hands-on” experience with quantitative aspects of managerial decision making. By the end of the course, the student should be able to:Use Excel as a tool for modeling a business management

problem and finding specific solutions.Describe and be able to apply linear and network models

to assigned problems.Use the tools of linear programming.Use decision analysis for decision making under

uncertainty.Apply regression and time-series models for forecasting.Apply learned concepts and methods to solve real-world

problems as demonstrated by successful completion of a final project.

Basic Learning Activities and Teaching Strategies:1.Assess students’ knowledge and learning ability/progress at start and throughout the course period.2.Provide learning and guidance tools (Self assessments, tutorial tools, solution templates).3.Use standard available online learning tools to access background, related disciplines, and advanced information.4.Use technology to substitute “missing” face-to-face learning (Live lectures, Live office hours, YouTube videos).5.Utilize latest technology advances.6.Offer course projects to suite various students’ learning interests and capabilities. 7.Encourage group learning.

(6) Course Project

Learning Activities

Quantitative Research: Design and Methods

Joyce Elliott

Quantitative Research: Design and Methods

Modules

1.Foundations of Social Science Research (weeks 1-2)2.Social Science Research Ethics (weeks 3-4)3.Conceptualization and Measurement (weeks 5-6)4.Quantitative Design (weeks 7-9)5.Quantitative Analysis (weeks 10-14)6.Integration of the Research Process (week 15)

RJ5: Introductory Steps

• Identify which of 3 national data sets is being used

• State formal hypotheses about relationships among key variables

• Identify independent and dependent variables• Identify which item(s) from the data set will be

used to measure each variable

Individual Analysis of National Data Set Using SPSS (Weeks 10-14)

RJ5: Data Analyses

• Create one scale variable• Recode one variable• Complete univariate analyses of key variables• Complete bivariate analyses of key relationships• Complete multivariate cross-tab analyses of key

relationships• Complete regression analysis

Individual Analysis of National Data Set Using SPSS (Weeks 10-14)

RJ5: Presentation of Findings

• Present data in tables and visuals• Interpret key findings in writing• Present conclusions about causal

relationships among variables• Link findings to the literature review prepared

for RJ4

All of the RJ’s are parts of the final research project, RJ6

Individual Analysis of National Data Set Using SPSS (Weeks 10-14)

Market Research

Patrice Prusko-Torcivia

Market Research Proposal

• Introduction (State your purpose succinctly in declarative sentences. Tell why your study is needed.)

• Background and Significance• Indicate what led to the recognition of the need for

the research.• Cite relevant literature and clearly relate it to your

study. (Include quotes)• Further expand on the justification of your study,

particularly to the firm or organization.• Discuss briefly the alternative courses of action.

Procedures

• Discuss the underlying causes of the situation.• Define your population and sample.• State your research questions and hypotheses.• Provide operational definitions of variables.• State complete, exact procedures that your reader could

duplicate. Be sure these are practical and will accomplish your purpose.

• State your statistical analysis precisely.• State the limitations and assumptions underlying your

research.• Provide a copy of your data collection instrument which must

be a survey instrument that you develop.• Discuss specifically how you will establish validity/reliability of

that instrument.

Conclusion

• Results/Expectations• State exactly what you expect your study to produce or

change; relate it to your organization.• Check that your expected outcomes are appropriate for your

purpose and could logically result from your procedures.• Indicate how you will present the results. Show charts/tables

that will demonstrate your findings. Be sure to include your results for all research questions and hypotheses.

• References• Follow the APA style manual. Be sure to document your

sources.• Appendices• Include a cover sheet and label for each appendix. Refer to all

appendices in your paper.•  

Statistics: An Activity-Based

ApproachMichele Ogle

Statistics: An Activity Based Approach

The Final Project: a culminating activity for students to demonstrate what they have learned about statistics

What the student will produce:• Project proposal (week 10)

• Analysis plan identifying the statistical tools that will be used (week 12)

• Rough draft of the project (week 13)

• Abstract to share with other students (week 13)

• Masterpiece of statistical analysis pleasingly and professionally presented! (week 15)

FP Proposal (week 10)• Identify project title and describe the subject• Explain why the topic is important• Identify possible sources of data• State how many observations and variables, and why• Suggest what analysis techniques may be used• Describe any possible limitations in the data

FP Analysis Plan (week 12)• Identify data in more detail• Outline graphs, statistical tests, hypotheses for analysis• Requirements: graphs of data, numerical summaries,

minimum of 2 significance tests and 1 confidence interval

FP Masterpiece (week 15)

Contents of Report Document• Abstract and Table of Contents• Problem Statement:

– description of problem, reason for study• Procedures:

– explain data sources, data manipulations, analysis methods• Results:

– graphs, tables, variables examined, summary of calculations, test results• Conclusions:

– interpretation of results in terms of overall problem statement• Discussion:

– present any issues encountered with data or analysis, further studies or suggested improvements

• Citations• Appendix:

– data and calculations details (may be in separate spreadsheet)

Survey of Social Science Research Methods

Dee Britton

Module 1 Workshop: students propose and critique possible research questionsResearch Journals:

Module 1:Formulate a research question

Module 2:Annotated bibliography (minimum 10 academic sources) and 3 key

themes from the worksModule 3:

Research question from a quantitative perspectiveModule 4:

Research question from a qualitative perspectiveModule 5

Clearly articulate the research question and identify the methodology

Module 6: Formal Research Proposal

• Establishment of the problem or research question • Literature review • Hypothesis, if it is causally-oriented quantitative study; if it is

descriptive or qualitative, define study objectives • Research design: methodology, reasons for this design, sample

structure • Data gathering procedures (example of instrument(s) as

appendixes) • Discussion of ethical issues. • Data analysis:

– Quantitative studies: statistical analysis; description of the statistical procedures to be used

– Qualitative studies: procedures for analysis including methods of categorizing, coding system, conclusion extraction

• References• Appendixes: instruments, forms and letters.

QUESTIONS?