The purpose of this course is to impart in-depth knowledge in research methodology that will enable the candidates to build and hone their skills and competences on the Research Process in Business management.

CLO1: This course provides a comprehensive understanding of research as a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising facts, events, behaviors, and theories. You will delve into various research methodologies and methods, learning to differentiate between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, and how to apply them effectively in real-world business contexts.

CLO2: Through this course, you will gain the ability to critically evaluate research quality, identify knowledge gaps in literature, and develop robust research proposals and theses. You will also explore current trends and issues in business research, such as big data analytics and ethical considerations, preparing you to address complex challenges in today's dynamic business environment.

CLO3: By mastering research design, including the use of mixed methods, you will be able to align research questions with appropriate methodologies, ensuring the reliability, validity, and generalizability of your findings. This course is invaluable across various business disciplines, from management and marketing to finance and operations, allowing you to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to organizational success.

CLO4: By the end of this course, you will be well-prepared to conduct high-quality research that drives innovation and contributes to the advancement of business management practices

Philosophical Foundations of Research: Epistemological and ontological assumptions; Research Paradigms; Philosophical approaches in commerce and management; Theory and practice in theory-building.

 Research Design and Methodological Approaches: Research designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental, case study); Longitudinal and cross-sectional designs; Comparative research designs; Mixed-methods research designs; Research and management phenomena.

 Quantitative Research Methods: Advanced survey design; Sampling strategies and sample sizes; Multivariate statistical methods (regression, factor analysis, SEM); Time-series analysis and forecasting; Statistical software (SPSS, R, Stata); Validity, reliability, and biases.

 Qualitative Research Methods: Qualitative methodologies (grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology); Interview and focus group design; Advanced content, discourse, and narrative analysis; Ensuring rigor and reflexivity; Qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti).

 Mixed-Methods Research: Mixed-methods design and integration; Sequential, concurrent, and transformative designs; Data synthesis and integration; Challenges and limitations; Validity and reliability in mixed-methods; Role in theory development and testing.

Data Collection Techniques and Tools: Data collection instruments; Technology in data collection (online surveys, mobile, digital ethnography); High-quality data collection strategies; Managing and securing datasets; Secondary data utilization; Ethical considerations.

Data Analysis and Interpretation: Advanced statistical techniques (multilevel modeling, cluster analysis, network analysis); Integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis; Interpreting complex data; Data visualization; Addressing biases; Developing conclusions and recommendations.

 Writing and Presenting Research Findings: Structuring and writing a dissertation; Section-specific writing strategies; Academic rigor and clarity; Citations and references (APA 7th Edition); Submitting to academic journals; Presenting findings to academic and practitioner audiences.

 Emerging Trends and Challenges in Research: Emerging research methodologies (big data, machine learning, AI); Impact of digital technologies; Ethical challenges; Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research; Future directions in research methodology.

Research Proposal Development and Defense: Developing a research proposal; Aligning with doctoral standards; Preparing for proposal defense; Managing the research process; Addressing research process challenges; Final dissertation defense preparation.