MBA523: Research Methods and Instruments

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the main research methods and statistical tools used in data analysis. The module covers the most important aspects of research methods and captures descriptive statistical analysis and predictive analytics. In particular, the module focuses on topics such as available research approaches, research strategies, methods and techniques (e.g., qualitative and quantitative), data exploration and summary (sources and types of data, descriptive statistics and methods of displaying data; methods to describe the distribution of a single variable; methods to find relationships among variables), probability  theory (basic concepts in probability; random variables, major discrete and continuous probability distributions), statistical inference (sampling methods and distributions; confidence interval estimation; hypothesis testing), regression analysis (simple and multiple regression analysis, hypothesis testing within regression analysis), and spreadsheet modelling with the IBM SPSS Statistical Package.

This module takes a holistic and pragmatic approach to covering research methods, incorporating business applications, real world examples, and practice-based features and exercises that enable students to further enhance their personal and professional development.