Business Research Methods (9522.1)

This unit will introduce students to the application of quantitative research methods in the workplace. Students will learn how to apply statistical tools to analyse data, draw conclusions, and make predictions of the future. The unit will begin with data distributions, followed by probability analysis, sampling, hypothesis testing, inferential statistics, and finally, regression. This unit is mathematically intensive, and much of what is learnt here will deal with issues students encounter every day. This unit also makes use of spread sheets, an important tool for working with and making sense of numerical data.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Explain the importance of quantitative research methods to business, the differences between quantitative and qualitative data, and identify examples of each type of data;
2. Define and apply the concept of a probability distribution, and explain the properties of different distributions;
3. Differentiate between discrete and continuous probability distributions;
4. Define and apply the concept of a random variable, and differentiate the population from a sample;
5. Describe and identify the different sampling methods, including systematic, stratified random, cluster, convenience, panel, and quota sampling, and identify examples of each;
6. Apply hypothesis testing for testing population parameters using one or two samples;
7. Identify the dependent and independent variables in the linear regression model; and
8. Work with statistical data in a spread sheet environment.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

3cp

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

8732 Problem Analysis & Statistics OR 5123 Business Statistics

Equivalent units

No

Assumed knowledge

None.