PGD in Fashion Merchandising Business Research Methods

Module Leader : Module tutors : Number of Credits: Level/Year/Semeste r: Type of Module: Dr. Sunita Gupta Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal 10 Semester 1 Core

Module Assessment: Written Exam-1: 20% Written Exam-2: 20% Integrated Project: 60% Cohort: 2013-2015

Created by Dr. Sunita Gupta Konwar on 14.8.2013

Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Introduction to the module Research, generally, is the process of gathering information to learn something that is not fully known. For business, research is not only used for the purpose of learning, it is also a critical component needed to make good decisions. Business research helps to make decisions less risky and helps in selection of one best solution out of a range of options. Research skills are a must to be practiced and perfected be it a simple internet research or an elaborate survey work. Aim This module will develop the research skills required in areas of business applications Learning Outcomes Following are the Learning Outcomes of this module. Knowledge and Understanding On completion of this module, the student should be able to a) Understand and appreciate the need and importance of research methodology b) Select and administer appropriate research tools and techniques c) Demonstrate ability to identify appropriate literature sources, explore and explain research objectives using literature. d) Understand applicability of basic statistical tools and methods used for data analysis Skills, Qualities and Attributes On completion of this module, the student should be able to a) develop enquiry and investigating skills b) conduct systemic and ethical enquiry using appropriate range of sources and techniques for collation of data and analysis c) Interpret creative ideas using quantitative and qualitative methodology. d) Structure the research report in a clear and concise manner.

Module Content Introduction to basic statistics: Central tendency measures (Mean, Median & Mode), Range, Standard Deviation, Correlation analysis, Regression equations, Statistical inference test of hypothesis, cluster analysis, factor analysis and conjoint analysis Introduction to research methods: Role of business research, Research Process-an overview, Sampling & data collection, Attitude measurement and questionnaire design, Report writing & presentation

Learning Methodology Your learning will be facilitated through: Lectures Practical sessions Tutorials Essential Reading/Viewing Ahuja, R. (2001). Research Methodology. Jaipur & New Delhi: Rawat Publications

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Boyd, H.W., Westfall, R. and Stach, S. (2003). Marketing Research, New York: McGraw-Hill Cooper, D.R. and Pamela, S.S. (2009). Business Research Methods. 9th Edition. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd Gupta S. (1999). Research Methodology and Statistical Techniques. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications John Adams, Hafiz T. A Khan, Robert Raeside & David I White, Research Methods for Graduate Business & Social Science Students , Sage publications Pvt Ltd Kothari C.R. (1990), Research Methodology: Methods and techniques, New Delhi : Wishwa prakashan Gupta, S ( 2003) Research Methodology and Statistical Technique, New Delhi :Deep & Deep Publications Pvt. Ltd.

Additional Reading Saunders, Lewis and Thornbill (2003) Research Methods for Business Students, Singapore : Pearson Education Dawson, C. (2010). Introduction to Research Methods. 4 th Edition. New Delhi: Viva Books Easwaran, S. and Singh S.J (2006). Marketing Research Concepts, Practices and Cases. New Delhi: Oxford University Press Kumar, R. (2005), Research Methodology, New Delhi Dorling Kindersley Malhotra, N. K. (2004), Marketing research, Delhi : Prentice Hall Nargundkar, R. (2008), Marketing research New Delhi : Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited Srivastava, T. N and Rego, S. (2008), Statistics for Management , New Delhi : Tata McGraw-Hill publishing Company limited

Weekly Plan Week 1 2 3 Input Planned Introduction to research process Introduction to statistics Research process an overview Central Tendency, survey given Formulating research topic and reviewing literature Central tendency calculation through excel, survey given Harvard referencing Dispersion calculation excel Sampling techniques Correlation, survey given Hypothesis formulation Any requirement/ Prerequisite reading? Faculty Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Have to come with completed survey given to them Have to come with completed survey given to them Ms. Usha Aggarwal

through

Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal

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Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Week

Input Planned Correlation calculation excel, survey given through

Any requirement/ Prerequisite reading? Have to come with completed survey given to them Have to come with completed survey given to them,

Faculty Ms. Usha Aggarwal

Data collection methods Regression calculation excel

through

Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal

8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17

Questionnaire design Written exam 1 Data presentation Sampling and Sampling distribution Data interpretation and analysis Introduction to hypothesis testing Report Writing z-test and t- test for mean (one sample) Report Writing z-test and t- test for mean (two sample) Written Exam 2 z-test for proportion Project Chi square test DIWALI BREAK Project f-test & annova IP Presentations

Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar Ms. Usha Aggarwal Dr. Sunita Konwar

Assessment

The module assessment is based on how you have grown in terms of your understanding and application of content discussed in the class to meet the module specific learning outcomes. Throughout the module you will have many opportunities to evaluate your progress against the learning outcomes at interim evaluation points
Your final evaluation will be based on three Assessment Elements: Written Exam 1 20% Written Exam 2 20% Integrated Project 60% 1. Assessment Element One: Written Exam 1 - weightage 20%-LOs- (K&U: a & d SQA: b & c) You will be take written exam 1 in Week 8. A two hour written exam will be given. Questions based on key concepts, methods, terms related to business research process will be asked. There will be five questions.

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Maximum marks will be 40. The criteria for the assessment task will based on the following: Understanding of Research Methodology and basic statistical tools Select appropriate research tools and techniques

The following rubric indicates how you will be graded for your Written Exam 1. Grade ->
LO K&U (a)

Distinction You are able to demonstrate excellent conceptual understanding of research process and design, sampling techniques, hypothesis formulation and Harvard referencing. Your answers demonstrate excellent understanding of basic statistical tools like central tendency, dispersion, correlation and regression You are able to demonstrate mature conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an extensive use of a logical, coherent structure.

Understand and appreciate the need and importance of research methodology

LO K&U (d)

Understand applicability of basic statistical tools and methods used for data analysis

LO SQA (b) Conduct systemic and ethical enquiry using appropriate range of sources and techniques for collation of data and analysis LO SQA (c) Interpret creative ideas using quantitative and qualitative methodology.

Commendatio n You are able to demonstrate good conceptual understanding of research process and design, sampling techniques, hypothesis formulation and Harvard referencing. Your answers demonstrate good understanding of basic statistical tools like central tendency, dispersion, correlation and regression You are able to demonstrate satisfactory conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an extensive use of a logical, coherent structure.

Pass You are able to demonstrate satisfactory conceptual understanding of research process and design, sampling techniques, hypothesis formulation and Harvard referencing. Your answers demonstrate satisfactory understanding of basic statistical tools like central tendency, dispersion, correlation and regression You are able to demonstrate limited conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an extensive use of a logical, coherent structure.

Fail You are not able to demonstrate conceptual understanding of research process and design, sampling techniques, hypothesis formulation and Harvard referencing. Your answers do not demonstrate understanding of basic statistical tools like central tendency, dispersion, correlation and regression You are not able to demonstrate any conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an extensive use of a logical, coherent structure.

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Grade ->

Distinction

Commendatio n

Pass

Fail

2. Assessment Element Two: Written Exam 2 - weightage 20%-LOs- (K&U: a & d SQA: b & c) You will be take written exam 2 in Week 13. A two hour written exam will be given. Questions based on key concepts, methods, terms related to business research process will be asked. There will be five questions. Maximum marks will be 40. The criteria for the assessment task will based on the following: Understanding of Research Methodology and basic statistical tools Select appropriate research tools and techniques

The following rubric indicates how you will be graded for your Written Exam 2. Grade ->
LO K&U (a)

Distinction You are able to demonstrate excellent conceptual understanding of data presentation, interpretation and analysis. Your answers demonstrate excellent understanding of basic statistical tools like hypothesis testing, z-test, t-test and chi square test. You are able to demonstrate mature conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an

Understand and appreciate the need and importance of research methodology

Understand applicability of basic statistical tools and methods used for data analysis

Commendatio n You are able to demonstrate good conceptual understanding of data presentation, interpretation and analysis Your answers demonstrate good understanding of basic statistical tools like hypothesis testing, z-test, ttest and chi square test. You are able to demonstrate satisfactory conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an extensive use of a logical,

Pass You are able to demonstrate satisfactory conceptual understanding of data presentation, interpretation and analysis Your answers demonstrate satisfactory understanding of basic statistical tools like hypothesis testing, z-test, t-test and chi square test. You are able to demonstrate limited conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an

Fail You are not able to demonstrate any conceptual understanding of data presentation, interpretation and analysis Your answers are not able to demonstrate any understanding of basic statistical tools like hypothesis testing, z-test, ttest and chi square test. You are not able to demonstrate any conceptual understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and an extensive use of a logical,

LO SQA (b) Conduct systemic and ethical enquiry using appropriate range of sources and techniques for collation of data and analysis

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Grade -> LO SQA (c) Interpret creative ideas using quantitative and qualitative methodology.

Distinction extensive use of a logical, coherent structure.

Commendatio n coherent structure.

Pass extensive use of a logical, coherent structure.

Fail coherent structure.

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

3. Assessment Element Three : Integrated Project - weightage 60% - LOs(K&U: b & c SQA: a, & d) You will submit your Integrated Report in Week 18. You will be divided into groups of three to four students. Each group will choose a Mens/womens wear shirt/Top Brand. The group will study the organization applying conceptual understanding of following modules - Introduction to Fashion Merchandising - Elements of Fashion Business and Management The process of information gathering will be based on application of the module Business Research Methods. And this will be evaluated during the formative feedback sessions as mentioned below: Jury-I (Brand)-17TH September 2013 Jury-II (Product)-18th October 2013 Jury-III (Merchandising)-14th November 2013, The final presentation and viva will be held in week 18. Final Jury (Summative)28TH November 2013 The criteria for the assessment task will based on the following: Understanding of Research Methodology Select appropriate research tools and techniques Structure of the report The Integrated Project brief is same as explained in the Introduction to Fashion Merchandising module. Kindly follow the same.

Grade -> LO K&U (b)

Distinction Group demonstrated excellent systematic collation of data, and thorough understanding of appropriate data analysis method
The work produced shows evidence of exceptionally thorough research and thorough consideration given to

Select and administer appropriate research tools and techniques

Commendatio n Group demonstrated good systematic collation of data, and good understanding of appropriate data analysis method
The work produced shows evidence thorough research and careful consideration given to appropriately

Pass Group demonstrated satisfactory systematic collation of data, and satisfactory understanding of appropriate data analysis method
The work produced shows evidence satisfactory research and consideration given to appropriately

Fail Group demonstrated no systematic collation of data, and no understanding of appropriate data analysis method

LO K&U (c)

Demonstrate ability to identify appropriate literature sources, explore and explain research objectives using

The work produced shows no evidence of satisfactory research or consideration given to appropriately presenting the

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Grade ->

Distinction
appropriately presenting the literature review, planning and presentation of written, oral and visual information to a professional level. The results (project report and its defense) show both focused and innovative resolve in collecting and analyzing data and coming to a conclusion. The work demonstrates a wide range of strategic and manipulative understanding of theory.

Commendatio n
presenting the literature review, planning and presentation of written, oral and visual information to a professional level. The results (project report and its defense) show both focused and innovative resolve in collecting and analyzing data and coming to a conclusion. The work demonstrates a good understanding of theory.

Pass
presenting the literature review, planning and presentation of written, oral and visual information to a professional level. The results (project report and its defense) show satisfactory data collection, analyses and conclusion. The work demonstrates a basic understandin g of theory.

Fail
literature review, planning and presentation of written, oral and visual information to a professional level.

literature.

LO SQA (a)

develop enquiry and investigating skills

Structure the research report in a clear and concise manner

The results (project report and its defense) are not resolved in finish or conclusion. The work does not demonstrate any understanding of theory in a professional manner.

Note: Late submission, absenteeism and plagiarism will be treated according to the norms laid down in the students handbook. Feedback to you: You will receive formative feedback during the semester from your tutors orally, as well as in writing. Summative feedback will be given in writing on submission of the assignment and its evaluation thereof. The grade for the module is provisional and subject to the ratification of the exam board which will be held at the end of the academic session. If you have a problem special situation If you have any problems with the module or the work, see the respective module tutor or module leader as soon as possible. They may be able to help, and sooner a problem is identified, the easier it will be to sort out. If you are ill or have other special situations which might affect your ability to meet deadline, your assessment will be evaluated as per the rules in Student Hand Book. So, it is strongly recommended that you read the Section 12 in Student Hand Book very carefully and satisfy your queries, if any, by asking course Leader/ Course coordinator. In case of any non-academic issues, you are encouraged to meet the Student Counselor at Student Development and Support (SDS).

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Module Guide of: Business Research Methods PGD Fashion Merchandising

Dr. Sunita Konwar (Module Leader)

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