Research Methods For Business
A Skill Building Approach
8. Edition October 2019
432 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Research Methods For Business, 8th Edition explains the principles and practices of using a systematic, organized method for solving problematic issues in business organizations. Designed to help students view research from the perspective of management, this popular textbook guides students through the entire business research process. Organized into six main themes--Introduction, Defining the Management and the Research Problem, Theory, Collecting Information, Drawing Conclusions, and Writing and Presenting the Research Report--the text enables students to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully create, conduct, and analyze a research project.
Now in its eighth edition, this popular textbook has been thoroughly updated to incorporate substantial new and expanded content, and reflect current research methods and practices. The text uses a unique blended learning approach, allowing instructors the flexibility to custom-tailor their courses to fit their specific needs. This innovative approach combines the face-to-face classroom methods of the instructor with internet-based activities that enable students to study what they want, when they want, at their own pace.
Preface xxiii
Acknowledgements xxv
1 Introduction to Research 1
2 The Scientific Approach and Alternative
3 Defining the Management Problem 34
4 Defining the Research Problem 51
5 The Critical Literature Review 64
6 Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Development 83
7 Elements of Research Design 103
8 Interviews 117
9 Observation 129
10 Administering Questionnaires 143
11 Experimental Designs 164
12 Measurement of Variables: Operational
13 Measurement of Variables: Scaling, Reliability and Validity 198
14 Sampling 221
15 Quantitative Data Analysis 254
16 Quantitative Data Analysis: Hypothesis Testing 279
17 Qualitative Data Analysis 307
18 Conclusions 323
19 The Research Report 337
Summary 349
Discussion Questions 349
Appendix: Examples 350
A Final Note to Students 359
Statistical Tables 000
Glossary 000
Bibliography 000
Index 000
Uma Sekaran was Professor Emerita of Management, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC), Illinois. She obtained her MBA degree from the University of Connecticut at Storrs and her PhD from UCLA. She was the Chair of the Department of Management and also the Director of University Women's Professional Advancement at SIUC when she retired from the University and moved to California to be closer to her family. Professor Sekaran authored or coauthored eight books, 12 book chapters and more than 55 refereed journal articles in the management area and presented more than 70 papers at regional, national and international management conferences. She also won recognition for significant research contributions to cross-cultural research from US and international professional organizations. She received Meritorious Research Awards both from the Academy of Management and SIUC and was conferred the Best Teacher Award by the University.