Students
FOBE830 – Quantitative Research Approaches in Business and Economics 1
2018 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor, lecturer
Associate Professor Denise Jepsen B.Psych
Building E4A, Room 641
1 hour before class
Lorne Cummings
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MActPrac or MBkgFin or MCom or MIntBus) and permission by special approval
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
Co-badged with FOBE730
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with an introduction to quantitative research approaches within business and economics. It seeks to develop students' understanding of the contexts in which quantitative research can be undertaken and the ability to analyse, conduct, and evaluate quantitative forms of research.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understand the basic rationale and application of relevant quantitative approaches and analyses in disciplinary contexts of management, accounting and marketing.
- Be familiar with components of selected relevant quantitative methods in the field of interest and be capable of applying them to a future research project.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
- Demonstrate the capability of arguing for or against using particular quantitative techniques to solve problems in scholarly research in a sound communication manner.
General Assessment Information
Assessment task details will be given in the lectures and posted on iLearn.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early quiz | 25% | No | Week 4 |
| Survey preparation | 25% | No | Week 7 |
| Quantitative Methods Test | 50% | No | Week 13 |
Early quiz
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 25%
Students will respond to multiple choice quiz questions on the content of the first three classes. Questions will be based on the textbook. The quiz will be closed-book. There will be no supplementary quiz.
Submission: This assessment will be held in class in Week 4
Extension: No extensions will be granted unless there is a special consideration approved by the convenor before the due date.
Penalties: Students who are absent or do not participate will get a “0” mark.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the basic rationale and application of relevant quantitative approaches and analyses in disciplinary contexts of management, accounting and marketing.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
Survey preparation
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 25%
Students will prepare, test and distribute an online survey.
Submission: The in-class activity will occur during class in Week 6 using Qualtrics. Submission is by e-distribution of the final survey during class to the lecturer.
Extension: No extensions will be granted unless there is a special consideration approved by the convenor before the due date.
Penalties: Students who are absent or do not participate will get a “0” mark.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the basic rationale and application of relevant quantitative approaches and analyses in disciplinary contexts of management, accounting and marketing.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
- Demonstrate the capability of arguing for or against using particular quantitative techniques to solve problems in scholarly research in a sound communication manner.
Quantitative Methods Test
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 50%
Students will receive a quantitative test to be submitted on paper and online in Week 13. This assessment will provide students with raw data in a general business discipline to analyse and to write an analytical report in response to the given research questions. More information will be provided in class and on iLearn.
Submission: This major assignment is due in class in Week 13.
Extension: No extensions will be granted generally unless there is a special consideration approved by the convenor before the due date.
Penalties: Students who are absent or do not participate will get a "0" mark automatically.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the basic rationale and application of relevant quantitative approaches and analyses in disciplinary contexts of management, accounting and marketing.
- Be familiar with components of selected relevant quantitative methods in the field of interest and be capable of applying them to a future research project.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
- Demonstrate the capability of arguing for or against using particular quantitative techniques to solve problems in scholarly research in a sound communication manner.
Delivery and Resources
CLASS SCHEDULE
- Each student will have 3 hours face‐to‐face teaching per week consisting of one 1.5-2 hour lecture/seminar plus one 1-1.5 hour tutorial of class activities aided by computer, discussions and other relevant techniques.
- Please bring a laptop, a calculator and lecture notes to all classes.
- For latest information about timetables for classes, please refer to the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
CO-BADGED WITH FOBE730
This unit is co-badged with FOBE730 and so all content and materials related to FOBE730 relate also to FOBE830. Where any handouts or other materials are marked "FOBE730" then those materials also relate to FOBE830.
TEXTBOOKS AND READINGS
The textbook required for this class is:
- Field, Andy. Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics, SAGE Publications Ltd, 4th Edition
The following books are recommended:
- Glyn Burton, George Carroll and Stuart Wall (2001) Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics(2nd Edition), Financial Times/Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0273655701
Or
- Frank Dewhurst (2006) Quantitative Methods for Business and Management (2nd Edition), McGraw-Hill Higher Education. ISBN-10: 0077109023
Other Useful Books:
- Sanjiv Jaggia and Alison Kelly (2013) Business Statistics: Communicating with Numbers. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. ISBN13: 9780073373669
- Robert B Burns and Richard A Burns (2008) Business Research Methods and Statistics Using SPSS, SAGE Publications, Inc. ISBN-10: 1412945305
- Peter Allen, Kellie Bennett, and Brody Heritage (2014) SPSS Statistics Version 22: A Practical Guide (3rd Edition), Cengage. ISBN-10: 0170348970, ISBN-13: 9780170348973
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
Software and technology required: (1) A personal computer with word processing software and Microsoft PowerPoint; (2) Access to iLearn for course materials; (3) Access to the SPSS software for data analysis (4) Access to Qualtrics software for data analysis.
For Qualtrics access, login at: mqedu.qualtrics.com
As an FBE HDR candidate, you will be enrolled in the “FBE-HDR Transition to Research” online unit (iLearn). Login at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
If you cannot view this unit in your Online Units, please contact Unit Convenor (Email: denise.jepsen@mq.edu.au). The site will be used to post lecture slides, handouts, and assignment instructions after each class, for those who miss their distribution in class.
Lecture notes will be posted on iLearn at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au. The Echo360 recording (video or audio) of lectures/seminars is NOT applied to this unit.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE UNIT SATISFACTORILY:
This unit is delivered in the seminar pattern. Students are expected to be active and engaged individual learners as well as cooperative team players to complete all tasks as instructed, inclusive of before-class reading, after-class review, desktop work, presentation, and to participate actively in class discussion. To get these above tasks accomplished, a certain level of independent and critical thinking will be inherently needed.
Unit Schedule
Proposed weekly topics. Note, specific weekly content is subject to change. Not all parts of all chapters will be completed each week.
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Week |
Date |
Topic |
Text |
Assessment |
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1 |
27 Feb |
Survey design Part 1 Stats: Why? |
Ch 1 |
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2 |
6 March |
Survey design Part 2 Stats: What do I need to know? |
Ch 2 |
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3 |
13 March |
Survey design Part 3 Stats bias |
Ch 3 |
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4 |
20 March |
Survey design Part 4 Stats graphs |
Ch 4
Ch 5
Ch 6 |
Ass #1 due 25%: in-class quiz |
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5 |
27 March |
Survey design Part 5 Stats in SPSS |
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6 |
3 April |
Survey design Part 6 Stats: Non-parametric models, catchup |
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7 |
10 April |
Stats: Correlations |
Ch 7 |
Ass #2 due 25%: Survey design activity |
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Mid semester break: No class 17th or 24th April |
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8 |
1 May |
Regressions Part 1 Strategic research design reading 1 |
Ch 8 |
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9 |
8 May |
Regressions Part 2 Strategic research design reading 2 |
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10 |
15 May |
Mean differences Part 1 Strategic research design reading 3 |
Chs 9-14, 16 |
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11 |
22 May |
Mean differences Part 2 Strategic research design reading 4 |
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12 |
29 May |
Factor analyses Strategic research design reading 5 |
Ch 17 |
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13 |
5 June |
Tests of representativeness, multilevel models, review. |
Chs 18, 20 |
Ass #3 due 50%: Methods test |
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures and Seminars
Class Discussion
Before-class Preview & Post-class Review
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic rationale and application of relevant quantitative approaches and analyses in disciplinary contexts of management, accounting and marketing.
- Be familiar with components of selected relevant quantitative methods in the field of interest and be capable of applying them to a future research project.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
- Demonstrate the capability of arguing for or against using particular quantitative techniques to solve problems in scholarly research in a sound communication manner.
Assessment tasks
- Early quiz
- Survey preparation
- Quantitative Methods Test
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic rationale and application of relevant quantitative approaches and analyses in disciplinary contexts of management, accounting and marketing.
- Be familiar with components of selected relevant quantitative methods in the field of interest and be capable of applying them to a future research project.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
- Demonstrate the capability of arguing for or against using particular quantitative techniques to solve problems in scholarly research in a sound communication manner.
Assessment tasks
- Early quiz
- Survey preparation
- Quantitative Methods Test
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be familiar with components of selected relevant quantitative methods in the field of interest and be capable of applying them to a future research project.
- Be able to identify and assess the appropriateness and risks of different types of data, data collection procedures and analyses.
Assessment tasks
- Early quiz
- Survey preparation
- Quantitative Methods Test
Changes from Previous Offering
The unit has been updated, including the following changes:
- Survey design and construction has been expanded from three to six weeks.
- Readings on strategic research design are now incorporated into the unit.
- The assessments have been revised to reflect the updated content.
- The group assessment has been removed.
- The assessment weightings have been adjusted.
Research and Practice
- The unit is designed to equip students to embark on their individual higher degree research projects.
- Because the unit focuses on developing students’ academic literacy skills, a number of reading, writing and analytical tasks are set. Responses to some of these tasks are discussed in class, whereas others will be submitted for assessment. The tasks will contribute directly to the Research Protocol submission and/or PhD thesis.
- The unit is delivered in accordance with current academic teaching and learning pedagogies.
As a guide to direct students' future research outcomes, the following academic journals with high academic credit will assist students to link what is learned from this unit with a specific disciplinary background that fits one's research interest.
Examples of discipline-based journals*:
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Accounting and Corporate Governance Journal of Accounting Research Contemporary Accounting Research Accounting Research Journal Accounting and Finance Managerial Accounting Journal Journal of Accounting and Economics |
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IB, Marketing Journal of International Business Studies Journal of Marketing Research Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics Management Academy of Management Journal Human Resource Management International Journal of Human Resource Management Journal of Applied Psychology Journal of Management Studies Journal of Organizational Behavior Organisation Studies The Leadership Quarterly |
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*The selected journal lists are provided to assist students searching for discipline-based quantitative research. More comprehensive journals lists are available on the course website.
In addition, a list of other useful references may be available from the Research at Faculty of Business and Economics webpage (www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/research) from diversified research interests.