Designing and Managing a Research Project
A Business Student's Guide
Fourth Edition
- Michael Jay Polonsky - Deakin University, Australia
- David S. Waller - University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
© 2019 | 360 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Designing and Managing a Research Project: A Business Student’s Guide is a practical, step-by-step guide that shows business students how to successfully conduct a research project, from choosing the topic to presenting the results. The authors have applied their many years of experience in supervising student projects to provide examples of actual research problems and to offer practical solutions. The inclusion of topics such as supervision, group work and ethics, and both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, along with examples from real student research provide a unique perspective.
The new Fourth Edition includes broader types of student project examples, such as an Economics thesis, additional international business cases, increased coverage of Questionnaire Design and Institutional Review Boards, and an integrated case throughout the book on “High Performance Shoes” with supporting materials and data.
Additional resources including case studies, PowerPoint slides, and test bank are available on the authors’ website at http://polonskywaller.com!
The new Fourth Edition includes broader types of student project examples, such as an Economics thesis, additional international business cases, increased coverage of Questionnaire Design and Institutional Review Boards, and an integrated case throughout the book on “High Performance Shoes” with supporting materials and data.
Additional resources including case studies, PowerPoint slides, and test bank are available on the authors’ website at http://polonskywaller.com!
Preface
Acknowledgments
PART I. THE FOUNDATIONS
CHAPTER 1. Introduction
What Is Research? |
How a Research Project Fits Within Your Business Education |
Overview of the Book |
Online Support Materials |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 2. Choosing a Topic
Has the Topic Been Assigned? |
Steps in Choosing a Topic |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 3. The Role of the Supervisor
Understanding Your Supervisor |
What Is the Role of a Supervisor? |
Selecting a Supervisor |
Other Supervisor Arrangements |
Ground Rules and Expectations |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 4. Group Work, Group Dynamics, and the Role of Conflict
The Group Work Process |
Why Assignments Use Groups |
The Complexity of Group Work |
Group Work and Conflict |
Positive and Negative Conflict |
General Causes of Conflict |
Conflict Stimulation |
Managing Conflict |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 5. Ethical Considerations
What Is Human Intervention? |
Codes of Ethical Conduct/Practice |
Ethical Philosophies |
Ethical Issues to Consider |
Technology Issues |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
PART II. UNDERTAKING THE RESEARCH
CHAPTER 6. Planning the Research Project
Importance of Planning |
The Research Process |
The Research Proposal |
Managing the Research Process |
Budgeting |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 7. Literature Review
What Is a Literature Review? |
How Can Literature Be Used? |
Where to Obtain Literature |
How to Write a Literature Review |
Referencing |
Managing Your References |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 8. Data Gathering
Factors to Evaluate Data-Gathering Methods |
Types of Research Data |
Secondary Data |
Primary Data |
Sampling Methods |
Research Errors |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
Appendix 8.1: Statistical Agencies that Provide for Up-to-date Demographics and Country Data |
References |
CHAPTER 9. Qualitative Data Collection and Issues in Analysis
Qualitative Data Collection Methods |
Implementation |
Analysis and Interpretation |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
Further Reading |
CHAPTER 10. Quantitative Data Analysis
Hypotheses, Errors, and Significance |
Basic Analysis |
Basic Associations |
Basic Causal Relationship |
Introducing Advanced Techniques |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Glossary |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
Further Reading |
PART III. COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS
CHAPTER 11. Presenting the Results
Ways to Present Research Findings |
Numerical Tables |
APA Style |
Charts and Graphs |
Pictures |
Maps |
Quotations |
Reporting Statistical Results |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 12. Identifying the Implications and Establishing Recommendations
Describing the Results |
Discussion and Interpretation |
Research Implications |
Recommendation Guidelines |
Limitations |
Future Research |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 13. Writing the Report
Written Communication |
When to Write? |
Types of Reports |
Structure of a Project Report |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 14. Oral Presentations
Before the Presentation |
The Presentation |
Wrapping Up |
Groups and Group Members in Presentations |
Conclusion |
Project Checklist |
Case Study |
Chapter Questions |
References |
CHAPTER 15. Concluding Remarks
Some Final Hints for Those Undertaking a Project |
Case Study (Epilogue) |
About the Authors
Index
HEOA Compliance
Available formats
ISBN: 9781544316451 | Electronic Version | Suggested Retail Price: $56.00 | Bookstore Price: $44.80 |
ISBN: 9781544316468 | Paperback | Suggested Retail Price: $70.00 | Bookstore Price: $56.00 |
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