You are here

Book > Textbooks > Quantitative Techniques for Business & Management Research
Designing and Managing a Research Project
Share

Designing and Managing a Research Project
A Business Student's Guide

Fourth Edition
October 2018 | 360 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Download flyer
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!
 
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
Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

  • An integrated case throughout on “High Performance Shoes” with supporting materials and data gets students thinking about the research process to answer a potential real world question.
  • Robust coverage of Questionnaire Design on topics such as question creation and steps for obtaining the specific information needed for a successful questionnaire. 
  • Increased exposure of Institutional Review Boards for students facilitating human subjects research to ensure the rights and welfare of human subjects during their participation.


KEY FEATURES:  

  • A full range of activities allow students to solve practical issues and apply the methods they’ve learned.
  • Important topics rarely discussed such as student research ethics, working in groups, working with supervisors, and the literature review and how literature is used in writing are included.
  • Online examples of real student assignments on polonskywaller.com are supplemented with video interviews and web-based materials and allow students to see how other students have addressed various issues within their research projects.
  • Unique case studies allows students to work through a project and identify the issues they will need to consider in their own research.
  • End-of-chapter checklists assist students in progressing though the research management stages to completion of project.
  • End-of-chapter questions encourage students to consider various issues, and the advantages and disadvantages of a particular approach to their project issues.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preview this book

For instructors

Please select a format:

Select a Purchasing Option

Electronic version
Prices from
$35.00*
*180 day rental

Related Products

Business Research
Business Research