This module develops students’ understanding of the applicability of different tools and techniques in setting research objectives, selecting appropriate design and methodology, as well as collecting and analysing data. Students will explore how data can be used across different business functions and how it can inform managerial decision making. Essential skills required for market research and business data analysis are being introduced.

A variety of data collection and analysis techniques are covered in the module, as well as principles of ethical research. Students will learn about the importance and value of data and how it can be used in management at both operational and strategic levels.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Identify a research problem in a business context and formulate research aim and objectives.
2. Select and justify research approaches, methods and techniques that are suitable for business data analysis and decision making.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of ethical research.

• Fundamentals of research topics and the development of problem statement
• Data analysis for business
• Literature analysis
• Research design
• Describing data
• Exploratory analysis
• Statistical analysis
• Ethics in research

Reading List

• Anderson, D. R. et al. (2015). Essentials of statistics for business and economics. 7th ed. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
• Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students. 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson.
• Stine, R. A. & Foster, D. P. (2014). Statistics for business: decision making and analysis. 2nd ed. Harlow: Pearson.

Asynchronous online, few live online sessions for questions.

Course material (including recommended or required reading)

• El-Agraa, A.M. (2011) The European Union: Economics and Policies, 9th ed., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement (2011) Understanding Enlargement: The European Union’s Enlargement Policy, Brussels.
• Hitiris, T. (2003) European Union Economics, 3rd ed., Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.
• O‘Neill, M. (2002) The Politics of European Integration: A Reader, London: Routledge.

Assessment

• Component 1: Coursework (Video Presentation)
  • Weighting:  30 %
  • Assesses Learning Outcomes: 1   
  • Summary of Assessment Method: Presentation  
• Component 2: COURSEWORK
  • Weighting:  70 %
  • Assesses Learning Outcomes: 2 & 3 
  • Summary of Assessment Method: Report

Evaluation scale

In sum, students can achieve 100 points.

The grading scale is as follows:

Criteria for grading will be communicated to participants during the introduction.

The course is offered within the Erasmus funded VERSATILE project. The course is open to second, third- and fourth-year students at the participating universities.

• Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
• University of Derby (UK)
• Rhein Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
• Masaryk University (Czech Republic)