Topics
1. Introduction to Business Research
1.1 The concept of research
1.2 Characteristics of research
1.3 Types of research
1.4 Purpose of research
1.5 Research process
1.6 Emerging Issues and trends in business research
2. Research Problem
2.1 The concept of problem in research
2.2 Characteristics of research problems
2.3 Sources of suitable research problems
2.4 Selecting a research topic
2.5 Shaping and refining the problem
2.6 Knowledge gaps
3. Objectives, Research Questions and Hypotheses
3.1 Developing research objectives
3.2 Formulating research questions
3.3 Definition of hypothesis
3.4 Types of hypotheses
3.5 Types of errors in research
3.6 Hypothesis testing
3.7 Role of hypothesis in research
4. Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
4.1 Role of theory in research
4.2 Meaning of a theoretical framework
4.3 Purpose of theoretical framework
4.4 Purpose of a conceptual framework
4.5 Components of a conceptual framework
4.6 Variables and indicators
4.7 Difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework
5. Literature Review
5.1 Definition of literature review
5.2 Purpose of literature review
5.3 Sources of literature
5.4 Literature review process
5.5 Search aids, key words, reading and notes
5.6 Writing the literature review
5.7 Referencing and citations of literature sources
6. Research Design
6.1 Meaning of research design
6.2 Elements of research design
6.3 Characteristics of research design
6.4 Types of research design
6.5 Research design strategy
7. Population and Sampling
7.1 Introduction to population and sampling
7.2 Purpose of sampling
7.3 Types of sampling
7.4 Sampling techniques
7.5 Determining sample size
7.6 Sampling design
8. Data collection Tools and Procedure
8.1 Sources of data
8.2 Types of data in research investigation
8.3 Methods of data collection
8.4 Types of data collection tools
8.5 Process of data collection
8.6 Validity and reliability of data collection instruments
9. Statistical Tools 9.1 Meaning of statistics
9.2 Parametric and non-parametric statistics
9.3 Measures of central tendency
9.4 Measures of variability
9.5 The normal curve
9.6 Measures of association
10. Data Analysis and Report Writing
10.1 Definition and meaning of data analysis
10.2 Data preparation and description
10.3 Data entry 8
10.4 Exploring, displaying and examination
10.5 Descriptive data analysis
10.6 Hypothesis testing
10.7 Qualitative data analysis
10.8 Research report writing process
10.9 Structure of a research report
10.10 Writing style
10.11 Referencing and citation formats
11. Ethical Issues in Research
11.1 Ethics in research
11.2 Ethical principles
11.3 History of ethics in research
11.4 Principles, guidelines and regulations governing research
11.5 Research permit
11.6 Role, mandate and national guidelines of institutional ethics and research committees in Kenya
11.7 Role of National Council for Science and Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Kenya
11.8 Academic integrity and plagiarism