Business Research

"While there are books focusing on parametric tests, the domain of nonparametric tests is mostly unexplored. Data Analysis in Business Research: A Step by Step Nonparametric Approach brings under one umbrella all the major nonparametric statistical tools that can be used by undergraduate and postgraduate students of all disciplines, especially students of Research Methods in Social Sciences and Management Studies, in their dissertation work. Students face difficulty in analyzing data collected from small samples; they end up reporting mere percentage analysis which results in the loss of information collected. Hence there is a need to create awareness among students and researchers about the application of major nonparametric tools that can be applied confidently without worrying about sample size, scale of measurement, normality assumptions or other parameters of that nature. The lucid presentation of the step-by-step procedures, explaining in simple English how to perform each of the major nonparametric tests, is a major attraction of the book. The book, which also has a comprehensive question bank, assumes minimal or little knowledge of statistics on the part of the reader. This book will also be informative for Marketing Research professionals and organisations, consultancies and organisations of economic research." -- EBSCO

" Now updated with new research and even more intuitive explanations, a demystifying explanation of how managers can inform themselves to make less risky, more profitable business decisions This insightful and eloquent book will show you how to measure those things in your own business that, until now, you may have considered'immeasurable,'including customer satisfaction, organizational flexibility, technology risk, and technology ROI. Adds even more intuitive explanations of powerful measurement methods and shows how they can be applied to areas such as risk management and customer satisfaction Continues to boldly assert that any perception of'immeasurability'is based on certain popular misconceptions about measurement and measurement methods Shows the common reasoning for calling something immeasurable, and sets out to correct those ideas Offers practical methods for measuring a variety of'intangibles'Adds recent research, especially in regards to methods that seem like measurement, but are in fact a kind of'placebo effect'for management – and explains how to tell effective methods from management mythology Written by recognized expert Douglas Hubbard-creator of Applied Information Economics-How to Measure Anything, Second Edition illustrates how the author has used his approach across various industries and how any problem, no matter how difficult, ill defined, or uncertain can lend itself to measurement using proven methods." -- EBSCO

"In the 21st century, most businesses participate in globalization, whether by entering new markets worldwide or dealing with competitors from around the world. In addition, the Internet and the accelerated evolution of related tools such as social media provide businesses, as well as individuals, the means to participate globally at an increasing pace. In order to identify profitable business opportunities and to recognize potential obstacles, one must have a complete picture of the global business environment. The Web and other Internet tools also give both new and traditional producers of information additional ways to deliver content to the end user, including interactive, web-based databases, digital files, or twitter updates—to name a few.Taking these trends into consideration, International Business Research: Strategies and Resources provides the basic tools that are useful for doing international business research. Following an introduction that outlines the foundation for international business activity— money, the international monetary system, and financial markets—subsequent chapters address: essential information such as sources, organizations, and websites that list resources for specific regions and countries; how to find international company information and financial data; the major classification schemes used to find relevant industry data, including import/export statistics; and international market and industry research. Each chapter of International Business Research includes research recommendations based upon the authors'practical experiences and discusses the sources available to meet research needs, making this a valuable tool for anyone involved in the business world, particularly business school librarians, business students, and business professionals." -- EBSCO

"In Postgraduate Research in Business, Sarah Quinton and Teresa Smallbone provide a vital introduction to the research process and the thinking and learning skills needed to successfully complete postgraduate research. In step-by-step terms, the authors detail the `tools of the trade'- the practical and the intellectual skills - that underpin the study of Business and Management, from research skills and project planning to strategies for reading, writing and presentation. Postgraduate Research in Business provides:'A student-friendly guide to thinking critically about Business and Management research'Guidance on the best way to approach research'A clear focus on finding research topics and developing them in to dissertations'Essential help in forging critical reading skills'Helpful advice on making your research project manageable'An inside view on the assumptions and requirements of post graduate research in business'Structured support for writing up your research This is essential reading for any student doing an MBA, an MA, or starting a PhD in Business or Management Studies. It will provide a vital supplement to the plethora of textbooks in Business and Research Methods." -- EBSCO

"An accessible introduction to the essential quantitative methods for making valuable business decisions Quantitative methods-research techniques used to analyze quantitative data-enable professionals to organize and understand numbers and, in turn, to make good decisions. Quantitative Methods: An Introduction for Business Management presents the application of quantitative mathematical modeling to decision making in a business management context and emphasizes not only the role of data in drawing conclusions, but also the pitfalls of undiscerning reliance of software packages that implement standard statistical procedures. With hands-on applications and explanations that are accessible to readers at various levels, the book successfully outlines the necessary tools to make smart and successful business decisions. Progressing from beginner to more advanced material at an easy-to-follow pace, the author utilizes motivating examples throughout to aid readers interested in decision making and also provides critical remarks, intuitive traps, and counterexamples when appropriate. The book begins with a discussion of motivations and foundations related to the topic, with introductory presentations of concepts from calculus to linear algebra. Next, the core ideas of quantitative methods are presented in chapters that explore introductory topics in probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, linear regression, and a discussion of time series that includes both classical topics and more challenging models. The author also discusses linear programming models and decision making under risk as well as less standard topics in the field such as game theory and Bayesian statistics. Finally, the book concludes with a focus on selected tools from multivariate statistics, including advanced regression models and data reduction methods such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The book promotes the importance of an analytical approach, particularly when dealing with a complex system where multiple individuals are involved and have conflicting incentives. A related website features Microsoft Excel® workbooks and MATLAB® scripts to illustrate concepts as well as additional exercises with solutions. Quantitative Methods is an excellent book for courses on the topic at the graduate level. The book also serves as an authoritative reference and self-study guide for financial and business professionals, as well as readers looking to reinforce their analytical skills." -- EBSCO

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Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students aims to present a clear discussion of the research methods employed in various disciplines related to our daily life problems. The theoretical basis of research methods is explained clearly and succinctly. Collecting data is a key part of the book and this includes both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The book also describes in clear terms how students can analyse data, interpret results and link these to the literature review and hence their own contribution. It sets out a range of fundamental ideas in research methods, such as deductivism and inductivism, and explains why methodology is not the same as method. In this second edition every chapter has been re-written to be more readable and also to include more examples. The authors have also added a real student research proposal and a multiple-choice test with answers for the readers to test their own understanding of the ideas in the book. The book has been designed to illustrate research tools in a clear and accessible manner through chapters on such topics as formulating research, research design, data analysis and writing up the research results." -- EBSCO

"Research Methods for Graduate Business and Social Science Students is a fundamental and easy guide to studying research methods. In addition to the general concepts relating to research methods, broad research issues and theoretical concepts critical to research are discussed. The book is written in a highly reader-friendly manner and contains plenty of examples and helpful practical exercises at the end of each chapter to reinforce and enjoy learning. Divided into 16 chapters, the authors aim to clearly and concisely explain the basics of quantitative and qualitative analysis and research to students, including: -Research ethics -Formulation and process of research -Literature analysis and critical reading -How to plan and implement a research project -Data collection, survey research and data management -Practical research techniques -Elementary and advanced statistical analyses -Assessment, reliability and validity of research work -Guidelines on research writing and structures of dissertation" -- EBSCO