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amazon.co.uk
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$80.95 amazon.com |
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ISBN 0471203661
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Published by John Wiley & Sons
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By Uma Sekaran
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Book published January 2003
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Title:
Research Methods for Business - A Skill Building Approach
Review:
Research Methods for Business, now in its fourth edition, is an
extremely comprehensive, yet readable (yes, really) textbook on
research methods. While it is directed towards students of
business - all its examples relate to business situations
and problems - it can be an extremely useful reference book
for almost any consultant, manager or decision-maker.
The organization of material is effective in its intended "skill
building approach". The earliest chapters have a general discussion of
what research is - its purpose, different approaches to conducting
research, and issues related to the use of technology in research. The
middle section focuses on the research process - preliminary data
gathering (literature review, background statistics), problem
definition, theoretical frameworks, hypothesis testing and research
design. The later chapters discuss methods - measurement of variables,
operational definition and scales, quantitative and qualitative
research issues, reliability and validity, data collection methods,
questionnaire design, ethics, and data analysis and interpretation. An
entire chapter is devoted to the construction of research reports and
the final chapter draws all the material together in presenting two
case studies illustrating the use of research in managerial decision
making. Wherever possible, explanations of concepts are enhanced with
"real world" examples. Each chapter begins with a listing of the main
topics and chapter objectives and ends with a summary, discussion
questions and points to ponder. Some chapters include practice
exercises or projects (it is a textbook after all).
The major strength of this book is its clear and concise presentation
of the complex and wide range of topics relevant to research, while
constantly stressing practical considerations, ethical issues and the
need for sensitivity in cross-cultural research. It is comprehensive
enough to give readers a solid grounding in research methodology and
applications, even though it does not present formulae and
mathematical derivations of individual tests. For those who need it,
there is a module (sort of appendix) - refresher overview of some
statistical terms and tests.
One aspect that can be developed to greater depth in future editions
is the technology section which presents a fairly cursory overview of
the increasing possibilities and uses of technology in research.
While techniques, concepts, and methodology can be taught, there are
aspects of research that one only develops with experience and
understanding of the problem under study. Intelligent design, use and
analysis of research is essentially an art. This book attempts at
capturing that tacit knowledge in its presentation of case studies and
examples. It is worth keeping on the reference shelf and consulting
from time to time - even after one has ceased being a student.
Instructors of research methodology can avail of a teaching resource
for this book from the publisher's website in the form of a resource
manual and PowerPoint slides for each chapter at:
<http://www.wiley.com/college/sekaran/0471203661/wave_i.html>.
FreePint Reviewer:
Crystal Sharp is Owner/Director of InformAction, CD Sharp Information
Systems Ltd, a contract research company specializing in knowledge
transfer and project management in health services research in Canada.
She can be contacted at <crystal@cdsharp.com>.
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