# data[].attributes.body
My first week for Research Methods for Business was manageable and exciting. I observed that my Course Co-ordinator, Ms. Karima Mohammed was interactive and she provided reminders which helped me to complete all the orientation activities. I learnt that Ms. Natalia Parris is my E- Tutor. Although, I didn’t complete the activities on the specified days, I dedicated a few hours to complete all the tasks at the end of the week.  I was delighted when I realized that we were placed into groups during the first week.  I brainstormed about a group name and my group member and I agreed that our group name would be Research Stars.
The Padlet was new to me and I created a Padlet account. I can recall that I utilized an E- Portfolio account for Foundation to Learning Success which was similar to the Padlet.  I enjoy writing reflective journals since it helps me express my thoughts and experiences.  It also increases my critical thinking skills.

I was familiar with the Vark Quiz since I took this quiz for two U.W.I courses in the past.  I went on to complete the quiz and I achieved the same results.  I have learnt that I am a multimodal learner.  I commenced my reading for Unit One. So far I learnt about the various types of business research. The types of business research are relevant since it will help me with my future assignments which entails business research.  I listened to the E- Tutor presentation which increased my knowledge. The words Ontology and Epistemology were new to me. I haven’t understood the terms, but I plan to conduct some further research on the Internet.  I was unable to attend the BBC Orientation session but I listened to the recording which was informative. It gave me a better and clearer understanding of the course requirements. I look forward to interacting with my peers, E- Tutor and Course Co-ordinator throughout this semester.

# data[].attributes.body
It has been two weeks since I am enrolled in this course and it has been going on quite well. I felt overwhelmed this week. I completed my reading for Unit 1 which was based on Introduction to Business Research. I learnt the three (3) major types of business research namely; exploratory research, descriptive research and casual research. I understood that research is beneficial to organisations. It can assist a business in identifying, examining and resolving problems encountered by the business. The collection of data allows a business to set realistic targets for future growth.

Furthermore, I learnt the various research philosophies; epistemology, ontology and axiology. Epistemology is concerned with the nature and sources of knowledge as well as the sources of knowledge. Ontology on the other hand is concerned with the nature of reality.  Objectivism and subjectivism are two philosophies of ontology. Axiology is concerned with the nature of values.  I came across the topic, Research Approach which highlighted the deductive or inductive approach which can be utilized when conducting research.  I understood that it is essential to employ a research strategy when conducting research. The three main strategies are qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research.  During my reading, I quickly recalled that I utilized qualitative research for my research project in Semester two for International Business.  I distributed questionnaires to the employees. I also conducted an interview with the Human Resource Manager to collect data.

Unit 1 also covered the topic of ethics and ethical misconduct and the sponsor-researcher relationship. I understood that ethical misconduct such as the misrepresentation of data can be problematic for the sponsor and the business.  It is important that researchers adhere to the principles of ethics such as honesty, objectivity, integrity and confidentiality. The introduction of technology in research can have a positive and or negative impact on the researcher’s findings.

This week I encountered the challenge of acquiring the book Nachmias et al (2014). However, after enquiring from friends about the book, I managed to receive a scanned copy of the pages.  This booked helped me to answer the questions for the weekly discussion which was based on ethics.
Overall, the Unit 1 readings were enlightening and the discussion helped me to gain a clearer understanding of  the importance of ethics when conducting research.

I look forward to next week's Unit reading and activities which is based on the topic.The Research Process.

# data[].attributes.body
We are now onto the third week for Research Methods for Business. My coursework is going on smoothly and my knowledge has increased tremendously. This week I commenced the Unit 2 reading early with the intention of commencing my weekly discussion and research. Unit 2 covered the concepts of the research process. I learnt the nature of the research process and the main steps which are involved in the research process. The research process is a systematic approach to acquiring, analyzing, interpreting and disseminating data and information to decision makers (Jackson, 2011, November, 18).  I learnt that there are six steps of the research process namely; problem definition, research design, measurement, results and findings, data analysis and data collection.
Furthermore, I understood the problem definition process and the relationship between the decision statement, research objectives, research questions and research hypotheses. The unit outlined the literature review process and I reflected and recalled that I did a literature review for my research project in International Business. The literature review is vital to the researcher since it provides the reader with an overview of the research study. I also understood that primary, secondary and tertiary sources can be utilized when conducting a literature review. I can recall utilizing primary data and secondary data when I conducted my research for the research project.
In addition to reading unit 2, I did the learning activities by reading Chapter 3 of the Research Methods in the Social Sciences textbook by Frankfort-Nachmias and I viewed the YouTube videos based on literature reviews. This week I encountered the challenge of finding a substantial business article from UWIlinC for the unit 2 graded discussion. I researched on many topics and most of the business articles were not opening on the website. I finally got an article which I read and summarized. I made my initial post on time and I was satisfied. I read the post of my peers and I observed that some individuals did not summarize the literature review.  I posted two comments to my peers by reading the article and examining the research process that each author utilized.
Overall the Unit 2 readings were informative and straightforward. The learning activities and videos enlightened me on the research process. Despite the challenge, I am happy with my overall progress for this course. I utilized my critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills to attempt the graded discussion. I intend to commence my research proposal over the weekend by utilizing my knowledge. I am looking forward to next week’s Unit reading.

# data[].attributes.body
This week we focused on the topic Communication in the Research Process. I learnt that communication plays a vital role in the research process since it involves communication between the researcher, the organization and its personnel.  The research proposal refers to a written plan for research in order to address a specific problem. I understood the components of the research proposal which helped me to do my research proposal. Referencing is important when conducting research since it is used to acknowledge the work of others. A student can be penalized if their work has no referencing since this is considered as plagiarism. In terms of referencing, I am familiar with the APA and MLA referencing styles.
I also understood the research report and it components. I observed that the research proposal is written to communicate what research that will be done and the research report is written to communicate what research was done and the findings of the study. I read and understood the requirements of the oral presentation.
The oral presentation accompanies the written research report. It mainly communicates the findings and recommendations of the research report.  Microsoft PowerPoint or Prezi are effective tools which can be utilized to help the audience visualize and understand the key concepts of the research study.    The oral presentation allows direct interaction with the audience that the research targeted.  It also enables immediate feedback from the audience and provides an opportunity for the researcher to clarify unclear aspects of the research and to answer questions. It is important that the researcher hold the audience’s attention and answer questions.
I have learnt communication in previous courses, but for this course, I learnt that communication is essential in the business research process. As it relates to the oral presentation, I will be presenting the Group Research Assignment.  My group member was affected by Hurricane Maria in Dominica but despite this challenge,  I have commenced the Group Research assignment and hope to record the oral presentation soon. I will utilize my knowledge and the presentation concepts which I learnt from this unit to make an excellent oral presentation for my assignments and for work presentations.
Presently, I have understood all the topics in this course.  I am delighted to learn the research concepts since I will be requiring it for my future courses and career goal. Although this week was a bit overwhelming, managed to read the unit and conduct additional research to help me understand the concepts of the research process.  Overall Unit 3 was very enlightening.
Determination is the key to success!

# data[].attributes.body
Research Design was the main topic this week. Research design is the second stage of the research process which involves the selection of methods and procedures that the researcher will utilize to collect, analyze and interpret data. It also includes the selection of a sample design. In this week’s unit, we revisited the research strategies; qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods which was briefly covered in Unit 1. I learnt the major research methods in qualitative business research which are phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory and case study. Experimental, quasi- experimental and non – experimental research are major research methods for quantitative research.  Furthermore, I learnt that exploratory research design is most commonly utilized in qualitative research while descriptive and casual research designs are the most commonly used in quantitative research.
I learnt the concept of measurement which is the third stage of the research process. I learnt that the researcher must identify the independent and dependent variables to be measured when investigating a problem. Conceptualization, measurement and variables all bought about prior knowledge gained from Introductory Statistics.

In relation to the topic, sampling I can recall this topic for Introductory Statistics. I reflected and also recalled that I selected a sample for my group assignment. Although I had been previously exposed to the topic, in this course I learnt judgmental and snowball sampling as non- probability sampling techniques.  I also learnt the criteria that a researcher must use when selecting a sample design which are: accuracy requirements, available resources, time constraints and knowledge availability. Furthermore, the unit addressed the main qualitative factors which could impact the selection sample size.  When using samples, sampling and non- sampling errors may occur for the researcher. Sampling errors are unavoidable but can be controlled. Non- sampling errors do not occur as a result of the sample selection for example, interviewer error and coverage errors.   I learnt that the internet can be utilized as a source of data collection and analysis. I reflected and recalled that I have completed internet surveys on survey monkey for UWI questionnaires.
Overall, this week was a good week. The unit was very informative and the concepts were detailed. I hope to utilize the knowledge that I gained from this week’s unit to obtain a more precise plan for my upcoming research proposal and report.
Let’s keep moving!

# data[].attributes.body
This week was a great week. We focused on the topic, Data Collection.  We emphasized the types of data; mainly primary and secondary data. I recalled covering primary and secondary data from unit 3. Primary data is original data that the researcher collects for the study from his or her own efforts with a particular purpose and specific objectives in mind. Sources of primary data are: interviews, diaries, letters, personal journals, surveys, direct observation, etc.  Secondary data refers to data that was not originally collected by the current researcher with the purpose and objectives of the study at hand in mind. Sources of secondary data consist of internal and external sources. Internal sources include management reports, budgets and sales records, while external sources include government sources, articles in scholarly journals policy reports, scholarly books and online databases. Primary and secondary data have both advantages and disadvantages. I understood the criteria for determining the value of data in research which is: quality, relevance, timeliness and completeness.
In addition, I learnt that the data collection process should commence with the collection of secondary data. The researcher would then collect primary data to answer the research questions and to achieve research objectives and goals of the study. The three most common methods of data collection used in business research are: surveys, interviews and observations. The survey method is used in quantitative research, while interviews and observation methods are used in both qualitative and quantitative research. It is important to note that qualitative research is concerned with narrative data while quantitative research is concerned with the numerical data.
I learnt the topic, triangulation. Triangulation refers to the use of several different research techniques in the same study to confirm and verify data gathered in different ways (Pace & Scott, 2004). There are three types of triangulation. Investigator, theory and methodological triangulation. The researcher can also achieve triangulation by utilizing source triangulation which includes using a number of different data sources, using more than one way to collect data and using different interviewers, observers and analysts (McMurray, Pace, & Scott, 2004).
I understood that data collections involves interacting with individuals outside the organization, such as potential or current customers. Fieldwork entails gathering data outside of the organization. Fieldworkers should possess several qualities such as honesty and integrity, patience, good listening skills, etc. Some activities involved in the daily management of fieldworkers include: conducting briefing sessions and checking to see if the interview schedule is being met.
Overall, this week I gained a clear understanding of the data collection concepts. I gained feedback from my E- tutor on my research proposal and I made the necessary corrections. I commenced the questions for my research instrument which is the questionnaire. I am excited to conduct my primary research to facilitate completion of my research report. Cheers to a wonderful week!

# data[].attributes.body
This week we focused on a Group Debate which was based on probability and non- probability sampling. The topic was “A financial institution is interested in conducting a customer satisfaction survey.  Discuss whether probability or non-probability sampling should be the approach used. Justify your choice of method”.My group, Intellectual Debaters’, was for probability sampling. I learnt the main advantages and disadvantages of probability sampling and non- probability sampling. For our first post, we chose to argue that probability sampling is based on randomization and there is absence of systematic and sampling bias. Non- probability does not include randomization and the researcher can encounter systematic and sampling bias. The opposing group mainly stated that non- probability sampling is cost effective and less time consuming as compared with probability sampling. Furthermore, for our counter- argument we explained that non- probability sampling does not support statistical inferences and the results obtained from it cannot be used for generalizations about the population. We also stated that there is a possibility of sampling error in non- probability approach and while sampling errors can be calculated for probability sampling, it cannot be calculated for non- probability sampling. Our opposing group posted their counter- argument and I felt that they did not introduce new points but instead reiterated the points that they previously used in their first post. It is important to introduce new points to help support your position when participating in a debate.
I worked on my Research Report during the course of the week. I hope that I could be finished with it before the deadline date.
Overall, this week was manageable and I gained a clearer understanding of probability and non- probability sampling. I am looking forward to next week’s topic for Unit 8 which is based on Data Analysis. I realized that this course is soon coming to an end. Cheers to a great week!

# data[].attributes.body
“Success does not lie in results, but in efforts”. This week I reflected on this quote. I reflected  on my previous weeks in this course and then realized that I’ve reached so far in this course. We focused on the main topic Questionnaire Design.  We emphasized communication media for questionnaires. It consists of interviewer – administered modes and self- administered modes.   Interviewer- administered modes includes telephone interviews and personal or face-to-face interviewers. Self- administered modes consists of mail and the internet.  I learnt the advantages and disadvantages of the different modes of communication media.
I understood that the questions to be asked should be determined based on the decisions about the elements of the study. The questions in a questionnaire should be specific and clear rather than ambiguous questions. The researcher should avoid leading questions and double- barreled questions. It is also important that the researcher should utilize simple and conversational language rather than complex language and jargon. I learnt that questionnaires can be open – ended, close ended or a mixture of both.  The questions must be arranged in a logical sequence.   The layout or sequence of questions in a questionnaire can impact whether or not the respondents complete the questionnaire and how they complete it.
Additionally, I learnt that interviewer error and respondent error can arise from the design of a questionnaire. To minimize these types of errors, the researcher can avoid order bias, avoid questions that tax the respondent’s memory and avoid ambiguity. The researcher can also conduct a pilot test which allows the researcher to identify potential issues that need to be addressed before the questionnaire is fully utilized to collect the data for the study.
Overall, this week I gained a clear understanding of questionnaire design.  I enjoyed this topic and completed the graded discussion before the deadline.  I have formulated questionnaires in the past and I was delighted to formulate one for the graded discussion.  This week I was satisfied with my progress. I attended a formal interview with the company that I selected for my research study and I distributed the questionnaires. Cheers to a wonderful week!

# data[].attributes.body
This week was extremely overwhelming for me. I realized that I have reached a very long way in this course. As the semester is coming to an end, I am satisfied with my accomplishments for this course. We focused on the main topic Data Analysis. Data analysis was an important requirement for the Research Report. I learnt that it can be divided into qualitative or quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data analysis refers to the non- numerical examination and interpretation of observations, for the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patterns of relationships. Furthermore, I learnt that Seidel (1998) generated a simple model of the qualitative data analysis process. Qualitative data analysis can be a complex process which involves a process of noticing or observing things, collecting things which means sorting things into categories to make them more manageable and thinking about the things that the researcher has collected to make sense of it. I understood that the qualitative data analysis consists of common processes such as transcription, organising data, familiarisation, coding and finding themes.
Quantitative analysis refers to the analysis of data that is converted to numerical form or the systematic analysis of numerical data collected. Quantitative data is usually analyzed by using descriptive and or inferential statistics. I reflected on descriptive statistics and recalled that I covered this topic when I pursued Introductory Statistics last year. However, I learnt that it can be used to describe, aggregate and present the features and characteristics of the data under study. Inferential statistics on the other hand is used to draw conclusions about a population beyond the immediate data based on the sample.
I understood that descriptive data analysis can be done using univariate and bivariate analysis. Univariate analysis is used when a researcher needs to examine the characteristics of one variable at a time. For example, the age or gender of customers. Bivariate analysis is used by the researcher to examine the relationship between two variables for example correlation.
Inferential statistics entails estimation statistics which are used to make statistical inferences about a population based on sample data. In addition, inferential statistics can be categorized as estimation statistics and hypothesis testing statistics. Confidence intervals and parameter estimation are two major types of estimation statistics. Hypothesis testing includes the T- test, Z- test, ANOVA, Pearson’s r and Chi- Square test. Hypothesis testing statistics are used to make statistical inferences about whether or not data support a particular hypothesis.
I recalled that I utilized both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics for my research report. I used frequency tables, univariate and bivariate analysis which included correlations. I utilized hypothesis testing to make an inference about the population. After conducting the appropriate test statistic which was ANOVA, I rejected the null hypothesis since it did not support my results from the hypothesis test. Therefore, I accepted the alternative hypothesis since it supported my findings from the research report.
This week, I completed the last graded discussion and peer comments as well as the research report in a timely manner. The graded discussion was quite straight forward since I recalled the concepts of estimates central tendency from Introductory Statistics. I watched the additional videos which were provided in the unit reading. These videos were very helpful since it helped me to understand the concepts of data analysis. I enjoyed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Software for my data analysis. I also utilized Microsoft Excel to create some of my pie charts. Additionally, I taught my colleagues about the SPSS software and explained the requirements of the research report.
Overall, I managed to reach my weekly goal and I am satisfied with my progress. I followed my time management schedule which helped me to complete all my assignments before the deadline.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Loa Tzu

# data[].attributes.body
I began this week with a positive mind set. I completed my Group Power Point Presentation and recorded it using the Screencastomatic application. I felt proud of myself since I worked diligently since I completed the presentation without the assistance of any group members. My group member was affected by Hurricane Maria in Dominica which was very unfortunate. However, I remained calm and did not allow this challenge to affect my progress in this course. My goal was to submit my presentation by the deadline date and I did. I reflected and recalled that throughout my journey at U.W.I Open Campus, I have always remained determined and always complete my assignments on time.
I reviewed Unit two to Unit Five this week and conducted some additional research for the upcoming quiz.  Additionally, I began formulating questionnaires for the Research Report assignment.  I completed the quiz but I felt that some of questions were not related to the course.
Overall, I felt satisfied with my progress and felt that I achieved my goals for this week.

# data[].attributes.body
This week I felt contented and said to myself “Wow what a productive week!” This week we focused on the main topic; Data Preparation and Presentation. Data Preparation comprises of data editing and coding data. I learnt that data editing is the process of verifying data for omissions, consistency and legibility in preparation for coding. Coding is the assignment of a numerical score or a classifying symbol to edited data to group data into categories. Additionally, I learnt that coding data is important since it facilitates the entry of data into computer software for analysis. I understood that researchers utilize a codebook which contains details on all the codes utilized in research.
Moving forward, I learnt that a researcher would need to create a database when preparing for data analysis. The database consists of a data dictionary which is a collection of descriptions of the data items in a database. Furthermore, data would need to be entered by the researcher into the database for manipulation, storage and analysis.
I understood that it is vital that the researcher conduct data cleaning before any data processing can be undertaken. Data cleaning is an important means of quality control and allows the researcher to verify that all the values collected are accurate and they conform to certain rules. Additionally, during the data presentation process, there is data modification which is the adjustment of the data.

I am familiar with the different techniques in which data can be displayed. I reflected and recalled that I have displayed data by using Microsoft Excel Software throughout my life for school and work presentations. A frequency table can be utilized to present numeral data, while graphs and charts can be used to analyze data in a visual display format. For example, bar charts and pie charts can be used to display categorical and grouped data. There are other display techniques such as the histogram which may be used to represent continuous random variables, scatter plots which are used to display the relationship between two variables, line graphs and stem and leaf plots. I reflected and recalled that I utilized the stem and leaf plot for Introductory Statistics in 2016. I also recalled that it was used to display discrete and continuous data.
I learnt that the various graphical display methods can be utilized in reports during the presentation stage as a means of summarizing results. I reflected and recalled that I utilized tables, pie charts and bar charts to summarize results for my Group Research Project based on the topic “Leadership, Working Environment and Workplace Bullying”, two weeks ago.
Overall, this week I gained a valuable insight on data preparation and presentation. This knowledge will help me with my final research report. I will begin my data preparation this weekend, since I received my completed questionnaires from the organization. I enjoyed this week’s topic. This week was a wonderful week and I was satisfied with my progress. I felt delighted when I completed the Group Debate and the Graded Discussion before the deadline.
Cheers to a productive week!

# data[].attributes.body
This week I embarked on the quote; “Setting goals take desire, but completing them takes determination”. I felt happy and relieved that I submitted my Research Proposal by the deadline date. I proofread my assignment and made minor corrections which were outlined by my E- Tutor for the draft research proposal. This week I reviewed Unit one and studied the topic, Ethics in social sciences research from the book, Research methods in the social sciences- 7th Edition by Nachmias et al. (2014). I highlighted some important points and wrote down notes for preparation of the upcoming quiz.
Since my topic was approved by the business organization, I scheduled an appointment with the Human Resource Manager for my interview and survey questionnaires. I hope that I will gather all the necessary information which is required to complete my Research Report. This week I also made adjustments to my Group PowerPoint Presentation.
Overall this week, I felt contented with my progress in this course.

# data[].attributes.body
My journey for Research Methods is coming to an end. I can’t believe that I have completed all my coursework for this course. I feel proud of myself and I am elated to have achieved all my goals for this course. This week I focused on the Individual Presentation which was based on my Research Report which I submitted last week. I summarized some of the content which was included in my report and gave explanations in my presentation. Although, I experienced a challenge this week which was internet issues, I still managed to complete the presentation before the deadline by staying at my workplace after work hours to work on it.
I was assigned with two partners for the Q and A Forum based on the Individual Presentation. I posted my questions and responses to my Q and A partners.
Overall, this week was a good week and I am looking forward to utilizing all the concepts that I have learnt in Research Methods for Business, personally, professionally and academically. I hope that I can also help my friends in the future when they will be pursuing this course. I want to acknowledge my E- Tutor, Ms. Parris and my Course Coordinator, Ms. Mohammed for guiding me along my journey for this course. This course had a positive impact on me and I believe that it will really help me for my Research Practicum in Level 3.

“There is NO elevator to Success, you have to take the stairs!