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During the presentation week, I had to create a power point presentation to present my research paper.  Even though this was not a hard task, I had other assignments that I was working on, hence, I posted late last night, but within the time period to upload. All my information was already in my report so what I did was to break it down a little in point format.  This was my second time recording via Screencast-o-matic so this was pretty easy.  However, I had to record about 5 times before I posted my final recording as there was a lot of noise in the background.  I also went a little over the time limit. I now await my tutor/CC to provide me with the two names of classmates that I should listen to their presentation and ask questions.

I must admit that during this semester, I have learned quite a lot throughout this course.  I will share my knowledge with my peers especially since two of my co-workers are going to take this course next semester. It is indeed true that every day you learn something new. The wealth of information I have learned is very important information to guide anyone with a research report.  All these skills will be used further when I do my thesis paper/research report during my last semester to complete my Bachelor’s Degree.

Thanks for a wonderful course Ms. Leu.

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After completing my Research Proposal, I can clearly say that I got a better understanding of what all should be in my research report. The guidelines provided assisted me in completing my research report. What amazed me was when I was creating my survey using google forms. This was a very convenient way to email the questionnaire to the respondents. As the responses came in, the graphs were automatically being created. This feature on Google saved me a lot of time. One aspect in which I was not aware of was when I tried to upload my Research to Turn It In. I waiting hours to get a response, but none was provided. In previous course where I had to Turn It In, results were provided in less than an hour. I was a bit familiar with doing a research report, but more details were provided to do this report. I must admit that I learned quite a lot of information on my topic on the impact that absenteeism has on customer satisfaction and organizational performance. I look forward to a good grade for my Research Report.

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Unit 8, Data Analysis, has increased my knowledge base on how to analyze data.  I enjoyed watching the videos that helped me better understand the topics.  I learned how researchers should conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis. The data analysis model created by John Seidal was very straightforward. It consists of noticing, collecting and thinking about things.  The five step qualitative data process involves transcription, organizing data, familiarization, coding and finding themes. This was very interesting as it was something that I have just learned.

The discussion for this week consisted of doing a frequency table from data, creating a histogram and the mean, mode, median, range, standard deviation and variance. The only part of the discussion that was challenging to me was creating the histogram as this was new to me. I knew what a histogram was but I never really created one until this discussion.  I went step by step creating the histogram.  An important aspect when creating a graph is to include a description of what is displayed in the graph.  This unit is important to me to continue analyzing my data for my research report.

Inferential statistics was used as a means of analyzing quantitative data.  This unit was a refresher for my Introductory Statistics course that I am presently enrolled in.  We learned about both descriptive and inferential statistics, central tendency and brief explanations of graphs earlier in the semester as well as correlation of quantitative data.  Some news terms to me were univariate and bivariate analysis used in descriptive data analysis.  Other material I learned was hypothesis testing, chi-square test and p-values in decision making.  This was easily recognized as I have worked on these topics in my statistics course.  Although I had previous knowledge on some of the topics, I learned a bit more as I read Unit 8.

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Over the past week, I logged into the Learning Exchange and I was enthused about beginning my journey this semester at University of the West Indies.  In this course, Research Methods for Business, I have learned that managing my time is a very vital aspect overall.  After reading the course guide, I understand what is expected of me, what are the assessments of this course, the plagiarism policy, the course material and additional sources, the writing style for this course and a detailed course schedule, to name a few.  Eight units will fulfill the requirement for this course. This course assessment is 100% course work which consists of weekly discussions, a debate, a group presentation, a mid-semester quiz, a research project, a research proposal and a final presentation.

The Course Coordinator has made my classmates and I feel very welcomed through the orientation activities per day. The first week I explored the Tutor student exchange, I introduced myself, I stated my expectations and that of my tutor and course coordinator etc.  My tutor, Ms. Gladys Leu, put us in pairs and we were required to formulate a team name.  I hope that my team mate gets back to me and works together with me throughout this semester.  This course is relevant to me as this is a part of the requirement for the completion of my degree. It is also important to me because I get to explore the research methods, the components of a research, data collection, analysis etc which I will be able to use in making sound decisions in a business.

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Unit 1, Introduction to Business Research, has provided me with an in-depth understanding of what a business research includes ranging from various philosophies and methods that are available to research as well as pertinent issues or trials that a researcher may face during the entire research process.  All areas in the unit were discussed thoroughly by the use of clear examples. I have learned that one of the first steps of business research begins with curiosity and relates to solving a problem or finding relevant ways of improving the problem.  This begins in any area of an organization and is further carried out for study.  On a whole, business research is particularly important for any organization to be successful and to resolve any area of concern.  For example, a research on customer experience will help an organization know exactly what they are doing correctly or areas that need improvement for the retention of their customers or to gain prospective customers.

Discussion 1 was based on ethics.  It is important to note that major problems faced by a researcher revolve around ethics. I read valuable information of conducting a research. Some characteristics that a researcher must have include being objective and impartial, honest and basically to the right thing.  In general, Unit 1 has provided me with the basic knowledge of a business research which will continue to benefit me in the units to come.

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The second unit, The Research Process, has provided me with a lot of information that will assist me with the drafting of my research paper.  This unit discussed the very first part of the research process which apart from identifying and defining a research problem, the writing of a literature review.  It also explained how to formulate a business research question.  The research proposal is important for communicating the need for a planned approach to research.  The unit provides links to various YouTube videos and articles/papers so that we can get a very good understanding of what the first step to a research paper is about.

I have learned that the literature review is a vital aspect of a research paper and there are different guidelines that must be followed to write a very good literature review. For this week’s discussion, we needed to search for a peer reviewed article’s literature review and do a reflection of that literature review. I now understand that the literature review is very important to the researcher.

I look forward to the other units in this course.

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The third unit, Communication in the Research Process, has again broadened my knowledge base with reference to the research proposal that we are required to complete for this course.  Communication processes are a vital aspect of the research process.   This unit discussed in detail how to go about doing the research proposal and the research report.  The significance of the research proposal is making a planned approach to the research.  The significance of the research report is to communicate the findings of the study. The research proposal gives the reader all the relevant reasons why the study should be done and who will benefit from the study. All components were discussed in the unit in preparation for the final research report. Once again, relevant videos and readings allowed me to better understand parts of the research proposal.

I have learned that the research proposal is very important before I can move on to the research paper.  The research proposal is a tool for communicating the research plan and is the first step in the communication process between management and the researcher. I have learned all the parts that the research proposal is comprised of which includes the abstract, statement of problem, purpose of study, research hypothesis, timeframe, literature review, just to name a few. I am currently working on my draft proposal for my e- tutor to check and see if I am going in the right path.  I will also need to work on the oral presentation as a means of communication in the research process.

I have also learned more about doing a research. When I was going to sixth form, I had to do a research report on a problem affecting youths in Belize. However, looking back at what I had done then and what I have learned so far in this course, I believe that that report was not properly done. Some parts of the communication process were left out which are relevant to the report.

I look forward to the other unit in this course.

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In the fourth unit, Research Design, looks mainly at Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods approaches; Conceptualization and Measurement; and Sampling/Non-Sampling Designs.  This unit helped me to identify the importance of the decision-making processes involved when conducting and designing my research.  Different concepts were identified and it was important for me to learn them so as to choose the most appropriate method and design for my research. Qualitative methods included Phenomenology, Ethnography, Grounded theory and Case studies. According to the purpose of the research, the appropriate method can be used. Quantitative methods are for Experimental, Quasi-experimental and Non-experimental types of researches. Some researches choose to do a mixed method using both a type of qualitative and quantitative for optimum results. Sampling and non-sampling methods were identified.  The sample size and design are important to ensure that appropriate results can be obtained.

I have learned that conceptualization is a process used to put together generated ideas for the research topic at hand. For this week’s discussion, we were tasked to create a concept map based on sampling.  This was an excellent start to brainstorming my concept map.

When I was doing my research report in school, I was not aware of a broad spectrum of research designs. Now that I am doing this course, I have learned that the purpose of selecting a research design is to ensure that evidence obtained enables one to effectively address the research problem logically as possible. With this new information I have learned so far, will definitely take me a long way especially in correctly doing my research report. Now I am fully aware of all the components that needs to be included.

I look forward to the other unit.

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In Unit 5, Data Collection Process, I gained more knowledge on what data collection is, the different types of data which are primary and secondary data.  The advantages of primary data include well defined variables, better data interpretation etc. The disadvantages of primary data include the high cost involved, it is very time consuming etc.  In order to prepare for the field work there are certain requirements that must be met such as proper selection of researchers, pilot testing, management of field work etc. The researchers must be properly trained. The data collection process is a very important process in a research as the researcher will gain feedback that will be used in the analysis of the data.

All the information learned will be applied when I am doing my actual research paper but it will be taken into consideration as I finish my research proposal. I learned about combining research methods.  Something new that I learned was triangulation.  This basically means using more than one method to collect data on the same topic.  Triangulation has its advantages as well as its disadvantages.   I also learned that there are certain skills and responsibilities of the interviewer. They must be confidential with the information that they receiver, must possess good communication skills, be confident and professional, just to name a few.

While in school working on my research report, I was only aware primary and secondary data. I was not aware of other components such as the data collection methods. After reading this unit, I have learned the data collection methods and I have applied them in my research proposal to be submitted to my e-tutor. I always keep in my that it is very important that I document my data collection process as accurately as possible.

I look forward to Unit 6.

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Unit 7, Data Preparation and Presentation, the processes that are used when research is conducted were discussed.  There were three areas explored which included editing & coding; data dictionary and displaying data.

Editing and Coding is a part of data analysis that help researchers to transform raw data collected into usable data. This process checks to see whether the data was omitted, consistent and legible for the next step of coding.  Numerical scores and symbols are used to put data into categories when coding. This helps for minimum use of words for qualitative data.

An interesting concept I learned was the data dictionary.  This is a collection of descriptions of the data objects or items in a database, which helps for analytical processes.  Data is inputted into the database for storage and analysis. Data cleaning is used to verify that all values collected are correct and consistent.  Data modification is the alteration of data used to create an index score, re arrange numerical categories and allow a broader categories of variables.

The last section covered the displaying of data. These are usually represented in the form of tables, graphs, and charts, which gives the readers visual images to make obvious comparisons in reports.  The type of image used depends on the type of data collected and what type of information needs to be retrieved.  This week’s discussion allowed me to practice how to create a bar chart in Microsoft Excel and how to analyze information from a set of data collected. I recall doing graphs and charts in a previous project, however, this was done through Google forms which was easier.  Now I got the firsthand experience on how to create a graph when given data.  I recall when I was going to sixth form, we did graphs in Mathematics, Statistics and also in our Computer class.

It was definitely an interesting unit, and I look forward to Unit 8.

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In Unit 6, Questionnaire Design, particularly looked at three important sections, namely communicating with respondents, questionnaires and types of errors. This unit helped me to identify modes of communicating with respondents to participate in the questionnaire as a data collection instrument, the techniques that can be used to administer questionnaires and the requirements to be used for a proper drafting of a questionnaire.  There are different ways to administer a questionnaire.  Interviewer –administered mode includes telephone and face to face interview whilst self-administered modes include mail and internet. There are two types of errors namely interviewer errors and respondent errors. Questionnaires must be designed to the specific topic and must be straight forward. Questions asked must be in a logical order as well.  The researcher should avoid ambiguity and double barred questions.

In this week’s discussion, I learned how to go about asking the correct questions in relation to desining a questionnaire given a specific topic.  I have done questionnaires in the past but I did not have an in-depth background knowledge of how to properly ask questions to obtain appropriate results.  After reading the paper that my e-tutor provided, I can now make the connection on what should be contained in a questionnaire.  I learned that survey questionnaire designers aim to develop standardized questions and response options that are concise so that they are easily understood by the respondents.  I also learned the types of errors that are made when designing a questionnaire and measures that can be taken to minimize such errors.  I learned about pretesting a questionnaire.  This was new to me as I did not think that researchers do a pilot testing before the actual questionnaire is distributed to the sample population.  Now that I have read this unit and specifically this section on pretesting, I now understand the rationale behind pretesting the questionnaire.  This identifies weaknesses and corrections are made to the questionnaire.

This unit has helped me a lot as I move forward with my research report.  Now I am fully aware of how to communicate with my respondents, the principles of the questionnaire design and measures taken to minimize errors throughout the data collection process.  I look forward to Unit 7.

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During the presentation week, my team mate and I split the work that focused on our research topic. Our topic was chosen weeks ago and both of us had time to properly read the article and submit our pointers to begin the power point presentation.  I did the introduction and the preparation for the study while my team mate did the findings and the conclusion.  We based our presentation on the assignment outline.  I also did the power point and did the recording.  This was my first time using Screencast-o-matic. The software itself was not a challenge to use, however, while recording I felt like I was speaking to myself. I had to make several attempts to prepare myself to record the entire presentation.  I understood our topic and research quite well to be able to orally explain.  I found this to be a very easy way to do a recording.

Furthermore, we were tasked to ask questions to two groups and to answer the two questions posed to our group.  I answered the questions posed to our group and my team mate asked the questions to the two groups.

This group assignment was an excellent experience. Our team work was very well coordinated and helped us in achieving timely submission for all aspects of this assignment.  We communicated mainly via whatsapp and through emails.  I enjoyed this presentation week as I got to learn on different topics in business research.

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This week, my team mate and I focused on this week’s debate.  A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, in this case, probability vs. non-probability, in which opposing arguments are put forward.  The basis of our debate was supporting that the financial institution should use the non-probability sampling method as opposed to the probability sampling method. Both teams have posted their arguments and our opponent has posted their rebuttal.  It has been an interesting read so far, as I have learned quite a lot especially the reasoning behind each argument.  Different sides explain their stance in depth with supporting readings or documentation as to which sampling method is better.  I learned some new debate terms so far.  I recall being engaged in a debate in high school but it was just a simple debate. Now I am aware that strong points must be put forward in order for the audience to decide which method is better. Supporting facts must be stated and referenced correctly as well.

Our stance taken involves choosing  non-probability sampling methods in the selection elements in which not all have equal chances of being selected.  Non-probability sampling methods include convenience sampling, judgmental sampling, quota sampling and snowball sampling.  Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.  After discussing with my team mate I got a better understanding about the sampling methods which expanded my knowledge base.  We encouraged the financial institution to use the non-probability sampling method in conducting a customer satisfaction survey due to the large population involved, the lack of a sampling frame and limitations in the timing of conducting the survey as well as the costs involved. We will post our rebuttal after reading our opponents’ post.

I look forward to reading Unit 8.

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During the review week, I dedicated most of my time in editing my research proposal draft taking into consideration my e-tutor’s feedback from the BBC she held.  While preparing the draft in weeks prior, I had missing elements such has an incomplete literature review and research design methodology and also the other topics out of the fifteen outlined by my e-tutor.

As I continued to work on my research proposal, I faced several challenges in understanding the objectives of my research.  This allowed me to further explore the topic and be more concise in rewording my research question and problem statement as well as my main research objective.  Additional research results were included in the literature review and helped provide valuable background to the proposal.

I was able to clearly identify the methodology I wanted to use and included the specific research design elements.  Further to the research design, I included the Data Analysis, as well as, Results and Budget.  I formulated a series of questions that will be included in my survey

This was my first experience in actually writing a proper research proposal with all the headings that my e-tutor required.  While it was challenging, it was an opportunity that allowed me to learn the different aspects and processes used prior to actually obtaining data and writing the research report.  In my prior research paper, the headings were limited to only a few but with the help of my e-tutor, a clearer understanding of each title was properly discussed in this course. The proposal reminded me much of a project plan that is prepared to provide insight on the research’s objectives.   Hopefully, it was a thorough proposal including all its important aspects.

Additionally, I also read over units 1 to 5 to grasp the course material and prepare myself for the upcoming quiz.