Course Outline

School: Department: Program: Course Title: Course Code: Total Course Hours: Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition: Originated by: Revised by: Date: Effective Semester: Approved by:
________________________________________ Jim McVittie, Chair

School of Business Graduate Studies International Business Global Business Research and Analysis BUSN402 45 N/A

N/A Julie Nguyen

Summer 2011 Fall 2011

Students are expected to know the contents of the course outline and to discuss with the professor any areas where clarification is required. Students should keep all course outlines for each course taken at Centennial College. These may be used to apply for transfer of credit to other educational institutions. A fee may be charged for additional or replacement copies.

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

Course Description
This course provides an introduction to research methodology and methods to be used in global business research. Different principal approaches will be examined, including qualitative and quantitative methods, comparative case study approaches, and alternative business research models/theories. In the second half of the semester, students will learn research techniques and apply them in a research project. These include considerations for research ethics, literature review, data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and making recommendations.

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will reliably demonstrate the ability to: 1. Understand research methodology and methods for global business research. 2. Identify appropriate research methodological approaches for different business research projects. 3. Apply critical thinking to select effective research strategies. 4. Gain skills and knowledge necessary for the research process, including considerations for research ethics, literature review, data collection and analysis. 5. Perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and provide recommendations. 6. Apply relevant research techniques to undertake a business research project.

Essential Employability Skills (EES)

The student will reliably demonstrate the ability to: 1. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. 2. Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. 3. Execute mathematical operations accurately. 4. Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. 5. Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. 6. Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. 7. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. 8. Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others. 9. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. 10. Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. 11. Take responsibility for ones ow n actions, decisions, and consequences.

Global Citizenship and Equity (GC&E) Outcomes

N/A

Rev. COLT: May 2011

THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) Process(es):

If you can demonstrate that your knowledge and skills from work experience or on-the-job training are equivalent to this course, you may seek a PLAR Credit. The challenge process is as follows: Discuss with a Program Advisor in the School of Business to evaluate your prior learning experience(s). Once the Program Advisor has agreed you meet the requirements, obtain and complete a PLAR application at Enrolment Services and pay the associated PLAR fee. Submit the PLAR form to the School of Business. A Program Advisor will contact you to arrange for the completion of the challenge process which may include exams, interviews, demonstrations and presentations. The subject expert will evaluate your work and, if successful, a grade will be forwarded to the Enrolment Services Office.

Text and Other Instructional/Learning Materials

1. Weekly handouts (first half of the semester). 2. Designing and Managing a Research Project: A Business Students Guide , 2th Edition, Michael J. Pollonsky, David S. Waller, Sage Publications, 2010. ISBN: 1412977754 (second half of the semester).

Evaluation and Grading System

Evaluation Description
In-class Assignments (10 Case Studies, 2% each) Mid-term Examination Individual Project on Critical Analysis Group Research Project Final Examination

Weight /100
20% 20% 15% 20% 25%

In consultation with the Chair or Dean, a faculty member or instructor may administer additional or alternative evaluations to fully assess the capability of a student. When writing a test or examination, students must put their official photo-ID cards in full view for review by the invigilator. Students who do not have official photo-ID will be permitted to write the examination with a substitute photo-ID, but they will be required to produce photo-ID at the program or department office within 24 hours or the next business day following the examination, or else the examination results will be void.

Student Accommodation:
All students have the right to study in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. It is College Policy to provide accommodation based on grounds defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodation may include changes or modifications to standard practices.
Rev. COLT: May 2011 THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar) 3

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

This document is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the originating department or school of study. Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations must register with the Centre for Student with Disabilities. Please see the Centre for Students with Disabilities for details. Students requiring accommodation based on human rights grounds should talk with their professors as early as possible. Details are available on the Centennial College website (www.centennialcollege.ca ). If students are unable to write an examination due to a medical problem or unforeseen family problems, they should immediately contact their professor or program Chair for advice. In exceptional and well documented circumstances (e.g. unexpected family problems, serious illness, or death of a close family member), students should be able to write a make-up examination to replace an examination missed.

Use of Dictionaries
Dictionaries may be used in tests and examinations, or in portions of tests and examinations, as long as they are non-electronic (not capable of storing information) and hard copy (reviewed by the invigilator to ensure notes are not incorporated that would affect test or examination integrity).

Faculty Support
Professors are available to see students outside of class time. Students can contact professors via voice mail, email, or through their program or department office. Information regarding how to contact teachers will be provided at the beginning of the course and is also available in the program or department office.

Course, Program or School Policies

N/A

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students should familiarize themselves with all College Policies that cover students rights and responsibilities. For more information on the following and other policies, please visit www.centennialcollege.ca/aboutus/respect or consult the Academic Matters Section in the fulltime and Continuing Education catalogues. Respect at Centennial At Centennial College, we are committed to providing a safe and respectful learning, teaching and working environment for all students, faculty and staff that promotes equity. Policies have been put in place to ensure that Centennial is a place that demonstrates respect and consistency with the Ontario Human Rights Code. All incidents of harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence will be addressed and responded to. As a college, we take the position that all forms of harassment, including personal harassment and bullying, must be stopped. Please refer to www.centennialcollege.ca/aboutus/respect and www.stopbullyingnow.ca .

Rev. COLT: May 2011

THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

Academic Honesty Academic honesty is integral to the learning process and a necessary ingredient of academic integrity. Students have a responsibility to be aware of and comply with standards of academic conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and impersonation. All of these occur when the work of others is presented by a student as their own and/or without citing sources of information. Breaches of academic honesty will be investigated and if warranted appropriate remedies and penalties will be applied, which may include a failing grade on the assignment/course, suspension or expulsion from the college. Grades Appeal Students and faculty have rights and responsibilities in the Grades Appeal process. Students who need to appeal a grade should consult the Grades Appeal policy and procedures. Progression and Academic Standing Students are expected to meet the academic standards of their School or program. The academic standing of each Centennial student is monitored during as well as at the end of each semester. Any student not demonstrating satisfactory progress will be informed of his/her standing in the College and will receive academic advising within their School. Unsatisfactory academic performance may result in conditional academic standing, probation or suspension.

Campus Safety
Students must produce official photo identification at any time during the semester when requested to do so by any college staff.

Rev. COLT: May 2011

THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

Topical Outline
WEEK
1

TOPICS
Introduction to Research

READINGS/ MATERIALS
Handouts: 1. Introduction to Research 2. Critical Thinking

WEEKLY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introduction to the course Course outline Definition of research Applied and basic research Managers and the consultantresearcher Theory behind critical thinking Overcoming common errors in critical thinking Research approaches: deductive and inductive Main research strategies Issues of validity and reliability Ethical concerns in choosing research strategy Decision making in applying research results Case study: The cradle of Indian handcrafts Difference between acquiring information under an active strategy and reacting to new data Nature and limits of computation Developing an information strategy Case study: Hedge fund and US subprime mortgage crisis
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Lecture and discussions

COURSE EVALUATIONS/ ASSIGNMENTS

Research Approaches and Strategies

Handouts: 1. Deciding on Research Approach and Choosing Research Strategy 2. Managerial DecisionMaking and Research

Lecture and discussions

Case study (2%)

Developing an Information Strategy

Handouts: 1. Fighting Information Overload with Strategy 2. The Future Happened Yesterday; and The Land of Giants

Lecture and discussions

Case study (2%) Handout: Instructions for individual project (15%)

Rev. COLT: May 2010

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

WEEK

TOPICS

READINGS/ MATERIALS

WEEKLY LEARNING OUTCOMES

The need for market intelligence Case study: The rise of BRIC

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

COURSE EVALUATIONS/ ASSIGNMENTS

Mapping from Simple Ideas to Complex Analysis

Handouts: 1. Mapping from Simple Ideas to Complex Analysis 2. Towards a research agenda on hybrid organizations

Mapping as linking critical issues with a models output Balance between accuracy and complexity Comparative case study: MasterCard and American Express Case study: R&D, production and marketing interfaces in hybrid organizations Case study: Different approaches to risk and foreign investment decision Case study: Foreign entry mode research

Lecture and discussions

Case study (2%)

Alternative Theories of/ Models for Business Problems

Handouts: 1. A Review of Theory Concerning Risk and the Foreign Investment Decision 2. Mode Configuration Diversity: A New Perspective on Foreign Entry Mode Choice Handouts: 1. Political Sources of International Business Risk 2. Establishing the Moral Basis of Global Capitalism

Lecture and discussions

Case study (2%)

Developing a Research Framework

Case study: Interdisciplinary framework for political risks Case study: Global moral framework for MNEs to achieve success in emerging markets

Lecture and discussions Review for Midterm

Case study (2%) Submit individual project report (15%)

7

Rev. COLT: May 2011

THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

WEEK
7

TOPICS

READINGS/ MATERIALS

WEEKLY LEARNING OUTCOMES

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Team formation for group project

COURSE EVALUATIONS/ ASSIGNMENTS

Mid-Term (20%) Handout: Instructions for group project (20%) Case study (2%)

Mid-Term Examination

Undertaking the Research

Textbook: Part 1: The Foundations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Part 2: Undertaking the Research (6, 7, 8) Handout: International Outsourcing in Emerging and Developed Economies Textbook: Part 2: Undertaking the Research (9, 10) Handout: Using Secondary Data in International Research: Opportunities and Risks Textbook: Part 2: Undertaking the Research (11) Part 3: Communicating the Results

Choosing a topic Ethical considerations Planning the research process Literature review Data gathering Case study: An empirical study on international outsourcing

Lecture and discussions

Data Analysis

Quantitative data analysis Qualitative data analysis Case study: Strength and limitations of secondary data

Lecture and discussions

Case study (2%)

10

Communicat -ing Research Results

Presentations

Establishing recommendations Presenting the results Writing the report Oral presentations

Lecture and discussions

Case study (2%)

11

Group presentations

Group assignment (2%)

Rev. COLT: May 2011

THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)

Global Business Research and Analysis

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

BUSN402

WEEK
12

TOPICS
Presentations

READINGS/ MATERIALS

WEEKLY LEARNING OUTCOMES

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Group presentations Group presentations Review for Final Examination

COURSE EVALUATIONS/ ASSIGNMENTS

Group assignment (2%) Submit group project report (20%)

13

Presentations

14

Review for Final Examination Final Examination

15

Final Examination (25%)

Rev. COLT: May 2011

THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)