Introduction to Business Research

Business Research will provide the specific knowledge needed to succeed in researching and utilizing the best and most appropriate data for decision making.  It will also provide the skills needed to effectively communicate research results to a specific audience for maximum impact and effective decision making.  The course is broad based and provides a strong foundation for meeting business research needs.  More advanced courses will be available after completion of this foundation course.

Online, one month; Offered September; David White, COI, instructor.

 outlineCourse Outline

Unit 1-Discovering What You Want
Knowing the environment
Exploring the research question
Deciding upon the desired outcomes

Unit 2 – Selecting the best research process
Primary research tools
Secondary research tools
Thinking outside the box

Unit 3 – Doing the Research
Effectively utilizing selected research tools
Analyzing the results
Summarizing your findings 

Unit 4 – Communicating the Results
Knowing your audience
Preliminary discussions
Packaging the results for presentation
The formal presentation

Question MarkAbout online learning

Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. 

GearsHow the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

CalendarParticipate when you want

Participants can participate as little or as much as you want.
You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.
For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

ChecklistWhat you will do

For each Unit, you will:

  • Read the print readings (about 20 pages a week)
  • Have the option of accessing the online readings
  • Listen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slides
  • Have the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learned
  • Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each week.
The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

DiscussionDiscussion

The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each week to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

It’s easy. It’s fun.

Next offering(s):
September 7 - October 1, 2010

About Your Instructors

David White, COI, is an Assistant Professor of Business, Department Head for Business Programs, and Distance Learning Coordinator for Missouri State University-West Plains, in West Plains, Missouri.  His areas of expertise are management and general business.  He has 20 years of management experience with a fortune 10 company, General Electric, and has been a successful franchisee with a major restaurant chain prior to beginning his teaching career with Missouri State University – West Plains.  He has been teaching online courses for 10 years and was one of the first recipients of the LERN Certified Online Instructor credential.  

Directional ArrowsCourse Objectives

  • Learn effective skills that can be utilized to clearly define your goal and make you efficient and effective in choosing the right business research path.
  • Learn about and utilize the right business research tools and resources that will effectively lead you to accomplish your goals and provide confidence that you are making the best decisions. 
  • Learn effective business research activities that work to help you in achieving the results you need for success.
  • Learn how to effectively communicate the results of your research effectively to your selected audience(s).
  • Learn how to follow up and confirm that your business research is producing the results you want and need to be successful.

Puzzle PiecesCourse Outcomes

At the end of the course, you will:

  • The student will be aware of the environment and able to continuously scan the environment for pertinent information. 
  • The student will understand the importance and significance of properly identifying and defining a specific research question and will have the knowledge to do so.
  • The student will be able to select the most appropriate research tools to complete the task effectively and efficiently.
  • The student will understand the results of the research and will be able to communicate the results effectively to selected audiences.
  • The student will be able to effectively follow up to insure effective decisions have been made on the basis of the research.  If necessary, the student will also be able to continue with the process as needed until desired results are achieved.