ACF306 - Business Research

Synopsis of the ModuleThe module provides students with an understanding of issues involved in the design and conduct of empirical research in finance (including the application of statistical techniques) and business analysis research (which seeks to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organisation and to proffer rational recommendations that deliver value to stakeholders).

No prior knowledge is required for the module.

Aims of the Module• To help students develop a critical perspective on the

development of academic research in finance, business analysis research and its contribution to academic knowledge or contribution to business practice.

• It will also be of practical use to students who plan to undertake further study at postgraduate level or develop further their professional career in Business.

• The module also provides students with transferrable skills such as analytical skills and communications skills, which would be beneficial for other modules.

Module Delivery• Lectures – These will feature aspects such as literature review,

research methodology, Bloomberg Database etc. and would involve in-class activities – so the sessions will be interactive.

• Practical Session – these will be lab based where students will learn how to use SPSS statistical package for data analysis.

• Research Workshops – the workshops will mainly focus on academic literature search, development of research objectives, hypotheses and referencing.

• Surgery Sessions: Research-help sessions for general or specific research queries.

Module Topics • Critical review of literature.

• Research Methodology

• Using Financial databases - Bloomberg

• Quantitative data analysis techniques

Regression: Simple, cross-sectional; multiple, pooled and hierarchical.

Correlation, Chi-square, t-tests and non-parametric models.

Financial time series: an introduction.

Predicting classifications: Binominal logistic regression.

Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and multiple tests.

Module AssessmentsThe module is assessed 100% by Coursework

•Assessment 1

Academic Research Workshop Assignment (10%)

•Assessment 2:

Academic Research Paper or Business Research Report (90%)

(About 4,000 words - additional details provided on next slide)

Additional Details of Assessment 2

• Academic Research Paper: students will be required to write a research paper on a finance or finance related topic. This will enable them demonstrate knowledge of theoretical and empirical work on the topic, apply their understanding of critical evaluation to published work, collect data from appropriate database, apply appropriate statistical analysis techniques, communicate research results coherently and proffer rational conclusions or recommendations.

• Business Research Report (BRR): Students will be required to submit a business research report such as case study or business plan on any business related theme. Additionally, students can also produce non-standard projects focusing on developing a computer package to solve a problem, producing a video film for use as a learning aid etc. The BRR would entail analysis of Business information (including data), identification of problems or issues that need to be addressed to improve business functions and proffer rational recommendations and conclusion.