MKT-220-A&C Syllabus FA20 - A. Smith PDF

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Suffolk University, Sawyer School of Business Business Research Methods MKT-220, Section A: T/TH 11:30 am - 12:45 pm EDT/EST, Online MKT-220, Section C: T/TH 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm EDT/EST, Online Fall 2020 Online Modality This class will be held online only, which means all instruction will be delivered virtually (you don’t need to be on campus). While some content may be delivered asynchronously via Blackboard, you should assume we will meet weekly – on Zoom – at the times designated in the course schedule, unless otherwise specified (please note that a change in teaching modality may be possible due to extenuating circumstances). I expect you to be present on those Zoom calls, prepared, with your video on, actively participating in our discussions and activities. Similarly, I expect you to be a prepared and active participant in any asynchronous online discussions and learning activities we hold in this course. Instructor Dr. Andrew Smith Email: [email protected] Zoom Number (for office hours and meetings): https://suffolk.zoom.us/j/9950837391 Zoom Office Hours: 10:00 am - 11:00 am EDT/EST (T/TH) (also by appointment at other times) Teaching Assistant TBD Course Prerequisite Statistics (STATS 240 or STATS 250) Course Description This course provides an introduction to the principles, methods and data collection mechanisms of business research. This course aims to provide an understanding of research within various business contexts. To become an accomplished consumer of business research, one must acquire skills in designing, conducting, and analyzing different research methods. This course introduces students to a set of principles of business research that are the basis of standard practices in the different business fields. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to enhance both written and oral communication skills as well develop an understanding of statistical analysis software (SPSS), survey design software (Qualtrics) and how to use EXCEL and PowerPoint to create an effective research presentation. From the course calendar: Business Research Methods is a general introduction to both quantitative and qualitative business research methods. Topics covered include the purpose of research, defining research and research problems, defining an hypothesis, problem solving and knowledge discovery, methods of quantitative and qualitative research, conducting literature reviews, designing appropriate methodologies, evaluating outcomes, analysis and communicating the results. Students will use Excel and SPSS to support research analysis, implementing what was learned in statistics and going beyond as they learn new data analysis techniques. Students will discuss and present research ideas and processes orally both informally and formally.

Required Course Materials Required Text 1) Hair, Joe H., Ortinau, David, and Dana E. Harrison (2021). Essentials of Marketing Research (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. ISBN: 9781260260465. WITH CONNECT. This book is available from the publisher or the SU Bookstore in a package that includes access to the e-book + CONNECT (LearnSmart) + a loose leaf hard copy.

Required Software 1) SPSS Statistical Analysis Software  All SBS students have free access to SPSS via the Suffolk Virtual Desktop at: https://desktop.suffolk.edu. Select ‘Install VMware Horizon Client’ and install the appropriate software for your OS (or access via a web browser). The server name is: desktop.suffolk.edu. Use your Suffolk user name and password to access it. 2) Qualtrics Online Survey Software  All SBS students have free access to Qualtrics at: http://suffolk.qualtrics.com. The self-enrollment code is SBSStudent (case sensitive). 3) Microsoft Office (WORD, PowerPoint, and EXCEL):  If you do not already have these programs on your laptop or tablet, go to https://webstore.suffolk.edu/ for access to free downloads. 4) Blackboard and Zoom Additional reading and learning materials may be posted on Blackboard throughout the semester. Make sure to check Blackboard frequently to keep updated. Learning Goals and Objectives GOALS Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to know/understand: A systematic process for social science/business research How to develop measurable research questions and hypotheses Different research designs (exploratory, descriptive, and causal) Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods Sampling procedures appropriate for business problems/situations

Principles of measurement Data analysis with SPSS Statistical analysis How to create and deliver an effective research presentation

OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to: Discuss research as an ethical process that involves a sequence of activities, each compatible with the preceding stage(s) Translate a business problem into a feasible research question and state a corresponding testable hypothesis Recommend an appropriate research design for a business problem/need for information Conduct an in-depth interview and design a survey in Qualtrics Develop a sampling plan and choose the appropriate sampling procedure to test the proposed hypotheses considering the limitations at hand Develop reliable and valid measures using a variety of scale formats Conduct data analyses using SPSS (i.e., correctly chose the appropriate statistical test) Interpret analysis results, recognize limitations of research data, offer managerial recommendations Use Excel and PowerPoint to create visual displays, practice written and oral communication skills, as well as team building skills

ASSESSMENTS How you will be assessed on these learning objectives: Exams, Quizzes, Team project

Team project, In-class exercises, Exams Exams, Quizzes, Team project Team project Team project, In-class exercises

Team project, In-class exercises, Exams In-class exercises, Exams, Team project Team project, In-class exercises, Exams, Quizzes Team project

Course Policies This course abides by university policies that can be found here: www.suffolk.edu/syllabus. Attendance and Participation are Expected and Required Our class will meet through the Zoom online conference system. As is the case in most businesses, attendance, promptness, and participation are expected. Coming to (virtual) class late, not participating, or leaving early are not acceptable (i.e., are rude and unprofessional). Students are expected to attend and participate in every class. Absences are particularly detrimental to learning in this course because of: the volume and nature of course content; the way we will use our in-class time; and the considerable team-emphasis in the course. Each student is MKT-220-A&C – A. Smith – FA20

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allowed two unexcused absences without penalty. A third unexcused absence will trigger a 2-point reduction in your FINAL course grade (e.g., three absences will reduce a ’90’ grade to an ’88’ grade). Each subsequent absence will reduce your FINAL grade by an additional 2-points (e.g. four absences will reduce a ‘90’ grade to an ’86’ grade, etc.). Tardiness and absence due to work-related or personal responsibilities are not excused absences. Lack of participation (e.g. those who do not respond to polling systems, or when called upon, or who disappear from breakout rooms) will result in absence penalties. If you cannot attend class for an extended period, you must present documentation from your healthcare provider to the Office of Student Affairs. If you experience life-altering circumstances and cannot attend class, seek advice from the SBS Advising Office about withdrawing from the course. For more information, see: http://www.suffolk.edu/studenthandbook/19864.php Tardiness, Leaving Class Early, Leaving Class and Returning, and Non-Participation are Not Acceptable Arriving late for class, leaving class early, or leaving during class and returning is rude and unprofessional behavior. Consistent violations will be penalized as follows: first offense = no penalty; each subsequent offense will result in a 2-point subtraction from your FINAL course grade. Virtual Classroom Norms & Video Camera Use Although we will be meeting via Zoom, we will adopt the same rules and norms as in a physical classroom (e.g. arrive a few minutes early; take notes; participate by asking and answering questions; wear classroom-ready clothing; turn off your cell phones and close out of unrelated browser tabs). For everyone’s benefit, join the course in a quiet place. Turn on your video. Mute your microphone unless you are speaking. Close browser tabs not required for participating in class. Success in this learning environment will depend on the same commitment we all bring to the physical classroom. Virtual Class Recording Policy Students are prohibited from making their own recording of their classes, unless the requesting student is registered with Disabilities Services and recording of class sessions is an approved accommodation. In some cases, online, hyflex or hybrid classes are recorded by the instructor as a service to students who may need to view the class later, for example because some students enrolled in the class live in time zones that make it difficult to attend class in a synchronous fashion. If this is your situation as a student, please communicate with the instructor. Owing to the potential for technical difficulties, however, there can be no guarantee that all classes will successfully be recorded. Zoom notifies all class participants when the class is being recorded, and the recording may be paused by the instructor at any time. Recordings of classes are the intellectual property of the instructor. Continuity of Learning / Inclement Weather If the university (or professor) cancels classes (e.g., as a result of severe weather, illness, etc.), students are expected to continue with readings as originally scheduled. Any assignments scheduled during a cancelled class, such as an exam, will be due at the next class meeting, unless otherwise specified (e.g. instructions are posted on the course website or communicated via email). Students are expected to check on-line for additional assignments that may be required to compensate for missed in-class time. The professor will inform students about any revisions to the course schedule, if necessary, to accommodate for cancelled classes. Class Preparation It is important to be prepared for each class session. This means that you have completed the assigned readings and/or assignments (including the LearnSmart modules), watched any pre-recorded content, and have thoughtfully and critically thought about the concepts and issues contained within the learning materials and assignments. This course is not one in which students will be passive note-takers. You are expected to contribute meaningfully to each session by engaging in class discussions, generating intelligent questions, and being prepared. Topics for each week of the course are identified on the course schedule. Students are expected MKT-220-A&C – A. Smith – FA20

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to come to class having completed and studied the assigned readings. The Professor WILL NOT lecture on all the material assigned to students. You are all working together to better understand the reading you have just done. Everyone should participate in class discussions and experientials, because everyone has something to offer.  Complete all assigned readings, including LearnSmart modules, before class. Even if you do not understand all of it, you should be familiar with it.  Watch any pre-recorded learning materials posted to Blackboard.  Take notes or highlight what you think are important parts of the reading/learning material. You may want to read them aloud during class time.  Make a list of discussion points that you want clarification on, and/or have question about.  Arrive for class prepared with questions or statements you think will elicit good responses and lead to discussion (even though you may not be asked to start the class). Communication  Communication for this class will be via Blackboard and your Suffolk e-mail account; be able to access and use both of these platforms, and check them regularly.  I expect that you will be professional in your interactions with classmates and with your professors.  Please read “How to Email a Professor” (http://www.wikihow.com/Email-a-Professor) and use professional titles to address all of your professors. Academic Honesty, Cheating, and Plagiarism Suffolk University expects all students to be responsible individuals with high standards of conduct. Students are expected to practice ethical behavior in all learning environments and scenarios, including classrooms and laboratories, internships and practica, and study groups and academic teams. Cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, use of unauthorized electronic devices, self-plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, and other types of academic misconduct are treated as serious offenses that initiate a formal process of inquiry, one that may lead to disciplinary sanctions. Please review the Academic Misconduct Policy in the student handbook. An undergraduate student who has been found to have violated this policy is subject to an automatic grade of “F” in the course and to suspension, enforced withdrawal, or dismissal from the University or appropriate lesser penalties if warranted by the circumstances. Written Work Guidelines are provided for all written assignments. Before submission, proofread for spelling, grammar and syntax. Suffolk University offers many resources to assist students with student success, including writing skills. See http://www.suffolk.edu/academics/20419.php. Written assignments that show signs of NOT being proofread will not be graded. If you make use of the Writing Center, please plan accordingly to make an appointment well in advance of the assignment due date. APA Format is required for citing sources within written text and for the references section of written assignments. Here are two very good resources.  http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/  http://www.apastyle.org/learn/index.aspx Late Submission of Assignments is Not Acceptable Assignments must be ready for submission at the beginning of class on the specified due date, unless otherwise directed. I will let you know the proper method of submission (e.g. hard copy, Blackboard, etc.) in advance for each assignment. Plan ahead to complete your work early. Partial credit will NOT be given for late work. Discussing Returned Assignments, Projects, and Exams Assignments, projects, and exams are important opportunities to demonstrate key skills and understanding of course material. I will return graded submissions and/or feedback either in class, or via email/Blackboard. I understand your desire to learn from these exercises and that you may wish to discuss them after receiving your MKT-220-A&C – A. Smith – FA20

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grades and accompanying instructor feedback. In order to ensure adequate time for reflection, if you would like to discuss a returned exam/assignment, please do the following: 1) take 48-hours and write down any questions that you may have; 2) send me an email with your questions (please be as specific as possible), and arrange so that I can see your exam/assignment again; 3) wait for a response, and we can arrange for a time to discuss. For your reference, here is the university’s policy on academic complaints and grade grievances: http://www.suffolk.edu/studenthandbook/67192.php. Team Work and Grading You are required to complete team assignments; it’s important to contribute to the team process in a professional manner. While team work can be a challenge, the reality is that once you are in the workplace, your employer will probably not ask you if you prefer to work alone or in teams, or who you want to work with on a project.  Peer Evaluations: Each student will be evaluated by his/her team members for all group assignments. These evaluations will be taken into consideration when compiling final grades. We will discuss more details in-class at the appropriate time.  Team Grading: While each team will receive a grade for the different components of all group assignments and projects, each student earns an ‘individual’ grade for each component of the assignment and/or project. Peer evaluations, compliance with the criteria set forth in the team contract, and individual effort for each component of the project will be assessed in determining individual grades. A Team Contract A Team Contract is a document prepared by each group prior to starting work on the group project. This contract holds students accountable and responsible for their own actions. Each team will develop their own "rules of engagement" through the development of the team contract. This contract provides an opportunity for your group to specify contact information, preferred methods of communication, action plans, meeting schedules, goals, and consequences of actions (or inactions) of group members. The contract will be developed and signed by each member of the group. For the Team Contract to be valid, provide the signed and dated original contract to me by the specified deadline on your course schedule. Each group member should keep a copy for their records. Teaching Evaluations Every MKT220 student is required to complete the end-of-semester teaching evaluation form. Final semester grades will be withheld for those students who do not complete this form. Disability Accommodations If you determine that you need formal, disability-related accommodations, it is very important that you register with the Office of Disability Services (located at 73 Tremont Street, 7th floor, 617-994-6820, [email protected]) and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. We can then plan how best to implement your accommodations. For more information, look here: www.suffolk.edu/disability. Student Resources and Support As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, health issues, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, or feeling ill. These concerns or other stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or may reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Suffolk University services are available to assist you in addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of medical services and confidential mental health services available on campus at the following websites: Counseling Center or Office of Health and Wellness Services http://www.suffolk.edu/campuslife/2746.php MKT-220-A&C – A. Smith – FA20

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This Course Follows the Federal Government’s Credit Hour Definition “An amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutional established equivalence that reasonably approximates no less than: (1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.” It is a 3.0-credit course. Course Evaluation Course Evaluation Items Points Individual Assignments (57%) LearnSmart Reading & Learning Assignments Virtual Classroom Participation In-Class Deliverables Content Quizzes (2 @ 33.3 points; 1 @ 33.4 points) SPSS Homework Assignments (3 @ 40 points) Final Exam Assessment of Learning (AoL) Quiz

100 50 50 100 120 100 50

Team Assignments (Team Project) (43%) Situational Analysis Assignment In-Depth Interview (Qualitative) Assignment Qualtrics (Survey) Questionnaire Final Proj...