MODULE 1: Business research methods

Unit 1.3: The Sources and Collection of Data

Coordinators: Erdenebayar Mashir, Mongolian University of Life Sciences

Lecturer: Erdenebayar Mashir, Ganzorig Gonchigsumlaa, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, a Guest lecturer from the List of teachers within the AGRIMBA network (Annex 1)

The Sources and Collection of Data

To improve knowledge, applied skills, and competence on the Sources and Collection of Data

• Types of secondary data and uses in research, 
• locating secondary data, 
• advantages and disadvantages of secondary data, 
• evaluating secondary data sources 
• Participant observation: an introduction, researcher roles, data collection, and analysis, 
• Structured observation: an introduction, data collection, and analysis 
• Types of interview and their link to the purposes of research and research strategy, 
• when to use non-standardized (qualitative) interviews, 
• data quality issues and preparing for the interview, 
• interviewing competence, managing logistical and resource issues, 
• group interviews and focus groups 
• An overview of questionnaire techniques, 
• deciding what data need to be collected, 
• designing the questionnaire, 
• administering the questionnaire 

Lectures (8 hours)

Interaction with students (4 hours)

Self-guided group work

1. Use secondary data 
2. Collecting primary data through observation 
3. Collecting primary data using semi-structured, in-depth, and group interviews 
4. Collecting primary data using questionnaires

Carrying out of exercises and tests

Written and oral exam

1. RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS STUDENTS. Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill
2. BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS. Donald R. Cooper, Pamela S. Schindler
3. BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS. Alan Bryman, Emma Bell
4. BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS. William G. Zikmund, Barry J. Babin, Jon C. Carr, Mitch Griffin
5. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. Ranjit Kumar