EPOKA UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
COURSE SYLLABUS
2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE INFORMATIONCourse Title: SEMINARS ON BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION |
| Code | Course Type | Regular Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credits | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS 505 | B | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7.5 |
| Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) | Prof.Dr. Osman Nuri Aras oaras@epoka.edu.al |
| Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | Prof.Dr. Osman Nuri Aras oaras@epoka.edu.al , By appointment (oaras@epoka.edu.al) |
| Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Language: | English |
| Compulsory/Elective: | Compulsory |
| Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) | Master of Science in Business Administration |
| Classroom and Meeting Time: | |
| Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Code of Ethics: |
Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline" |
| Attendance Requirement: | |
| Course Description: | The seminar is devoted to a detailed study of an individual research theme on an assigned theoretical or applied business problem. Each student prepares a paper during the semester. The student is advised by an instructor in his/her research and is expected to write regular progress reports so that specific problems and aspects of his/her work can be discussed. |
| Course Objectives: | To have a preliminary orientation of research methods before starting the thesis. |
|
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
|
| 1 | Research in Business Administration- Concept: Research in business administration involves systematically investigating business-related issues to provide data-driven solutions. This course will guide students through the stages of planning, designing, and conducting high-quality research for business environments. Key Idea: Developing the mindset to explore business challenges through structured inquiry. |
| 2 | Crafting a Research Proposal- Concept: A research proposal is a formal plan for a study that defines the topic, purpose, and methodology. It communicates the intended research project to advisors, sponsors, or academic reviewers for approval. Key Idea: A well-developed research proposal lays the foundation for a successful project by focusing on key areas: problem, scope, and method. |
| 3 | Defining the Research Problem- Concept: The research problem is a gap in knowledge or a challenge that requires a solution. It must be clearly stated to direct the focus of the study and ensure the project addresses a meaningful issue. Key Idea: A well-articulated problem ensures clarity of purpose and research relevance. |
| 4 | Rationale and Study Objectives- Concept: The rationale explains why the research is important, while objectives outline what the study intends to achieve. These components justify the study and define measurable goals. Key Idea: The rationale shows the value of the research; objectives break it down into manageable tasks. |
| 5 | Developing Research Questions and Hypotheses- Concept: Research questions guide the inquiry by framing the key issues under investigation. Hypotheses are testable statements predicting relationships between variables. Key Idea: Good research questions are specific and aligned with objectives, while hypotheses provide a scientific basis for analysis. |
| 6 | Research Design and Modelling- Concept: Research design outlines the methodology to collect, measure, and analyze data. Modelling involves representing relationships between variables to draw meaningful conclusions. Key Idea: A well-structured design ensures the study is scientifically sound and addresses the research problem effectively. |
| 7 | Identifying Data Sources- Concept: Data sources are the origin points for the information used in research, including primary sources (surveys, interviews) and secondary sources (reports, databases). Key Idea: Selecting appropriate data sources improves the reliability and depth of research. |
| 8 | Data Gathering Techniques- Concept: Data collection techniques include surveys, interviews, experiments, and observation. The choice of technique depends on the research design and type of data needed. Key Idea: Accurate data gathering is critical for achieving reliable research outcomes. |
| 9 | Reliability and Validity in Research- Concept: Reliability refers to the consistency of research results, while validity ensures that the study measures what it intends to measure. Key Idea: Balancing reliability and validity enhances the credibility of research findings. |
| 10 | Sampling Methods- Concept: Sampling involves selecting a subset of the population for analysis. Methods include probability sampling (random) and non-probability sampling (convenience, purposive). Key Idea: The quality of the sample determines how well the research represents the larger population. |
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COURSE OUTLINE
|
| Week | Topics |
| 1 | Introducing the course |
| 2 | Research proposal: general considerations |
| 3 | Stating the research problem |
| 4 | Rationale and objectives of the study |
| 5 | Preliminary research questions and/or hypohteses |
| 6 | Research design and modelling |
| 7 | Data sources |
| 8 | Data gathering techniques |
| 9 | Reliability and validity issues |
| 10 | Sampling |
| 11 | Data analysis |
| 12 | Pilot study and expected findings |
| 13 | Work plan |
| 14 | Presentation |
| Prerequisite(s): | |
| Textbook(s): | Handouts |
| Additional Literature: | |
| Laboratory Work: | NA |
| Computer Usage: | NA |
| Others: | No |
|
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
|
| 1 | Being able to handle a research project |
| 2 | Showing capability in writing a master thesis |
| 3 | Understanding a problem from multiple perspectives |
| 4 | Distinguishing qualitative research from the quantitative one |
| 5 | Gaining the ability to identify and define research problems |
| 6 | Familiarizing with the process of conducting a comprehensive literature review |
| 7 | Becoming familiar with a variety of research methodologies appropriate to business studies |
| 8 | Improving academic writing and presentation skills |
|
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution) |
| No | Program Competencies | Cont. |
| Master of Science in Business Administration Program | ||
| 1 | Integrate theories from business and economics to tackle business problem | 5 |
| 2 | Inspire an open minded-attitude through continuous learning and team-work. | 5 |
| 3 | Demonstrate ethical, social, and legal responsibilities in organizations | 5 |
| 4 | Organize and pursue scientific research projects | 5 |
| 5 | Enhance persuasive communication and presentation capabilities. | 5 |
| 6 | Critically evaluate contemporary research in specific business areas. | 5 |
|
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
|
| Method | Quantity | Percentage |
| Project |
1
|
100
|
| Total Percent: | 100% |
|
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
|
| Activities | Quantity | Duration(Hours) | Total Workload(Hours) |
| Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Mid-terms | 0 | ||
| Assignments | 5 | 6 | 30 |
| Final examination | 0 | ||
| Other | 2 | 30.75 | 61.5 |
|
Total Work Load:
|
187.5 | ||
|
Total Work Load/25(h):
|
7.5 | ||
|
ECTS Credit of the Course:
|
7.5 | ||
|
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER
|
|
This course has provided students with the essential tools and frameworks to conceptualize, design, and conduct business research, equipping them to address real-world challenges through data-driven insights. As future researchers and business professionals, students are now prepared to critically engage with complex problems, ensuring that their contributions to academia and industry are both impactful and methodologically sound. |