James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

BX2174 - Evidence Based Business Decision-Making

Subject Description

A superior ability to collect, process, and interpret information for decision making is a major source of competitive advantage in the business marketplace. The focus of this subject is to develop knowledge and basic skills of business research concepts and methods. Specific topics include the role of information systems, knowledge management, formulation of the research problem, research design and methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection, data analysis and the interpretation and use of research results. Students gain a view of business research from the buyer's and seller's perspectives and an understanding of the code of practice which regulates business market research activities.

Learning Outcomes

• explain the critical importance of research for superior business performance
• analyse a business situation, formulate a research problem and devise an appropriate research design
• analyse data using basic qualitative and quantitative methods
• interpret findings in a manner that facilitates business decision making
• explain basic data collection methods, outline when the method is most suited, and evaluate the related strengths and limitations of each method in a business context; and demonstrate effective written communication skills

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (50%) - Individual
• Business Report Part 2 (analysis of business decision implications and proposal for further research) - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Project report - (30%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BU2010 MG2706 TO2015 TO5015

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