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Junior Honors Seminar (CBA 397)

Course Content and Format: In addition to the introductory notes that apply to all of the Honors Seminars, this course resembles an advanced course in "Research Methods" covering basic topics such as

  1. what is research,
  2. literature reviews and secondary data,
  3. research design,
  4. qualitative and quantitative research,
  5. hypotheses, independent and dependent variables,
  6. ethical issues, etc.

This seminar is designed as a non-disciplinary course: i.e., one that is not tied to one area, but one which has broad application/appeal across all business functions. A major component of the seminar is visits by faculty and business professionals. Time is devoted to teaming up students with sponsoring (mentoring) faculty, based on common interests and objectives. Once such partnerships are secured, students begin work on their Honors Thesis. At the end of this semester, each student must submit a proposal for their Honors Theses for approval by the Program Director.

Required Textbooks/Course Materials: [Note: These may change so please check for updates.]

  • Burns, Robert B. (2000), Introduction to Research Methods, Sage Publications.
  • Harris, Robert A. (2002), Creative Problem Solving, Pryczak Publishing.
  • Holcomb, Zealure C. (2004), Interpreting Basic Statistics, 4th edition, Pyrczak Publishing.
  • Lomand, Turner C. (2002), Social Science Research, 3rd edition, Pyrczak Publishing.
  • Patten, Mildred L. (2002), Proposing Empirical Research, 2nd edition, Pyrczak Publishing.
  • Patten, Mildred L. (2004), Understanding Research Methods, 4th edition, Pyrczak Publishing.
  • Pyrczak, Fred & Randall R. Bruce (2003), Writing Empirical Research Reports, 4th edition, Pryczak Publishing.
  • Salkind, Neil J. (2004), Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics, 2nd edition, Sage Publications.

Additional/Supplemental Required Readings: Reading lists are distributed prior to each visit by a faculty/business professional (i.e., they relate to the content to be presented by the visiting scholar or business executive). Students are expected to read such materials prior to class in order that they may make a valuable contribution to class discussion.

Optional/Supplemental Materials: Students, especially those interested in the 'thesis track' of the CBAHP, may also refer to:

  • Galvan, Jose L. (2004), Writing Literature Reviews, 2nd edition, Pryczak Publishing.
  • Pan, M. Ling (2004), Preparing Literature Reviews, 2nd edition, Pryczak Publishing.
  • Pyrczak, Fred (2000), Completing Your Thesis or Dissertation, Pryczak Publishing.
  • Trochim, William M. K. (2001), The Research Methods Knowledge Base, Atomic Dog Publishing.

Course Requirements/Assignments: By the end of this semester, each student must submit a proposal for their Honors Theses for approval by the Director ofthe CBA Honors Program. Additional written assignments require personal insight, creative problem-solving, strategic planning, and team/leadership skills. These endeavors vary in format (depending on student and participating expert interests): e.g., case studies, interpretation of empirical research, critical reviews of research and/or business strategies, business plan development, financial portfolio assessments. Exams are still under consideration, although a 'given' is that they be of an essay format requiring individual thought, insight, and creativity. Class participation is required and is considered when assigning final course grades.