Senior Honors Seminar I (CBA 497)
Course Content and Format: In addition to the introductory notes that apply to all of the Honors Seminars, this course will explore sampling and data analysis in greater detail, utilizing sophisticated statistical software (after understanding the underlying foundations of such statistical analyses). It is expected that students perform the majority of the data collection and data analysis for their Honors Thesis during this semester. Each student submits the first two chapters of their Honors Project (i.e., Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology) at the end of this (Fall) semester. A major component of the seminar is visits by faculty and business professionals. Discussion also examines future career plans, including applying for graduate school.
Required Textbooks/Course Materials: [Note: These may change so please check for updates.]
- Anderson, David R., Dennis J. Sweeney, and Thomas A. Williams (2011),Statistics for Business and Economics, 11th Edition, Cengage Learning. [This text is used in IS 310.]
- David, Matthew and Carole D. Sutton (2004), Social Science Research: The Basics, Sage Publications.
- Patten, Mildred L. (2009), Understanding Research Methods, 9th edition, Pyrczak Publishing ['Optional'].
- Salkind, Neil J. (2007), Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics, 3rd edition, Sage Publications (ISBN # 9781412951500). [Recommended for those with weak statistical skills, but not required.]
- Trochim, William M. K. and James P. Donnelly (2006), The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3rd Edition, Atomic Dog Publishing.
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 interested in help with their thesis and/or sophisticated statistical analyses may also refer to:
- Balnaves, Mark and Peter Caputi (2001), Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods: An Investigative Approach, Sage Publications.
- Galvan, Jose L. (2004), Writing Literature Reviews, 2nd edition, Pryczak Publishing.
- Hair, Joseph F., Jr., Rolph E. Anderson, Ronald L. Tatham, and William C. Black (1998), Multivariate Data Analysis, 5th edition, Prentice Hall.
- Holcomb, Zealure C. (2004), Interpreting Basic Statistics, 4th edition, Pyrczak Publishing.
- Levin, Irwin P. (1999), Relating Statistics and Experimental Design: An Introduction, Sage Publications.
- Lomand, Turner C. (2002), Social Science Research, 3rd edition, Pyrczak Publishing.
- Pyrczak, Fred and Randall R. Bruce (2003), Writing Empirical Research Reports, 4th edition, Pryczak 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 of the 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., quantitative analyses, interpretation of empirical research, critical reviews of research and/or business strategies. There is one course exam the last week of class that focuses on statistical tests and data analytical techniques - it requires individual thought, insight, and creativity. Class participation is required and is considered when assigning final course grades.
NOTE: A complete course syllabus is provided by the assigned instructor and thus, may change from year to year. The above is meant to provide general insight about CBA 497.