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"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
[Henry David Thoreau]
"...knowledge is not a mere extrinsic or accidental advantage, which is ours today and another's tomorrow, which may be got up from a book, and easily forgotten again, which we can command or communicate at our pleasure, which we can borrow for the occasion, carry about in our hand, and take into the market; it is an acquired illumination, it is a habit, a personal possession, and an inward endowment."
[John Henry Cardinal Newman]
CBA 237A [Wednesday 7:00-9:45PM]
Office: CBA 348 [Office Hours are before and after class, and by appointment]
Marketing research is a pervasive function of modern organizations. If, in fact, the "marketing concept" is to be implemented, marketers must have a way of determining what customers desire. As the complexity of the problems facing marketing managers has increased in recent years, so has their need for information -- about the market environment, about the competition and particularly about customers. It is now a virtual certainty that every marketing manager (and many managers in other functional areas and in general management) will come in close contact with marketing research frequently through his or her career in business. If your goal is to have a successful career in the field of marketing (in a small or large organization, or in academia), this course is likely the most important course that you will take in the program. At the same time, it may also be the most challenging.
Marketing research techniques can broadly be separated into qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative techniques include many methods, such as focus groups and in-depth interviews. Quantitative methods are numerous. While qualitative techniques will be discussed and sampled via in-class exercises and homework assignments, the course focuses on experimental and survey research.
The primary focus of this class is survey research. Students will learn to develop a questionnaire, code and enter data, to develop hypotheses, to analyze data, and finally, to prepare a managerial report that concisely and clearly summarizes results. Students are not expected to become statisticians; they are, however, expected to learn how to successfully use and interpret statistics. The uses, as well as the limitations of specific statistics, and "hard data" in general, are explored. Students will learn how to use the statistical package most widely used by marketing research firms, SPSS.
The course goals and objectives are:
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To improve the student's ability to
critically and conceptually analyze research results.
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To develop the student's ability to critically evaluate alternative research designs and to develop and select the most appropriate one for a particular problem situation. |
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To provide the student with the necessary skills to implement a research design. |
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To provide the student with an introduction to the various data analysis procedures that are most frequently used in marketing research. |
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To provide the student with an introduction to the SPSS statistical software package. |
In brief, this course is designed to make the contacts between management and marketing research as productive as possible by making each student an intelligent user and consumer of marketing research. Six learning vehicles are used in the course: (a) readings, (b) lectures, (c) discussion and assignments of problems and readings, (d) 'mini' presentations, (e) execution and presentation of a Team Research Project, and (f) exams.
A lot of material must be covered in this course, and as a result, much of this class is conducted in a lecture format. I do, however, want students to participate as much as possible. So, please come prepared to discuss the assigned material, to share your own personal experiences that are relevant, and to ask informed questions.
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Required Textbook:
Click here to go to the textbook publisher's web site.
Additional/Supplemental Required Materials: A 'Class Notes Packet' [PowerPoint handouts] is available at the Campus Bookstore Copy Center. These materials are not available elsewhere and are not posted online. [NOTE: It is each student's responsibility to purchase all relevant items PRIOR to class. Class will not be delayed for those who arrive without the necessary lecture notes, etc.]
Optional/Supplemental Materials: Those with weak statistical skills may find the following beneficial:
Supplemental readings (most in PDF format) are available on the Web (see links in the Course Schedule below). More recent readings may be assigned as the term progresses -- these will be announced and/or distributed via e-mail. Any assigned readings are required and will serve as exam material. All students are required to have an e-mail account and access to the Internet. Please check your e-mail inbox regularly for course updates/announcements (e.g., additional readings, assignments, changes in the schedule, etc.).
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Everyone is expected to attend class regularly (including all guest speaker and class presentations). Other commitments such as class schedule conflicts and work are not acceptable excuses for missing class. Failure to attend class and participate (see additinal commments in the Course Evaluation section) will be reflected in your (1) exam scores (tests cover text material, class lectures, and assigned readings), (2) assignment grades, (3) class participation score, and (4) final letter grade. If you must miss a session, please get class notes, announcements, etc. from a classmate. You are also expected to read the daily assignments PRIOR to class! Your motivation and discipline will help make the class an enjoyable experience.
Anyone who misses a class is responsible for what transpired that day. It is your responsibility to contact a classmate and to log on to this Web site to determine what you missed. Please do NOT contact me via phone or e-mail about missed classes.
It is important that students are repectful towards instructors and fellow classmates, and that their behaviors not interfere with nor disrupt class activities. Therefore, please adhere to the following rules when attending MKTG 470 (as outlined in Department "Rules for Classroom Conduct and Behavior").
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Plan to arrive to class on time and to stay for the entire class period (or until dismissed) because random arrivals and exits are disrespectful and distracting. Be advised that I take note of such impolite behaviors that show a lack of respect for myself and other classmates. [Note: This is my #2 pet peeve.] |
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All cell phones and other electronic devices (e.g., pagers, palm pilots) must be turned off (or on vibrate) and hidden from view. [Note: This is my #1 pet peeve.] |
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Laptops are permitted for (quiet) note taking only! Accessing the Internet, checking e-mail messages, etc. is not permitted. |
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Food and beverages are NOT permitted in CBA classrooms. Those must be consumed in designated areas only. |
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Talking and other disruptive behaviors are not permitted while classes are in session. |
| * | When in the Computer Lab during class time, computers are to be used for course-related activities only (i.e., NOT to check personal e-mail, to browse the Internet, etc.). Violators will be penalized. Monitors must remain OFF until you are instructed to turn them on. |
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Students are expected to do original work for all assignments, including exams. Students are responsible for their own conduct and all cases of dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) will be reported to the proper university officials. |
Grades will be based on the following factors:*
| Exams (2 of equal weight) | 50% |
| Qualitative Project | 10% |
| Questionnaire Project | 10% |
| Final Team Project/Presentation | 25% |
| In-class Exercises, Participation, and Attendance | 5% |
| [*NOTE: These percentages may change, depending on class motivation and performance.] | |
Your final course grade will be a function of your performance relative to the performance of the others in the class. Individual exam grades are not curved -- any adjustments (if any - most likely none) are made only on total points (at the end of the term). Given the small class size, do NOT expect any "curve" or adjustments from the traditional grading policy (i.e., 'A' = 90%+, 'B' = 80-89.9%, 'C' = 70-79.9%, 'D' = 60-69.9%, 'F' < 60, based on total points earned).
Two exams are given throughout the term, each covering approximately one-half of the course material. [NO MAKE-UP EXAMS FOR ANY REASON.] The only exceptions are those specified in the University "Excused Absences Policy Statement" (e.g., hospitalization, death of an immediate family member). See comments below in the General Policies section.] The exact format of each exam will be explained prior to the scheduled test date. Exams are designed to assess your knowledge of the material and your understanding of how the concepts are interrelated. Thus, they are challenging and mere memorization of the text and/or class notes will not assure a passing grade by any means. [NOTE: Any student who fails both exams will fail the course.]
To earn points for "class participation," you must attend class and make an active and valuable contribution to class discussion (i.e., ask relevant questions, offer true insight). Mere attendance is not sufficient. When class roll is taken, you must be present to earn those points (i.e., leaving class early will prevent you from receiving those points, NO exceptions). [Random exits from class are rude and disrespectful, and such behavior will not be rewarded.]
Unannounced in-class exercises are performed on a regular basis, in part dependent on class motivation and performance (i.e., less motivation means more of these types of assignments). There are NO make-ups for such exercises: no exceptions.
NOTE: All written assignments must be well organized, using an interesting writing style that is grammatically correct (regardless of what your native language is). Expect a severe grade reduction for poor grammar. Individual grades for each of the team-based assignments (Qualitative Project, Questionnaire Project, and Team PowerPoint Presentation) are assigned based on the group written effort (content, summary report, PP slides, etc.), overall group presentation, individual performance in the presentation, and peer evaluation. Thus, all team members may not receive the same final project grade.
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Develop your own in-depth interview guide to assess satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the CBA. In writing the questions, think about what characteristics of the business school and experiences in your major contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction (and any other questions you would like to ask to evaluate the program)? Over the coming week, group members should interview business majors in the 5 areas (Accounting, Management/HRM, Finance, Marketing, and IS). If you have trouble findings people to participate, you may limit your analysis to Marketing majors. Each person should summarize the findings from their interview in 1-2 pages for your group members. The team will then consolidate those individual summaries into one team summary report (3 pages maximum), due at the start of class.
Alternatively, each team may do one of the following:
Be careful. This assignment is NOT a quantitative survey. I am looking for qualitative, not quantitative information. All teams will present their findings in class on September 30. [Additional assignment details will be distributed in class.]
Develop a quantitative questionnaire to assess satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the CBA. This questionnaire is meant to supplement (and hopefully confirm) the data that result from the above qualitative interviews. As noted above, in writing the questions, think about what characteristics of the business school and experiences in your major that contribute to satisfaction/satisfaction (and any other questions you would like to ask to evaluate the program)?
Try to use a variety of (appropriate) measurement scales and follow the guidelines set forth in class PowerPoint handouts and your textbook. The goal is for detail and meaningful data. At the same time, try to be creative.
All teams will present their findings in class on October 28.
The primary objective of the 'Team Project' is to provide students with some experience in applying concepts and research methods to 'real' business/social problems. This involves analyzing data, interpreting that data, and presenting those findings to the entire class. Students form 3-4 person self-selected teams to prepare a report in the form of a PowerPoint presentation (see format details below). Be creative here and have some fun!
Student teams analyze one of the data sets compiled by the Social Science & Research Instructional Council (SSRIC). There are numerous data bases that cover a wide range of topics. Alternatively, teams may analyze the "Internet & Advertising" data file(s) that I have downwloaded and reduced (all files are linked to the assignment "Schedule" below). This study includes a survey of patients and a survey of physicians. [NOTE: Teams who locate and analyze a unique data base (more challenging) will earn extra credits for their efforts, assuming that they meet expectations (e.g., perform correct analyses, prepare a well-organized and informtive presentation, etc.).]
Teams will explore one of the data sets that is worthy of discussion. This involves (1) problem identification, and (2) hypothesis development (which should be linked to past empirical research). These tasks are followed by (1) measurement development, (2) data analysis and results, (3) interpretation/discussion of those results, and (4) recommendations for policy makers, public agencies, and/or the business community. Samples from past classes illustrate "A" presentations (PDF format): The Impact of Emotions, Alcohol Consumption Among College Students, Couples and Contraception, Bullying, DTC Internet Ads, Marriage, and Obesity.
NOTE: This is a business report, i.e., NOT an editorial or political statement. Any recommendations must be linked to the data (including past empirical data that you may locate), and not mere opinions of group members.
Each team is required to submit a printed copy of their PowerPoint (PP) slides along with a complete list of references the day of class presentations (December 2). All team members must participate (speak) in at least some portion of the presentation (additional suggestions for presentations will be given in class). Individual project grades are assigned based on the group written effort (including content, PP slides, etc.), project proposal, individual performance in the presentation, and peer evaluation. Please carry your weight in the group or your final grade will suffer significantly!
NOTE: All written assignments (including PowerPoint slides) must be well-organized using an interesting writing style that is grammatically correct (regardless of what your native language is). Expect a severe grade reduction for poor grammar — I am very serious about this!
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Additional Preparation Guidelines for the Presentation
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You will be informed about the exact nature/format of each exam prior to the scheduled test date. Expect mostly open-ended and essay type questions. For such questions, I suggest the following:
In the case of multiple-choice items, individual exam questions require you to select the single best answer. All alternatives are designed to be reasonably attractive. Please read each question and alternative carefully!! Expect several "not" questions. That is, questions that take the form, "Which of the following is NOT a major factor to consider in developing ..." You are looking for the alternative that does not fit. Remember, if any one aspect of an alternative response to an objective question is false, the alternative is false.
The questions are designed to assess your ability to think so you should be able to relate various concepts discussed in class. They are, however, challenging and require careful reading. One word can alter the meaning of a sentence so please do not be hasty. You will have sufficient time to complete the exam. NOTE: Do NOT use the number of 'a', 'b', 'c', etc. responses as a means of determining an answer. I typically create exams with a disproportionate number of answers for each letter alternative.
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The only possibility of an exception to a deadline or exam date are those specified in the University "Excused Absences Policy Statement" (e.g., hospitalization, death of an immediate family member). [Documentation is required.] A visit to the student health center or a doctor's appointment is NOT an acceptable excuse for missing class or for delinquent assignments. And, I must be informed of a problem prior to the exam date or assignment deadline (i.e., not the day an assignment is due or a test is scheduled). If you anticipate getting a cold or having some other debilitating experience (e.g., typing and/or printing problems), I suggest that you start assignments and projects well ahead of the due date.
As far as "special consideration" is concerned, ALL students are treated equally: to do otherwise is unethical, unfair, and violates University policy. Thus, there are no "extra credit" options or grade adjustments given to select students.
You are expected to do original work for all assignments, including exams. Students are responsible for their own conduct and all cases of dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) will be reported to the proper university officials. Please avoid an embarrassing or unfortunate situation.
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Due to extreme budget cuts, all 23 CSU campuses have cut admissions, classes, and faculty positions. In addition, class enrollments have been increased, thus increasing student/teacher ratios. As mandated by the legislature and administration, class sessions will be canceled on certain days this semester because of budget cuts.
A canceled class does not mean that you get a vacation — it means that CSULB does not have enough money in its budget to offer the services required to give you a high-quality education. You still need to know the material for exams, must complete all assignments, and performance expectations remain unchanged, but there will be less explanation and less class time. Faculty may be less available, Department offices will be closed on a regular basis, the library will have shorter hours, and many campus support services are decreased. I regret the situation, but it is beyond my control. Please note that the days when I am forced to cancel class because of budget cuts are indicated on the schedule below.
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The tentative (to be revised before classes begin) course outline below indicates the approximate dates when selected topics are discussed. Note that students are expected to complete the reading assignments prior to coming to class on dates indicated below. This will assist in note taking and will result in more insightful class discussion.
If additional readings are assigned and/or if changes in the schedule are necessary (e.g., to accommodate guest speakers), students are held responsible for such changes as announced in class and on the Internet. Course updates and announcements are distributed via the BeachBoard e-mail system. Please check the schedule below and your e-mail inbox regularly for the latest class announcements. [Internet access and an e-mail account (registered with BeachBoard) are required of all students.]
Course Schedule (Fall 2009) |
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Date |
Topic(s) | Assignment* |
September 2 |
Introduction and Overview |
Syllabus; Chapter 1. |
| September 8 | Furlough Day/Campus Closed | No classes |
September 9 |
The Research Process/Ethics |
Ch. 1, pp. 2-16. The section on Marketing Research Careers may be
of interest to you (pp. 18-19). |
September 16 |
More on Qualitative & Observational Research Speaker: Susan Jackson [CSULB Business Librarian Print and Bring to Class the Library Guide |
Chapters 4,
5, & 11. |
| September 21 | Furlough Day | No work for Dr. Homer |
September 23 |
Primary Data Collection/Survey Research |
Work on Qualitative Projects. |
September 30 |
Speaker: Stafford Cox [Introduction to Team Project Data Sets] Questionnaire Design/Attitude Measurement
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Chapters 8 & 9. |
October 7 |
More on Attitude Measurement |
Chapters 8 & 9. |
| October 9 | Furlough Day/Campus Closed | No classes |
October 14 |
Sampling |
Chapter 7. Bring hand calculator to class. |
October 21 |
Exam 1 |
[6 single-sided pages (8.5-11") of notes allowed as "Exam Aids."] |
October 28 |
Questionnaire Presentations Experimental Design More on Data Analysis & SPSS |
Chapter 11.Chapter 6, pp. 116-119. |
| October 29 | Furlough Day | No work for Dr. Homer |
| November 2 | Furlough Day/Campus Closed | No classes |
| November 4 | Experimental Design |
Chapter 6, pp. 116-119. |
November 5 |
Team Project Proposal Due (5PM) |
One-page summary of data base (identify and briefly describe), research objectives, initial hypotheses, measures. |
| November 11 | Campus Holiday | No classes/Campus Closed |
| November 12/13 | Furlough Days | No work for Dr. Homer |
November 16 |
Hypothesis Summary Due [3PM] |
One-page summary of all project hypotheses: (1) state each hypothesis clearly,(2) identify the dependent variable, (3) identify the independent variable(s), and (4) identify the statistical test (e.g., t test) you will use to test each hypothsis. |
November 18 |
Correlation & Regression Analysis Statistics Recap and Review |
Chapter 13. |
| November 25 | Furlough Day/Campus Closed | No class |
December 2 |
Team Project Presentations [Class meets in the Computer Lab.] |
Chapter 14. |
| December 7 | Furlough Day | No work for Dr. Homer |
December 9 |
Exam 2 |
This exam is open note. No electronic devices (other than a non-programmable calculator) are allowed. |
December 16 |
Final Exam |
This exam is open note. No electronic devices (other than a non-programmable calculator) are allowed. |
| December 18 | Furlough Day | No work for Dr. Homer |
| [* Data sets are SPSS files (*.sav) that open only in SPSS. However, then can be downloaded and saved for use in the Computer Lab. Most of the on-line readings are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader 5 (or higher).] | ||