Research Methods

MBA 5652, Research Methods 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VIII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

3. Compare and contrast the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. 3.1 Exemplify quantitative research methodologies.

4. Evaluate different types of research methods.

4.1 Utilize research methods.

8. Synthesize the results of a research-based plan. 8.1 Prepare a formal presentation of the completed research plan.

Course/Unit Learning Outcomes

Learning Activity

3.1 Unit VIII PowerPoint Presentation

4.1 Unit VIII PowerPoint Presentation

8.1 Unit Lesson Article: “Developing Your Presentation Skills” Unit VIII PowerPoint Presentation

Required Unit Resources In order to access the following resource, click the link below: Messmer, M. (2000). Developing your presentation skills. The National Public Accountant, 45(6), 26.

Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/apps/doc/A64834031/AONE?u=oran 95108&sid=AONE&xid=b0bbaea9

Unit Lesson Presenting the Final Report Writing the report may not always be the final step in the research process because an oral presentation of the findings may be required. Fortunately, if the researcher has done an adequate job of writing the report, the oral presentation will be a natural extension of communicating the research results. The suggestions offered in Unit VII for writing the final report are applicable to the oral presentation. Those suggestions include understanding the stakeholders’ interests; presenting results at a level neither above nor below the stakeholders’ understanding of the research project; and avoiding overly technical, superfluous, or irrelevant information to maintain stakeholders’ interest. The best presenters are those who can communicate the research findings in a clear, organized, and interesting format. Although Microsoft PowerPoint has been used to torture millions of presentation attendees over the decades, it is still one of the most helpful and effective tools for delivering presentation information, if in the right hands. The following includes general recommendations and tips for using PowerPoint for making presentations effective and enjoyable for both attendees and presenters.

UNIT VIII STUDY GUIDE

Presenting the Findings

MBA 5652, Research Methods 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE

Title

 Prepare for success. Preparation is the key to mastering a presentation. Being prepared neutralizes anxiety and breeds confidence that is channeled to the audience. The presenter should conduct as many full rehearsals as necessary to comfortably and comprehensively discuss each slide in a presentation, without reading from the slides themselves or using speaker notes. The bulleted items on the slides should be the only cues the speaker needs to discuss the issues at length in a conversational style.

 Rehearse anywhere, such as a home office, the actual meeting space, or even a hotel room. The physical location for rehearsal is not as important as the mental location. Presenters should use mental imagery to visualize themselves making an effective presentation. Visualization for success is a technique that many athletes use.

 Engage and converse with the audience. Make eye contact. Use hand gestures to communicate. Move about during the presentation. Speak confidently and clearly. Check for understanding, especially if you see puzzled faces in the audience. Welcome questions.

 Limit the amount of information on each slide. Visual appeal is important. Use only enough information in bullet points for the message to stand on its own. Use a conservative color palette for the slide background and include relevant graphics to dress up the slides. Make good use of negative space.

 Relax. If you make a mistake, nobody will know.

 Admit limitations. Do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know,” but be sure to follow up with the answers later.

 Enjoy the spotlight! The presenter should welcome this opportunity to be on stage, present the fruits of his or her labor, and serve as the expert for the project.