Research Project Each student decides on a business issue to research. Examples of issues include exploring consumer satisfaction, product popularity, market saturation, product comparisons, or business expense reductions, etc.

.

Each student will complete the different stages of data collecting, analysis, and report writing. The final product should be a less than ten-page research report (including a one page executive summary).
Measures MBA Program Learning Outcome 3: Analyze and interpret relevant data for effective organizational decision-making.

.

CRITERIA Unsatisfactory
0 – 6.9 Basic
7.0 – 7.9 Proficient
8.0 – 8.9 Distinguished
9.0 – 10.0 Score
1. Executive Summary and Definition of the Problem(s) and Questions to be Addressed Introduction does not adequately describe the background associated with the need for data analysis to enhance better understanding and more effective business decision-making.

.

Variables are not properly identified nor described. The problem lacks clarity regarding the question(s) to be answered by the research project. Introduction vaguely describes the background associated with the need for data analysis to enhance better understanding and more effective business decision-making. Some variables are identified but descriptions are lacking. The problem is somewhat vague and the questions(s) to be answered by the research may be difficult to address in an eight-week course.

.

Introduction describes the background associated with the need for data analysis to enhance better understanding and more effective business decision-making. Each variable is identified and completely described. The problem explanation is adequate although less concise than possible. The question(s) to be answered by the research are reasonable and represent an opportunity to demonstrate both descriptive and inferential analysis.

.

Introduction clearly describes the background associated with the need for data analysis to enhance better understanding and more effective business decision-making. Each variable is identified and completely described The problem is explained clearly and concisely. The problem scope is reasonable for a research project in an eight-week course and provides an opportunity to demonstrate both descriptive and inferential analysis. 20
2. Research Design and Data Collection Plan The research design and data collection plan does not align well with the research questions.

.

The research design and data collection plan demonstrates some alignment with the research question(s) but lacks efficiency in data-question alignment. The research design and data collection plan is valid and aligns well with research questions. Data is likely to answer some to most research questions. The research design and data collection plan is valid, efficient, and well-aligned to produce data robust to answer all research questions

.

. 30
3. Descriptive Statistics: Analysis and Presentation Inadequate representation of descriptive statistical understanding. Lacks demonstration of use of methods of graphic representation corresponding with the research question(s) posed in the problem. Descriptive statistics reported represent some understanding of methodology and graphic representation. The reported statistics are not well-aligned with the research question(s) posed in the problem.

.

Descriptive statistics are aligned with the research question(s); represents an understanding of methodology and graphic representation; but lacks appropriate use of effective graphic representation. Descriptive statistics are precisely aligned with the research question(s); represents a proficient understanding of methodology and the appropriate use of effective graphic representation. 30

.

4. Inferential Statistics: Analysis and Presentation No attempt or demonstrated understanding of inferential statistical analysis nor alignment with the research question(s) posed in the problem An attempt at inferential statistical analysis is demonstrated. The choice or representation lacks clear understanding in alignment with the research question(s) posed in the problem. Inferential statistics are aligned with the research question(s);

.

represents an understanding of methodology, but lacks an understanding of appropriate applications to the research question(s) posed in the problem. Inferential statistics are precisely aligned with the research question(s); represents an understanding of methodology and demonstrates appropriate applications to the research question(s) posed in the problem. 30
5. Study Conclusions Conclusions are not soundly based on statistical results nor are they related to the research question(s) posed in the problem. Conclusions are loosely based on statistical results and are not adequately related to the research question(s)

.

posed in the problem. Business decisions resulting from the analysis are unclear. Conclusions are soundly based on statistical results but are not clearly tied to the research question(s) posed in the problem. May lack precise and concise statements linking conclusions to business decisions resulting from the study. Conclusions are soundly based on statistical results and are clearly tied to the research question(s) posed in the problem. Business decisions, based upon study results, are clearly stated and demonstrate good logic. 20

.