A First Experience of Using Duane Davis' Business Research for Decision Making, 5th Edition Text in a Required MBA Course

Dr. Richard A. Drapeau
Lamar University
drapeaura@hal.lamar.edu

Abstract:

This professor taught an advanced statistical analysis course in the MBA program for 17 years. The course was required by all MBA students, whether in a thesis or non-thesis program. During this period he used traditional statistics texts (Pfaffenberger/Patterson, Azcel, and Mendenhall/Sincich), MSMESB influenced texts (Cryer/Miller and Menzefricke), and several case approaches (Carlson, Bryant/Smith, and Tryfos). When he tried a new text or different pedagogy, he shared his experience with the MSMESB attendees (University of Tennessee, 1992; Rutgers University, 1994; Penn State University, 1997; University of Iowa, 1998; University of Syracuse, 2000).

As a result of the most recent revision of the MBA program, the advanced statistical analysis course was eliminated as a required MBA course. Currently, the required quantitative course is a business research course which was previously required of only non-thesis MBA students.

This is the first semester this professor has taught the business research course. He will share his experiences of designing a course based on a business research text versus his prior experience of a coruse focusing only on statistical inference. In addition to sharing his perceived successes and failures, he will also present the comments of students - e.g., what they liked most, what they liked least, what three changes would they recommend. He will critique the Davis text and will also present student critiques of each chapter of the Davis text.