Running head: BUSINESS RESEARCH

Business Research Methods Part 3 Larry O. Boyd, Jr., Regina Paulk, Jenea Smith and Adrian Walker QNT/561 Applied Business Research and Statistics Henry C. Griswold September 26, 2011

BUSINESS RESEARCH Learning Team Cs Business Research Method Part II analysis determined the potential

of University of Phoenix becoming the leading institution of education in the city of Little Rock. The need of receiving an education while being employed without a loss of paid wages for conflict of schooling shows that online education is growing faster than expected. This paper will discuss the potential challenges and validity of the research gained in Business Research Methods Part Two. The findings gained from the survey are presented in the proper response type and classified in the proper order. The research question that is posed for Learning Team C is Why should I choose the University of Phoenix, as my choice of higher education over other institutions? The results of the data obtained from the survey answered by a random 20 high school students and 20 University of Arkansas-Little Rock respondents concluded that for the year of 2011, 85 % prefer an education online. A confidence level of 95% with a corresponding z value of 1.96 was chosen for the survey. The z test is chosen because the sample size is greater than 30 along with the standard deviation being known. This z test function is indicated by its normal distribution of data from the sample. Although data for the year of 2011 is not available, there is a decline for students graduating high school in the city of Little Rock pursuing a higher education. The level of unemployment is a factor to consider why students are not attending an institution of higher learning. Validity and Reliability Understand first that the validity of any questionnaire relies on reliability. Questions are shown as reliable first in order for validity to have relevance. Validity becomes solid when the survey is executed properly. Gathering data for the survey must match the decisions made to

BUSINESS RESEARCH assess the need for online education. Also, data is gathered from people available to contribute information, via telephone, email or in person. A good diagnosis of any institution has a high reliability of information. Sometimes sources are protected to prevent outside entity from copying the information. Answers to a discussion are usually asked twice to ensure the same answer is provided. A truescore theory or simplified theory is used to answer questions based on a combination of true score plus error. Observed score = true ability + random error or X=T+e is the formula. Minimizing Challenges in Research Good research generates dependable data that are derived by professionally conducted practices and that can be used reliably for decision making (Cooper - Schindler, p. 22). Useful research generally follows the standards of the scientific method, which by definition is a systematic, empirically based procedure for generating reliable research (Cooper & Schindler, 2008). To ensure minimization of challenges in research the following steps must be taken. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Purpose defined clearly Detailed research process adequately Planned research design properly Applied high ethical standards Process revealed limitations Decision makers needs adequate for analysis Findings presented

BUSINESS RESEARCH 8) 9) Conclusions justified The process reflects researchers experience

General Response For University of Phoenix to succeed in the survey efforts and impress future student membership, courtesy for accepting a survey is a good starting point. In response to the survey, University of Phoenix must: * Acknowledge that the students concern is important * Acknowledge that documentation of information is performed * Inform the student that the information is used * Remind students of University of Phoenix policies when appropriate * Offer alternate solutions to receiving or furthering education * Thank the student for their time Whether an institution or an organization, it is vital for both to collect data to perform research in problem areas that exist. Surveys, questionnaires and sampling is a start in addressing the areas of improvement needed made. If an institution or organization is failing, students and employees will turn their attention to the leadership. It is the leaderships decision to make the necessary changes in resolving the issues facing. There are new methods and ways of correcting problems and cost is minimized or less expensive. Innovative steps taken leads to an institute or organization being successful and able to compete with rivals while remaining consistent.

BUSINESS RESEARCH In conclusion, the survey is one way of providing feedback needed for the University of Phoenix to remain as a university with the largest student body in North America (University of Phoenix, 2011). A survey is not a guarantee that the information given speaks for the majority, but a voice is heard speaking out on the need of the people.

Reference Page

BUSINESS RESEARCH University of Phoenix. (2011). University of Phoenix. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/about_university_of_phoenix.html U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences. (2011). National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d10/ Wilson, R. (2011). For-Profit Colleges Change Higher Education's Landscape . The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from http://chronicle.com/article/For-Profit-CollegesChange/64012/