3 - business research design

8/4/2019 3 - Business Research Design

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Business Research Design

andImplementation


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Definition - Business Research

Design

Plan and structure of enquiryPlan and structure of enquiry

formulated in order to answerformulated in order to answerresearch questions on businessresearch questions on business

aspectsaspects


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Research Plan and Planning

Process

Research PlanResearch Plan

Constitutes the overall programme of theConstitutes the overall programme of the

Research processResearch process

Planning ProcessPlanning Process

Includes the framework of the entire researchIncludes the framework of the entire research

processprocess

Starts from the development of the hypothesesStarts from the development of the hypotheses

Ends at final evaluation of collected dataEnds at final evaluation of collected data


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Business Research Design

Gives the blueprint for:Gives the blueprint for:

CollectionCollection

Measurement andMeasurement and

AnalysisAnalysis

of business dataof business data


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Business Research Design (Contd)

Helps researchers use available resourcesHelps researchers use available resources

effectively to achieve research objectiveseffectively to achieve research objectives

Outlines actual research problem onOutlines actual research problem on

handhand

Details the process for solving itDetails the process for solving it


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Good BR Design Clearly describes the techniques to beClearly describes the techniques to be

used for:used for:

Selecting samplesSelecting samples

Collecting dataCollecting data

Managing Costs andManaging Costs and

Other AspectsOther Aspects


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Good BR Design (Contd)Helps Decisions onHelps Decisions on

Studys purposeStudys purpose

Studys objectivesStudys objectives

Type of data neededType of data needed

Method to be adopted for collecting dataMethod to be adopted for collecting data Method to be adopted for analysing dataMethod to be adopted for analysing data


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Need for BR Design

Facilitates smooth flow of various researchFacilitates smooth flow of various research

processesprocesses

Facilitates good resultsFacilitates good results

Ensures:Ensures:

minimum timeminimum time

minimum costminimum cost

minimum effortminimum effort

for completionfor completion


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Requirements for an Ideal BR

Design

Available resources such asAvailable resources such as

TimeTime

ManpowerManpower

MoneyMoney

Should be considered before beginningShould be considered before beginningthe designthe design


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Characteristics of Good BR

Design

FlexibilityFlexibility

AdaptabilityAdaptability

EfficiencyEfficiency

Being EconomicalBeing Economical

Should minimize biasShould minimize bias


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Design (Contd)

Should maximize accuracy of dataShould maximize accuracy of data

obtainedobtained

Should be free of errorsShould be free of errors

Should provide adequate information toShould provide adequate information to

facilitate analysis of research problem onfacilitate analysis of research problem on

a wide prospectivea wide prospective


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Design (Contd) Should consider important factors like:Should consider important factors like:

Identifying the exact research problem to beIdentifying the exact research problem to be

studiedstudied Objective of the researchObjective of the research

Process of obtaining informationProcess of obtaining information

Availability of adequate and skilledAvailability of adequate and skilled

manpowermanpower

Availability of adequate financial resourcesAvailability of adequate financial resourcesfor the researchfor the research


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Good BR Design Should adapt to type of researchShould adapt to type of research

planned:planned:

Exploratory Research:Exploratory Research:

Should be flexible enough to considerShould be flexible enough to consider

different aspects of the problemdifferent aspects of the problem

situationsituation


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Good BR Design (Contd) Should adapt to type of researchShould adapt to type of research

planned:planned:

Where accuracy is crucial (whereWhere accuracy is crucial (where

investments are huge):investments are huge):


Should maximize reliabilityShould maximize reliability


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Good BR Design (Contd) Should adapt to type of researchShould adapt to type of research

planned:planned:

Testing Causal Relationships:Testing Causal Relationships:

Should allow for inferences aboutShould allow for inferences about

causalitycausality


Should maximize reliabilityShould maximize reliability


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Research Design Concepts


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Some Important ConceptsSome important concepts:Some important concepts:

Dependent and Independent VariablesDependent and Independent Variables

VariableVariable entity that can take variousentity that can take various

valuesvalues

Example : Height, Weight, DistanceExample : Height, Weight, Distance


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Some Important Concepts (Contd)

VariablesVariables

ContinuousContinuous NonNon-- ContinuousContinuous

Continuous VariableContinuous Variable Can take on everyCan take on everypossible value between two values e.g.possible value between two values e.g.

DistanceDistance NonNon--Continuous VariableContinuous Variable Takes onTakes on

values with gaps e.g. No of Childrenvalues with gaps e.g. No of Children


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VariablesVariables

Dependent IndependentDependent Independent Dependent VariableDependent Variable Dependent on theDependent on the

result of another variable e.g. Ageresult of another variable e.g. Age

Independent VariableIndependent Variable Not dependent onNot dependent onthe result of another variable e.g. agethe result of another variable e.g. age


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Extraneous VariableExtraneous Variable

Independent Variable that is notIndependent Variable that is not

directly linked with the study but maydirectly linked with the study but mayaffect the dependent variableaffect the dependent variable

Example:Example:

H0 : There is a relationship betweenH0 : There is a relationship betweenchildrens gains in academicchildrens gains in academicachievement and their selfachievement and their self--conceptconcept


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But Intelligence also affects academic achievementBut Intelligence also affects academic achievement

For this study, Intelligence is not a related factorFor this study, Intelligence is not a related factor ThereforeTherefore -- Intelligence is an extraneous factorIntelligence is an extraneous factor

Effect of extraneous factor on the DependentEffect of extraneous factor on the DependentVariable is called experimental errorVariable is called experimental error

Gains in academic

achievement

Dependent

Variable

Self Concepts Independent Variable


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ControlControl

Important characteristic of goodImportant characteristic of good

research designresearch design

Used to minimise the effect of theUsed to minimise the effect of the

extraneous variableextraneous variable


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Confounded RelationshipConfounded Relationship

Confounded: affected by / confused byConfounded: affected by / confused by

Dependent Variable affected byDependent Variable affected byextraneous variableextraneous variable

Relationship between DependentRelationship between Dependent

Variable and Independent VariableVariable and Independent Variableconfused / confounded by extraneousconfused / confounded by extraneousvariablevariable


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Research HypothesisResearch Hypothesis

Hypothesized Relationship orHypothesized Relationship or

predictionprediction

To be tested by scientific methodsTo be tested by scientific methods

Links an independent variable to aLinks an independent variable to a

dependent variabledependent variable Generally contains one dependent andGenerally contains one dependent and

one independent variableone independent variable


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Hypothesis Testing ResearchHypothesis Testing Research

Basic reason for research is to test aBasic reason for research is to test a

hypothesishypothesis

Hypothesis Testing ResearchHypothesis Testing Research

ExperimentalExperimental NonNon-- ExperimentalExperimental


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ExperimentalExperimental NonNon-- ExperimentalExperimentaljjIndependent variableIndependent variable jj Independent variableIndependent variable

Gets manipulated during does not get manipulatedGets manipulated during does not get manipulated

Research during ResearchResearch during Research

jj Example:Example: jj Example:Example:

Study whether sports coach Study whether daily intakeStudy whether sports coach Study whether daily intake

Influences skills in sports of food by students influencesInfluences skills in sports of food by students influences

A: Control Group their skills in sportsA: Control Group their skills in sports

B: Provided with Sports Coach A: Control GroupB: Provided with Sports Coach A: Control Group

Indep Var: Sporting Skills B: Changed Food IntakeIndep Var: Sporting Skills B: Changed Food Intake

Manipulated during Experiment Indep Var: Sporting SkillsManipulated during Experiment Indep Var: Sporting Skills

Not manipulated duringNot manipulated duringExperimentExperiment


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Control Group and Experimental GroupControl Group and Experimental Group

Studied under Studied underStudied under Studied under

Usual Conditions Special ConditionsUsual Conditions Special Conditions

Group A : With No Group B : WithGroup A : With No Group B : With

Sports Coach Sports CoachSports Coach Sports Coach


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TreatmentsTreatments

Conditions to which ExperimentalConditions to which Experimental

Group and Control Group areGroup and Control Group are

subjectedsubjected

Group A : With No Sports CoachGroup A : With No Sports Coach

Group B : With Sports CoachGroup B : With Sports Coach


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ExperimentExperiment

Process involving checking the validity of a hypothesisProcess involving checking the validity of a hypothesisstatement of a research problemstatement of a research problem

ExperimentExperiment

Absolute ComparativeAbsolute Comparative

Effect of a Sports Comparing twoEffect of a Sports Comparing two

Trainer Sports TrainersTrainer Sports Trainers


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Experimental UnitsExperimental Units

PrePre--specified plots or blocks wherespecified plots or blocks where

various treatments are usedvarious treatments are used

Need to be defined carefullyNeed to be defined carefully


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Classification of a Research

Design

Research DesignResearch Design

Exploratory Descriptive CausalExploratory Descriptive Causal

Studies Studies StudiesStudies Studies Studies


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Exploratory Studies Includes techniques like:Includes techniques like:

Secondary Data AnalysisSecondary Data Analysis

Experience SurveysExperience Surveys

Focus GroupsFocus Groups

Two stage designTwo stage design


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Exploratory Studies (Contd) Makes problem suited to preciseMakes problem suited to precise

investigationinvestigation

Enables framing of working hypothesisEnables framing of working hypothesisfrom an operational perspectivefrom an operational perspective

Enhances understanding of critical issuesEnhances understanding of critical issues

of problemsof problems Enhances assessing of critical issues ofEnhances assessing of critical issues of

problemsproblems


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Exploratory Studies (Contd)

Not used for cases requiring definiteNot used for cases requiring definiteresultsresults

Used for subsequent researchUsed for subsequent research

Conducted to:Conducted to: Analyse problem situationsAnalyse problem situations

Evaluate alternativesEvaluate alternatives

Discover new ideasDiscover new ideas


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Exploratory Studies (Contd) Example: Evaluation of productionExample: Evaluation of production

pattern by top managementpattern by top management

Study would involve:Study would involve:

Purchase of raw materialPurchase of raw material

Inventory managementInventory management

ProcessingProcessing

Stocking of finished goodsStocking of finished goods


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Exploratory Studies (Contd)

Exploratory ResearchExploratory Research

Qualitative QuantitativeQualitative Quantitative

Techniques TechniquesTechniques Techniques

InterviewsInterviews

Projective TechniquesProjective Techniques

Document AnalysisDocument Analysis


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Exploratory Studies (Contd) Combination of Qualitative andCombination of Qualitative and

Quantitative Techniques:Quantitative Techniques:

Secondary Data AnalysisSecondary Data Analysis

Experience SurveyExperience Survey

Focus GroupsFocus Groups


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Secondary Data Analysis

Secondary Data:Secondary Data: That which is already availableThat which is already available

No need to collect it afreshNo need to collect it afresh

Could be from:Could be from:

DatabasesDatabases

Research ReportsResearch Reports

JournalsJournals

MagazinesMagazines PeriodicalsPeriodicals

Online SourcesOnline Sources

Search EnginesSearch Engines


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Experience Surveys Conducted to gain additional knowledgeConducted to gain additional knowledge

Usually from experts in the fieldUsually from experts in the field

Conducted because vital information mayConducted because vital information may

not be readily availablenot be readily available

Useful where secondary data not presentUseful where secondary data not present

Example: Assessing performance ofExample: Assessing performance of

machinery in a plantmachinery in a plant


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Focus Groups Originate from Sociology studiesOriginate from Sociology studies

Extensively used in Market ResearchExtensively used in Market Research

Used for research problems in a wideUsed for research problems in a wide

range of subjectsrange of subjects

Conducted to evaluate potential for newConducted to evaluate potential for new

product ideaproduct idea


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Focus Groups(Contd) Involves any of:Involves any of:

FaceFace--toto--face interactionface interaction

TeleconferencingTeleconferencing

VideoconferencingVideoconferencing

InternetInternet

EE--MailMail

Comprises several persons led by a moderatorComprises several persons led by a moderator


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Focus Groups(Contd) Role of the Moderator:Role of the Moderator:

Issue of topic for discussionIssue of topic for discussion

Silently watch the proceedingsSilently watch the proceedings

Ensure that discussion is going on asEnsure that discussion is going on asexpectedexpected

Intervene if some are not participatingIntervene if some are not participating Evaluate recommendations of theEvaluate recommendations of the

groupgroup


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Focus Groups(Contd) Design of Focus Group Research:Design of Focus Group Research:

Involves 2 stagesInvolves 2 stages

Stage 1: defines the research problemStage 1: defines the research problem

Stage 2: develops the research designStage 2: develops the research design


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Descriptive Studies Formal researchFormal research

Clearly established objectivesClearly established objectives

Details about all aspects gatheredDetails about all aspects gathered

Form basis for analytical, developmentalForm basis for analytical, developmental

and quasiand quasi--experimental studiesexperimental studies

Help in developing hypothesesHelp in developing hypotheses


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Causal Studies Used to study the cause and effectUsed to study the cause and effect

relationship between variablesrelationship between variables

Example:Example: Effect of price on salesEffect of price on sales

Effect of advertising on salesEffect of advertising on sales

Effect of marketing on salesEffect of marketing on sales Develops evidence to understand causalDevelops evidence to understand causal

relationshipsrelationships


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Causal Studies (Contd)

Determines influence of one variable onDetermines influence of one variable on

anotheranother

Causal RelationshipsCausal Relationships

Symmetrical Reciprocal AsymmetricalSymmetrical Reciprocal Asymmetrical


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Causal Studies(Contd)

Symmetrical Relationships:Symmetrical Relationships: Two variables fluctuate togetherTwo variables fluctuate together

Changes in either variable not due to changes inChanges in either variable not due to changes in

the otherthe other

Occurs when two variables become alternateOccurs when two variables become alternate

indicators of another cause or independentindicators of another cause or independent

variablevariable

Example: Life Style PreferencesExample: Life Style Preferences

Low attendance in Active participationLow attendance in Active participation

Martial arts in discosMartial arts in discos


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Reciprocal Causal Relationships:Reciprocal Causal Relationships:

Two variables mutually influence eachTwo variables mutually influence each

otherother

Reading BuyingReading Buying

Advertisements ProductsAdvertisements Products


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Asymmetrical Causal Relationships:Asymmetrical Causal Relationships:

Changes in one variable (independent) isChanges in one variable (independent) is

responsible for changes in anotherresponsible for changes in another

(dependent)(dependent)

Example:Example:

Increase in PricesIncrease in Prices

Decrease in SalesDecrease in Sales


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Asymmetrical RelationshipsAsymmetrical Relationships

StimulusStimulus PropertyProperty Disposition PropertyDisposition Property

Response Disposition Behaviour BehaviourResponse Disposition Behaviour Behaviour

Relaionship Relaionship Relaionship RelaionshipRelaionship Relaionship Relaionship Relaionship


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Stimulus Response Relationship:Stimulus Response Relationship: One event in response to anotherOne event in response to another

Example:Example:

Stimulus: Increase in priceStimulus: Increase in price Response: decrease in SalesResponse: decrease in Sales

Example:Example:

Stimulus: Effective Teaching MethodsStimulus: Effective Teaching Methods

Response: Enhanced LearningResponse: Enhanced Learning


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Property Disposition Relationship:Property Disposition Relationship:

Property:Property:

Enduring nature of a subjectEnduring nature of a subject

Not dependent on circumstances forNot dependent on circumstances foractivationactivation

Example:Example:

GenderGender

ReligionReligion

StatusStatus


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Property Disposition Relationship (Contd):Property Disposition Relationship (Contd):

Disposition:Disposition:

Inclination to respond in a certain wayInclination to respond in a certain way

under certain circumstancesunder certain circumstances

Example:Example:

AttitudeAttitude

OpinionOpinion

ValuesValues


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Disposition Behaviour RelationshipDisposition Behaviour Relationship

Impact of feeling on behaviourImpact of feeling on behaviour

Example:Example:

Job Satisfaction and ProductivityJob Satisfaction and Productivity

Perception about a brand and itsPerception about a brand and its

purchasepurchase


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Property Behaviour Relationship:Property Behaviour Relationship:

Effect of an enduring nature on behaviourEffect of an enduring nature on behaviour

Example:Example:

Family Life Cycle and Purchase of GoodsFamily Life Cycle and Purchase of Goods

Family Life Cycle and Social ClassFamily Life Cycle and Social Class

Family Social Class and Family SavingFamily Social Class and Family Saving

PatternPattern

Category of Organisation and Type ofCategory of Organisation and Type of

Employee TrainingEmployee Training


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Choosing a Research Design


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Choice of Research Design

Choice based on:Choice based on:

Degree of formality desiredDegree of formality desired

ExploratoryExploratory if developingif developing

guidelines for future researchguidelines for future research

ExploratoryExploratory if developing aif developing a

hypothesis for future researchhypothesis for future research


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Choice of Research Design(Contd)


Purpose of Study:Purpose of Study:

Descriptive Study to find out When /Descriptive Study to find out When /

Where / Who / How muchWhere / Who / How much

Example:Example:

How many employees leave every yearHow many employees leave every year

Which part of the year do they usuallyWhich part of the year do they usuallyleaveleave


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Purpose of Study (Contd):Purpose of Study (Contd):

Causal Study to find out WhyCausal Study to find out Why

Example:Example:

Why so many employees leaveWhy so many employees leave


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Choice of Research Design(Contd) Choice based on:Choice based on:


Method of Data Collection:Method of Data Collection:

Observation Studies:Observation Studies: Subjects observed on certain parametersSubjects observed on certain parameters

Subjects not questionedSubjects not questioned

Questionnaires:Questionnaires:

Subjects asked questions through aSubjects asked questions through aquestionnairequestionnaire


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Control of Variables:Control of Variables:

Variables can be controlled by researcherVariables can be controlled by researcherduring experiments by manipulating themduring experiments by manipulating them

Experimental design conducted to analyseExperimental design conducted to analysecapacity of certain variables to influencecapacity of certain variables to influenceother variablesother variables

In exIn ex--postpost--facto design, variables cannot befacto design, variables cannot bemanipulated or controlledmanipulated or controlled suchsuchmanipulation amounts to biasmanipulation amounts to bias


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Choice based on:Choice based on: Purpose of Study (Contd):Purpose of Study (Contd):

Time Dimension:Time Dimension:

Can be crossCan be cross--sectional or longitudinalsectional or longitudinal CrossCross--sectional studies conducted oncesectional studies conducted once

Longitudinal studies repeated over aLongitudinal studies repeated over a

periodperiod used to keep track of changesused to keep track of changesin that periodin that period

C i f i (C )


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Choice based on:Choice based on: Purpose of Study (Contd):Purpose of Study (Contd):

Scope of study:Scope of study:

Research design limits scope of theResearch design limits scope of thestudystudy

Important to select appropriateImportant to select appropriate

research designresearch design Example: For a study using samplingExample: For a study using sampling

statistical study most appropriatestatistical study most appropriate


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Research Environment:Research Environment:

If a field studyIf a field study -- research carried outresearch carried out

in actual conditionsin actual conditions

If a laboratory studyIf a laboratory study -- artificialartificial

environment is createdenvironment is created


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Benefits of Research Design

Good research design has several benefits:Good research design has several benefits:

Bridges the final objectives and the method ofBridges the final objectives and the method of

studystudy

Improves success of the researchImproves success of the research

Improves performance of the organisationImproves performance of the organisation

through effective resultsthrough effective results

Anticipates requirements in terms of resultsAnticipates requirements in terms of results

Helps in proper data analysisHelps in proper data analysis


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