Research MethodologyResearch MethodologyResearch MethodologyResearch Methodology

ABDM4064 BUSINESS RESEARCHABDM4064 BUSINESS RESEARCH

byStephen Ong

Principal Lecturer (Specialist)Visiting Professor, Shenzhen University

RecapRecap What is Research?What is Research? Research and BusinessResearch and Business Business Managers and ResearchBusiness Managers and Research Approach to Business ResearchApproach to Business Research

Topics of DiscussionTopics of Discussion

Research Area and Topic of ResearchResearch Area and Topic of Research Sources of Research ProblemSources of Research Problem Management problem and research Management problem and research

problemproblem Literature ReviewLiterature Review

3-4

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Understand . . .Understand . . . The terminology used by professional The terminology used by professional

researchers employing scientific researchers employing scientific thinking.thinking.

What you need to formulate a solid What you need to formulate a solid research hypothesis.research hypothesis.

The need for sound reasoning to The need for sound reasoning to enhance research results.enhance research results.

3-5

Research and AttitudesResearch and Attitudes

“Brand communities play a pivotal role for a brand connecting with its consumers, and as one of our Never Ending Friending focus group respondent notes: “I want brands to be my friends,” which means that consumers would like to have common ideas, conversations and benefits delivered to them on their own terms.”

Judit Nagy vice president, consumer insights

MySpace/Fox Interactive Media

3-6

PulsePoint: PulsePoint: Research RevelationsResearch Revelations

55 The percent of executives who admitted that their companies do not have an official policy for social networks.

3-7

Language of ResearchLanguage of Research

Variables

ModelsModelsTerms usedin research

Constructs

Operational

definitions

Operational

definitions

Propositions/

Hypotheses

Propositions/

Hypotheses

Conceptual

schemes

Conceptual

schemesConceptsConcepts

3-8

Language of ResearchLanguage of Research

Clear conceptualizationof concepts

Shared understandingof concepts

Success of

Research

3-9

Job Redesign Job Redesign Constructs and ConceptsConstructs and Concepts

3-10

Operational DefinitionsOperational Definitions

FreshmanFreshmanSophomoreSophomoreJuniorJuniorSeniorSenior

< 30 credit hours< 30 credit hours30-50 credit hours30-50 credit hours60-89 credit hours60-89 credit hours> 90 credit hours> 90 credit hours

How can we define the variable “class level of students”?

3-11

A Variable Is the Property A Variable Is the Property Being StudiedBeing Studied

VariableVariable

EventEvent ActAct

CharacteristicCharacteristic TraitTrait

AttributeAttribute

3-12

Types of VariablesTypes of Variables

DichotomousDichotomousMale/Female

Employed/ UnemployedMale/Female

Employed/ Unemployed

DiscreteDiscreteEthnic backgroundEducational level

Religious affiliation

Ethnic backgroundEducational level

Religious affiliation

ContinuousContinuousIncome

TemperatureAge

IncomeTemperature

Age

3-13

Independent and Dependent Variable Independent and Dependent Variable SynonymsSynonyms

Independent Independent Variable (IV)Variable (IV)PredictorPredictorPresumed causePresumed causeStimulusStimulusPredicted from…Predicted from…AntecedentAntecedentManipulatedManipulated

Dependent Variable Dependent Variable (DV)(DV)CriterionCriterionPresumed effectPresumed effectResponseResponsePredicted to….Predicted to….ConsequenceConsequenceMeasured Measured outcomeoutcome

3-14

Relationships Among Variable Relationships Among Variable TypesTypes

3-15

Relationships Among Variable Relationships Among Variable TypesTypes

3-16

Relationships Among Variable Relationships Among Variable TypesTypes

3-17

Moderating Variables (MV)Moderating Variables (MV)

• The introduction of a four-day week The introduction of a four-day week (IV)(IV) will will lead to higher productivity lead to higher productivity (DV),(DV), especially especially among younger workers among younger workers (MV)(MV)

• The switch to commission from a salary The switch to commission from a salary compensation system compensation system (IV)(IV) will lead to will lead to increased sales increased sales (DV)(DV) per worker, especially per worker, especially more experienced workers more experienced workers (MV).(MV).

• The loss of mining jobs The loss of mining jobs (IV)(IV) leads to leads to acceptance of higher-risk behaviors to earn a acceptance of higher-risk behaviors to earn a family-supporting income family-supporting income (DV)(DV) – particularly – particularly among those with a limited education among those with a limited education (MV).(MV).

3-18

Extraneous Variables (EV)Extraneous Variables (EV)

• With new customers With new customers (EV-control), (EV-control), a switch to a switch to commission from a salary compensation commission from a salary compensation system system (IV) (IV) will lead to increased sales will lead to increased sales productivity productivity (DV) (DV) per worker, especially among per worker, especially among younger workers younger workers (MV).(MV).

• Among residents with less than a high school Among residents with less than a high school education education (EV-control),(EV-control), the loss of jobs the loss of jobs (IV)(IV) leads to high-risk behaviors leads to high-risk behaviors (DV),(DV), especially especially due to the proximity of the firing range due to the proximity of the firing range (MV).(MV).

3-19

Intervening Variables (IVV)Intervening Variables (IVV)

• The switch to a commission compensation The switch to a commission compensation system system (IV)(IV) will lead to higher sales will lead to higher sales (DV)(DV) by by increasing overall compensation increasing overall compensation (IVV).(IVV).

• A promotion campaign A promotion campaign (IV) (IV) will increase will increase savings activity savings activity (DV), (DV), especially when free especially when free prizes are offered prizes are offered (MV), (MV), but chiefly among but chiefly among smaller savers smaller savers (EV-control). (EV-control). The results The results come from enhancing the motivation to save come from enhancing the motivation to save (IVV).(IVV).

3-20

Propositions and HypothesesPropositions and Hypotheses

Brand Manager Jones (Brand Manager Jones (casecase) has a ) has a higher-than-average achievement higher-than-average achievement motivation (motivation (variablevariable).).

Brand managers in Company Z (Brand managers in Company Z (casescases) ) have a higher-than-average have a higher-than-average achievement motivation (achievement motivation (variablevariable). ).

Generalization

3-21

Hypothesis FormatsHypothesis Formats

Descriptive Descriptive HypothesisHypothesisIn Detroit, our In Detroit, our potato chip market potato chip market share stands at share stands at 13.7%.13.7%.American cities are American cities are experiencing budget experiencing budget difficulties.difficulties.

Research Research QuestionQuestionWhat is the market What is the market share for our potato share for our potato chips in Detroit?chips in Detroit?Are American cities Are American cities experiencing budget experiencing budget difficulties?difficulties?

3-22

Relational HypothesesRelational Hypotheses

CorrelationalCorrelationalYoung women (under Young women (under 35) purchase fewer 35) purchase fewer units of our product units of our product than women who are than women who are older than 35.older than 35.

The number of suits The number of suits sold varies directly with sold varies directly with the level of the business the level of the business cycle.cycle.

CausalCausalAn increase in family An increase in family income leads to an income leads to an increase in the increase in the percentage of income percentage of income saved.saved.Loyalty to a grocery Loyalty to a grocery store increases the store increases the probability of probability of purchasing that store’s purchasing that store’s private brand products.private brand products.

3-23

The Role of HypothesesThe Role of Hypotheses

Guide the direction of the studyGuide the direction of the study

Identify relevant factsIdentify relevant facts

Suggest most appropriate research design

Suggest most appropriate research design

Provide framework for organizing resulting

conclusions

Provide framework for organizing resulting

conclusions

3-24

Characteristics of Characteristics of Strong HypothesesStrong Hypotheses

A Strong

Hypothesis Is

A Strong

Hypothesis Is

AdequateAdequate

TestableTestable

Better than rivals

Better than rivals

3-25

Theory within ResearchTheory within Research

3-26

The Role of ReasoningThe Role of Reasoning

3-27

A Model within ResearchA Model within Research

3-28

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Direct observationDirect observation

Clearly defined variables

Clearly defined variablesClearly defined

methodsClearly defined

methods

Empirically testableEmpirically testable

Elimination of alternatives

Elimination of alternatives

Statistical justificationStatistical

justificationSelf-correcting

processSelf-correcting

process

3-29

ResearchersResearchers

•Encounter problemsEncounter problems•State problemsState problems•Propose hypothesesPropose hypotheses•Deduce outcomesDeduce outcomes•Formulate rival Formulate rival hypotheseshypotheses•Devise and conduct Devise and conduct empirical testsempirical tests•Draw conclusionsDraw conclusions

3-30

Curiosity Is the Curiosity Is the Ally of a ResearcherAlly of a Researcher

Synovate’s campaign Synovate’s campaign associates important associates important discoveries in research discoveries in research to a common trait of to a common trait of entrepreneurs: entrepreneurs: curiosity.curiosity.

As one of the world’s As one of the world’s largest research largest research organizations, it claims organizations, it claims curiosity is “what curiosity is “what makes us tick.”makes us tick.”

3-31

Sound ReasoningSound Reasoning

Exposition Argument

InductionDeduction

Types of Discourse

3-32

Deductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning

Inner-city household interviewing is

especially difficult and expensive

Inner-city household interviewing is

especially difficult and expensive

This survey involves substantial inner-city

household interviewing

This survey involves substantial inner-city

household interviewing

The interviewing in this survey will be especially difficult

and expensive

The interviewing in this survey will be especially difficult

and expensive

3-33

Inductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Why didn’t sales increase during our Why didn’t sales increase during our promotional event?promotional event? Regional retailers did not have sufficient Regional retailers did not have sufficient

stock to fill customer requests during the stock to fill customer requests during the promotional periodpromotional period

A strike by employees prevented stock A strike by employees prevented stock from arriving in time for promotion to be from arriving in time for promotion to be effectiveeffective

A hurricane closed retail outlets in the A hurricane closed retail outlets in the region for 10 days during the promotionregion for 10 days during the promotion

3-34

Why Didn’t Sales Increase?Why Didn’t Sales Increase?

3-35

Tracy’s PerformanceTracy’s Performance

3-36

Key TermsKey Terms

• ArgumentArgument• CaseCase• ConceptConcept• Conceptual schemeConceptual scheme• ConstructConstruct• DeductionDeduction• EmpiricismEmpiricism• ExpositionExposition• HypothesisHypothesis

CorrelationalCorrelational DescriptiveDescriptive ExplanatoryExplanatory Relational Relational

• Hypothetical constructHypothetical construct

• InductionInduction• ModelModel• Operational definitionOperational definition• PropositionProposition• Sound reasoningSound reasoning• TheoryTheory• VariableVariable

ControlControl Confounding (CFV)Confounding (CFV) Dependent (DV)Dependent (DV) Extraneous (EV)Extraneous (EV) Independent (IV)Independent (IV) Intervening (IVV)Intervening (IVV) Moderating (MV)Moderating (MV)

THEORY BUILDINGTHEORY BUILDING

3–37

3–38

LEARNING OUTCOMESLEARNING OUTCOMESLEARNING OUTCOMESLEARNING OUTCOMES

1.1. Define the meaning of Define the meaning of theorytheory

2.2. Understand the goals of theoryUnderstand the goals of theory

3.3. Understand the terms Understand the terms conceptsconcepts, , propositionspropositions, , variablesvariables, and , and hypotheseshypotheses

4.4. Discuss how theories are developedDiscuss how theories are developed

5.5. Understand scientific methodUnderstand scientific method

6.6. Define ethics and understand how it applies to Define ethics and understand how it applies to business researchbusiness research

After studying this chapter, you should

IntroductionIntroduction Theory building is the means by which basic researchers hope

to expand knowledge and search for the truth.

A theory is a formal, logical explanation of some events that includes predictions of how things relate to one another. It is built through a process of reviewing previous

findings of similar studies, simple logical deduction and knowledge of applicable theoretical areas.

It plays a role in understanding practical research as well as academic or basic business research.

It helps the researcher know what variables need to be included in the study and how they may relate to one another.

3–39

3–40

Goals of TheoryGoals of Theory

Two issues—understanding and predicting—are the two purposes of theory. Accomplishing the first goal allows the

theorist to gain an understanding of the relationship among various phenomena.

That understanding enables us to predict the behavior or characteristics of one phenomenon from the knowledge of another phenomenon.

Example: A business researcher may theorise that older

investors tend to be more interested in investment income than younger investors.

This theory once verified, should allow researchers to predict the importance of expected dividend yield on the basis of investors’ ages.

The researcher also want to gain understanding of the situation. So the two goals go hand in hand! Theories provide these explanations.

3–41

RESEARCH CONCEPTS, CONSTRUCTS, RESEARCH CONCEPTS, CONSTRUCTS, PROPOSITIONS, VARIABLES, AND PROPOSITIONS, VARIABLES, AND

HYPOTHESESHYPOTHESES Concept (or construct)

Concept (or construct) is a generalized idea about a class of objects, attributes, occurrences or process that has been given a name.

Examples:

Concept (or construct) (cont’d)

Concepts are the building blocks of theory. Concepts abstract reality (i.e., concepts express in

words various events or objects). Concepts may vary in degree of abstraction. Ladder of abstraction —organization of concepts in

sequence from the most concrete and individual to the most general.

Moving up the ladder of abstraction, the basic concept becomes more general, wider in scope, and less amenable to measurement.

3–43

44

Vegetation

Fruit

Banana

Reality In

cre

asi

ng

ly m

ore

ab

stra

ct

A Ladder Of Abstraction A Ladder Of Abstraction For ConceptsFor Concepts

Concept (or construct) (cont’d)

The basic or scientific business researcher operates at two levels—on the abstract level of concepts (and propositions) and on the empirical level of variables (and hypotheses). Empirical level —

Abstract level —

3–45

46

CONCEPTS

OBSERVATION OF OBJECTS AND EVENTS (REALITY)

EmpiricalLevel

AbstractLevel

Concepts are Abstractions of Concepts are Abstractions of RealityReality

Concept (or construct) (cont’d) Latent construct —a concept that is not directly

observable or measurable, but can be estimated through proxy measures.

Researchers are concerned with the observable world (i.e., reality).

Theorists translate their conceptualization of reality into abstract ideas.

Things are not the essence of theory; ideas are. Concepts in isolation are not theories—to construct a

theory we must explain how concepts relate to other concepts.

3–47

3–48

EXHIBIT 3.EXHIBIT 3.22 Concepts are Abstractions of RealityConcepts are Abstractions of Reality

Research Propositions and Research Propositions and HypothesesHypotheses

Propositions are statements concerned with the relationships among concepts and explain the logical linkage among certain concepts by asserting a universal connection between concepts.

A hypothesis is a formal statement explaining some outcome. In its simplest form, a hypothesis is a guess. A hypothesis is a proposition that is empirically

testable, so when on estates a hypothesis, it should be written in a manner that can be supported or shown to be wrong through an empirical test.

It is an empirical statement concerned with the relationship among variables.

Often apply statistics to data to empirically test hypotheses.

Research Propositions and Research Propositions and Hypotheses (cont’d)Hypotheses (cont’d)

Empirical testing means that something has been examined against reality using data. When the data are consistent with a

hypotheses - hypothesis is supported. When the data are inconsistent with a

hypothesis - hypothesis is not supported.

Variables : Anything that may assume different numerical values or categorical values. (anything that varied or changes in value).

Operationalizing —the process of identifying the actual measurement scales to assess the variables of interest.

3–50

51

VAlways makes

four sales calls a day

V- Dollar bonus for sales volume

over quota

Concept B(Habits)

Hypothesis at Empirical Level

Concept A(Reinforcement)

Proposition at Abstract LevelProposition at Abstract Level

52

The abstract proposition “Reinforcement will increase habit strength” may be tested empirically with a hypothesis.

Bonus pay and sales calls are variables – reflecting the concepts – reinforcement and habits.

Variables may be measured.

Theory Building A Process Of Theory Building A Process Of Increasing AbstractionIncreasing Abstraction

Theories

Propositions

Concepts

Observation of objectsand events (reality )

Incre

asi

ng

ly m

ore

ab

stra

ct

3–54

Theory BuildingTheory Building

Theory generation can occur at the abstract, conceptual level and at the empirical level.

Deductive reasoning is

Inductive reasoning is

Over the course of time, theory construction is often the result of a combination of deductive and inductive reasoning.

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Scientific Method A set of prescribed

procedures for establishing and connecting theoretical statements about events, for analyzing empirical evidence, and for predicting events yet unknown.

Techniques or procedures used to analyze empirical evidence in an attempt to confirm or disprove prior conceptions.

Suggested steps:1. Assess relevant existing

knowledge of phenomenon2. Formulate concepts and

propositions3. State hypotheses4. Design research to test the

hypotheses5. Acquire empirical data6. Analyze and evaluate data7. Propose an explanation of

the phenomenon and state new problems raised by the research

56

AssessAssessrelevant relevant existingexistingknowledgeknowledge

FormulateFormulateconcepts &concepts &PropositionsPropositions

StatementStatementof of HypothesesHypotheses

Design Design researchresearch

Acquire Acquire empiricalempiricaldatadata

Analyze &Analyze &evaluate evaluate datadata

Provide Provide explanation-explanation-state newstate newproblemproblem

The Scientific Method: The Scientific Method: An Overview An Overview

IntroductionIntroduction

Topic identification is a most difficult and yet Topic identification is a most difficult and yet the most important part in the process of the most important part in the process of research. It is the starting point of your research. It is the starting point of your research, once you have clear about this, research, once you have clear about this, you will be able to choose the most you will be able to choose the most appropriate research strategy and data appropriate research strategy and data collection and analysis techniques. The collection and analysis techniques. The formulating and clarifying process is time formulating and clarifying process is time consuming. However, without spending time consuming. However, without spending time on this stage you are far less likely to on this stage you are far less likely to achieve successful research.achieve successful research.

Research ProblemResearch Problem Any question that you want answered and any Any question that you want answered and any

assumption or assertion that you want to challenge assumption or assertion that you want to challenge or investigate can become a research problem or a or investigate can become a research problem or a research topic for your study. But not all questions research topic for your study. But not all questions can be transformed into research problems. As a can be transformed into research problems. As a newcomer it might seem easy to formulate a newcomer it might seem easy to formulate a problem but it requires a considerable knowledge of problem but it requires a considerable knowledge of both the subject area and research methodology. both the subject area and research methodology. When we examine a question more closely we will When we examine a question more closely we will soon realise the complexity of formulating an idea soon realise the complexity of formulating an idea into a problem which is researchable.into a problem which is researchable.

Formulating a Research ProblemFormulating a Research Problem

It is like the identification of a It is like the identification of a destination before undertaking a destination before undertaking a journey. In the absence of a clear journey. In the absence of a clear research problem, a clear and research problem, a clear and economical plan is impossible. The economical plan is impossible. The problem serves as the foundation of a problem serves as the foundation of a research study, it is well formulated, research study, it is well formulated, you can expect a good study to follow.you can expect a good study to follow.

Attributes of a Good Research Attributes of a Good Research TopicTopic

Your research topic must be something you Your research topic must be something you are capable of undertaking are capable of undertaking

Your ability to find the financial and time Your ability to find the financial and time resources to undertake on the topicresources to undertake on the topic

Data availabilityData availability Clearly defined research questions and Clearly defined research questions and

objectivesobjectives Link with theoryLink with theory Career goalsCareer goals

Research Area and TopicResearch Area and Topic

Research Topic falls within a area. Selection Research Topic falls within a area. Selection of topic is more difficult part of research.of topic is more difficult part of research.

Example:Example: Research Area: E-BusinessResearch Area: E-Business Research Topic: Research Topic:

Internet Marketing behavior among MNC’s and Internet Marketing behavior among MNC’s and Domestic companiesDomestic companies

Factors Determining adoption of e-business among the Factors Determining adoption of e-business among the domestic companies in Malaysiadomestic companies in Malaysia

Cost Benefit analysis on e-business with reference to Cost Benefit analysis on e-business with reference to consumer durable Goods Manufactures in Malaysiaconsumer durable Goods Manufactures in Malaysia

Choice of the ProblemChoice of the Problem

Based on the Purpose of Research:Based on the Purpose of Research: Basic Research Basic Research Applied ResearchApplied Research

Based on the objectivesBased on the objectives Exploratory Exploratory DescriptiveDescriptive Explanatory (Hypothesis testing)Explanatory (Hypothesis testing)

Methods of Generating and Methods of Generating and Refining Research IdeasRefining Research Ideas

Rational ThinkingRational Thinking Examine your own strength and interestExamine your own strength and interest Looking at past research reportsLooking at past research reports DiscussionsDiscussions Searching the literatureSearching the literature

Creative ThinkingCreative Thinking Exploring personal preferences using past Exploring personal preferences using past

projectsprojects brainstormingbrainstorming

Sources of Problem of ResearchSources of Problem of Research

Practical Problems in your fieldPractical Problems in your field Literature in your specific fieldLiterature in your specific field Request for proposalRequest for proposal Secondary Data AnalysisSecondary Data Analysis Pilot StudyPilot Study Brain StormingBrain Storming Focus GroupsFocus Groups

Choice of the ProblemChoice of the Problem

Should be TimelyShould be Timely Area should not be Too CrowedArea should not be Too Crowed The Area should not be Too ProminentThe Area should not be Too Prominent Consumer of ResearchConsumer of Research Feasibility of the Research StudyFeasibility of the Research Study

Formulation of a Research ProblemFormulation of a Research Problem

The following steps may be followed to The following steps may be followed to narrowing the problem or ‘zeroing in on narrowing the problem or ‘zeroing in on the problem, to have a better the problem, to have a better formulated research problemformulated research problem

Formulation …Formulation …

Identify: a broad areaIdentify: a broad area Dissect the broad area into sub-areaDissect the broad area into sub-area Select a sub-areaSelect a sub-area Raise Research questionsRaise Research questions Formulate objectivesFormulate objectives Assess these objectivesAssess these objectives Double checkDouble check

Turning Research Idea into Turning Research Idea into Research ProjectResearch Project

Research QuestionResearch Question It is important that the question is sufficiently involved to It is important that the question is sufficiently involved to

generate the sort of project. Begin with one general focus generate the sort of project. Begin with one general focus research question that flows from your research idea. This research question that flows from your research idea. This may leads to several more detailed questions or the may leads to several more detailed questions or the research objectives research objectives

Research ObjectivesResearch Objectives From the research question you can write a set of research From the research question you can write a set of research

objectives. It is more generally accepted to the research objectives. It is more generally accepted to the research community as a evidence of the researcher’s clear sense of community as a evidence of the researcher’s clear sense of purpose and direction. Research objectives require more purpose and direction. Research objectives require more rigorous thinking which derives use of more formal rigorous thinking which derives use of more formal language.language.

Research Idea to Research Research Idea to Research Question (General Focus)Question (General Focus)

Research idea General Focus Research Question

The sponsorship of country food clubs by commercial organizations

What benefit do commercial organizations derive from their sponsorship of country cricket clubs?

The adoption of Flexible workforce by manufacturing company

Why do manufacturing companies divide their workforces into core and peripheral workers?

The future of trade unions What strategies should trade unions adopt to ensure their viability in the future?

Formulation of ObjectivesFormulation of Objectives Objectives should be listed under two Objectives should be listed under two

headingsheadings Main objectives andMain objectives and

Sub-objectivesSub-objectives The main objective is an overall statement of The main objective is an overall statement of

the thrust of your study. It is also a statement the thrust of your study. It is also a statement of the main associations and relationships of the main associations and relationships that you seek to discover or establish. The that you seek to discover or establish. The sub objectives are the specific aspects of the sub objectives are the specific aspects of the topic that you want to investigate within the topic that you want to investigate within the main framework of your study.main framework of your study.

Formulation of ObjectivesFormulation of Objectives

Objectives should be listed under two Objectives should be listed under two headings;headings; Main objective(s)Main objective(s) Sub-objectivesSub-objectives

Research Question to Research Research Question to Research ObjectivesObjectives

Research Question Research Objectives

Why have organizations introduce team briefing?

To identify organization’s objectives for team briefing

How can the effectiveness of team- briefing schemes be measures?

To establish suitable effectiveness criteria for team-briefing schemes.

How can the team briefing effectiveness be explained?

To determine the factors associated with the effectiveness of the team briefing.

Has team briefing been effective? To describe the extent to which the effectiveness criteria for team briefing have been met.

Management Problems vs. Research Management Problems vs. Research ProblemsProblems

Most management research problems Most management research problems manifest themselves as manifest themselves as Management Decision Management Decision ProblemsProblems Situation arises, management needs to make a Situation arises, management needs to make a

decision, requires research, starts the research decision, requires research, starts the research processprocess

No actionable guidanceNo actionable guidance Simply a statement of the issue that Simply a statement of the issue that

management is dealing withmanagement is dealing with Must restatement in research terms.Must restatement in research terms.

Management Problems vs. Research Management Problems vs. Research ProblemsProblems

Management ProblemManagement Problem: a statement of : a statement of the information needed by a decision the information needed by a decision maker to help solve a management maker to help solve a management decision problem.decision problem.

Tips for Accurately DefiningTips for Accurately Defining Research Problems Research Problems

Find out why the information is being sought.Find out why the information is being sought. Determine whether the information already Determine whether the information already

exists.exists. Determine whether the question really Determine whether the question really

can/should be answered.can/should be answered. Use exploratory research to define background Use exploratory research to define background

of the problemof the problem Situation analysisSituation analysis The iceberg principleThe iceberg principle

Determine relevant variablesDetermine relevant variables

Definition of Research Definition of Research ObjectivesObjectives

Management Research ObjectivesManagement Research Objectives: the : the specific bits of knowledge that need to be specific bits of knowledge that need to be gathered to close the information gaps gathered to close the information gaps highlighted in the research problem.highlighted in the research problem. Stated in action termsStated in action terms Serve as a standard to evaluate the quality and Serve as a standard to evaluate the quality and

value of the researchvalue of the research Objectives should be specific and Objectives should be specific and

unambiguousunambiguous

Putting It All TogetherPutting It All Together Management ProblemManagement Problem

Placement office has noticed, while major companies make annual recruiting visits to Placement office has noticed, while major companies make annual recruiting visits to campus for engineers, not many national or local companies are formally recruiting campus for engineers, not many national or local companies are formally recruiting business majors through the placement officebusiness majors through the placement office

Why? How do we address this?Why? How do we address this? Management Research ProblemsManagement Research Problems

Why are companies not taking advantage of the resources that the placement service Why are companies not taking advantage of the resources that the placement service offers? Are companies going around the service?offers? Are companies going around the service?

Are companies aware of the University placement service?Are companies aware of the University placement service? Are companies aware of the reputation of the MBA programme?Are companies aware of the reputation of the MBA programme? What kind of things might generate more recruiting activity?What kind of things might generate more recruiting activity?

Management Research ObjectivesManagement Research Objectives To determine to what extent companies are aware of the placement serviceTo determine to what extent companies are aware of the placement service Determine whether companies, especially locals, are aware of the strong reputation of Determine whether companies, especially locals, are aware of the strong reputation of

the Business Schoolthe Business School To determine whether a quarterly newsletter highlighting business programs and To determine whether a quarterly newsletter highlighting business programs and

students might generate more recruiting activity.students might generate more recruiting activity.

Review of LiteratureReview of Literature ImportanceImportance SourcesSources PurposePurpose Stages of Research and Literature Stages of Research and Literature

ReviewReview Method of PresentationMethod of Presentation

IntroductionIntroduction

Literature review for a proposal or a Literature review for a proposal or a research study means locating and research study means locating and summarizing the studies about the summarizing the studies about the topic. Often these summaries are topic. Often these summaries are research studies, but it may also research studies, but it may also include conceptual articles or thought include conceptual articles or thought pieces that provide frameworks for pieces that provide frameworks for thinking about the topic.thinking about the topic.

Need and ImportanceNeed and Importance Knowledge doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and Knowledge doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and

your work only has value in relation to other your work only has value in relation to other people’s work. Your work and your finding people’s work. Your work and your finding will be significant only to the extent that they will be significant only to the extent that they are same as or different from others work are same as or different from others work and findings. The items your read and write and findings. The items your read and write about will enhance your subject knowledge about will enhance your subject knowledge and help you to clarify your research and help you to clarify your research question(s) further. This process is called question(s) further. This process is called critically reviewing the literature.critically reviewing the literature.

Purpose of the Literature Purpose of the Literature ReviewReview

Literature reviews help researchers limit the Literature reviews help researchers limit the scope of their inquiry.scope of their inquiry.

It convey the importance of the topic of study It convey the importance of the topic of study to the readersto the readers

It shares with the reader the results of other It shares with the reader the results of other studies that are closely related to the study studies that are closely related to the study being reported.being reported.

It relates a study to the larger ongoing It relates a study to the larger ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, may dialogue in the literature about a topic, may be fill in gaps and extending prior studiesbe fill in gaps and extending prior studies

Purpose …Purpose … It It provide a frame work for the study, to provide a frame work for the study, to

identify the important variables, to identify the important variables, to frame hypotheses, source of data, frame hypotheses, source of data, method of data collection, method of data collection, measurement of subjective variables, measurement of subjective variables, to develop questionnaire, to identify to develop questionnaire, to identify appropriate statistical technique for appropriate statistical technique for data analysis.data analysis.

Purpose …Purpose … It It serves as a benchmark for comparing serves as a benchmark for comparing

the results of a study with other the results of a study with other findings.findings.

Forms of Literature ReviewForms of Literature Review Integrative:Integrative:

The researcher summarizing broad themes in The researcher summarizing broad themes in literature. This is useful, in proposal writing and literature. This is useful, in proposal writing and to introduce the problem and background of the to introduce the problem and background of the research.research.

Theoretical:Theoretical: The researcher focuses on extant theory that The researcher focuses on extant theory that

relates to the problem under study. This form is relates to the problem under study. This form is useful for development of theoretical frame work useful for development of theoretical frame work of the study, integration of theory in to the study.of the study, integration of theory in to the study.

Forms ….Forms …. Methodological Review:Methodological Review:

In which the researcher focuses on In which the researcher focuses on methods and definitions. The reviewers methods and definitions. The reviewers may provide not only summary of studies may provide not only summary of studies but also an actual critique of the strength but also an actual critique of the strength and weakness of the method sections. and weakness of the method sections. Normally it is put into a separate section or Normally it is put into a separate section or chapter, in dissertations and review of chapter, in dissertations and review of related literature.related literature.

SourcesSources

Documentation ServicesDocumentation Services

JournalsJournals Government ReportsGovernment Reports Research AbstractsResearch Abstracts

States of Research and States of Research and Review of LiteratureReview of Literature

Identification and SelectionIdentification and Selection Formulation of the Selected Formulation of the Selected

problemproblem Operationalisation of ConceptsOperationalisation of Concepts Research MethodologyResearch Methodology Tools for collection of dataTools for collection of data Writing the reportWriting the report

Presentation of the ReviewPresentation of the Review

By Chronological orderBy Chronological order By TopicBy Topic Problem - SolutionProblem - Solution Cause - effectCause - effect Argument and Counter argumentArgument and Counter argument Group on the basis of a particular Group on the basis of a particular

VariableVariable

ETHICAL ISSUES IN BUSINESS ETHICAL ISSUES IN BUSINESS RESEARCHRESEARCH

Ethical Questions Are Philosophical Questions Business ethics is the application of morals to behavior

related to the exchange environment. Moral standards are principles that reflect beliefs about

what is ethical and what is unethical (e.g., the Golden Rule).

Ethical dilemma refers to a situation in which one chooses from alternative courses of actions, each with different ethical implications.

Relativism is a term that reflects the degree to which one rejects moral standards in favor of the acceptability of some action.

3–89

Idealism is a term that reflects the degree to which one bases their morality on moral standards.

Researchers and business stakeholders face ethical dilemmas practically every day

3–90

5–91

General Rights and Obligations General Rights and Obligations of Concerned Partiesof Concerned Parties

Everyone involved in research can face an ethical dilemma: The people actually performing the research

—the “doers.” The research client, sponsor, or the

management team requesting the research—the “users.”

The research participants—the actual research respondents or subjects.

Each party has certain rights and obligations toward the other parties.

5–92

EXHIBIT 5.EXHIBIT 5.77 Interaction of Rights and ObligationsInteraction of Rights and Obligations

5–93

Rights and Obligations: Research ParticipantRights and Obligations: Research Participant

Rights:

Obligations:

Rights and Obligations: Research Participant Rights and Obligations: Research Participant (cont’d)(cont’d)

Rights to be informed Most business research is conducted with the

research participant’s consent (i.e., the participant is active).

Informed consent means that the individual understands what the researcher wants him/her to do and agrees to in the research study.

The obligation to be truthful In return for being truthful, the subject has the right to

expect confidentiality. Confidentiality means that information involved in the

research will not be shared with others. 3–94

Rights and Obligations: Research Participant Rights and Obligations: Research Participant (cont’d)(cont’d)

Participants’ Right to Privacy Active Research

The issue involves the participant’s freedom to choose whether to comply.

Be considerate of participants’ time and identify yourself. Adhere to the principles of the “Do Not Call” policy and respect

consumers’ “Internet privacy.” Passive Research

It is generally believed that unobtrusive observation of public behavior is not an invasion of privacy.

Recording behavior that is not conducted in public would be a violation of privacy.

Technology allows the passive collection of data based on consumers’ on-line behavior, and researchers should gain consent before harvesting information.

3–95

5–96

Rights and Obligations: Research Participant Rights and Obligations: Research Participant (cont’d)(cont’d)Protection from Harm

Questions to ask to help avoid harming a research participant: Has the research subject provided consent to

participate in an experiment? Is the research subject subjected to

substantial physical or psychological trauma?

Can the research subject be easily returned to his or her initial state?

Human subjects review committee Reviews proposed research designs to

ensure that no harm can come to any research participant.

5–97

Rights and Obligations of the Rights and Obligations of the ResearcherResearcher

The researcher should: Understand that the purpose of research is

research (no sales pitch to research participants)

Maintain objectivity

Not misrepresent research

Be honest in reporting errors

Protect the confidentiality of both subjects and clients

Rights and Obligations of the Rights and Obligations of the Researcher (cont’d)Researcher (cont’d)

Researchers have rights, too: right to cooperation from the sponsoring

client right to be paid as long as the work is

done professionally right to be paid in full and in a timely

manner

3–98

5–99

Rights and Obligations of the Client Sponsor (User)Rights and Obligations of the Client Sponsor (User)

Ethical Behavior between Buyer and Seller The general business ethics expected

between a purchasing agent and a sales representative should hold in a research situation.

An Open Relationship with Research Suppliers To encourage objectively, a full and open

statement of the decision situation, a full disclosure of constraints in time and money, and any other insights that assist the researcher should be provided.

Researcher should be provided adequate access to key decision makers.

Rights and Obligations of the Client Sponsor (User) Rights and Obligations of the Client Sponsor (User) (cont’d)(cont’d)

An Open Relationship with Interested Parties Conclusions should be based on data –

not conjecture. Advocacy research – research undertaken

to support a specific claim in a legal action or to represent some advocacy groups.

Researchers often conduct advocacy research in their role as an expert witness.

3–100

1 - 101

Further ReadingFurther Reading COOPER, D.R. AND SCHINDLER, P.S. (2011)

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS, 11TH EDN, MCGRAW HILL

ZIKMUND, W.G., BABIN, B.J., CARR, J.C. AND GRIFFIN, M. (2010) BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS, 8TH EDN, SOUTH-WESTERN

SAUNDERS, M., LEWIS, P. AND THORNHILL, A. (2012) RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS STUDENTS, 6TH EDN, PRENTICE HALL.

SAUNDERS, M. AND LEWIS, P. (2012) DOING RESEARCH IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT, FT PRENTICE HALL.