Research Methodology Chapter 3

Nagendra AmatyaAssociate ProfessorScience and Humanities DepartmentCentral Campus Pulchowk nbamatya@ioe.edu.np

Formulation of Research Problem

• Anticipation of problem • Subject matter identification • Defining research object• Formation of hypothesis• Design of study• Tools of data collection• Universe of study

Importance of Research Problem

• The formulation of research problem is the first importance step of research process.

• It is like the identification of destination before undertaking of journey

• A research problem is like the foundation of building • the research problem serves as the foundation of research

study: if it is well formulated, you can except a good study to follow.

• You must have clear idea with regard to what is that you want to find out about and not what not what you think you must find

Cont..• A research problem may takes a number of

forms, rom the very simple to the very complex.• The way you formulate a problem determines

almost every steps that follows: – Types of study design that can be used– The type of sampling strategy that can be employed – The research instrument that can be used or

developed – Type of analysis that can be undertaken

Cont..

• In the beginning you may becomes more confused but this Normal and sign of progression.

• REMEMBER : confusion is most often but a first step towards clearly.

• Time taken over formulating your problem, for the clarity you are about your research problem/question, the easier it will be you later on.

Remember this is most crucial step.

IDENTIFICATION OF A PROBLEM

• The identification and analyzing a research problem is the first and most crucial step of research process.

• A problem can not be solved effectively unless a researcher possesses the intellect and insight to isolate and understand the specific factors giving rise to the difficulty.

• research scholars understand that identification of a problem means to select a topic of a research or statement of the problem.

• The topic is the definition of the problem which delimits or pin points the task of a researcher.

Cont..

• Since identifying the exact nature and dimensions of a problem is of major importance in research work, it is very essential that an investigator should learn how to recognize and define a problem.

• He should proceed step by step in locating the research problem. The following steps are to be followed in identifying a research problem.

Step in Locating Research Problem• Step 1 : Determining the field of research in which a

researcher is keen to do the research work.• Step 2 : The researcher should develop the mastery on the

area or it should be the field of his specialization.• Step 3 : He should review the researches conducted in area

to know the recent trend and studies in the area.• Step 4: On the basis of review, he should consider the

priority field of the study.• Step 5: He should draw an analogy and insight in identifying

a problem or employ his personal experience of the field in locating the problem. He may take help of supervisor or expertise of the field.

• Step 6 : He should pin-point specific aspect of the problem which is to be investigated.

Tasks to be performed in analyzing a problematic situation

1. Accumulating the facts that might be related to the problem.2. Setting by observations whether the facts are relevant.3. Tracing any relationship between facts that might reveal the key to the

difficulty.4. Proposing various explanations for the cause or the difficulty.5. Ascertaining through observations and analysis whether these explanations are

relevant to the problem.6. Tracing relationship between explanations that may give an insight into the

problem solution.7. Tracing relationship between facts and explanations.8. Questioning assumptions underlying the analysis of the problem.9. Tracing the irrelevant facts which are not concerned with the problem.10. Locating the irrelevant explanations which are not related to the problem. After

going through these processes, the researcher will be able to define or state the problem.

Defining Research Problem Defining a problem is very important. A study should be delimited by the following aspects:1. A study should be delimited to certain variables that should be mentioned clearly in

the problem.2. The study is delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary level, college or

university level.3. Again study is delimited to size of sample. Considering the time, energy and money,

but it should be a representative.4. Method of Research: A Problem or study may be conducted by different methods but

it is not possible. Therefore, the best method should be used so that the study should be delimited to the method only.

5. Measuring Instrument: In behavioral science number of instruments are available but all tools can not be used to measure Thus the best available tool will be used for measuring the variable.

6. Techniques of Research: A number of techniques can be used for analysing data but most appropriate techniques should be used.

7. The other limitation should vary from problem to problem as every problem has its own delimitations.

These delimitations may help the researcher for conducting the study and the findings of studies also confine to these delimitations.

Interactive model of research design

Goals:Why this study?Aid in implementation of FSSD and C2C philosophy through innovation in business modelsMethods: 1. Literature search on business models and how they interact with material flows and value creation.2. Develop generic criteria for a sustainable (from an FSSD and C2C perspective) business model (what we

discussed). (Karen’s preference: develop a method or tool to enable entrepreneurs to create/assess their own business model from an FSSD and C2C definition of success)

3. Ongoing interviews through all phases of the research. Initially to help gain understanding of the system, business models, processes of developing business models and how business models interact with the physical and value flows that an organization creates. As we get further into our research, we will ask for feedback on the tool/criteria that we identify and identify appropriate case studies.

4. Collaboration with incubator (aid entrepreneurs in developing business models that help their business work strategically towards sustainability). Test the tool or set of criteria that was developed.

5. Additional case studies: we will seek out and interview existing organizations and analyze their business model with respect to our criteria for a sustainable business model. We will perform a gap analysis (their current reality vs. sustainable desired future), and assess the potential for our tool/criteria to aid them in moving strategically towards the desired future.

Research Questions: How can FSSD be incorporated into the creation of business models to enable organizations to contribute to moving society towards sustainability? Others as well - there's some in the draft proposal - we should talk about this

• Conceptual Framework:• Existing theory and lit review:• The current neo-classical economic paradigm is fundamentally flawed.• In order to reach a sustainable society within the biosphere we need fundamental shifts in the way

the economic system affects the system within which it resides (Senge et al. 2001). “The challenge today is to develop sustainable businesses that are compatible with the current economic reality.” (Senge et al. 2001). “Focussing on ecoefficiency may distract companies from pursuing radically different products and business models – changes that require shifts in mental models. This is unlikely to occur without mastering the human dimensions of learning and change.” (Senge et al. 2001). New business logic emerging, begins with rethinking how firms create value and redefines the characters – customers, employees, suppliers – and ultimately the company itself (Senge et al. 2001). In short, enable ourselves to tell a different story. Fundamental to understand a customer and serve a genuine need – also, a radical shift in business models. Decouple the stuff with the value, allow for sustainable development. Shifts the meaning of ‘customer’ – from consumers to co-creators of value, recognize interdependence with suppliers, distributors and customers needed to build the trust necessary to shift established mental models.

• Business models provide a link between vision and core business and operational processes:

• Vision/core business

• Business Model

• Operations

• Our proposed conceptual framework:• Henrik Ny’s diagram, of economics as a means for sustainable development

towards the creation of environmental and social value (beyond the triple bottom line).

• Entrepreneurs as change agents within communities to enable sustainable development (McKay et al.). Planning with sustainability in mind at early stages of company development may have important impacts on future business success (the business case for sustainability) and societal welfare (Blankenship et al.). - That thesis has a lot of useful information about process of engagement within an incubator and the current incubator process. Very useful if we end up collaborating with the incubator up the hill.

• I know that I said I was comfortable going at the generic level, and not focusing on the system, or on case studies at a certain level of society. I've been having second thoughts about that, and think we should discuss it furthur. I'm not convinced that business models are generic enough that we'll be able to find a definition applicable to all levels and still be able to make specific, and interesting recommendations. (The larger system is an important component of what makes this topic interesting for me - and will allow me to understand the topic. I think the more we scale down, the more in-depth and interesting our research will be) - K

• Validity: • What data will we collect and what conclusions will we

be able to draw from that?• How might we be wrong?• What are the limitations inherent in our approach?• Time limitations (especially when it comes to testing or

implementing) – we will probably not get much data back.

• Questions and Methods Matrix What do I need to know? Why do I need to know this? (i.e. what are my research questions) What kind of data will answer the questions? Where can I find the data? Whom do I contact for access? Time lines for acquisition

Source :http://kafthesis.pbworks.com/w/page/6512970/Interactive%20model%20of%20research%20design

Home work and assessment1) Develop and define at least one your interest of research area in context of

related to construction management area of Nepal.2) Give three judgment of selecting this topic.3) Give the minimum three importance of selected research area for local and

National contest context etc.4) Give summary at least three literature reviews with citation, minimum one

paragraph for each literature but not more than two paragraph for each literature.

5) Develop your research design conceptual frameworkRemember : It may be your final thesis topic !!! (It will be send t probable

related expert for review.) Contribution of this home work in assessment is 10 marks Last date of submission 11 september. You may submit in nagendraamatya@gmail.com but you may

have mention your name and roll Number in subject.