RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (MGT 369)

Chapter 2

Problem Definition/ Problem statement - is a clear, precise and brief statement of the question or issue that is to be investigated with the goal of finding an answer or solution.

Process of Problem Definition

1. 2.

3. 4.

Determine the decision makers objectives Understand the background of the problem - using situation analysis: a preliminary investigation of background information to familiarizes researches to decision area. Isolate and identify the problem, not the symptom. Determine the unit of analysis - Individuals, dyads, organization, industry, country

5.

5.

Determine the relevant variables- Dependant variables: a variable that is to be predicted or explained Independent Variables: a variable that is expected to influence the dependent variables State the research questions (Hypotheses) and research objectives Hypotheses- unproven proposition explains certain facts or phenomena Format- 1) If- then statement 2) Directional : the greater..the lower 3) non- directional: there is relationship between and Null Hypo: no significant between variables Alternate: there is a significant btween variables

The Research Proposal

A written statement of the research design that includes a statement explaining the purpose of the study and detailed, systematic outline of a particular research methodology.

Format of the Research Proposal

1) Problem Statement 2) Research Objectives 3) Research Questions 4) Literature Review 5) Research Methodology
Research design Survey instrument Sample design Data collection method Gantt Chart (schedule of work) 6) Bibliography APA format : Leshin, C.B.(1997). Management on the World Wide Web. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice Hall