Research

“Research”, in simple terms, can be defined as “systematic investigation towards increasing the
sum of human knowledge” and as a ‘process’ of identifying and investigating a ‘fact’ or a
‘problem’ with a view to acquiring an insight into it or finding an apt solution therefore, an
approach becomes systematic when a researcher follows certain scientific methods.

Meaning of Research:
Research is a skill of systematic exploration. It is actually a passage of innovation. It is a
necessary and influential tool leading human being towards progress. Without systematic
research there would have been not even little progress.

Research in simple terms, refers to search for knowledge. It is also known as a scientific and
systematic search for information on particular topic or issue. It is also known as the art of
scientific investigation.

Definition of Research
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English defines Research as the systematic
investigation into and study of materials, sources, etc., in order to establish facts and reach new
conclusions.” Another meaning of research by same dictionary is an endeavor to discover new
or collate old facts etc. by the scientific study of a subject or by a course or critical investigation.

Therefore, only systematic intensive investigation into, or inquiry of, fact qualifies to get the
label of research. And a „search‟ becomes systematic when a researcher, in his quest for
knowledge and pursuit of truth, attempts to collect the required information from various
sources and in a variety of ways systematically and exposes data to a severe and intensive
scrutiny. Research, thus, involves systematic scientific investigation of facts (or their hidden or
unknown facets) with a view to determining or ascertaining something, which may satisfy the
curiosity of the investigator and carry forward (his) knowledge. Such research involves
identification of a research problem, the ascertainment of facts, their logical ordering and
classification, the use of (inductive and deductive) logic to interpret the collected and classified
facts and the assertion of conclusions premised on, and supported by, the collected
information. Research, therefore, means a scientific collection and inspection of facts with a
view to determining (or searching) something, which may satisfy the curiosity of the
investigator and carry forward his knowledge. It requires a sound design for investigation, the
appropriate methods of data collection and a mode of analysis.
Research in business
Business research involves acquiring information and knowledge for professional
or commercial purposes such as determining opportunities and goals for
a business.

An example of business research is gathering sales information and writing a

detailed report on marketing and sales.

Research objectives in Business

 Research objectives are simply the descriptions of what is to be achieved by the study.
 The research objective is a clear, concise declarative statement which provides direction to
investigate the variables.
 The research objectives are the accomplishments what the researcher hopes to achieve by
study.
Characteristics of research objectives
1. It should be in logical sequence.
2. It should be clear and unambiguous; what is to be done?
3. It should be ethical and do not cause physical or psychological injury to
anyone or environment. It should outline the scope of research.
4. It should give the clear picture of how to perform investigation.
Types of research objectives:
There are two types of research objectives:

 General objectives
 Specific Objectives

General objectives
General objectives are the broad goals to be achieved. The general objectives of study state
what the researcher expects to achieve by the study in general terms.

Specific objectives
 Specific objectives are short term and narrow in focus.
 The specific objectives are the small logical connected parts to achieve
general objectives.
 They specify what the researcher will do in study, where and for what
purpose.

How to determine your objectives?

While your problem formulation serves to describe the aim of your thesis, the
objectives provide an accurate description of the specific actions you will take in
order to reach this aim. As with the problem formulation, the overall objective
should be framed in a single sentence.