Chapter one
What is research?
Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a
thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.
Business research
A systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific
problem encountered in the work setting, which needs a
solution. Research provides the necessary information that
guides managers to make informed decisions to successfully
deal with problems.
Steps in research:
1- Knowing where the problem areas exist in the organization
2- Identify as clearly and specifically as possible the problems
that need to be studied and resolved.
3- Gather information, analyze the data, and determine the
factors that are associated with the problem and then
solve it by taking the necessary corrective measures.
The difference between the manager who uses common sense
alone to analyze and make a decision in a given situation, and
the manager who uses scientific method is that the latter does
a systematic inquiry into the matter and proceeds to describe,
explain, or predict phenomena based on data carefully
collected for the purpose.
4- Pragmatism
Pragmatists do not take on a particular position on
what makes a good research.
They feel that research on both objective,
observational phenomena and subjective meanings
can produce useful knowledge, depending on the
research questions of the study.
The focus of pragmatism is on practical, applied
research where different viewpoints on research
and the subject under study are helpful in solving a
business problem.
Pragmatism describes research as a process where
concepts and meanings are generalizations of our
past actions and experiences and of interactions
we have had with the environment.
For the pragmatist these different perspectives,
ideas, and theories help us to gain an
understanding of the world
Pragmatism thus endorses eclecticism and
pluralism.
Chapter 3
Broad problem area:
Identification of the broad problem area through the process
of observing and focusing on the situation. A problem does not
necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong with a
current situation that needs to be rectified immediately. A
problem could also indicate an interest in an issue where
finding the right answers might help to improve an existing
situation. Thus it is fruitful to define a problem as any situation
where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal
states.
Hypothesis development
Hypothesis can be defined as a testable statement which
predicts what you expect to find in your empirical data.
Hypothesis formats
1- If-then statements
2- Directional statements
3- Non-directional statements
4- Null statements
Chapter 6
Elements of research design
Purpose of study
1- Descriptive study: topic with a lot of information and a lot
of people wrote about it. They are done to explain a
certain phenomena
2- Exploratory study: one of the first people to test the topic
with very limited sources and information, in that case you
need to find primary data, create focus groups and
professional interviews
3- Hypothesis testing: mainly studying the relation between
variables
4- Case study: unique, specific field or organization, it’s a
scientific research to find a result to solve a current
problem, but it also might not work in solving any other
problem, it has to be modified first.
Types of investigation
Causal study: it’s a cause and effect relationship kind of study
ex: does smoking cause lung cancer
Correlational study: is a study that can be explained, its just a
statement. Ex: is smoking and cancer related.
Research strategies
1- Experiments
2- Survey research
3- Observation
4- Case studies
5- Grounded theory
6- Action research
7- Mixed methods