Cumbria University
Dr Colin Fu
Aims
Provides an understanding of the methods and techniques used and required when carrying out formal research. Addresses a variety of research methodologies Offers the learner the opportunity to develop research skills.
Reading List
(1) Research Methods for Business Students [Paperback]
By Mark N.K. Saunders Adrian Thornhill , Philip Lewis Paperback: 656 pages Publisher: Financial Times/ Prentice Hall; 5 edition (2 April 2009) Language English ISBN-10: 0273716867 ISBN-13: 978-0273716860
Reading List
(3)Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students [Paperback]
By Jill Collis and Roger Hussey (Paperback - 9 Feb 2009) Paperback: 420 pages Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; 3rd edition edition (9 Feb 2009) Language English ISBN-10: 1403992479 ISBN-13: 978-1403992475
(4) Research Methods for Business (Hair et al) chapters 1, 2 and 3 (5) Business Research Methods (Bryman and Bell) chapters 1 and 25
Learning Outcomes
Explain how research contributes to good decision making Analyse the elements and scope of management research Describe processes used in management research Explain the role of ethics in management research
Questions
Can you think of any examples of the sorts of questions to which managers might seek answers through research? In small groups, consider the case of Samouels Greek Cuisine on pages 23-24 of Hair et al and answer the questions.
Stage 1: Formulation
The formulation phase involves defining the substance and process of the research. It is much like writing a recipe. It provides the ingredients required for the desired result with instructions for how to do it. Stages are: Confirm need Define the problem Review literature and examine theory Develop questions and objectives Specify hypotheses Formulate research design
Stage 2: Execution
After formulating the research, the execution phase begins. The researcher actively gathers information, which is checked for errors, coded and stored in a way that allows it to be analysed easily. Stages are: Select sampling method Design data collection forms Collect data Check for errors Store data
Stage 3: Analysis
In this phase the data is analysed. Hypothesised relationships are tested and results are analysed to provide answers to key research questions. Stages are: Analyse data Interpretation and inferences Support or not Identify limitations Prepare report
Observation
Not a formal process but is a natural event that gives the idea that something needs to be researched. For example, a company may have noticed that sales of one of its brands have been on a gradual decline. It may then decide that the matter needs to be investigated in order to find out what the problem is.
Discovery
This is the discovery of ideas Come from hunches, intuition or reasoning. For example : if sales are dropping, managers might think to themselves this is probably due to the fact that there are many more brands coming into the market nowadays.
Discovery
The idea (or discovery) stems from some order being made of the observations. The researcher then begins a preliminary investigation to try to translate the discovery into a testable hypothesis.
Develop Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a formal statement of an unproven idea that may explain certain facts and these can usually be tested using data. Not true nor false
Data Collection
Beyond hypothesis development, the scientific method moves on to the testing phase where data is gathered. It then goes on to be analysed.
Analysis
Analysis is carried out in various ways. If data is given in numbers, then mathematical and statistical methods are used to create figures which have meaning. Relevant data represents facts about hypothesised variables.
Conclusion
The data is then examined to see if the findings do or do not support the hypothesis. Thought is given to the data: inferences are made and statements are drawn up summing up the situation finally stating whether the hypothesis has been proved and the implications for the business.
Research Proposal
A formal document that summarises what the problem is, how it will be investigated, how much it will cost and how long the research will take to complete. It should have the following sections: Project title Background information (events leading up to request) Research strategy & methods Nature of final report Schedule & budget Qualifications of project consultants
Further work
1. Use a web-based search engine to find the following information: (a) the number of people employed in automobile manufacturing in the USA, UK, Germany and Japan; (b) basic demographic profiles for Italy, France, Spain and the UK. 2. Visit www.advisorteam.com/. Follow the first time user instructions to take the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II. Which personality type do you belong to? Discuss the different types. What types of jobs would you recommend to someone with your personality type? What types of job would you not recommend to someone with your personality type?