Research Methods
William G. Zikmund
Chapter 6:
Problem Definition and the
Research Proposal
First step
Problem, opportunity, or monitor operations
Discovery before definition
Problem means management problem
Problem Definition
The indication of a specific business
decision area that will be clarified by
answering some research questions.
Exploratory
Research
(Optional)
The Process of
Problem Definition
Ascertain the
decision makers
objectives
Determine unit
of analysis
Understand
background of
the problem
Determine
relevant
variables
Isolate/identify
the problem, not
the symptoms
State research
questions and
objectives
Organization
Twenty-year-old
neighborhood
swimming
association in a
major city.
Symptoms
Membership has been
declining for years.
New water park with
wave pool and water
slides moved into
town a few years ago.
Problem Definition
Based on Symptom
True Problem
Neighborhood
residents prefer the
expensive water
park and have
negative image of
swimming pool.
Demographic changes:
Children in this 20year-old neighborhood
have grown up. Older
residents no longer
swim anywhere.
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13
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposition that is
empirically testable.
It is a statement /assumption
concerned with the relationship
among variables,
at the empirical level.
15
Broad
research
objectives
Statement
of business
problem
Exploratory
research
(optional)
Specific
Objective 1
Specific
Objective 2
Specific
Objective 3
Research
Design
Results
The Process of
Problem Definition
Ascertain the
decision makers
objectives
Determine unit
of analysis
Understand
background of
the problem
Determine
relevant
variables
Isolate/identify
the problem, not
the symptoms
State research
questions and
objectives
Research Proposal
A written statement of the research design
that includes a statement explaining the
purpose of the study
Detailed outline of procedures associated
with a particular methodology
Anticipating Outcomes
Dummy tables:
Representations of the actual tables that will
be in the findings section of the final report;
used to gain a better understanding of what
the actual outcomes of the research will be.