by ones definition of business. A broader definition of business includes not-for-profit organization. The term Business Research is utilized because all its techniques are applicable to business settings. Flying by the seat of the pants decision- making, without systematic inquiry, is like betting on a long shot at the racetrack because the horses name is appealing. Scope of Business Research Business research helps decision makers shift from intuitive information gathering to systematic and objective investigation. While researchers in different functional areas may investigate different phenomena, they are comparable to one another because they use similar research methods. Definition Business research is defined as the systematic and objective process of generating information for aid in making business decisions. Research information is neither intuitive nor haphazardly gathered. Literally, research (re-search) meanssearch again Business research must be objective, meaning that the information found must be detached and impersonal rather than biased. (Find facts, not opinions.) Definition Research facilitates the managerial decision process for all aspects of a business. By reducing the uncertainty of decisions, it reduces the risk of making wrong decisions. Research should be an aid to managerial judgment, not a substitute for it. Artemus Ward It aint the things we dont know that gets us in trouble. Its the things we know that aint so. Types of Research Basic (Pure) Research attempts to expand the limits of knowledge. It is not directly involved in the solution to a pragmatic problem. The findings generally cannot be immediately implemented. Basic research is conducted to verify the acceptability of a given theory or to know more about a certain concept. Examples of Basic Research Is executive success correlated with high need for achievement? Are members of highly cohesive work groups more satisfied than members of less cohesive work groups? Do consumers experience cognitive dissonance in low-involvement situations? Types of Research Applied Research is conducted when a decision must be made about a specific real-life problem. Examples of Applied Research Should McDonalds add Italian pasta dinners to its menu? Business research told McDonalds it should not? Should Procter & Gamble add a high- priced home teeth bleaching kit to its product line? Research showed Crest Whitestrips would sell well at a retail price of $44. Scientific Method The procedures and techniques utilized by basic and applied researchers do not differ substantially. Both employ the scientific method. The analysis and interpretation of empirical evidence (facts from observation or experimentation) to confirm or disprove prior conceptions. Managerial Value of Business Research The Decision-making Process Associated with the Development and Implementation of a Strategy: Identifying problems and opportunities Diagnosis and assessment Selecting and implementing a course of action Evaluating the course of action Evaluation Research is the formal, objective measurement and appraisal of the extent to which a given activity, project, or program has achieved its objectives. Performance-monitoring Research regularly provides feedback for evaluation and control. It indicates whether things are or are not going as planned. Research may be required to explain why something went wrong When is Business Research Needed? Time constraints Availability and accessibility of data Nature of the decision Strategic Decision Making Tactical Decision Making Operational Decision Making Benefits versus costs Benefits > Costs Conduct Research Costs > Benefits No Research Conducted Summary Diagram Availability of Benefits Time Constraints Data Nature of the Decision vs. Costs Is the infor- Does the value Is sufficient time Is the decision Conducting Yes mation already Yes Yes of the research Yes available before of considerable a managerial on hand strategic information Business inadequate exceed the cost decision for making or tactical of conducting Research must be made? importance? the decision? research?
No No No No
Do Not Conduct Business Research
Value VS. Costs Costs Value Research expenditures Decreased certainty Delay of business Increased likelihood decision and of a correct decision possible disclosure Improved business of information to performance and rivals resulting higher Possible erroneous profits research results Major Topics for Research in Business General Business Conditions and Corporate Research Financial and Accounting Research Management and Organizational Behavior Research Sales and Marketing Research Information Systems Research Corporate Responsibility Research Cross-Functional Teams Cross-functional teams are composed of individuals from various organizational departments such as engineering, production, finance, and marketing who share a common purpose.