This document outlines chapters from a lecture on business research methods. Chapter 1 introduces the purpose of studying research methods, defines research, discusses methods of acquiring knowledge, types of research, and the systematic research process. Chapter 2 defines the research problem, discusses sources and components of research problems, techniques for selecting and defining research problems. Chapter 3 covers developing a research proposal. The document provides an overview of key topics and concepts across multiple chapters related to research methods.
This document outlines chapters from a lecture on business research methods. Chapter 1 introduces the purpose of studying research methods, defines research, discusses methods of acquiring knowledge, types of research, and the systematic research process. Chapter 2 defines the research problem, discusses sources and components of research problems, techniques for selecting and defining research problems. Chapter 3 covers developing a research proposal. The document provides an overview of key topics and concepts across multiple chapters related to research methods.
This document outlines chapters from a lecture on business research methods. Chapter 1 introduces the purpose of studying research methods, defines research, discusses methods of acquiring knowledge, types of research, and the systematic research process. Chapter 2 defines the research problem, discusses sources and components of research problems, techniques for selecting and defining research problems. Chapter 3 covers developing a research proposal. The document provides an overview of key topics and concepts across multiple chapters related to research methods.
This document outlines chapters from a lecture on business research methods. Chapter 1 introduces the purpose of studying research methods, defines research, discusses methods of acquiring knowledge, types of research, and the systematic research process. Chapter 2 defines the research problem, discusses sources and components of research problems, techniques for selecting and defining research problems. Chapter 3 covers developing a research proposal. The document provides an overview of key topics and concepts across multiple chapters related to research methods.
Introduction Chapter Outline 1. Purpose of Studying Research Methods 2. Definition of Research 3. Methods of Acquiring Knowledge 4. Types of Research 5. Systematic Process of Research 6. Characteristics of a Good Research Purpose of Studying Research Methods Research has become a prevailing phenomenon of the world’s civilization that all of us are impacted by it. Advances in many fields of endeavor are attributed to research, and for much of these research activities there is an inherent assumption that research fosters development. Purpose… Acquiring research skills may be helpful for the following: Provides more information before making certain decisions Input for higher level executives Means of income generation Career option What is Research? • Research refers to the application of the scientific method in the study of problems. • It is a systematic attempt to obtain answers to questions about events through the application of scientific procedures. • Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. What is Research? • Research is a systematic inquiry aimed at providing information to solve problems. • Research is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information for some purpose. • Generally, the purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. Methods of Acquiring Knowledge Major Methods: Authority Tradition Experience Reasoning (Deductive & Inductive) Scientific Method Types of Research
The major ones are:
1. Basic (Pure or Fundamental) Research 2. Applied (Action) Research 3. Quantitative Research 4. Qualitative Research 5. Conceptual Research 6. Empirical Research Systematic Process of Research 1. Formulating the Research Problem 2. Review the Literature 3. Formulation of Working Hypothesis 4. Preparing the Research Design (Including Sample Design) 5. Data Collection 6. Data Analysis 7. Research Report Writing 8. Drawing Conclusions Characteristics of a Good Research
Clearly stated problem & objectives
Well developed research plan/proposal Well narrated research procedures Adequate data analysis True report Data justified conclusions only Chapter Two
Defining the Research Problem
Chapter Outline
1. Definition of Research Problem
2. Sources of Research Problem 3. Components of Research Problem 4. Selection of Research Problem 5. Techniques of Defining Research Problem Definition Research Problem This is the beginning activity of the research process and is the most difficult phase. A researcher must find the problem and formulate it so that it becomes susceptible to research. This stage of research is very important because problem clearly stated is a problem half solved. Definition… A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a practical or theoretical situation that calls for an investigation. The individual or the organization can be said to have the problem only if the individual or the organization does not know what course of action is best, i.e. the individual or the organization must be in doubt about the solution. Sources of Research Problem Research problem may arise from the following sources: Personal Experience of Practical Situation Previous Research & Related Literature Current Social & Political Issues From Discussions with Peoples Personal Motivation Lack of Information Components of Research Problem In a given research problem there must be: Interested people towards solving the problem Objective(s) to be attained Alternative means of attaining objective Doubt in the mind of researcher about selection among alternative courses of action some environment(s) to which the difficulty pertains. Selection of Research Problem The following points may need to be observed by a researcher in selecting a research problem: Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen Controversial subject should not become the choice of an average researcher. Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the related research material or sources of research are with in one’s reach. Selection… The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, and the time factor are few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a problem. When the field of inquiry is relatively new, the selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study. Selection… The research topic to be selected should be: The one in which the researcher has an interest The one that the researcher has the background knowledge to research The one that address felt need The one on which enough materials could be obtained to ensure thorough coverage. Above all, the one whose selection is justifiable on social, scientific or policy grounds. Techniques of Defining Research Problem The technique involves the following general steps: 1. Statement of the problem in a general way (choice of research topic) 2. Understanding the nature of the problem; 3. Surveying the available literature; 4. Developing ideas through discussions; and 5. Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition or developing research problem in problem statement Chapter Three
