1. MBB3724 Business Research Methods
MBB3724 Business Research Methods

2. The Research Process Selecting a topic for research Broad problem area
The Research Process
Selecting a topic for research
Broad problem area
Preliminary data gathering: Literature Survey
APA manual writing style

3. Overview of Research Process
Topic
Problem
Background
Demonstrate
Ethical Standards
Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design
Ahmad

4. Choose a Research Topic
Choosing an appropriate subject is a critical step in the success of your research project. It can be also one of the more difficult steps.
So plan to allot a few days to consider ideas, investigate availability of relevant materials.
The following three steps form a process you might use to choose a successful research project topic.

5. Step 1: Ideas Where do you find ideas for a research project?
Your professor assigns a topic
You saw an interesting topic discussed on a TV news program last night
You were interested in an issue a colleague mentioned in passing during last week's meeting.
You have a personal interest or hobby that you'd like to write about
What if you don't have an assigned topic or a subject of interest like these above in mind?
There are several sources available to suggest interesting, workable topics for research.

6. Step 2: Refining an Interesting Idea
How do you refine your research subject into a manageable topic?
Begin by examining the source that suggested the subject to you. See if you can determine how that writer or speaker would break the subject down into narrower aspects or factors. In many sources, you will see headings, a table of contents or outline to give you some initial ideas for narrower topics.
Consider some basic means to limit your topic such as:
Consider only the developments of the past year
Look at one individual's involvement with the issue
Consider examining the issue in one geographic area (for example, water conservation efforts in certain place).

7. Step 3: Initial Search Plan
The final step in developing a strong, successful research topic is to start an information search plan. Begin to make notes and keep lists. Include:
types of publications in which you expect to find information related to your specific topic,
subject areas in which you expect experts will be discussing your topic,
key questions that you have regarding the topic,
specific terms and phrases that are used by specialists studying your topic,
important names and dates related to the topic.
This list making will continue throughout your research and investigation. Having all that information at hand will make the searching and retrieval of research materials more efficient.

8. Supply chain design and control
Samples
Supply chain design and control
For a topic within this area for your research project, please see the suggestions below.
What does "Legality" mean in reference to supply chain design?
Uniqueness and strength in Dell Computer Corporation supply chain.
Supply chain management: An analysis of manufacturing firms in Malaysia.
Supply chain management: An analysis of distributors in Malaysia.
Supply chain management and impact of information technology: An analysis of manufacturing firms in Malaysia.
E-commerce for supply chain management.
Supply chain management: Case study on IBM, Malaysia.
How does ICT enable Supply Chain integration and agility?
How the supply chain differs on a B2C site compared to a B2B environment.
Supply chain control management: A case study on HP, Malaysia.

9. Inventory Management Samples
Suggestions for research project on inventory management are:
Inventory management is the backbone of supply chain management: True or False?
The influence of information technology in inventory management.
Inventory management in manufacturing organizations in Malaysia.
Inventory management in retail: a case study on Giants.
Inventory management in retail: a case study on Myden.
Inventory management in retail: a case study on AEON.
Inventory management for e-commerce.
Inventory management with multiple procurement modes: A case study in Malaysia.
Analytical study of inventory management in a car manufacturing organisation.

10. Production Scheduling
Samples
Production Scheduling
You could base your research project on any of the following topics.
Production scheduling techniques in a manufacturing environment.
Production scheduling techniques in a car manufacturing industry.
Toyota production scheduling techniques: A case analysis in Malaysia.
The significance of theory of constraints in production scheduling.
Production scheduling in steel industry.
Production scheduling in steel industry: A case study on Mittal Steel.
Challenges of production scheduling for SMB organisations.
Impact of IT on production scheduling techniques.
Innovation in production scheduling techniques.
Production scheduling in e-commerce.

11. Product Development Samples
If you are interested in research New Product Development (NPD) the following topics may be useful.
Product development, a look inside the process.
Product mix and New Product Development strategies.
Boeing's product development strategy: A case study.
Product development strategy: case study on Dell, Malaysia.
Product development strategy: case study on BMW.
Product development strategy: Pharmaceutical industry.
Product development strategy: e-commerce industry.
Product development strategy: case study Amazon.com.
Impact of information technology on product development strategy: case study on organisations based in Malaysia.

12. Design of Services Samples
A research project on the design of services could include:
Design of services in e-business.
AirAsia's marketing service design analysis.
Service design in fund management company.
Service design in restaurants: a look at restaurants in Malaysia.
Design and implementation of e-commerce web services.
Four major characteristics of services and the marketing strategies available for the service organisation.
Impact of information technology in service design.
It's not product, it's not service, and it's solution: a new trend.
Importance of service design in the e-commerce world.
Future technology impact on service design.

13. Dynamic Pricing Samples
A research project on dynamic pricing would make for very interesting reading.
E-business models of dynamic pricing.
Dynamic pricing: case study on airlines industry.
Dynamic pricing: case study on travel industry.
Dynamic pricing: case study on insurance industry.
Importance of Dynamic pricing in 'auctioning'.
Analysis of the current issues, future trends and opportunities associated with dynamic pricing.
E-commerce: significance of dynamic pricing.
Dynamic pricing in a B2B environment: a case study in Malaysia.
Dynamic pricing in the service industry: a case analysis of an organisation in Malaysia.

14. Industrial Risk Management
Samples
Industrial Risk Management
This is a very important issue within the business world and make for an excellent research project.
Risk management in the construction industry: a case study analysis in Malaysia.
Risk management in the automobile industry: a case study analysis in Malaysia.
Risk management in the banking industry: a case study analysis in the Malaysia.
Risk management in the retail industry: a case study analysis in the Malaysia.
Industrial risk management: internal and external factors.
Impact of information technology on industrial risk management
Risk management in the aviation industry: a case study analysis in the Malaysia.
Industrial risk management: Human factors.

15. Samples
Logistics
Logistics topics for your research project could include:
Is the rise of intermodal international logistics affecting the operations of manufacturing companies?
Transport and logistics: an in depth view of Malaysia.
Logistics management - Evaluation of the logistics operations carried out within manufacturing organisations
Logistic industry and corporate social responsibility: A closer look.
Impact of information technology on logistic industry.
Principles of logistic management: an evaluation in a practical environment.
Anticipatory logistics on supply chain management.
Competitive advantage of Giants is its superior logistic management.
Value chain strategy of the logistic industry in Malaysia.

16. Manufacturing and Supply-Chain Strategy
Samples
Manufacturing and Supply-Chain Strategy
Possible topics for your research project are:
Manufacturing strategy is the key to business success?
Manufacturing strategy: A look inside.
Supply chain strategy: case study on BMW.
Manufacturing strategy: Pharmaceutical industry.
Supply chain strategy: E-commerce industry.
Impact of information technology on manufacturing and supply chain strategy: A case study on organisations based in Malaysia

17. Total quality management
Samples
Total quality management
If you are looking at the area of Total Quality Management for your research project, the following topics may be useful:
Is Total Quality Management enough for competitive advantage.
Can TQM be a factor of sustainable competitive advantage for SME organisations?
Evolution of quality: First fifty issues of production and operations management.
Implementation of Total Quality Management: an empirical study of Malaysian manufacturing firms.
Total Quality Management and customer satisfaction in homebuilding.
The application of Total Quality Management in construction field operations.
TQM in today's environment.
TQM: Theory and the practical implementation in Malaysia.
TQM: influence of information technology.

18. Research Problem Topic Background Demonstrate Ethical Standards Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design
Ahmad

19. What Am I Looking For? Your research should cover:
Background information – general information about your problem that might include:
Definition and/or explanation of the topic or problem
Definition and/or explanation of terms found in the problem
Information about topics that relate to the problem
Explanation of why it is important to know about this problem
Specific Information, including:
Results from other experiments similar to yours
Information from interviews with experts
Studies done by companies or consumer groups that relate to your problem
Information necessary to experiment safely

20. Research Problem Topic Background Demonstrate Ethical Standards Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design
Ahmad

21. Formulating Problem Statements:
A persuasive problem statement consists of three parts:
the ideal,
the reality, and
the consequences for the reader of the feasibility report. 
Your strategy is one of contrast: by situating the ideal scenario next to the situation as it exists, you will not only persuade the reader that a problem exists, but then go on to emphasize the consequences of ignoring or addressing the problem.
Remember, your problem statement is the backbone of the proposal and the feasibility report. By giving careful consideration to how you construct it (for the proposal), you can use it when doing your research and writing for the proposal as well as the progress and the feasibility report.

22. (DESCRIPTION OF THE IDEAL SCENARIO)
STATEMENT 1 
(DESCRIPTION OF THE IDEAL SCENARIO)
Describe the goals, desired state, or the values that your audience considers important and that are relevant to the problem.
(BUT)
Connect statements 1 and 2 using a term such as "but," "however,“ "Unfortunately," or "in spite of";
Example
STATEMENT 1
In order to provide excellent patient care at a minimal cost, Middletown Hospital needs diagnostic procedures that are safe, efficient, and accurate. In addition, the procedures should not be overly painful for the patient.

23. (THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION)
STATEMENT 2 
(THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION)
Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value discussed in statement 1 from being achieved or realized at the present time.
Example
STATEMENT 2
Right now, Middletown Hospital's main diagnostic tools are CAT scans and myelograms (spinal taps). The CAT scan fails to make clear diagnoses 60% of the time. When the CAT scan fails, doctors must resort to the myelogram. While the myelograms are accurate, this procedure is very painful and sometimes dangerous for the patient.

24. (THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE AUDIENCE)
STATEMENT 3 
(THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE AUDIENCE)
Using specific details, show how the situation in statement 2 contains little promise of improvement unless something is done.  Then emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of possible solutions as well.
Example
STATEMENT 3
If Middletown Hospital continues to do the two procedures, they will not only be wasting time and money, which jeopardizes their overall efficiency and earning potential. Also, undue suffering could lead patients to choose another hospital with more advanced facilities.

25. RESEARCH 
(YOUR PROPOSED RESEARCH TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING THE REALITY MORE LIKE THE IDEAL.)
Describe the areas of inquiry you will use that could lead to solutions to the problem--- how will you research the problem? What sources of information, types of research (primary or secondary),or tools will you use to help you find solutions and make recommendations to resolve the clash?
Example
RESEARCH
A new diagnostic technique, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) may surpass the CAT scan in accuracy and reduce the need to resort to the myelogram.  I propose to research the feasibility of establishing an NMR lab at Middletown hospital. I will investigate the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of NMR as well as implementation issues.

26. Example

27. Research Problem Topic Background Demonstrate Ethical Standards Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design
Ahmad

28. How to Write a Research Question
What is a research question? A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable question around which you centre your research. You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about.
Why is a research question essential to the research process? Research questions help writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about” paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis. 

29. Steps to developing a research question:
Is your research question clear? 
Research questions must be as clear as possible in  order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research.
Is your research question focused? 
Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available.
Is your research question complex? 
Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts.  They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer.

30. Sample Research Questions
Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?
Clear:  How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as MySpace and Facebook? The unclear version of this question doesn’t specify which social networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites are causing. It also assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The clearer version specifies sites (MySpace and Facebook), the type of harm (privacy issues), and who the issue is harming (users). A strong research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation.

31. Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?
Focused:  How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica? 
The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-length piece.
The focused version narrows down to a specific cause (glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and a specific group that is affected (penguins). When in doubt, make a research question as narrow and focused as possible.

32. Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?
Appropriately Complex:  What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?
The simple version of this question can be looked up online and answered in a few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis. The more complex version is written in two parts; it is thought provoking and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer a research question, it’s likely not very effective.

33. Research Problem Topic Background Demonstrate Ethical Standards Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design
Ahmad

34. Operational Definition
An operational definition is a statement that describes how a particular variable is to be measured,
or It can be a demonstration of a process - such as a variable, term, or object - relative in terms of the specific process or set of validation tests used to determine its presence and quantity. 
Operational definitions need to be clear and precise so that a reader knows exactly what to observe or measure.

35. Examples
Example 1:
Lemon juice, vinegar, and certain other substances are acids. To find out whether a substance is an acid, place a drop of the substance on blue litmus paper. Operational definition: Substances that cause the litmus paper to turn pink are acids.
Example 2:To measure a person’s pulse, place your index and middle fingers lightly on the inside of the person’s wrist and find the beating artery. Operational definition: The pulse is the number of beats counted in 1 minute.
Example 3:You have to classify vertebrates as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. Operational definition: A bird is an animal that has two feet, a pair of wings, and feathers.
Example 4:You have to determine the relative ages of layers of sedimentary rock. Operational definition: In sedimentary rock that has not been disturbed, the oldest rock is the bottom layer area, and the youngest rock is the top layer.

36. Tips for Writing Operational Definitions
Look over the written plan for carrying out an investigation, or write up a plan.
Identify and list any variables or terms that do not have a single, clear, obvious meaning.
If there are several reasonable ways to make an observation or to perform an action, choose one that suits the purpose of the investigation.
Write a clear, complete definition of what the researcher should do or measure. Check your definition by asking yourself, Will this definition tell another person what to observe or how to measure?

37. Research Problem Topic Background Demonstrate Ethical Standards Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design

38. Conceptual Frameworks
A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach to an idea or thought.
Conceptual frameworks (theoretical frameworks) are a type of intermediate theory that attempt to connect to all aspects of inquiry (e.g., problem definition, purpose, literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis).
Conceptual frameworks can act like maps that give coherence to empirical inquiry. Because conceptual frameworks are potentially so close to empirical inquiry, they take different forms depending upon the research question or problem.

39. PLANNED BEHAVIOR MODEL
Samples
PLANNED BEHAVIOR MODEL

40. Samples
MODEL OF TRUST

41. Samples
SERVICE QUALITY MODEL

42. Samples
MODEL OF QUALITY

43. CHILD DEVELOPMENT MODEL
Samples
CHILD DEVELOPMENT MODEL

44. Research Problem Topic Background Demonstrate Ethical Standards Start
References
Problem
Statement
ROs & RQs
Defend
Proposal
End
Operational
Definitions
Prepare
Report
Conceptual
Framework
Research
Tools
Review
Literature
Research
Design

45. THANK YOU

46. First Review of the Literature
Helps the researcher to:
Structure research on work already done
Develop problem statement with precision and clarity
Is beneficial in both basic and applied research projects

47. A good problem statement
Research objective: why of the research
Research objective applied research:
to solve a specific problem in a work setting;
to change something.
Example:
To determine factors that increase employee commitment to the organization;
Allows manager to increase commitment and hence to decrease turnover, absenteeism and increase performance levels.

48. Example The purpose of this study is twofold:
to identify the factors that influence the passenger’s waiting experience and
to investigate the possible impact of waiting on customer satisfaction and service evaluations.

49. A good problem statement
Research questions:
what of the research (what do you want to learn?)
Translates problem into a specific need for information
Are related to the objective
If objective is unclear we will not be able to formulate research questions
Example:
What are the factors that affect the perceived waiting experience of airline passengers
To what extent do these factors affect the perception of waiting times?
What are the affective consequences of waiting
How does affect mediate the relationship between waiting and service evaluations?
How do situational variables (such as filled time) influence customer reactions to the waiting experience?

50. Good problem statement
Relevant
for the organization
Feasible
you are able to answer the research questions within the restrictions of the research project.
Interesting
to you!

51. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wiley.com/college/sekaran
The research proposal
The research proposal drawn up by the investigator is the result of a planned, organized, and careful effort.
© 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

52. Research Proposal contains (1)
Working title.
Background of the study.
The problem statement.
- The purpose of the study.
- Research questions.
The scope of the study.
The relevance of the study.

53. Research Proposal contains (2)
The research design offering details on:
a. Type of study
b. Data collection methods
c. The sampling design.
d. Data analysis.
Time frame of the study
Budget
Selected bibliography.

54. The Critical literature review
Chapter 4
The Critical literature review 54

55. Critical Literature Review
A literature review is “the selection of available documents (both published and unpublished) on the topic, which contain information, ideas, data and evidence written from a particular standpoint to fulfill certain aims or express certain views on the nature of the topic and how it is to be investigated, and the effective evaluation of these documents in relation to the research being proposed” (Hart, 1998, p. 13).

56. Functions Literature Review
Research builds on existing knowledge
One does “reinvent the wheel”
Look at a problem from a specific angle
Find out what variables are important to consider
Introduce relevant terminology/provide definitions
Provide arguments for the relationships variables
Testability and replicability are enhanced.
Research findings are related to findings of others.

57. Data sources Textbooks Academic and professional journals Theses
Conference proceedings
Unpublished manuscripts
Reports of government departments and corporations
Newspapers
The Internet

58. Searching for literature
Most libraries have the following electronic resources at their disposal:
Electronic journals
Full-text databases
Bibliographic databases
Abstract databases

59. Evaluating the literature
Titles
Abstract
Table of contents/first chapter book
Number of citations

60. Documenting the Literature Review
Literature review introduces
Subject study
Highlights the problem
Summarizes work done so far