1. 1. Definition and importance of research 2. Types of research – Basic and Applied 3. Characteristics of a good research 1

2.  Process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.  It starts with; 1.identify the problem 2.correctly recognize the relevant factors 3.gather the right type of information 4.analyze the information gathered 5.make the right conclusion 2

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4. Business research is an organized, systematic, data-based, critical, objective scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it. Research provides the managers with the information needed to make informed decisions to successfully deal with problem. This is a result of a careful analysis of data gathered firsthand or of data that is already available (in the company, industry or archives or etc). 4

5. Data can be quantitative (gathered through structured questions) or qualitative (from broad answers to specific questions in interviews, or from responses to open-ended questions in the questionnaire or via observation or from already available information gathered from various sources). Research involves a series of well-thought-out and carefully executed activities that will enable the manager to know how organizational problems be solved or minimized. Research is a process of inquiry, investigation, examination and experimentation. 5

6. In accounting, budget control systems, practices and procedures are frequently examined. Inventory cost methods, accelerated depreciation, time series behavior of quarterly earnings, transfer pricing, taxation methods, auditors reports and etc. In finance, the operations of financial institutions, optimum financial ratios, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyout, behavior of stock exchanges and etc. In International business, the time series of exchange rates and interest rates are examined, the economic indicators factors are examined on the company performance and etc. 6

7. 1. Just-in-time systems, production efficiencies and continuous improvement strategies 2. Delivering and performing service 3. Product life cycle, and product innovation 4. Inventory level and warehousing 5. Procurement efficiency 6. Supply chain relationships 7

8. 1.Basic research- the purpose is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. The organizations may later on apply the knowledge gained by the findings of such basic research to solve their own problems. Relevant to the particular work setting For example, investigating factors that contribute to low production level. 8

9. 2.Applied research- the purpose is to solved a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution. For example: a production manager may be interested in investigating the factors that contribute to shorter lead time as a matter to improve delivery performance. 9

10. 1.Objectivity  Conclusions drawn through the interpretation of the results of data analysis should be objective, that is they should be based on the facts of the findings derived from the actual data and not on our own subjective or emotional values. 2.Generalizability  Refers to the scope of the applicability of the research findings in organizational setting to other settings 10

11. 3. Purposiveness  Clear objective, aim or [purpose of study 4. Rigor  Meticulousness, carefulness, non-bias 5. Testability  Ability of using collected data to test hypotheses using relevant statistical tests 6. Replicability  Similar results emerged based on data collected by other organizations employing the same methods 11

12. 7. Parsimony  The achievement of meaningful and parsimonious rather than an elaborate and cumbersome, model for problem solution.  Less variable to manipulate without incurring large variability or magnitude in the effects  Limitations of scientific research in the management area as opposed to physical sciences are due to subjective areas of feelings, emotions, attitudes and perceptions. 12

13. 8. Precision and confidence  Precision refers to the closeness of the findings to “reality” based on the sample  Higher degree of accuracy  Confidence of interval  Confidence refers to the probability that our estimations are correct  Level of confidence or significance level  p=0.5 represents 95% level of confidence 13

14.  Deductive research – is a process by which we arrive at a reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of known fact. ◦ If Abu is a high performer, we then conclude that he is highly proficient of his job. ( high performer are highly proficient in their jobs)  Inductive research- is a process we observe certain phenomena and on this basis arrive at conclusions. ◦ i.e. we see that the production processes are the prime features of a factory or manufacturing plant. We therefore conclude that factories exist for production purposes. 14

15.  Observation  Preliminary information gathering  Interviews  Literature survey  Theory formulation  Hypothesizing  Further scientific data collection  Data analysis  Deduction-Drawing conclusions 15

16. 1.Clearly Defined Purpose  Must contain problem, decision to be made, scope, limitations and definition of key terms 2.Detailed research process  Each step must be detailed with the sources of data clearly explained 16

17. 3.Thoroughly planned design  Sampling and observations must be accurate and carefully designed 4. High Ethical standards  Must make sure respondents do not experience physical or emotional pressure 17

18. 5.Limitations addressed  There is no perfect research 6.Adequate analysis  Validity and reliability is checked 18

19. 7. Unambiguous presentation  Style of presentation, language and terms must be simple and concise 8.Conclusions justified  Conclusions must be based on evidence and not experience 19

20. 9. Credentials  Experience and credentials of the researcher plays a role 20

21.  Fishing Trip  Plagiarizing others work  Falsifying data  Presenting information which is not true  Misleading respondents 21

22.  Being knowledgeable about research and research methods helps professional managers to: ◦ Identify and effectively solve minor problems in the work setting. ◦ Know how to discriminate good from bad research. ◦ Appreciate the multiple influences and effects of factors impinging on a situation. ◦ Take calculated risks in decision making. ◦ Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in a situation. ◦ Relate to hired researchers and consultants more effectively. ◦ Combine experience with scientific knowledge while making decisions. 22

23.  Each should know his/her role  Trust levels  Value system  Acceptance of findings and implementation  Issues of inside versus outside researchers/consultants 23

24.  Advantages: ◦ Better acceptance from staff ◦ Knowledge about organization ◦ Would be an integral part of implementation and evaluation of the research recommendations.  Disadvantages ◦ Less fresh ideas ◦ Power politics could prevail ◦ Possibly not valued as “expert” by staff 24

25.  Advantages ◦ Divergent and convergent thinking ◦ Experience from several situations in different organizations ◦ Better technical training, usually  Disadvantages ◦ Takes time to know and understand the organization ◦ Rapport and cooperation from staff not easy ◦ Not available for evaluation and implementation ◦ Costs 25

26.  Data are not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding and understanding is not wisdom. 26

27.  Data: the stuff we measure and record  Information: data that are processed to be useful; provides answers to how much, which, what, when, where, who questions.  Knowledge: application of data and information; answers how questions.  Understanding: appreciation of why.  Wisdom: evaluated understanding why it is (or is not) important, and what it means in the total scheme of things 27

28. Observation Identification of problem area Refinement of theory (pure research) or Implementation (applied research) Interpretation of data Analysis of data Data collection Research design Constructs concepts operational definitions Hypotheses Theoretical Framework Or Network of association 28

29. Limitations in doing research Time constraint Availability of data Type of decision to be made Cost and Benefit Payback Improve quality Use of resources 29

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