Waqas Haider Khan Bangyal

Organization of the Lecture Research and Methodology: Research defined and described Some classifications of research Define and discuss methodology Description of the research process Discuss creativity and its role in the research process

Research Defined and Described “Research is the systematic approach to obtaining and confirming new and reliable knowledge” – Systematic and orderly (following a series of steps) – Purpose is new knowledge, which must be reliable This is a general definition which applies to all disciplines

Research Defined and Described “Careful study and investigation, especially in order to discover new facts or information”

Methodology Defined & Described Methodology and Method are often (incorrectly) used interchangeable Methodology : The study of the general approach to inquiry in a given field Method : The specific techniques, tools or procedures applied to achieve a given objective – Research methods in economics include regression analysis, mathematical analysis, operations research, surveys, data gathering, etc.

Research Defined and Described Other Definitions of Research are Research is a process of enquiry and investigation Research is a systematic and careful process Research increases knowledge The use of facts to research an opinion, decision or conclusion A fact finding activity A critical process for asking and attempting to answer questions about the world

Research Defined and Described Examples of Everyday Research: Finding out why the car will not start Finding out which local supplier has the best offers for home computers Example of Formal Research: Attempting to discover the advantages and disadvantages of using various software testing methods on large scale software development projects

Why Do Research ? Research is fundamental to some professions (scientist, academic), but why should business persons do research? Explore in depth a topic of special interest Acquire ability to solve a business problem Understand research done by others Improve skills (e.g., analytical, communication, organisational)

What is Research ? Ten views of research 1. Research is about proving your pet theory 2. Research is something done by academics or experts. 3. Research is about establishing the facts 4. Research is objective 5. Research is about justifying what your funder wants to do

What is Research ? Ten views of research 6. Research can prove anything you want 7. Research is time consuming 8. Research is scientific 9. Research is removed from reality 10. Research cannot change anything

What is Research ? Ten things you didn’t know about research 1. Research is time consuming 2. Research is subjective 3. Research is often boring, but can also be fun 4. Research can take over your life 5. Research can be much more interesting that its results

What is Research ? Ten things you didn’t know about research (Contd:) 6. Research is about being nosey 7. Research can be done in many ways 8. Research uses everyday skills 9. Research gets into you dreams 10. Research can lead you in unexpected directions.

The Process of Research The process is initiated with a question or problem (step 1) Next, goals and objectives are formulated to deal with the question or problem (step 2) Then the research design is developed to achieve the objectives (step 3) Results are generated by conducting the research (step 4) Interpretation and analysis of results follow (step 5)

The Process of Research

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