Dr. Ahmad Jusoh

1.0 What is Research? Research A process of enquiry and investigation Systematic and methodical A series of steps designed and executed To solve problem and increase/generate knowledge

2.0 Classifying Research Research can be classified according to the: 1. Purpose – The reason why it was conducted 2. Process – The way in which the data were collected & Analysed. 3. Outcome- Whether the expected outcome is the solution to a particular problem or a more general contribution to knowledge 4. Logic – Whether the research logic moves from the general to the specific or vice versa.

Classifying Research Basic of classificationType of research Purpose of the researchExploratory, descriptive, Hypothesis Testing (analytical or predictive ) research, Explanatory Process of the researchQuantitative or Qualitative Research Outcome of the researchApplied or Basic Research Logic of the researchDeductive or Inductive Research

2.1 Purpose: Exploratory, Descriptive, Hypothesis Testing Research Exploratory Conducted when very few or no earlier studies can be referred for information about the problem. Aim: To look for patterns, understand the phenomena and develop ideas or proposition (hypothesis) Focus: To gain insights and familiarity with the subject area for more rigorous investigation at a later stage Typical techniques: Case study, observation, interview, focus group Example: To explore the attributes of a great leader To understand the concept of quality of work life (QWL) Current thinking on QWL to narrow (Work related factor only) With the changing dynamic at the workplace, we have to redefine the concept.

2.1.2 Descriptive To ascertain and describe phenomena as they exist. To obtain information on the characteristic of a particular problem. Examples: To know the characteristics of the organizations that implement CSR To know the profile of the individuals who have loan payment outstanding for 6 months and more To know what type of packaging for a box of chocolates do consumer prefer. To know what type of information do customers want shown on food label? The central issue: ‘What’ or ‘how many’.

2.1.3 Hypothesis Testing (Analytical or explanatory) Beyond describing the characteristic. To analyze and explain WHY of HOW the phenomenon is happening. Explain the nature of relationship (causal or correlational) or establish the differences among groups. Examples: To know the relationship between size of company and level of turnover. To know the factors that contributed for on-line purchase. To know whether female workers less productive than male workers

2.2 Quantitative & Qualitative Research Refer to the approach or process of a research The choice will be influenced by: Nature of research project Quantitative: Normally applied in descriptive & hypothesis testing research. Qualitative: Normally applied in exploratory research Type of data available Research problem/question: ‘What’, ‘How Many’: Quantitative What is the relationship between mentorship and performance? What is the level of technology transfer in PHEI? ‘What,’ ‘Why’, ‘How’: Qualitative. Example: A study on knowledge sharing: How and why are various tools used? What is the impact of those tools on decision making? How does information flow in an organization? What factors influence knowledge exchange?

2.3 Applied & Basic Research Applied Research: Research done with the attention of applying a result of the findings to solve a particular problem faced by a particular organization. To solve practical problem Basic Research: Research done chiefly to enhance the understanding of certain problem that commonly occur in organization setting. The understanding applies to all of business in general. To solve theoretical problem and to generate more knowledge.

Applied Research IssuesBasic Research Issues How the acquisition of Volvo by Geely affects the image of the brand? How does technological turbulence affect business performance? How would imposing a 360 degree evaluation system affect employee satisfaction at UTM? Does job stress affect the job performance and satisfaction? What factors that relate to intent to leave the current position at HAS Hospital? What is the relationship between the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) and innovation performance? 2.3 Applied & Basic Research

2.4 Deduction & Inductive Research Deductive Research: Conceptual & theoretical structure is developed and then tested empirically. We arrive a reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of a known fact. Moving from general to a particular. The researcher develop a thorough understanding of the relevant knowledge based, and from this he or she develops some kind of theory that can be evaluated by the testing of hypothesis. Example: You may have read about theories of teamwork (i.e Tuckman’ s TwT)and wish to test them in your workplace. Process: Identify Problem  Literature Review  Develop Model  Testing (Collect & Analysed data) Approach: Underpinning Theory

Inductive Research: Theory is developed from the observation of empirical reality. The approach observes events and then attempts to explain them. Establish a general proposition (theory) based on observed facts. Moving from specific to general. The underlying logic: If an observer sees the same apparent functional relationship between two variables over and over again, it seems logical to assume that they may have relationship between two variables. Example: You observed that the level of workers’ morale go down after 4 hours of the shift and you conclude that morale level vary with length of time worked. Approach: Grounded Theory 2.4 Deduction & Inductive Research

3.0 Overview of Research Process Choose a general subject area and search the literature Observation Literature Review Define Research Problem/Research Questions - Gap Literature Review: Develop concepts and constructs, model and Hypothesis Design the research,  Accomplish the research proposal Collect Data Analyze & Interpret data. Make up a conclusion. Refinement of theory (basic research) or Implementation (Applied Research) Finish our write-up (Have to start writing up as soon as the early stages of the project- Since Day 1)

4.0 Indicative Structure of a Thesis Chapter% of report 1.Introduction Background &Purpose of the study. Research Problem, Research Questions, Research Objectives Significant of the study Literature Review Evaluation of the existing body of knowledge on the topic Theoretical Framework (if applicable) demonstrate an adequate understanding of the debates in the literature on the topic Hypothesis formulation (if applicable) Methodology Research Design Purpose of study (exploration/Description/Hypothesis Testing?), Sampling, Unit of measurement, Measurement, Data collection Method, Data Analysis Techniques Justification for choice of methods Finding/Result Presentation & Discussion Conclusion Summary of what you found out in relation to each research question Your contribution to knowledge Limitation of your research & suggestion for future research Implication of your research for practice or policy 10