MANCOSA Honours Research Methodology

The Research Proposal Outline Title Page Abstract Table of Contents Introduction Background to the Problem Research Problem Aim of the Study Research Objectives Research Questions Brief Literature Review Research Methodology Sampling Data Collection Data Analysis Ethical Considerations Significance of the Study Conclusion Bibliography Appendices (Copy of Research Instrument)

Introduction to Business Research

What is meaningful research? Sustained Coordinated Documenting issues and problems in orderly fashion Contributes to existing body of knowledge Use pre-set analytical tools

Scientific Research Characteristics: It is often theory-based in that some theory is either tested or developed. It is activity that has a minimal ego involvement in that the true researcher is often humble and willing to admit he/she is wrong.   Objectivity is maximised.   Accepted rules for data collection are strictly followed.   Standard rules relating to data analysis are applied.   Conclusions are based on data, not on preconceptions, beliefs, values or biases.   The whole activity places emphasis on uncovering regularities and patterns of social and behavioural phenomena.   Research places emphasis on the study of aggregates rather than individual cases.   Researchers welcome the idea of replication, i.e. for their study to be replicated by other researchers in order to retest their findings.

Basic (pure scientific) vs Applied Research

Research Method Steps: The Research Idea What the researcher perceives as a problem The problem should be significant, urgent and of high priority Must not be predictable, overly simple, known Contextualise the problem Can it be measured? How?

The Research Topic Must be clear, concise, well researched Should involve a theory to guard against being an isolated piece of work Drawn from: * Observations of human behaviour * Practical problems * Previous research

Research Design

Deductive vs Inductive

Research Paradigms

Paradigms as they relate to research methodology

Difference of key concepts relating to paradigms

Research Concept: What is THEORY?

Research Concept: Variables

Hypothesis Write the Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a tentative, testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Below are some simple examples of hypotheses. Guess at the solution to the Research Problem based on literature, theory, and past experience. Write the Hypothesis: H̥ : GDP does not significantly measure comprehensively subjective and objective wellbeing Hˌ: GDP does significantly measure comprehensively subjective and objective wellbeing

Research Objectives Research Questions Clear statements regarding the specific purpose of the study Identifies key variables, and hypothesised relationships Research Questions In line with objectives Answers to Research Questions ensures Objectives have been achieved

PRACTICAL Make a list of FIVE research topics that you deem to be relevant in your current management environment. Explain why you consider each topic to be important; Write the research purpose; Write three (3) research questions that come to mind relating to the topics (it should be questions able to be tested); and List the steps you would take in reviewing the literature relevant to this topics.