Business Research Methods Problem Definition

Problem discovery Selection of exploratory research technique and Definition Sampling Selection of exploratory research technique Probability Nonprobability Secondary (historical) data Experience survey Pilot study Case study Collection of data (fieldwork) Data Gathering Data Processing and Analysis Editing and coding data Problem definition (statement of research objectives) Data processing Selection of basic research method Research Design Conclusions and Report Interpretation of findings Experiment Survey Observation Secondary Data Study Report Laboratory Field Interview Questionnaire

Problem Definition The indication of a specific business decision area that will be clarified by answering some research questions.

Defining Problem Results in Clear Cut Research Objectives Symptom Detection Analysis of the Situation Exploratory Research (Optional) Problem Definition Statement of Research Objectives

The Process of Problem Definition Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives Determine unit of analysis Understand background of the problem Determine relevant variables Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms State research questions and objectives

Ascertain the Decision Maker’s Objectives Managerial goals expressed in measurable terms.

The Iceberg Principle The principle indicating that the dangerous part of many business problems is neither visible to nor understood by managers.

Understand the Background of the Problem Exercising judgment Situation analysis - The informal gathering of background information to familiarize researchers or managers with the decision area.

Isolate and Identify the Problems, Not the Symptoms Symptoms can be confusing

Symptoms Can Be Confusing Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association: Membership has been declining for years. New water park -residents prefer the expensive water park???? Demographic changes: Children have grown up

Problem Definition Organization Symptoms Based on Symptom True Problem Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association in a major city. Membership has been declining for years. New water park with wave pool and water slides moved into town a few years ago. Neighborhood residents prefer the expensive water park and have negative image of swimming pool. Demographic changes: Children in this 20-year-old neighborhood have grown up. Older residents no longer swim anywhere.

Determine the Unit of Analysis Individuals, households, organizations, etc. In many studies, the family rather than the individual is the appropriate unit of analysis.

Determine the Relevant Variable Anything that may assume different numerical values

Types of Variables Categorical Continuous Dependent Independent

Hypothesis An unproven proposition A possible solution to a problem Guess

State the research questions and research objectives

If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there.

Broad research objectives Statement of business problem Exploratory research (optional) Specific Objective 1 Specific Objective 2 Specific Objective 3 Research Design Results

Influences of definition Feedback Specific Objective I Statement of Problem Broad Research Objectives Specific Objective II Research Design Results Exploratory Research (Optional) Specific Objective III

The Process of Problem Definition Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives Determine unit of analysis Understand background of the problem Determine relevant variables Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms State research questions and objectives

Basic Questions - Problem Definition What is the purpose of the study? How much is already known? Is additional background information necessary? What is to be measured? How? Can the data be made available? Should research be conducted? Can a hypothesis be formulated?

Basic Questions - Basic Research Design What types of questions need to be answered? Are descriptive or causal findings required? What is the source of the data?

Basic Questions - Basic Research Design Can objective answers be obtained by asking people? How quickly is the information needed? How should survey questions be worded? How should experimental manipulations be made?