Problem Definition 5th and 6th

Learning Outcomes Students should be able to state research problems clearly and precisely as well as its purposes

Outlines Formulating background to the study Problem and symptom Steps in formulating problems Formulating the purposes of the study Examples of well-defined problems

Problem Definition A problem could simply indicate an interest in an issue where finding the right answers might help to improve an existing situation. Problem is any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal states. Symptoms =/= real problem Antecedent =/= real problem =/= consequence Real problem is the ultimate cause or the primary cause of the problem.

Example….. “A manager might have tried to increase productivity by increasing the piece rate, but with little success” The real problem here may be the low morale and motivation of employees who feel they are not being recognized as valuable contributors to the system and get no “praise” for the good work they do. The low productivity may be a symptom of the morale and motivation problem While the consequence or effect of the low motivation can also manifest in absenteeism, sabotage, laziness, etc

Problem definitions could pertain to: Problem definition or problem statement also often referred to a clear, precise and succinct statement of the question or issue that is to be investigated with the goal of finding an answer or solution. Problem definitions could pertain to: Existing business problems where a manager is looking for a solution Situations that may not pose any current problems but which manager feels have scope for improvement Areas where some conceptual clarity is needed for better theory building Situations in which researcher is trying to answer a research question empirically because of interest in the topic

Steps in Problem Definition Problem identification Make a formulation in pointers Relate the relevant research variables with business problems Use them to refer the research’s purposes Make some statements about the research's purposes based on the problem identification

Examples of well defined problems How has the new packaging affected the sales of the product? Has the new advertising message resulted in enhanced recall? How do price and quality rate on consumers’ evaluation of products? What network system is best suited for Sandoz Pharmaceutical? Can cultural differences account for the differences in the nature of hierarchical relationships between superiors and subordinates in Germany, India, Japan, Singapore and the United States?

Employee Loyalty What is the problem statement in the following situation? Companies benefit through employee loyalty. Crude downsizing in organizations during the recessions crushed the loyalty of millions. The economic benefits of loyalty embrace lower recruitment and training costs, higher productivity of workers, customer satisfaction, and the boost to morale of fresh recruits. In order that these benefits are not lost, some companies, while downsizing try various gimmicks e.g. flex leave. This helps employees receive 20% of their salary, plus employer provided benefits, while they take a 6 to 12 months sabbatical, with a call option on their services. Others try alternatives like more communication, hand holding and the like.

The Purpose of the Research Stated to: Explain what is going to do in the research Answer problem identification Become guidance in formulating hypotheses and research design Not For: Automatically solving business problem Requirement in graduating from under graduate study Completing students’ activities