1. Research Methods for Business Research Methods for Business MBB3724 Business Research Methods

2. Research Methods for Business Research Methods for Business The Research Process Selecting a topic for research Broad problem area Problem Statements Research Questions and Research Objectives Conceptual framework/theoretical models

3. Research Methods for Business Ahmad Othman @20063 References Demonstrate Ethical Standards Research Topic Review Literature Research Design Research Tools Prepare Report Defend Proposal Start Problem Background Problem Statement ROs & RQs Operational Definitions Conceptual Framework End

4. Research Methods for Business 4 A persuasive problem statement consists of three parts: 1)the ideal, 2)the reality, and 3)the consequences for the reader of the feasibility report. Your strategy is one of contrast: by situating the ideal scenario next to the situation as it exists, you will not only persuade the reader that a problem exists, but then go on to emphasize the consequences of ignoring or addressing the problem. Remember, your problem statement is the backbone of the proposal and the feasibility report. By giving careful consideration to how you construct it (for the proposal), you can use it when doing your research and writing for the proposal as well as the progress and the feasibility report. Formulating Problem Statements:

5. Research Methods for Business 5 Describe the goals, desired state, or the values that your audience considers important and that are relevant to the problem. (BUT) Connect statements 1 and 2 using a term such as "but," "however,“ "Unfortunately," or "in spite of"; STATEMENT 1 (DESCRIPTION OF THE IDEAL SCENARIO) Example STATEMENT 1 In order to provide excellent patient care at a minimal cost, Middletown Hospital needs diagnostic procedures that are safe, efficient, and accurate. In addition, the procedures should not be overly painful for the patient.

6. Research Methods for Business 6 Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value discussed in statement 1 from being achieved or realized at the present time. STATEMENT 2 (THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION) Example STATEMENT 2 Right now, Middletown Hospital's main diagnostic tools are CAT scans and myelograms (spinal taps). The CAT scan fails to make clear diagnoses 60% of the time. When the CAT scan fails, doctors must resort to the myelogram. While the myelograms are accurate, this procedure is very painful and sometimes dangerous for the patient.

7. Research Methods for Business 7 Using specific details, show how the situation in statement 2 contains little promise of improvement unless something is done. Then emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of possible solutions as well. STATEMENT 3 (THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE AUDIENCE) Example STATEMENT 3 If Middletown Hospital continues to do the two procedures, they will not only be wasting time and money, which jeopardizes their overall efficiency and earning potential. Also, undue suffering could lead patients to choose another hospital with more advanced facilities.

8. Research Methods for Business 8 Describe the areas of inquiry you will use that could lead to solutions to the problem--- how will you research the problem? What sources of information, types of research (primary or secondary),or tools will you use to help you find solutions and make recommendations to resolve the clash? RESEARCH (YOUR PROPOSED RESEARCH TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING THE REALITY MORE LIKE THE IDEAL.) Example RESEARCH A new diagnostic technique, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) may surpass the CAT scan in accuracy and reduce the need to resort to the myelogram. I propose to research the feasibility of establishing an NMR lab at Middletown hospital. I will investigate the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of NMR as well as implementation issues.

9. Research Methods for Business 9 Example

10. Research Methods for Business Research Methods for Business Example of PROBLEM STATEMEMTS AUDIENCE: I am writing to Mrs. Kelly. She is the RAINBOWS director at Hills High School, in New Jersey. RAINBOWS is an international organization that is run through schools, churches, and other organizations. It helps youth deal with a significant loss in their life, mainly death or divorce. The program in PHHS is a pilot program that has been in effect for about 4 years. STATEMENT 1 (IDEAL SITUATION) In order to help individuals learn to deal with grief after a major loss has occurred in their life, the Spectrum division of the RAINBOWS program in Hills High School aims to provide each student in the program an environment in which they feel safe, comfortable, and normal. The goal of RAINBOWS is to help students learn, understand, deal with, and move on from their loss.

11. Research Methods for Business STATEMENT 2 (CURRENT SITUATION) However, often, students don't know other students in the optional weekly group meeting very well, which causes them to be uncomfortable and hesitant about speaking. In the presence of their peers, a student does not feel safe about speaking or expressing their feelings in fear that they may be judged. Also, optional weekly meetings send the message that it is optional to deal with the loss, when in fact the students must learn about their loss and how to live with it. STATEMENT 3 (CONSEQUENCE OF THE CURRENT SITUATION) By not feeling comfortable or safe in the program, students are not able to fully learn, understand, deal with, or move on from their loss.

12. Research Methods for Business RESEARCH I would like to investigate different strategies such as family involvement, individual meetings, more awareness of the program, and mandatory involvement and see if they might help the student to recover from their loss. I would also like to look into the probability of the implementation of these strategies.

13. Research Methods for Business Ahmad Othman @200613 References Demonstrate Ethical Standards Research Topic Review Literature Research Design Research Tools Prepare Report Defend Proposal Start Problem Background Problem Statement ROs & RQs Operational Definitions Conceptual Framework End

14. Research Methods for Business 14 How to Write a Research Question What is a research question? A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable question around which you centre your research. You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about. Why is a research question essential to the research process? Research questions help writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about” paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis.

15. Research Methods for Business 15 Steps to developing a research question: Is your research question clear? Research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research. Is your research question focused? Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available. Is your research question complex? Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts. They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer.

16. Research Methods for Business 16 Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful? Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as MySpace and Facebook? The unclear version of this question doesn’t specify which social networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites are causing. It also assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The clearer version specifies sites (MySpace and Facebook), the type of harm (privacy issues), and who the issue is harming (users). A strong research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation. Sample Research Questions

17. Research Methods for Business 17 Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming? Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica? The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-length piece. The focused version narrows down to a specific cause (glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and a specific group that is affected (penguins). When in doubt, make a research question as narrow and focused as possible.

18. Research Methods for Business 18 Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.? Appropriately Complex: What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease? The simple version of this question can be looked up online and answered in a few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis. The more complex version is written in two parts; it is thought provoking and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer a research question, it’s likely not very effective.

19. Research Methods for Business Ahmad Othman @200619 References Demonstrate Ethical Standards Research Topic Review Literature Research Design Research Tools Prepare Report Defend Proposal Start Problem Background Problem Statement ROs & RQs Operational Definitions Conceptual Framework End

20. Research Methods for Business 20 An operational definition is a statement that describes how a particular variable is to be measured, or It can be a demonstration of a process - such as a variable, term, or object - relative in terms of the specific process or set of validation tests used to determine its presence and quantity. Operational definitions need to be clear and precise so that a reader knows exactly what to observe or measure. Operational Definition

21. Research Methods for Business 21 Example 1: Lemon juice, vinegar, and certain other substances are acids. To find out whether a substance is an acid, place a drop of the substance on blue litmus paper. Operational definition: Substances that cause the litmus paper to turn pink are acids. Example 2:To measure a person’s pulse, place your index and middle fingers lightly on the inside of the person’s wrist and find the beating artery. Operational definition: The pulse is the number of beats counted in 1 minute. Example 3:You have to classify vertebrates as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. Operational definition: A bird is an animal that has two feet, a pair of wings, and feathers. Example 4:You have to determine the relative ages of layers of sedimentary rock. Operational definition: In sedimentary rock that has not been disturbed, the oldest rock is the bottom layer area, and the youngest rock is the top layer. Examples

22. Research Methods for Business 22 Look over the written plan for carrying out an investigation, or write up a plan. Identify and list any variables or terms that do not have a single, clear, obvious meaning. If there are several reasonable ways to make an observation or to perform an action, choose one that suits the purpose of the investigation. Write a clear, complete definition of what the researcher should do or measure. Check your definition by asking yourself, Will this definition tell another person what to observe or how to measure? Tips for Writing Operational Definitions

23. Research Methods for Business 23 References Demonstrate Ethical Standards Research Topic Review Literature Research Design Research Tools Prepare Report Defend Proposal Start Problem Background Problem Statement ROs & RQs Operational Definitions Conceptual Framework End

24. Research Methods for Business 24 A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach to an idea or thought. Conceptual frameworks (theoretical frameworks) are a type of intermediate theory that attempt to connect to all aspects of inquiry (e.g., problem definition, purpose, literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis). Conceptual frameworks can act like maps that give coherence to empirical inquiry. Because conceptual frameworks are potentially so close to empirical inquiry, they take different forms depending upon the research question or problem. Conceptual Frameworks

25. Research Methods for Business PLANNED BEHAVIOR MODEL Samples

26. Research Methods for Business MODEL OF TRUST Samples

27. Research Methods for Business SERVICE QUALITY MODEL Samples

28. Research Methods for Business MODEL OF QUALITY Samples

29. Research Methods for Business Samples CHILD DEVELOPMENT MODEL

30. Research Methods for Business 30 References Demonstrate Ethical Standards Research Topic Review Literature Research Design Research Tools Prepare Report Defend Proposal Start Problem Background Problem Statement ROs & RQs Operational Definitions Conceptual Framework End

31. Research Methods for Business 31 THANK YOU