1. Business Research Methods
Problem Definition

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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.

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

13. Determine the Relevant Variable
Anything that may assume different numerical values

14. Types of Variables
Categorical
Continuous
Dependent
Independent

15. Hypothesis An unproven proposition A possible solution to a problem
Guess

16. State the research questions and research objectives

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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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?

22. 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?

23. 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?