1) Explain the preliminary data collection method.

There are several methods of preliminary data collections. The first

method is through introspection whereby the method involves the
examination and observation of ones own mental and emotional
processes. It takes into account a person thoughts and feelings. Usually
this method is conducted by interviewing great leaders and business
experts in specific area of discussion.
Next is the structured interview where certain questions were prepared for
a specific topic to be asked to an individual or a group of people regarding
an issue or topic for the research.
There are also the method of reviewing existing sources of information
such as news articles, textbook, conference proceedings and internet
sources. These sources of information can provide vast amount of data
such as statistical and graphical presentation about certain topic being
discussed.
2) Why is it important to gather information on the background of the
organization?
It is important to gather information on the background of the
organization as it will provide an understanding towards their environment
and a general overview regarding how the company conduct their
business. This information are crucial along the course of the research.
Plus, it will be useful in talking knowledgeably with managers and
employees in the company and raising appropriate issues related to the
problem. The understanding of these factors might be useful in arriving at
a precise problem formulation.
3) Should a researcher always obtain information on the structural aspects
and job characteristics from those being interviewed? Give reasons for
your answers and examples.
In my opinion, a researcher should always obtain information on the
structural aspects and job characteristic from those they interviewed
because both elements are crucial and as the core of specific research
topic. Without the structural aspects, the information gathered will be
incomplete as the main data are absent. Without structural aspects, it
would be hard to construct a brief elaboration regarding the issue being
discussed.
Job characteristic are also important to be obtained from the person they
interviewed. From the questions about job characteristic, ones could

recognize the role and the function of the individual and will be having the
focused view on how an organization runs.
Hence, without these two important elements, a research will be
incomplete and incompetent to be published for public referral.

4) The problem definition stage is perhaps more critical than the problem
solution stage. Discuss this statement.
The problem definition stage is indeed more critical than problem solution
in the research process.
Problem solution stage is the process where we identify and recognize
specific solutions for the problem or an issue being investigated. These
solutions may be objectives and can be chosen from a list of problem
solving method or by brainstorming about the problem solvent.
However, problem definition stage is more critical in the research process.
It involves an accurate defining process that will decide the entire course
of the research. Hence, without a correct problem definition, one shall
encounter problems during the advance process of the research. Hence,
indeed problem definition stage is more crucial than problem solution
stage.