Ch4

Essay Questions

49. The exploratory research phase of a research project allows a researcher to

accomplish several objectives. Name three of the objectives common to this stage.

There are several objectives including 1) expand understanding of the management

dilemma, 2) gather background information to refine the research question, 3) identify
information that should be gathered to formulate investigative questions, 4) identify
sources for and actual questions that might be used as measurement questions, and
5 identify sources for and actual sample frames.

Level: Moderate

50. What are the three types of budgets in organizations where research is purchased and
cost containment is crucial? List and describe each one. Is one more desirable than
the others? Explain.

The three types of budgets are rule-of-thumb budgeting, departmental budgeting, and
task budgeting. Rule-of-thumb budgeting involves designating a fixed percentage of
some criterion variable. For instance, an organization might specify that the research
budget for the year will be 1% of sales. This ensures some resources are available but
does not link the need for research to the amount budgeted. Departmental budgeting
allocates a portion of total expenditures in the unit to research activities. Each unit
then has the authority to approve their own projects. Task budgeting selects specific
research projects to support on an ad hoc basis. If no projects are selected, no budget
is necessary. Task budgeting is the least proactive because it does not specify money
in advance for research. However, it does permit a cost-benefit analysis for each
project. Each method has its own advantages. Rule-of-thumb budgeting guarantees
an amount for research. Departmental budgeting ensures authority to conduct
research in each unit. Task budgeting provides for cost-benefit analysis.

Level: Moderate

51. Explain the difference between interim evaluation and ex post facto evaluation.

With interim evaluation, managers may decide to do the study in stages and evaluate
its worth at each stage. With ex post facto evaluation, the effectiveness of the study is
evaluated at the conclusion of the study or sometime thereafter.

Level: Easy
52. Explain the value of conducting a pilot test and the primary considerations for a
research planning to use a pilot test.

A pilot test is a trial collection of data to detect weaknesses in the design or

instrument and provide proxy data for probability sampling. It should use subjects
drawn from the target population but it does not need to use a probability sample.
The sample size is small; usually between 25 and 100 participants. All of the
procedures proposed in the design should be tested.

Level: Moderate