Business Research Method

By,
Kartikeya Singh
SMS Varanasi, UP
 I. Concept of Research and Its Application in Various
Functions of Management

• Redman and Moory define research as a

“Systematized effort to gain new Knowledge.”
• Redman and Moory.
• Research refers to a critical and exhaustive
investigation of experimentation having as its aim
the revision of accepted conclusions in the light of
new discovered facts.
• The encyclopedia of Social Sciences, Mac Millan
 Research
• Research comprises of defining and
redefining problems, formulating hypothesis
or suggested solutions,collecting,organising
and evaluating data, making deductions and
reaching conclusion, and at last carefully
testing the conclusions to determine whether
they fit the formulating hypothesis.
• Clifford Woody
 Objective of Research.
To Explore.
To Describe.
To Diagnose.
To Establish Causal
Relationship.
 Attributes of a Good Research
• Inquisitiveness.
• Innate Creativeness.
• Unbiaseness.
• Perseverance.
• Analytical Mind.
• Technology Savvy.
• Communicable.
• Expert in His Field.
Example…
 I. Application in Various Functions of
Management
I. Planning
II. Organizing
III. Staffing
IV. Directing
V. Controlling
 II. Types of Research
Pure and Basic Research

Applied Research

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Empirical Research

Descriptive Research

Analytical Research

Conceptual Research

Historical Research

Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
I. Pure or Basic Research
• Research which is undertaken for enhancing the
knowledge is known as basic or pure research. Pure and Basic Research
• It is basically undertaken with the intention of Applied Research
designing different tools for solving various problem.
• It is concerned with a single situation and does not Qualitative Research
apply to wider area.
• It is intellectual exploration and results into Quantitative Research
development of theories and generalizations.
Empirical Research
• Pure research is largely limited to the academic world.
• The funds provided by the educational institutions and Descriptive Research
government enable researchers to pursue pure
research. Analytical Research
– Consumer behavior
– Human behavior Conceptual Research
– Natural phenomenon
– Pure mathematics Historical Research
• Basic research, also called pure research or
fundamental research. Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
II.Applied Research
• Also known as practical research and mainly Pure and Basic Research
termed as Need based research which has high
practical relevance. Applied Research
• The main aim of applied research is basically
Qualitative Research
finding a solution for an immediate problem
which is faced by a society or an industrial or Quantitative Research
business organization.
• Time framed and budgeted research, marketing Empirical Research
research and communication research are Descriptive Research
example of Applied research.
– Problem Solving Research-Specific Problem.- Analytical Research
individual company for the problem faced by it
Conceptual Research
– Problem oriented Research-Applied nature of
problem - WTO does problem oriented research for Historical Research
developing countries,
Exploratory Research
 Types of Research.
III. Qualitative Research.
• Qualitative in nature, generally undertaken Pure and Basic Research
to study the human behavior.
Applied Research
• Motivation Research
– Word association test Qualitative Research
– Sentence Completion test Quantitative Research
– Story completion test
Empirical Research
– Similar other projective techniques
• This type of research recommends the Descriptive Research
guidance of experienced psychologists as it Analytical Research
is difficult to study the complexities of
human behavior with the single notion. Conceptual Research

Historical Research

Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
IV Quantitative Research.
• Quantitative research is based on the Pure and Basic Research
measurement of a phenomenon in
quantity terms. The results of such Applied Research
research is subjected to intensive, Qualitative Research
quantitative and statistical analysis.
Quantitative Research
• Quantitative research often looks towards
quantitative data to support their theories Empirical Research
and quantitative research often looks for Descriptive Research
support in existing theories.
– Demographic profile of a given area Analytical Research
– No. of automated vehicle used in particular Conceptual Research
area
– Trends in terms of no's Historical Research

Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
V. Empirical Research.
• This is data based research in which Pure and Basic Research
primary(first hand) data is collected and
Applied Research
the data is analysed and subjected to
hypothesis testing. Qualitative Research

• This is often referred to as experimental Quantitative Research

research. Empirical Research
• This research relies on experience or
Descriptive Research
observation alone, often without due
regard for system and theory. Analytical Research
• Data based research. Conceptual Research
– We may study the impact of a depreciating Historical Research
dollar on Indian Export .
Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
VI. Descriptive Research.
• Descriptive research includes surveys and Pure and Basic Research
fact-finding enquiries of different kinds.
Applied Research
• The major purpose of descriptive research
is description of the state of affairs as it Qualitative Research
exists at present. Quantitative Research
• It includes Survey method.
Empirical Research
• The main characteristics of this Method is
that the researcher has no control over the Descriptive Research
variables. He can only report what has Analytical Research
happened or what is happening.
– Frequency of shopping. Conceptual Research
– Preferences of people. Historical Research

Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
VII. Analytical Research
• In analytical research the researcher Pure and Basic Research

use facts or information already Applied Research

available, and analyze these to Qualitative Research

make a critical evaluation of the Quantitative Research

material. Empirical Research

– How International trade influences the Descriptive Research

balance of payment of any country. Analytical Research

– How and why this movement takes Conceptual Research

place is an example of analytical Historical Research

research. Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
VIII. Conceptual Research
• Conceptual research is that related to some Pure and Basic Research
abstract idea(s) or theory.
Applied Research
• It is generally used by philosophers and
thinkers to develop new concepts or to Qualitative Research
reinterpret existing ones. Quantitative Research
• The main aim of this type of research is to
study the problems and gaps in the Empirical Research
existing concepts or basic assumptions and Descriptive Research
to correct and remove the complexity of
these concepts. Analytical Research

• This type of research is time consuming Conceptual Research

and is to be undertaken by experienced Historical Research
researchers or experts in their own areas.
Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
IX. Historical Research
• Historical research is the process of Pure and Basic Research
systematically examining past events to
give an account of what has happened in Applied Research
the past. Qualitative Research
• It is not a mere accumulation of facts and Quantitative Research
dates or even a description of past events.
• It is flowing, dynamic account of past Empirical Research
events which involves and interpretation Descriptive Research
of these events in an attempt to recapture
the nuances, personalities, and ideas that Analytical Research
influence these events. Conceptual Research
• Mystery over Mr. Subhash Chandra Bose Historical Research
death
Exploratory Research
 Types of Research
X. Exploratory Research
• As the term suggests, exploratory research Pure and Basic Research
is often conducted because a problem has
not been clearly defined as yet, or its real Applied Research
scope is yet unclear. Qualitative Research
• It allows the researcher to familiarize Quantitative Research
him/herself with the problem or concept
to be studied, and perhaps generate Empirical Research
hypothesis (definition of hypothesis) to be Descriptive Research
tested.
• Exploratory research helps determine the Analytical Research
best research design, data collection Conceptual Research
method and selection of subjects, and
sometimes it even concludes that the Historical Research
problem does not exist! Exploratory Research
III. Types of Business Problems Encountered by
the Researcher
• The lack of a scientific training in the methodology
• Triple helix is not followed
• Most of the business units in our country do not have the
confidence on research
• Research studies are overlapping one another
• There does not exist a code of conduct for researchers
• The difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial
assistance, including computerial assistance
• Library management and functioning is not satisfactory
• There is also the difficulty of timely availability of
published data.
• The problem of Conceptualization.
 Facts
• The expenditure on research and development (R&D)
in India remains at about 0.9 percent of GDP —
compared with
• 1.12 percent in Russia,
• 1.25 percent in Brazil and
• 1.84 percent in China.
• Japan spends about 3.67 percent of its GDP on R&D.
• USA spends more than 400 billion dollars on R&D (2.77
percent of the GDP),
• while India spends about 36 billion dollars
 IV. Precautions to the Researchers.
I. Clarifying VII. Maintaining Contact.
Responsibilities. VIII.Strategies For Handling
II. Budgeting For Safety. Risk Situations.
III. Proper Research IX. Safety Of Respondents.
Design. X. Maintaining
IV. Prior Risk Assessment. Confidentiality.
V. Preparation For XI. Debriefing And Support
Fieldwork. After The Event.
VI. Precautions in XII. Making Guidelines
Interview. Stick.
 1.Formulating the Research Problem
RESEARCH 2.Review of Literature
PROCESS
3.Development of Working Hypothesis
4.Preparing Research Design
5.Determining Sample Design
6.Collection of Data
7. Execution of the Project
8.Analysis of Data
9.Hypothesis Testing
10. Generalization and Interpretation of Data
11. Preparation of the Report
 1.Research Problem
• There are two types of research problems, viz.,
1.Formulating the Research Problem

– those which relate to states of nature and 2.Review of Literature

– those which relate to relationships between 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

variables.
• Initially the problem may be stated in a broad 4.Preparing Research Design

general way and then the ambiguities, if any, 5.Determining Sample Design
relating to the problem be resolved.
6.Collection of Data
• Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to
be considered before a working formulation of the 7. Execution of the Project

problem can be set up. 8.Analysis of Data

• The formulation of a general topic into a specific
research problem, thus, constitutes the first step in 9.Hypothesis Testing

a scientific enquiry. 10. Generalization and Interpretation of

Data

11. Preparation of the Report

 1.Research Problem
1.Formulating the Research Problem
• Essentially two steps are involved in formulating
the research problem, viz., 2.Review of Literature

– understanding the problem thoroughly, 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

– and rephrasing the same into meaningful 4.Preparing Research Design

terms from an analytical point of view. 5.Determining Sample Design

• The best way of understanding the problem is to
6.Collection of Data
discuss it with one’s own colleagues or with those
having some expertise in the matter. 7. Execution of the Project

• In an academic institution the researcher can seek 8.Analysis of Data

the help from a guide. 9.Hypothesis Testing

• In private business units or in governmental 10. Generalization and Interpretation of

organizations, the problem is usually earmarked by Data

the administrative agencies 11. Preparation of the Report

 1.Research Problem
• The researcher must at the same
time examine all available literature
to get himself acquainted with the
selected problem.
• He may review two types of
literature—
– the conceptual literature concerning the
concepts and theories,
– and the empirical literature consisting of
studies made earlier which are similar to the
one proposed.
1.Formulating the Research Problem
2.Review of Literature
3.Development of Working Hypothesis
4.Preparing Research Design
5.Determining Sample Design
6.Collection of Data
7. Execution of the Project
8.Analysis of Data
9.Hypothesis Testing
10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data
11. Preparation of the Report
 1.Research Problem
1.Formulating the Research Problem
• Professor W.A. Neiswanger correctly states 2.Review of Literature
that the statement of the objective is of 3.Development of Working Hypothesis
basic importance because
4.Preparing Research Design
– it determines the data which are to be
5.Determining Sample Design
collected,
6.Collection of Data
– the characteristics of the data which are
relevant, 7. Execution of the Project

– relations which are to be explored, 8.Analysis of Data

– the choice of techniques to be used in these 9.Hypothesis Testing

explorations and the form of the final report. 10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data

11. Preparation of the Report

 2.Extensive Literature Survey
1.Formulating the Research Problem
• Once the problem is formulated, a brief
2.Review of Literature
summary of it should be written down.
3.Development of Working Hypothesis
• It is compulsory for a research worker writing
4.Preparing Research Design
a thesis for a Ph.D. degree to write a synopsis
5.Determining Sample Design
of the topic and submit it to the necessary
Committee or the Research Board for 6.Collection of Data

approval. 7. Execution of the Project

• At this juncture the researcher should 8.Analysis of Data

undertake extensive literature survey 9.Hypothesis Testing

connected with the problem. For this 10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data

purpose, the abstracting and indexing 11. Preparation of the Report

journals and published or unpublished

bibliographies are the first place to go to.
 2.Extensive Literature Survey
• Academic journals, conference
proceedings, government reports, books
etc., must be tapped depending on the
nature of the problem.
• In this process, it should be remembered
that one source will lead to another.
• The earlier studies, if any, which are
similar to the study in hand should be
carefully studied.
• A good library will be a great help to the
researcher at this stage.
1.Formulating the Research Problem
2.Review of Literature
3.Development of Working Hypothesis
4.Preparing Research Design
5.Determining Sample Design
6.Collection of Data
7. Execution of the Project
8.Analysis of Data
9.Hypothesis Testing
10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data
11. Preparation of the Report
 3. Development of working hypothesis
1.Formulating the Research Problem

• Working hypothesis is tentative 2.Review of Literature

assumption made in order to draw 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

out and test its logical or empirical 4.Preparing Research Design

consequences. 5.Determining Sample Design

6.Collection of Data

• The role of the hypothesis is to 7. Execution of the Project

guide the researcher by delimiting 8.Analysis of Data

the area of research and to keep him 9.Hypothesis Testing

10. Generalization and Interpretation of

on the right track. Data

11. Preparation of the Report

 3. Development of working hypothesis
• How does one go about developing working 1.Formulating the Research Problem
hypotheses? The answer is by using the
following approach: 2.Review of Literature

(a) Discussions with colleagues and experts about the 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

problem, its origin and the objectives in seeking a

4.Preparing Research Design
solution;
(b) Examination of data and records, if available, 5.Determining Sample Design
concerning the problem for possible trends,
peculiarities and other clues; 6.Collection of Data

(c) Review of similar studies in the area or of the 7. Execution of the Project
studies on similar problems; and
8.Analysis of Data
(d) Exploratory personal investigation which involves
original field interviews on a limited scale with 9.Hypothesis Testing
interested parties and individuals with a view to 10. Generalization and Interpretation of
secure greater insight into the practical aspects of Data
the problem. 11. Preparation of the Report
 4. Preparing the research design:
• The research problem having been formulated in 1.Formulating the Research Problem
clear cut terms, the researcher will be required to
prepare a research design, i.e., 2.Review of Literature

– he will have to state the conceptual structure 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

within which research would be conducted.
• The function of research design is to provide for the 4.Preparing Research Design

collection of relevant evidence with minimal 5.Determining Sample Design

expenditure of effort, time and money. But how all
6.Collection of Data
these can be achieved depends mainly on the
research purpose. Research purposes may be 7. Execution of the Project
grouped into four categories, viz.,
8.Analysis of Data
– Exploration,
– Description, 9.Hypothesis Testing

– Diagnosis, and 10. Generalization and Interpretation of

Data
– Experimentation.
11. Preparation of the Report
 4. Preparing the research design
• The preparation of the research design,
1.Formulating the Research Problem

appropriate for a particular research 2.Review of Literature

problem, involves usually the consideration 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

of the following: 4.Preparing Research Design

– the means of obtaining the information;
– the availability and skills of the researcher and
5.Determining Sample Design

his staff (if any); 6.Collection of Data

– explanation of the way in which selected means 7. Execution of the Project

of obtaining information will be organized and
the reasoning leading to the selection; 8.Analysis of Data

– the time available for research; and 9.Hypothesis Testing

– the cost factor relating to research, i.e., the 10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data
finance available for the purpose.
11. Preparation of the Report
5. Determining sample design:
– Deliberate
– Simple Random
– Systematic
– Stratified
– Quota Sampling
– Cluster Sampling and area Sampling
– Multi Stage sampling
– Sequential Sampling
 Sampling Method

Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

Simple Random Convenience

Systematic Sampling Quota

Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Probability and Non Probability
Sampling
• All the items under consideration
in any field of inquiry constitute a
‘universe’ or ‘population’.
• A sample design is a definite plan
determined before any data are
actually collected for obtaining a
sample from a given population
• With probability samples each Sampling Method

element has a known probability Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

of being included in the sample Simple Random Convenience

but the non-probability samples Systematic Sampling Quota

do not allow the researcher to
determine this probability. Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Simple Random
• This type of sampling is also known as
chance sampling or probability sampling
where each and every item in the
population has an equal chance of
inclusion in the sample and each one of
the possible samples, in case of finite
universe, has the same probability of
being selected.
• For example,
– if we have to select a sample of 300 Sampling Method

items from a universe of 15,000 items, Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

then we can put the names or numbers
of all the 15,000 items on slips of paper Simple Random Convenience

and conduct a lottery. Using the random

Systematic Sampling Quota
number tables is another method of
random sampling. Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Systematic Sampling
• In some instances the most
practical way of sampling is to
select every 15th name on a list,
every 10th house on one side of
a street and so on. Sampling of
this type is known as systematic
sampling. An element of
randomness is usually Sampling Method

introduced into this kind of Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

sampling by using random
numbers to pick up the unit with Simple Random Convenience

which to start. Systematic Sampling Quota

Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Stratified Sampling
• If the population from which a sample is to
be drawn does not constitute a
homogeneous group, then stratified
sampling technique is applied so as to
obtain a representative sample. In this
technique, the population is stratified into
a number of non overlapping
subpopulations or strata and sample
items are selected from each stratum. If
the items selected from each stratum is Sampling Method

based on simple random sampling the Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

entire procedure, first stratification and
then simple random sampling, is known as Simple Random Convenience
stratified random sampling.
Systematic Sampling Quota

Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Cluster Sampling
• Cluster sampling involves grouping the
population and then selecting the groups or
the clusters rather than individual elements
for inclusion in the sample. Suppose some
departmental store wishes to sample its
credit card holders. It has issued its cards to
15,000 customers. The sample size is to be
kept say 450. For cluster sampling this list of
15,000 card holders could be formed into
100 clusters of 150 card holders each. Three
clusters might then be selected for the Sampling Method
sample randomly. The sample size must
Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling
often be larger than the simple random
sample to ensure the same level of accuracy Simple Random Convenience
because is cluster sampling procedural
potential for order bias and other sources of Systematic Sampling Quota
error is usually accentuated.
Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Multistage Sampling
• This is a further development of the
idea of cluster sampling. This
technique is meant for big inquiries
extending to a considerably large
geographical area like an entire
country. Under multi-stage
sampling the first stage may be to
select large primary sampling units
such as states, then districts, then Sampling Method

towns and finally certain families Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

within towns. If the technique of Simple Random Convenience
random-sampling is applied at all
stages, the sampling procedure is Systematic Sampling Quota

described as multi-stage random Stratified Judgmental

sampling.
Cluster

Multistage
 Convenience Sampling
• Deliberate sampling is also known as purposive
or non-probability sampling. This sampling
method involves purposive or deliberate
selection of particular units of the universe for
constituting a sample which represents the
universe. When population elements are
selected for inclusion in the sample based on
the ease of access, it can be called convenience
sampling. If a researcher wishes to secure data
from, say, gasoline buyers, he may select a fixed
number of petrol stations and may conduct Sampling Method
interviews at these stations. This would be an
Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling
example of convenience sample of gasoline
buyers. At times such a procedure may give Simple Random Convenience
very biased results particularly when the
population is not homogeneous. Systematic Sampling Quota

Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Quota sampling
• In stratified sampling the cost of taking
random samples from individual strata is
often so expensive that interviewers are
simply given quota to be filled from
different strata, the actual selection of
items for sample being left to the
interviewer’s judgment. This is called
quota sampling.
• The size of the quota for each stratum is
generally proportionate to the size of that Sampling Method

stratum in the population. Quota sampling Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

is thus an important form of non-
probability sampling. Quota samples Simple Random Convenience

generally happen to be judgment samples Systematic Sampling Quota

rather than random samples.
Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 Judgemental Sampling
• In judgmental sampling the
researcher’s judgement is used for
selecting items which he considers
as representative of the
population.
• For example,
– a judgement sample of college
students might be taken to secure
reactions to a new method of Sampling Method

teaching. Judgement sampling is Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

used quite frequently in qualitative
research where the desire happens Simple Random Convenience

to be to develop hypotheses rather Systematic Sampling Quota

than to generalize to larger
populations. Stratified Judgmental

Cluster

Multistage
 6.Collecting Data
1.Formulating the Research Problem

I. By observation 2.Review of Literature

II. Through personal interview 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

4.Preparing Research Design

III. Through telephonic interviews 5.Determining Sample Design

IV. By mailing of questionnaires 6.Collection of Data

7. Execution of the Project

V. Through schedules 8.Analysis of Data

9.Hypothesis Testing

10. Generalization and Interpretation of

Data

11. Preparation of the Report

 7. Execution of the project
1.Formulating the Research Problem
• Execution of the project is a very important step in the
research process. If the execution of the project proceeds on 2.Review of Literature
correct lines, the data to be collected would be adequate and
dependable. 3.Development of Working Hypothesis
• In such a situation, questions as well as the possible answers
may be coded. 4.Preparing Research Design

• If the data are to be collected through interviewers, 5.Determining Sample Design

arrangements should be made for proper selection and
training of the interviewers. 6.Collection of Data
• Occasional field checks should be made to ensure that the
interviewers are doing their assigned job sincerely and 7. Execution of the Project
efficiently.
8.Analysis of Data
• A careful watch should be kept for unanticipated factors in
order to keep the survey as much realistic as possible. 9.Hypothesis Testing
• If some of the respondents do not cooperate, some suitable
10. Generalization and Interpretation of
methods should be designed to tackle this problem. Data

11. Preparation of the Report

 8. Analysis of data:
1.Formulating the Research Problem

• The analysis of data requires a 2.Review of Literature

number of closely related 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

operations such as 4.Preparing Research Design

• establishment of categories,
5.Determining Sample Design

6.Collection of Data

• the application of these 7. Execution of the Project

categories to raw data through 8.Analysis of Data

coding, tabulation and then 9.Hypothesis Testing

10. Generalization and Interpretation of

drawing statistical inferences. Data

11. Preparation of the Report

 9. Hypothesis-testing:
1.Formulating the Research Problem
• After analyzing the data as stated above, the researcher
is in a position to test the hypotheses, if any, he had 2.Review of Literature

formulated earlier. 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

• Do the facts support the hypotheses or they happen to
4.Preparing Research Design
be contrary? This is the usual question which should be
answered while testing hypotheses. 5.Determining Sample Design

• Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have 6.Collection of Data
been developed by statisticians for the purpose.
• The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or 7. Execution of the Project

more of such tests, depending upon the nature and 8.Analysis of Data
object of research inquiry. Hypothesis-testing will result
9.Hypothesis Testing
in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it.
• If the researcher had no hypotheses to start with, 10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data
generalizations established on the basis of data may be 11. Preparation of the Report
stated as hypotheses to be tested by subsequent
researches in times to come.
 10.Generalisations and interpretation:
• If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several
1.Formulating the Research Problem

times, it may be possible for the researcher 2.Review of Literature

to arrive at generalization, i.e., to build a 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

theory. 4.Preparing Research Design

• As a matter of fact, the real value of research 5.Determining Sample Design
lies in its ability to arrive at certain
generalizations. If the researcher had no 6.Collection of Data

hypothesis to start with, He might seek to 7. Execution of the Project

explain his findings on the basis of some 8.Analysis of Data
theory.
• It is known as interpretation. The process of 9.Hypothesis Testing

interpretation may quite often trigger off 10. Generalization and Interpretation
of Data
new questions which in turn may lead to 11. Preparation of the Report
further researches.
11.Preparation of the report or the thesis:
• The layout of the report should be as follows:
1.Formulating the Research Problem

I. The preliminary pages; 2.Review of Literature

I. Title and date
II. acknowledgements 3.Development of Working Hypothesis

III. Foreword
4.Preparing Research Design
IV. table of contents
V. list of tables 5.Determining Sample Design
VI. List of graphs and charts
II. The main text, 6.Collection of Data
I. Introduction
7. Execution of the Project
II. Summary of findings
III. Main report
8.Analysis of Data
IV. Conclusion
III. and the end matter. 9.Hypothesis Testing
I. Appendices
10. Generalization and Interpretation of
II. Bibliography Data
III. Index
11. Preparation of the Report
 Concept of Scientific Enquiry
• Formulation of Research Problem –
• Management Question
• Research Question
• Investigation Question
 Concept of Scientific Enquiry
Formulation of Research Problem
I. Statement of the problem in a general way
II. Understanding the nature of the problem
III. Surveying the available literature
IV. Developing the ideas through discussions
V. Rephrasing the research problem
 Concept of Scientific Enquiry
Formulation of Research Problem
the following points must also be observed while defining a research
problem:
a) Technical terms and words or phrases, with special meanings
used in the statement of the problem, should be clearly defined.
b) Basic assumptions or postulates (if any) relating to the research
problem should be clearly stated.
c) A straight forward statement of the value of the investigation
(i.e., the criteria for the selection of the problem) should be
provided.
d) The suitability of the time-period and the sources of data
available must also be considered by the researcher in defining
the problem.
e) The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the
problem is to be studied must be mentioned explicitly in defining
a research problem.
 Concept of Scientific Enquiry
- Management Question
• The six steps to solving a management dilemma
at work involve
• identifying the dilemma in the workplace,
• asking a management question,
• asking an investigative question,
• asking a research question,
• asking a measurement question and receiving a
management decision.
Following these six steps demonstrates quality
management capabilities in the workplace.
 Research Proposal
• Elements of a Research Proposal,
• Drafting a Research Proposal,
• evaluating a research proposal
 Research Proposal
• The goal of a research proposal is to present
and justify the need to study a research
problem and to present the practical ways in
which the proposed study should be
conducted.
 Research Proposal
Introduction

Background and Significance

Literature Review

Research Design and Methods

Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

Conclusion

Citations
 Research Proposal
• What is the central research Introduction
problem?
Background and
• What is the topic of study related Significance
to that problem? Literature Review
• What methods should be used to
Research Design and
analyze the research problem? Methods
• Why is this important research, Preliminary Suppositions
what is its significance, and why and Implications
should someone reading the Conclusion
proposal care about the outcomes
of the proposed study? Citations
 Research Proposal
• Detailed explanation about the Introduction
purpose of the study
• Clearly indicate why it is worth Background and
Significance
doing
• Major issues or problems to be Literature Review
addressed by your research Research Design and
• How you plan to go about Methods
conducting your research Preliminary Suppositions
and Implications
• Set the boundaries of your
proposed research Conclusion
• Provide definitions of key
concepts or terms Citations
 Research Proposal
• Cite Introduction

• Compare Background and

Significance
• Contrast Literature Review

• Critique Research Design and

Methods
• Connect Preliminary Suppositions
and Implications

Conclusion

Citations
 Research Proposal
• This section must be well- Introduction

written and logically Background and

organized because you are
not actually doing the
research, yet, your reader
has to have confidence that
it is worth pursuing.
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
Preliminary Suppositions
and Implications
Conclusion

Citations
 Research Proposal
• Study should ask the following questions:
• What might the results mean in regards to the theoretical Introduction
framework that underpins the study?
• What suggestions for subsequent research could arise from Background and
the potential outcomes of the study?
• What will the results mean to practitioners in the natural Significance
settings of their workplace?
• Will the results influence programs, methods, and/or forms of Literature Review
intervention?
• How might the results contribute to the solution of social,
economic, or other types of problems? Research Design and
• Will the results influence policy decisions? Methods
• In what way do individuals or groups benefit should your
study be pursued? Preliminary Suppositions
• What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed and Implications
research?
• How will the results of the study be implemented, and what Conclusion
innovations will come about?

Citations
 Research Proposal
• The conclusion reiterates the Introduction

importance or significance of Background and

your proposal and provides a
brief summary of the entire
study.
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
Preliminary Suppositions
and Implications

Conclusion

Citations
 Research Proposal
• References -- lists only the Introduction

literature that you actually Background and

Significance
used or cited in your proposal.
Literature Review
• Bibliography -- lists everything
Research Design and
you used or cited in your Methods
proposal, with additional Preliminary Suppositions
and Implications
citations to any key sources
relevant to understanding the Conclusion

research problem. Citations