Research Concepts

Research Basics
What research is and isnt Research characteristics Why Research Research projects and pitfalls Features of a good research Sources of research projects

What Research Is Not

Research isnt information gathering:
Gathering information from resources such books or magazines isnt research. No contribution to new knowledge.

Research isnt the transportation of facts:

Merely transporting facts from one resource to another doesnt constitute research.

What Research Is
Research is:
the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.1

Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.

Systematized effort to gain knowledgeRedman and Mory. Research comprises the following: Defining and redefining the problem Formulating hypothesis Collecting, organizing and evaluating data Making deductions and reaching conclusions Carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the hypothesis

Research Characteristics
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Originates with a question or problem. Requires clear articulation of a goal. Follows a specific plan or procedure. Often divides main problem into sub problems. Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis Requires collection and interpretation of data. Cyclical in nature.

Objectives
Familiarity Characteristics Frequency Hypothesis Testing

Why Research
Business Competition.
Customers Products Industry Competition

Business Environment More complex decisions Global Competition.

Features of a Good Research

Purpose clearly defined Research Process detailed Research design thoroughly planned High ethical standards applied Limitations frankly revealed Findings presented unambiguously Conclusions Justified Researchers experience reflected

Business Research
In general, business research refers to any type of researching done when starting or running any kind of business. For example, starting any type of business requires research into the target customer and the competition to create a business plan. Research provides the needed information that guides managers to make informed decisions to successfully deal with problems.

It is a method of obtaining and evaluating data for the decision process.

Business research methods vary depending on the size of the company and the type of information needed. For instance, customer research may involve finding out both a customers feelings about and experiences using a product or service.

RESEARCH PROCESS:
Formulating the Research problem Extensive literature survey Development of Hypotheses Preparing the research design Determining sample design Collecting the data Execution of the project Analysis of data

Hypothesis testing Preparation of the report

Types of Research
Pure Research: It is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intention to apply it in practice. Applied Research: It aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing by a society or an industry.

Exploratory Research: It is preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. Action Research: The process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems in order to guide , correct and evaluate their decisions and actions is called action research.

Descriptive Research: The major purpose of descriptive study is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. Diagnostic Research: It is directed towards discovering what is happening , why is it happening and what can be done about.

1.If you want to set up a coffee shop near the university and school, what is your research topic? 1.Identify the problem statement. 2.Identify the objectives 3.The hypotheses 4. The research methodology

Assignment Quetions
What is research? Explain the characteristics and features of a good research? Explain the research process. Explain the various types of research with examples.