Chapter 4

Business Research Process (An overview)

References:
Business
Research

Research Book of VU

Methods For Business (Uma Sekaran) Business Research Methods (William G. Zikmund)

Business Research Process

   

Research task is usually treated as a sequential process/steps involving several clearly defined steps. These steps may differ in various situations. Recycling, adding, and skipping occur. Various approaches suggest somewhat different steps ranging from five steps to eleven steps. The variation may be due to purposes, and methods used by the researches, though some researchers may combine some of the steps. Completion of each step before going to next is not required i.e skipping is possible

The Business Research Process

Observation Broad problem area Preliminary Data Gathering Problem definition Theoretical Framework Variables Identification and labelling Generation of Hypothesis

Scientific Researc h Design Data Collection, analysis & interpretation

NO

Decision Making

Report Presentation

Report Writing

Yes

Deduction Research Question Answered?

1. Observation/Broad Problem Area



The process begins with a researcher selecting a topic the entire situation where one sees a possible need for research and problem solving  The specific issues that need to be researched within the situation may not be identified at this stage. E.g.
 Problem currently existing

in an organizational setting that need to be solved (Inefficiency in production)  Areas that a manager believes need to be improved in the organization (improving the existing policies)


The broad problem area would be narrowed down to specific issues for investigation after some preliminary data are gathered by the researcher.

2. Preliminary Data Collection



Also know of literature review. This step may be considered as part of the exploratory research. An exploration typically begins with a search for published data (Secondary Data) and studies. Some secondary sources of data are statistical bulletins, government publications, information published or unpublished, case studies, online data, web sites, discussions and the Internet. Such sources can provide data which becomes part of the background information (about the organization, groups of people, context (background) of the issue.

3. Problem Definition


 

After having discussions with the professionals, with the persons to whom the issue relates, and the review of literature, the researcher is in a position to narrow down from its original broad base and define the issue clearly. Translate the broad issue into a research question. A research problem in general refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants a solution for the same. Problem is defined as any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal state. Eg. Zero defects in products, High quotation in the stock market.

If the research problem is defined incorrectly, the research objectives will also be wrong, and the entire research process will be a waste of time and money. Components of a research problem
There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty or the problem There must be some objective(s) to be attained at. If one wants nothing one cannot have a problem. There must be alternative means (courses of action) for obtaining the objective.

Main Features of Good Research Problem.

The question should be feasible i.e it can be investigated without an undue amount of time, energy or money.  The question should be ethical i.e it should not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to human feelings or to natural or social environment of which they are part.  Subject which is overdone (too investigated) must not be selected.  Too narrow or too vague (unclear) problems should not be chosen.  The problem should be chosen in such a way that the ingredients required for the study should be within the reach of a researcher.  The importance of the subject, time ,efficiency of the researchers is also an essential requisite factor.  Selection of problem must be preceded by a preliminary study.  Controversial subject should not be chosen by an average researcher.


For example a productivity decline of workers may be an issue. The management may have tried to solve it by the provision of incentive but did not work. The researcher may have to dig deep and find the possible factors like the morale and motivation of the workers having some other backgrounds. There could be similar other broad issues which have to be narrowed down to research questions like:
To what extent has the new advertising campaign been successful in creating the high quality, consumer-centered corporate image that it was intended to produce? ii. Has the new packaging affected the sale of the products? iii. Will the day care centers affect the productivity of female workers? iv. Why the divorce rate is on the increase in Pakistan? v. Why the family in Pakistan is changing? vi. What could be the impact of changing family patterns on the sales volume of products?
i.

4. Theoretical Framework


The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the variables that are deemed to be essential to the dynamics of the situation being investigated. Or A logical structure or theoretical framework is the set of terms and relationships within which the problem is formulated and solved. Theoretical framework :  Elaborates the relationship among the variables.  Explains the logic underlying these relationships.  Describes the nature, and direction of the relationships.

5. Generation of Hypotheses


After determining the important variables relevant to an issue and established the logical reasoning in the theoretical framework, we test whether the relationships that have been conceived do in fact hold true, formulating such testable statements is called Hypothesis development An hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It describes in concrete (rather than theoretical) terms what you expect will happen in your study.


Eg If the pilots are given adequate training to handle midair crowded situations, air-safety violations will be reduced

6. Research Design


Research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing the needed information. Research design provides the glue that holds the research project together. A design is used to structure the research, to show how all of the major parts of the research project (the samples or groups, measures, treatments or programs, and methods of assignment) work together to try to address the central research questions. The researcher must specify the sources of information, and the research method or technique to be followed in thee study.

The research design constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data. It aids the scientist in the allocation of his limited resources by posing crucial choices Research design is the plan and structure of investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions. The plan is the overall scheme or program of the research. It includes an outline of what the investigator will do from writing hypotheses and their operational implications to the final analysis of data.

7. Data Collection, Data Processing, and Analysis

  

Data collection is integral part of the research design, though we are dealing it separately. Data can be collected in a variety of ways, in different settings field or lab and from different sources. Data are special type of information, generally obtained through observation, surveys, enquiries, or are generated as are result of human activity. Data processing generally begins with the editing and coding of the data.


Data Editing: It is the activity aimed at detecting and correcting errors (logical inconsistencies) in data.This action ensures that the information provided is accurate, complete and consistent.

Data Coding. A systematic way in which to condense extensive data sets into smaller analyzable units through the creation of categories and concepts derived from the data

Once data is collected, it is processed to convert it into useful information. The data is processed again and again until the accurate result is achieved. This is called data processing cycle. Analysis of data is a process of inspecting, cleaning

(error free data), transforming, and representing data with the goal of highlighting useful information, suggesting conclusions, and supporting decision making. Analysis is the application of reasoning to understand and interpret the data that have been collected.

8. Testing the Hypotheses; Answering the Research Questions



The analysis and interpretation of the data shall be the means to testing the formulated hypotheses as well as finding answers to the research questions.  A statistical hypothesis test is a method of making decisions using data,  Making recommendations may also be part of this process.

9. Report Writing 10. Report Presentation 11. Decision Making

Problem Discovery and Definition

Problem discovery
Sampling

Selection of exploratory research technique

Selection of exploratory research technique

Probability

Nonprobability

Secondary (historical) data

Experience survey

Pilot study

Case study

Data Gathering Data Processing and Analysis

Collection of data (fieldwork) Editing and coding data Data processing

Problem definition (statement of research objectives)

Research Design

Selection of basic research method

Conclusions and Report

Interpretation of findings

Experiment
Laboratory Field Interview

Survey
Questionnaire

Observation

Secondary Data Study

Report

Steps in the Research Process

Identifying and Defining Problem/ Opportunity Planning the Research Design Selecting a Research Method Selecting a Sampling Procedure Data Collection Evaluating the Data Preparing and Presenting the Research Report

Research Process Flow Chart

Define research problem Review concepts and theories Review previous Research Findings Formulate hypothesis Design research Data collection Analyze data
Interpretation and report writing