Business Research Method - Unit I, AKTU, Lucknow Syllabus

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.

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.
• It is basically undertaken with the intention of
designing different tools for solving various problem.
• It is concerned with a single situation and does not
apply to wider area.
• It is intellectual exploration and results into
development of theories and generalizations.
• Pure research is largely limited to the academic world.
• The funds provided by the educational institutions and
government enable researchers to pursue pure
research.
– Consumer behavior
– Human behavior
– Natural phenomenon
– Pure mathematics
• Basic research, also called pure research or
fundamental research.
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research
II.Applied Research
• Also known as practical research and mainly
termed as Need based research which has high
practical relevance.
• The main aim of applied research is basically
finding a solution for an immediate problem
which is faced by a society or an industrial or
business organization.
• Time framed and budgeted research, marketing
research and communication research are
example of Applied research.
– Problem Solving Research-Specific Problem.-
individual company for the problem faced by it
– Problem oriented Research-Applied nature of
problem - WTO does problem oriented research for
developing countries,
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research.
III. Qualitative Research.
• Qualitative in nature, generally undertaken
to study the human behavior.
• Motivation Research
– Word association test
– Sentence Completion test
– Story completion test
– Similar other projective techniques
• This type of research recommends the
guidance of experienced psychologists as it
is difficult to study the complexities of
human behavior with the single notion.
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

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

Types of Research
V. Empirical Research.
• This is data based research in which
primary(first hand) data is collected and
the data is analysed and subjected to
hypothesis testing.
• This is often referred to as experimental
research.
• This research relies on experience or
observation alone, often without due
regard for system and theory.
• Data based research.
– We may study the impact of a depreciating
dollar on Indian Export .
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research
VI. Descriptive Research.
• Descriptive research includes surveys and
fact-finding enquiries of different kinds.
• The major purpose of descriptive research
is description of the state of affairs as it
exists at present.
• It includes Survey method.
• The main characteristics of this Method is
that the researcher has no control over the
variables. He can only report what has
happened or what is happening.
– Frequency of shopping.
– Preferences of people.
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research
VII. Analytical Research
• In analytical research the researcher
use facts or information already
available, and analyze these to
make a critical evaluation of the
material.
– How International trade influences the
balance of payment of any country.
– How and why this movement takes
place is an example of analytical
research.
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research
VIII. Conceptual Research
• Conceptual research is that related to some
abstract idea(s) or theory.
• It is generally used by philosophers and
thinkers to develop new concepts or to
reinterpret existing ones.
• The main aim of this type of research is to
study the problems and gaps in the
existing concepts or basic assumptions and
to correct and remove the complexity of
these concepts.
• This type of research is time consuming
and is to be undertaken by experienced
researchers or experts in their own areas.
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research
IX. Historical Research
• Historical research is the process of
systematically examining past events to
give an account of what has happened in
the past.
• It is not a mere accumulation of facts and
dates or even a description of past events.
• It is flowing, dynamic account of past
events which involves and interpretation
of these events in an attempt to recapture
the nuances, personalities, and ideas that
influence these events.
• Mystery over Mr. Subhash Chandra Bose
death
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical Research

Types of Research
X. Exploratory Research
• As the term suggests, exploratory research
is often conducted because a problem has
not been clearly defined as yet, or its real
scope is yet unclear.
• It allows the researcher to familiarize
him/herself with the problem or concept
to be studied, and perhaps generate
hypothesis (definition of hypothesis) to be
tested.
• Exploratory research helps determine the
best research design, data collection
method and selection of subjects, and
sometimes it even concludes that the
problem does not exist!
Applied Research
Empirical Research
Analytical Research
Conceptual Research
Historical 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
Responsibilities.
II. Budgeting For Safety.
III. Proper Research
Design.
IV. Prior Risk Assessment.
V. Preparation For
Fieldwork.
VI. Precautions in
Interview.
VII. Maintaining Contact.
VIII.Strategies For Handling
Risk Situations.
IX. Safety Of Respondents.
X. Maintaining
Confidentiality.
XI. Debriefing And Support
After The Event.
XII. Making Guidelines
Stick.

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
RESEARCH
PROCESS

1.Research Problem
• There are two types of research problems, viz.,
– those which relate to states of nature and
– those which relate to relationships between
variables.
• Initially the problem may be stated in a broad
general way and then the ambiguities, if any,
relating to the problem be resolved.
• Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to
be considered before a working formulation of the
problem can be set up.
• The formulation of a general topic into a specific
research problem, thus, constitutes the first step in
a scientific enquiry.
8.Analysis of Data
10. Generalization and Interpretation of
Data

1.Research Problem
• Essentially two steps are involved in formulating
the research problem, viz.,
– understanding the problem thoroughly,
– and rephrasing the same into meaningful
terms from an analytical point of view.
• The best way of understanding the problem is to
discuss it with one’s own colleagues or with those
having some expertise in the matter.
• In an academic institution the researcher can seek
the help from a guide.
• In private business units or in governmental
organizations, the problem is usually earmarked by
the administrative agencies
8.Analysis of Data
Data

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.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

1.Research Problem
• Professor W.A. Neiswanger correctly states
that the statement of the objective is of
basic importance because
– it determines the data which are to be
collected,
– the characteristics of the data which are
relevant,
– relations which are to be explored,
– the choice of techniques to be used in these
explorations and the form of the final report.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

2.Extensive Literature Survey
• Once the problem is formulated, a brief
summary of it should be written down.
• It is compulsory for a research worker writing
a thesis for a Ph.D. degree to write a synopsis
of the topic and submit it to the necessary
Committee or the Research Board for
approval.
• At this juncture the researcher should
undertake extensive literature survey
connected with the problem. For this
purpose, the abstracting and indexing
journals and published or unpublished
bibliographies are the first place to go to.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

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.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

3. Development of working hypothesis
• Working hypothesis is tentative
assumption made in order to draw
out and test its logical or empirical
consequences.
• The role of the hypothesis is to
guide the researcher by delimiting
the area of research and to keep him
on the right track.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

3. Development of working hypothesis
• How does one go about developing working
hypotheses? The answer is by using the
following approach:
(a) Discussions with colleagues and experts about the
problem, its origin and the objectives in seeking a
solution;
(b) Examination of data and records, if available,
concerning the problem for possible trends,
peculiarities and other clues;
(c) Review of similar studies in the area or of the
studies on similar problems; and
(d) Exploratory personal investigation which involves
original field interviews on a limited scale with
interested parties and individuals with a view to
secure greater insight into the practical aspects of
the problem.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

4. Preparing the research design:
• The research problem having been formulated in
clear cut terms, the researcher will be required to
prepare a research design, i.e.,
– he will have to state the conceptual structure
within which research would be conducted.
• The function of research design is to provide for the
collection of relevant evidence with minimal
expenditure of effort, time and money. But how all
these can be achieved depends mainly on the
research purpose. Research purposes may be
grouped into four categories, viz.,
– Exploration,
– Description,
– Diagnosis, and
– Experimentation.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

4. Preparing the research design
• The preparation of the research design,
appropriate for a particular research
problem, involves usually the consideration
of the following:
– the means of obtaining the information;
– the availability and skills of the researcher and
his staff (if any);
– explanation of the way in which selected means
of obtaining information will be organized and
the reasoning leading to the selection;
– the time available for research; and
– the cost factor relating to research, i.e., the
finance available for the purpose.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

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
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Non-Probability Sampling
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
element has a known probability
of being included in the sample
but the non-probability samples
do not allow the researcher to
determine this probability.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
items from a universe of 15,000 items,
then we can put the names or numbers
of all the 15,000 items on slips of paper
and conduct a lottery. Using the random
number tables is another method of
random sampling.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
introduced into this kind of
sampling by using random
numbers to pick up the unit with
which to start.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
based on simple random sampling the
entire procedure, first stratification and
then simple random sampling, is known as
stratified random sampling.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
sample randomly. The sample size must
often be larger than the simple random
sample to ensure the same level of accuracy
because is cluster sampling procedural
potential for order bias and other sources of
error is usually accentuated.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
towns and finally certain families
within towns. If the technique of
random-sampling is applied at all
stages, the sampling procedure is
described as multi-stage random
sampling.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
interviews at these stations. This would be an
example of convenience sample of gasoline
buyers. At times such a procedure may give
very biased results particularly when the
population is not homogeneous.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
stratum in the population. Quota sampling
is thus an important form of non-
probability sampling. Quota samples
generally happen to be judgment samples
rather than random samples.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

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
teaching. Judgement sampling is
used quite frequently in qualitative
research where the desire happens
to be to develop hypotheses rather
than to generalize to larger
populations.
Sampling Method
Simple Random
Systematic Sampling
Stratified
Cluster
Multistage
Convenience
Quota
Judgmental

6.Collecting Data
I. By observation
II. Through personal interview
III. Through telephonic interviews
IV. By mailing of questionnaires
V. Through schedules
8.Analysis of Data
Data

7. Execution of the project
• Execution of the project is a very important step in the
research process. If the execution of the project proceeds on
correct lines, the data to be collected would be adequate and
dependable.
• In such a situation, questions as well as the possible answers
may be coded.
• If the data are to be collected through interviewers,
arrangements should be made for proper selection and
training of the interviewers.
• Occasional field checks should be made to ensure that the
interviewers are doing their assigned job sincerely and
efficiently.
• A careful watch should be kept for unanticipated factors in
order to keep the survey as much realistic as possible.
• If some of the respondents do not cooperate, some suitable
methods should be designed to tackle this problem.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

8. Analysis of data:
• The analysis of data requires a
number of closely related
operations such as
• establishment of categories,
• the application of these
categories to raw data through
coding, tabulation and then
drawing statistical inferences.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

9. Hypothesis-testing:
• After analyzing the data as stated above, the researcher
is in a position to test the hypotheses, if any, he had
formulated earlier.
• Do the facts support the hypotheses or they happen to
be contrary? This is the usual question which should be
answered while testing hypotheses.
• Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have
been developed by statisticians for the purpose.
• The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or
more of such tests, depending upon the nature and
object of research inquiry. Hypothesis-testing will result
in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it.
• If the researcher had no hypotheses to start with,
generalizations established on the basis of data may be
stated as hypotheses to be tested by subsequent
researches in times to come.
8.Analysis of Data
Data

10.Generalisations and interpretation:
• If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several
times, it may be possible for the researcher
to arrive at generalization, i.e., to build a
theory.
• As a matter of fact, the real value of research
lies in its ability to arrive at certain
generalizations. If the researcher had no
hypothesis to start with, He might seek to
explain his findings on the basis of some
theory.
• It is known as interpretation. The process of
interpretation may quite often trigger off
new questions which in turn may lead to
further researches.
8.Analysis of Data
10. Generalization and Interpretation
of Data

11.Preparation of the report or the thesis:
• The layout of the report should be as follows:
I. The preliminary pages;
I. Title and date
II. acknowledgements
III. Foreword
IV. table of contents
V. list of tables
VI. List of graphs and charts
II. The main text,
I. Introduction
II. Summary of findings
III. Main report
IV. Conclusion
III. and the end matter.
I. Appendices
II. Bibliography
III. Index
8.Analysis of Data
Data

Concept of Scientific Enquiry
• Formulation of Research Problem –
• Management Question
• Research Question
• Investigation Question

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

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.

- 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
problem?
• What is the topic of study related
to that problem?
• What methods should be used to
analyze the research problem?
• Why is this important research,
what is its significance, and why
should someone reading the
proposal care about the outcomes
of the proposed study?
Introduction
Background and
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
Preliminary Suppositions
and Implications
Conclusion
Citations

Research Proposal
• Detailed explanation about the
purpose of the study
• Clearly indicate why it is worth
doing
• Major issues or problems to be
addressed by your research
• How you plan to go about
conducting your research
• Set the boundaries of your
proposed research
• Provide definitions of key
concepts or terms
Introduction
Background and
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
and Implications
Conclusion
Citations

Research Proposal
• Cite
• Compare
• Contrast
• Critique
• Connect
Introduction
Background and
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
and Implications
Conclusion
Citations

Research Proposal
• This section must be well-
written and logically
organized because you are
not actually doing the
research, yet, your reader
has to have confidence that
it is worth pursuing.
Introduction
Background and
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
and Implications
Conclusion
Citations

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

Research Proposal
• The conclusion reiterates the
importance or significance of
your proposal and provides a
brief summary of the entire
study.
Introduction
Background and
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
and Implications
Conclusion
Citations

Research Proposal
• References -- lists only the
literature that you actually
used or cited in your proposal.
• Bibliography -- lists everything
you used or cited in your
proposal, with additional
citations to any key sources
relevant to understanding the
research problem.
Introduction
Background and
Significance
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methods
and Implications
Conclusion
Citations

Business Research Method - Unit I, AKTU, Lucknow Syllabus

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