This document defines key concepts in research methodology. It discusses defining problems, understanding objectives, isolating variables, stating research questions, and classifying research. Research can be exploratory, descriptive, or causal. The stages of research are problem identification, establishing objectives and questions, research design, data collection and analysis, and reporting results. Research proposals explain the purpose, methodology, procedures, costs and timeline of a study.

1. BAEB601: REESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 1:
Introduction To Research Methodology (Part 2)
© 2010 Cosmopoint

2. Chapter Aims
This chapter aims to:
3.Define the importance of research as a management decision-making tool;
4.Define research
5.Differentiate between basic and applied research;
6.Define meaning of theory
7.Discuss the term concept, proposition, variables and hypothesis;
8.Classify research as exploratory research, descriptive research and causal
research.
9.List the stages in the business research process
© 2010 Cosmopoint Slide 2 of 18 Topics

3. Problem Statement
Identify the
scenarios
Issues that lead
to the
formulation of
the problem
statement
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4. Process of Problem Definition
Ascertain the Isolate and
Understand the
decision identify the
background of
maker’s problem, not the
the problem
objectives symptoms.
State the
research Determine the Determine the
questions and relevant unit of analysis
research variables
objectives
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5. Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives
MUST have a clear
understanding of
MUST attempt to
the purpose of
satisfy the decision
undertaking the
maker’s objectives
research.
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6. Understand the background of the problem
The
background
of the
problem is
vital
A situation
analysis is
the logical
first step in
defining
Analysis problem
involve the
informal
gathering of
background
information
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7. Isolate and identify the problem, not the symptoms
Anticipating the many
influences and
dimensions of a
problem is impossible
for any researcher.
Certain occurrences
that appear to be the
problem may only be
symptoms of a deeper
problem.
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8. Determine the unit of analysis
MUST specify the unit
of analysis
Will the individual
consumer be the source
of information?
Industries,
organization,
departments or
individual may be the
focus data collection
and analysis.
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9. Determine the relevant variables
A variable is a quality
that can exhibit In statistical analysis, a
differences in value, variable is identified by a
usually magnitude or symbol such as X, Y.
strength
A category or Example:
classificatory variable Gender – Male or
has a limited number of Female, Age – 20’s, 30’s
distinct variables Income – Low, Middle,
High
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10. State the research questions and research objectives
• The research question is the researcher’s
translation of the business problem into a
specific need for inquiry.
• Clarity in Research Questions and
Hypotheses
• Decision-Oriented research objective.
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11. Problem Statement : Activity
• Evaluate the statement of the business problem
in following situations:
3. A farm implement manufacturer: Our objective is
to learn the most effective form of capitalization
so we can maximize profits.
2. The producer of a television show: We have a
problem; the program’s rating are low. We need
to learn how to improve our rating.
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12. Clarity in Research Questions and Hypotheses
Research question should be specific, clear, and
accompanied by a well formulated hypothesis.
Hypothesis is an unproven proposition or possible solution
to a problem. In its simplest form, a hypothesis is a guess!
Problem and Hypothesis are similar. Both state relationship.
BUT Problems are interrogative, Hypotheses are declarative
and more specific to testing.
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13. Research Objective
Research objective is the researcher’s version of
the business problem.
Research objective is derived from the problem
definition.
Research objective explain the purpose of
research in measureable terms as well as
defining what standard the research should
accomplish.
Research objective should be limited to a
manageable number so that each one can be
addressed fully.
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14. Types of Business Research
Causal or Descriptive Exploratory
Completely Uncertainty
Absolute
Certain Ambiguity
Decisions are not all same: A continuum of decision making
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15. Types of Business Research
Conducted to classify the nature
problems. It is not intended to provide
Exploratory research conclusive evidence from which a
particular course of action can be
determined.
Conducted to discover and determine
Descriptive research the characteristics of a population. It
Seeks o determine to answer “Who”,
“What”, “When”,”Where” and “How”.
Conducted accurately because the
Evidence it provides will be used to
determine a course of action.
Causal research To identify cause-and effect relationship
between variables. Causal research
Attempts to establish that when we do
One thing (increase advertising), another
Will follow (increased sales)
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16. Research Proposal
Purpose of the study
The research
proposal is a Define s the problem
written statement explains
of the research
Outlines the research
design..
methodology
Details the procedures
to be followed
State all costs and
deadlines
Proposal should be
precise, specific and
concrete
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17. Activity
For each of the situations below, decide whether the
research should be exploratory , descriptive or causal?
3) Establishing the functional relationship between
advertising and sales.
4) Investigating reactions to the idea of a new method of
defense budgeting
5) Identifying target market demographics for a shopping
centre
6) Estimating prices for IBM stock two years in the future.
7) Learning how many organizations are actively involved in
just in time production.
8) Learning the extent of job satisfaction in a company.
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18. Flowchart of the Research Process
• Flowchart of the Research Process
– Refer to the diagram given
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