Introduction to business research It includes research processes and characteristics of good research.

1. • UNIT I_INTORODUCTION TO
BUSINESS RESEARCH
PART 2
RESEARCH PROCESS
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH
Dr. Sneha Suri Wadhwa

2. RESEARCH PROCESS
• A series of steps to systematically investigate a
problem
• The research process provides broad guideline
that can be referred to for any business
research , but the steps may vary depending
on the objectives of the research

5. RESEARCH PROCESS
• The charts indicate that there are a number of
closely related activities
• Such activities overlap continuously rather
than follow a strictly prescribed sequence
• However a systematic research process should
give due consideration to all these steps

6. FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
• Formulation of general topic into specific research
problem, constitutes the first step in scientific enquiry
• Two steps are involved in formulation of research
problem
1. Understanding the problem thoroughly
2. Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an
analytical perspective
• Researcher should review conceptual and empirical
literature for the same
• RESEARCHER HAS TO REFINE THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
SO AS TO DEFINE IT IN THE MOST UNAMBIGUOUS
TERMS

7. FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
• Clear definition of research problem is of great
importance, it will determine the data to be
collected, , relations to be explored, choice of
techniques to be employed and the form of
final report
• Accuracy and Conciseness of problem
definition can help effective utilization of
resources available for research

8. FORMULATING A RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• BUSINESS RESEARCH
Management Problems can be transferred into research problems
Management Problems are usually only symptoms and underlying
issues need to be identified .
For example
A company has REDUCED SALES GROWTH
: Why are sales not growing
Is that a research question: NO
Lets try formulating RESEARCH QUESTIONS
There are no new customers
What are the expectation of potential customers ?
What attributes do potential customers look for in the product
category?

9. II: EXTENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
• Research Problem recognition required literature review ,
however once the problem is clearly defined and research
questions identified EXTENSIVE L R will be done
• Researcher has to use credible sources to identify relevant
literature , ranked journals, indexed journals
• Researchers should look for published and unpublished
bibliographies to search for relevant past studies
• Once sources are identified , articles, books, working
papers are to be extensively reviewed.
• BUSINESS RESEARCH also uses government reports,
consultancy reports, policy documents, marketing reports
etc.

10. III. DEVELOP HYPOTHESES
• Once the research problem and questions have been formed and extensive
literature review has been carried out a HYPOTHESIS OR HYPOTHESES is/are
developed
• Hypothesis is a tentative assumption , which is to be tested and accepted or
rejected
• Hypotheses provide focal point for any research study
• They affect the manner in which tests must be conducted in the analysis of data
• They should be very specific
• The role of hypotheses is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of
research , they keep the researcher on track
• Working hypotheses arise from – prior thinking about the subject , examination of
available data/material including related studies and counsel of experts and
interested parties
• NOTE: there are exploratory researches that may not start with hypotheses
• Hypothesis: Potential Consumers prefer International Branded Clothes as
compared to locally manufactured Clothes

11. IV. FORMULATING A RESEARCH
DESIGN
• Research Design is the framework for conducting
research
• It is the structure in which research would be
conducted
• It includes defining the data requirement , methods for
collecting data, , sampling technique, measurement
technique and methodology for analysis.
• Research design depends on factors like research
problem, time available, budget allocated , availability
of data etc.
-

12. V. DATA COLLECTION
• It is important to collect relevant and as far as
possible adequate data
• Given the research problem, data my be
secondary or primary data
• There are different methods of data collection
available like OBSERVATION, INTERVIEW,
QUESTIONNAIRE, DATABSESES ETC,
• Data should be collected for the defined sample

13. VI. ANALYSIS OF DATA
• In order to make meaningful interpretation from the
collected data, , editing, coding, transcription and
verification will be required
• The analytical tools like plotting, statistical testing and
modelling will be done
• Choice of analytical tools will depend on the objective
of the study and the nature of the data
• For example or interview data analysis will be more
theoretical whereas if we are dealing with share price
data , we can use excel or statistical packages

14. VII. INTERPREATION and REPORT
WRITING
• Extremely important to make correct interpretation
and inferences from the results of the analysis
• These are to be discussed in a precise and
unambiguous way.
• The interpretation in the research report should
clearly address the research questions identified in
the problem definition.
• If Business Research Report then it should contain
/provide concise and relevant information for
managers

15. Characteristics of GOOD
RESEARCH

16. Characteristics of GOOD RESEARCH
• GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
1. Orignality
2. Ethical : participants rights and privacy to be
protected
3. Detailed
4. Meaningful

17. Characteristics of GOOD RESEARCH
CONDUCTING RESEARCH
1. Clarity on definition of research problem and
purpose
2. Systematic Research Process/ A detailed Research
Design
3. Objective: report what is and not what ‘should be’
4. Outline Limitations : in research design, may relate to
data, sample, technique etc.
5. ADEQUATE ANALYSIS: Adequate analysis should be
done, tests employed should be appropriate for the
data, statistical significance should be appropriately
applied

18. Characteristics of GOOD RESEARCH
• WRITING RESEARCH
1. Clarity
2. UNAMBIGUOUS : understandable
3. Important Terms should be explained
4. Writing should be keeping in mind the
purpose : thesis, project report for business