This chapter discusses research problem statements, objectives, and types. It defines basic components like variables and hypotheses. There are three main types of research: exploratory research to clarify problems, descriptive research to describe situations, and causal research to identify relationships. Developing a clear problem statement involves understanding the decision-maker's objectives, the background, isolating the core problem, and determining relevant variables and units of analysis. The research questions and objectives must be specific and measurable.

1. BAEB601
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 2
Research Types, Objectives, Problem
Statement
PREPARED BY:
Nur Suhaili Ramli
School of Marketing and
Entrepreneurship (SoME)
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

2. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Chapter Aims
TOPIC
This chapter aims to:
1.Define the importance of research as a management decision-making tool;
2.Define research
3.Differentiate between basic and applied research;
4.Define meaning of theory
5.Discuss the term concept, proposition, variables and hypothesis;
6.Classify research as exploratory research, descriptive research and causal
research.
7.List the stages in the business research process
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Topics

3. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Problem Statement
TOPIC
Identify the
scenarios
Issues that lead
to the
formulation of
the problem
statement
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4. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Process of Problem Definition
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Understand the background of the problem
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Isolate and identify the problem, not the symptoms
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Determine the unit of analysis
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Determine the relevant variables
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
State the research questions and research objectives
TOPIC
 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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Problem Statement : Activity
TOPIC
Evaluate the statement of the business problem
in following situations:
1. 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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Clarity in Research Questions and Hypotheses
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Research Objective
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Types of Business Research
TOPIC
Causal or Descriptive Exploratory
Completely Uncertainty Absolute
Certain Ambiguity
Decisions are not all same: A continuum of decision making
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15. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Types of Business Research
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Research Proposal
TOPIC
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. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Activity
TOPIC
For each of the situations below, decide whether the research
should be exploratory , descriptive or causal?
1) Establishing the functional relationship between
advertising and sales.
2) Investigating reactions to the idea of a new method of
defense budgeting
3) Identifying target market demographics for a shopping
centre
4) Estimating prices for IBM stock two years in the future.
5) Learning how many organizations are actively involved in
just in time production.
6) Learning the extent of job satisfaction in a company.
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18. CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT. RESEARCH TYPES, OBJECTIVES
Flowchart of the Research Process
TOPIC
 Flowchart of the Research Process
 Refer to the diagram given
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