The document outlines an assignment for a research methods class, asking students to read the assigned chapter, describe the steps of the scientific research process, and critique a case study example. Students are asked to evaluate whether the case study meets the standards of scientific research and also define what action research is.

1. Superior University
Chapter 2
Assignment B
1. Read the chapter carefully and be prepared for the test in the next class.
2. Describe the hallmarks of scientific research?
3. What are the steps in hypothetico-deductive research? Explain them, using
an example not in the book?
4. If research is the management area cannot be 100% scientific, why bother to
do it at all? Comment on this statement.
5. Critique the following research done in a service industry as to the extent to
which it meets the hallmarks of the scientific investigation discussed in this
chapter.
The Friendly Telephone Company
Customer complaints were mounting and letters of complaint detailing the problems
they experienced with the residential telephones were constantly pouring in at the
Friendly Telephone Company. The company wanted to pinpoint the specific
problems and take corrective action.
Researchers were called in, and they spoke to a number of customers, noting the
nature of the specific problems they face. Because the problem had to be attended to
very quickly, they developed a theoretical base, collected relevant detailed
information from a sample of 100 customers, and analyzed the data. The results
promise to be fairly accurate with at least an 85% chance of success in problem
solving. The researchers will make recommendations to the company based on the
results of data analysis.
6. Strictly speaking, would case studies be considered as scientific research?
Why or why not?
7. What is action research? Describe a specific situation where action research
will be warranted?

2. Superior University
Introduction to Research
Assignment A.
1. Read the chapter carefully and be prepared for the test in the next class.
2. Why should a manager know about research when the job entails managing
people, products, events, environments and the like?
3. For what specific reasons basic research is important? When is applied
research, as distinct from basic research, useful?
4. Explain with examples the advantages and disadvantages of external and
internal researcher?
5. Describe a situation where research will help you as a manager to make a
good decision?
6. Given the situations below:
a. Discuss with reasons whether they fall into the category of applied or
basic research?
b. Who will conduct the research and why?
To Question Acquire or Not to Acquire: That is the
Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when the latter operate in
totally unrelated realms of business. For example Gencore industries manufacturing
asphalt plants for road construction acquired Ingersoll-Rand in 1996, and later acquired
yet another company in the business of food processing. Such acquisition is claiming to
“work miracles”. However, given the volatility of the stock market and slowing down
of business, many companies are not sure whether such acquisitions involve too much
risk. |At the same time they also wonder if they are missing out on great business
opportunity if they fail to take such risks.
Reason for Absenteeism
A university professor wanted to analyze in depth the reasons for absenteeism of
employees in organizations. Fortunately, a company within 20 miles of the campus
employed her as a consultant to study that very issue.

3. Superior University
The Research Process
Assignment C.
1. Revise the slides and read the chapter and be prepared for the test in next class.
2. How would you describe the research process?
3. Why is it important to gather information on the background of the organization?
4. Should a researcher always obtain information on the structural aspects and job
characteristics from those interviewed? Give reasons for your answer with
examples.
5. How would you go about doing a literature survey in the area of business ethics?
6. “The problem definition stage is perhaps more critical in the research process than
the problem solution stage.” Discuss this statement.
7. Below is the gist of an article from Business week. After reading it,
a. Identify the broad problem area
b. Define the problem
c. Explain how you would proceed further.
While Chrysler’s minivans, pickups and sport utility vehicles take a big share of the
truck market, its cars trail behind those of GM, Ford, Honda and Toyota. Quality
problems include among other things water leaks and defective parts.
8. What is the problem statement in the following situation?
Employee Loyalty
Companies benefit through employee loyalty. Crude downsizing in organizations
during the recession crushed the loyalty of millions. The economic benefits of loyalty
embrace lower recruitment and training costs, higher productivity of workers, customer
satisfaction and the boost to morale of fresh recruits. In order that these benefits are not
lost, some companies while downsizing try various gimmicks. Flex leave, for instance,
is one. This helps employees receive 20% of their salary, plus employer provided
benefits, while they take a 6-12 month sabbatical, with a call option on their services.
Others by alternatives like more communication, hand holding, and the like.
9. Practice Projects at page 74