Business research methodologybcrm1

BUSINESS
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
for
professionals
INTRODUCTION TO RESEACH METHODOLOGY
By Habibu Ayuba, BSc; PGDE, MSc; ACA inview.
08030527135

BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the class, we should be able to:
 Define Research
 State the purpose of Research
 Explain aim and objectives of Research
 Highlight approaches to Research
 Identify and explain types of Research
 Examine relationship of different types of Research
 Understand the importance of Research
 State motivations in conducting a Research
 Define research process
 Outline characteristics of Research process
 Draw research process diagrammatically and explain each stages
 Explore the ethical consideration in Research and its process
 Examine problems of Research and Research in the context of Nigeria
 Attempt multiple choice (objective) questions tests on the objectives achieved
 Attempt subjective (fill in the blank space) questions on the objectives achieved
Habibu Ayuba, BSc; PGDE; MSc; ACA inview NNDC-ICAN,KANO 2/8/2014 2

Definition of Research
 Perceptually, a word “Research” is a sum total of two
words: RE + SEARCH.
 RE means AGAIN and AGAIN ! !! !!!
 SEARCH means TO FIND OUT SOMETHING.
 Research, perceptually, can be portray as designed
below:
 Laterally, Research means: to search for , look for or
to investigate exhaustively.
 It is a search for knowledge traditionally or
scientifically.
 Traditional search for knowledge is subject to refuter
that can not be depended and proven.
 Scientific search for knowledge, on the other hand,
is dependable avenue that can be proven.

Definition Cont.…
 It is a careful search/inquiry or an endeavor
to discover new facts, Encyclopedia America.
 It is an investigation undertaken in order to
discover new facts or get additional
information…Oxford Advance Learner’s
Dictionary.
 It is a careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new fact in any branch of
knowledge, Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
of Current English.
 But, Cambridge international Dictionary of
English sees Research as; a detailed study of
a subject, especially, in order to discover new
information or reach a new understanding.

Definition Cont….
 It was reported that Research is a point of view, an attitude of
inquiry or a frame of mind.
 It is also being seen as a systematic and scholarly application
of the scientific method interpreted in its broader sense to the
solution of social problem.
 Research refers to a systematic and refined technique of
thinking, employing specialized tools, instruments and
procedures in order to obtain more adequate solution of a
problem than would possibly be under ordinary means.
 Research is an endeavor to discover, develop and verify
knowledge.
 It is an honest ,exhaustive and intelligent searching for facts
and their meanings or implication with reference to a given
problem.
 It is seen as an organized enquiry that is aimed at providing
information for solving identified problems, (Asika, 1990).
 In ICAN study pact, fagbohungbe (1993) has defined research as
a quest for new knowledge pertinent to an identified area of
interest or problem through the application of the scientific
approach or process of investigation.

Definition Cont….
 Mc Ashan (1963) since then saw research as a careful critical and
exhaustive investigation to discover new facts which will test a
hypothesis, revise accepted conclusion and contribution to the
society in general. Then, Willis (1972) define research as a process
of discovering new knowledge. For Best (1964), research is a
formal, systematic, intensive process of carrying out the scientific
method of analysis. Mouly (1978) stated that a research is a
process… a process of arriving at a dependable solutions to
problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis
and interpretation of data. In line with the Richard (1988)
argument that a research is to search again, to repeat the process
of looking in order to verify or expand the first result…. Emory
(1980) considered research as an inquiry carried out to secure
information for solving problem. Sekaran (1992) said that research
is a systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific
problem that needs solution. Daramola (1992) concluded that a
research is a systematic process employed by scholars to provide
solution to problems, to uncover facts in an attempt to formulate
rules and generalization based on the facts uncovered through
approved investigative procedures….

WHAT IS RESEARCH
 Operationally, it can be viewed as a
systematic process of collecting, analyzing
and interpreting information or data with a
view to understanding the phenomenon or
problem we are concerned about and
proffering solution to it.
 That is why Nulinally (1978:8) have argued
that scientific research is a highly public
enterprise in which efficient communication
among scientists is essential based on what
has been learnt in the past. It entails among
other things; an investigation, a recording, an
in-depth analysis or analysis of evidence for
primary purpose of advancing and gaining
knowledge.

PURPOSE and GOALS OF
RESEARCH
Research is embarked to discover answers to questions through the
application of scientific procedures.
 The typical research questions that may be sought to
answer are:
 To what extent does the public attitude have
significant effect on the consumption of Islamic
insurance services.
 Customers demographic characteristics have no
significant relationship with the brand loyalty.
 Research is specifically designed to achieve the
following goals which are:
 To interpret the existing human problems.
 To explain the existing human problems.
 To bring control to the existing human problems.
 To produce and proffer solution to the existing
human problems.

Aim and Objectives
of research
Research is aimed at finding out the truth which is hidden and which has not
been discovered yet.
 The aim is specifically presented as specific objectives of a research
which are as follows:
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon under study to achieve new
insights into research (exploratory research).
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,
institution, situation/event or a group under study (descriptive
research).
 To determine the frequency with which something/ event occurs or with
which it is associated with something else (diagnostic research).
 To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
(hypothesis-testing research).
 To formulate the new theory, principle, and law (theoretical
objectives).
 To find out new facts and factual evidences (historical research).
 To improve and modify the existing practices and knowledge or new
ways of doing things.
 To suggest new application of the existing knowledge .

Approaches to Research
 All researches can be carried out in either of the following ways:
 Quantitative approach.
 Qualitative approach.
 Mixed (both, partially quantitative and partially qualitative).
 Qualitative research employs use of numbers and statistical methods. It is based on numerical
measurement of specific aspects of phenomena. It abstracts from particular instance to seek general
description or to test hypothesis. Qualitative research always seeks measurements and analysis that
are easily replicable by the other researchers.
 Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on one or small number of cases of participants in
the study. It uses intensive interviews and/or depth analysis of historical materials. It employs
discursive method which is concerned with a rounded or comprehensive accounts of some events or
units in the name of case studies or major events.
 Mixed research attempts to mix or combine quantitative and qualitative research’s techniques ,
methods, approaches, concepts and language into a single study. It makes use of pragmatic method
and system of philosophy. Its logic of inquiry includes: the use of induction (discovery of pattern) ,
deduction (testing of theories and hypothesis) and abduction (uncovering and relying on the best of
explanations for understanding one’s research results). It attempts to legitimate the use of multiple
approaches in answering research questions rather than restricting or constraining researchers’
choice. It rejects dogmatism. It is expensive and creative form of, not limiting form of, research. It
is inclusive, pluralistic and complementary study which suggest to the researcher to take eclectic
approach to method selection and the thinking about and conduct of research. All relevant
characteristics of both qualitative and quantitative research have to be considered by the
researchers.

Types of Research
 Applied Research: This is a research conducted with the a view to
testing and applying the established theories. To evaluate theories’
usefulness in solving practical problems of human kinds. Its goal is to
add more scientific knowledge and to provide new ways of solving
immediate practical problem of society, industry and any business
organization ( action research)
 Basic Research: This is a fact finding research which is conducted for
the purpose of establishing or developing theories. It provides theories
that may lead to finding solution to problem. It gathers facts,
knowledge and information for its own sake which can result
generalization of a given phenomenon, hence, formulate theory. It asks
questions such as: what are the factors affecting the outcome of the
study? What is the effect of the study on the proposed goals and
objectives? (pure or fundamental research).
 Quantitative Research: This is a study that is based on a phenomenon
capable of being expressed in numerical quantity. It employs rigorous
control of the variables under study. The data collected for the research
is subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid
fashion respecting the rule of measurement.
 Qualitative Research: This is a study which crosscuts disciplines, fields
and subject matter of a study. It studies events, situations, individuals
and institutions in their natural settings. The data collected can not be
expressed in numerals, rather, it is subjected to the researcher’s
subjective assessment of attitude, opinion and behavior guided by his
insight and impression.

Types of Research Cont…
 Commission Research: This is a study which is initiated by a given organization that is
ready to fund the research either because the problem understudy would solve the funding
organization personal problem or would alleviate problem of society. If the organization is
private and commercial, it sponsors the research to enable it to address its problem. But, if
it is governmental or non-governmental organization, the study is usually carried out solve
or to improve on human kinds’ challenges. International funding agency may include
UNESCO, WHO and soon.
 Non-commission Research: This is a study which is embanked upon to acquire academic
qualification such as PhDs, M.Scs and B.Scs or for academic purposes. It is a research which
is more of basic studies that would produce theories and new knowledge or facts in the
related fields.
 Analytical Research: This is a study which uses existing facts or already available
information to critically analyze it to come out with evaluative findings.
 Empirical Research: This is a study which relies on the existing experience and observation
of the researcher alone, often, without due regard for system/theory or organization under
study. It is a data based study that come up with the conclusion capable of being verified
through observations and experiment. The working hypothesis must serve as a base for a
probable result which can be proven or disproven.
 Conceptual Research: This is a study that is conducted to develop new concepts relating to
some abstract ideas or theory. It also reinterprets the existing idea or scientific knowledge,
the work usually conducted by the thinkers or philosophers.
 Ex-post Facto Research: This is a research that is undertaken after the occurrence of event
understudy. The data or fact about the event are available and already in existence.

Types of Research Cont…
 Descriptive Research: This is a survey fact finding enquiries, the
purpose of which to state the state of affairs of event, individual or
institution as it exists at presents. The researcher has no control over
the variable under study. He can only report what has happened or is
happening in a comparative or correlative method.
 Historical Research: This is a descriptive non-survey study which makes
use of mainly dates and occurrence of event in the past. It analyzes past
event to determine the influence of it in the present situation so as to
predict future with the research findings. Its conclusion is usually
subjected to the opinion of the researcher.
 Survey Research: This is a study which focuses on the population or
universe. It gives critical evaluation or examination of effect, object
and subjects under study with aims of providing exact information
about the condition of the situation. It uses these instruments:
observation. Questionnaire and interview. It does not employ any
control of the independent variable used in the research, rather, it
study it in its natural setting.
 Experimental Research: This studies relationship between dependent
and independents variables understudy to examine the nature of the
relationship or its characteristics. It employs control of the independent
variable used in the experiment. The experiment can field, laboratory
or field study experiment.

Relationship of Types of
Research
RESEARCH
BASIC/PURE
COMMISSIONED
QUANTITATIVE
SURVEY
EXPERIMENTAL
EMPIRICAL
ANALYTICAL
QUALITATIVE
NON-
COMMISSIONED
QUALITATIVE
CONCPTUAL HISTORICAL
QUANTITATIVE
APPLIED
COMMISSIONED
QUALITATIVE
HISTORICAL CONCEPTUAL
QUANTITATIVE
SURVEY
EXPERIMENTAL
EMPIRICAL
ANALYTICAL

IMPORTANCES OF RESEARCH
Many significances that can be found when conducting researches are:
 To make human progress possible due to increased amounts of studies.
 To inculcate scientific and inductive thinking among the researchers.
 To develop and promote logical habits of thinking and organization in carrying out human activities.
 To aid government and private organizations in determining their economic, business and social
policies.
 To enable business and industry to solve operational and planning problems confronted.
 To provide ways to attain high social positions in the social structure due to certificate which a
researcher may acquire such as PhDs or M.Scs.
 To serve as a means of livelihood (employment/ professionalism) by the expert in research
methodologists.
 To provide outlets for so many new ideas and insight by the thinkers or philosophers.
 To develop a new style and creative work of doing things especially by literary persons.
 To enable the analyst and intelligentsias to make generalization of theories and new findings.
 To simplify social questions which can aid human decision making.
 To create and provide rule for evaluating other social researches.
 To facilitate studying social relationship in seeking answers to various social and human problems.

MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH
What makes people undertake research, might have been among the
followings:
 A desire to get an academic degree along with its consequential
benefit.
 A desire to face a challenge in solving the unsolved human
problems.
 A desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
 A desire to be of service to humanity.
 A desire to gain respectability in society.
 A desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking and
awakening.
 A desire to satisfy one’s curiosity about discovering new things.

RESEARCH PROCESS
Scientific Research process is the overall scheme of
activities in which scientists engage in, in order to
produce knowledge.
 It is a paradigm of scientific inquiry which serves as a
totality of general activities a researcher need to carry
out in order to unveil a new knowledge and to reject
or to confirm an existing theory/facts.

Characteristics of
Research process
The followings serve as features that portray research process and they
are as follows:
 It is cyclic in nature: starting from problem/objectives of the study to
generalization of findings which replication of the research can lead
to its validation or rejection (cyclical).
 It is self correcting: as the existing knowledge of today can be
rendered ignorance tomorrow due to replication of the study.
 It occurs sometime quickly or slowly.
 It occurs with a very high degree of formulization and vigor.
 It occurs sometime quite informally, sub-consciously and intuitively.
 It occurs sometime through the interaction of several scientists in
distinct role (theorists, interviewers, methodologists, sampling
expert, and statistician) or sometime through the effort of single
researcher.
 It occurs only in the scientists’ imagination and sometime in actual
facts.

Approaches to Research
process
RESEARCH
PROCESS
DEDUCTIVE
APPROACH
INDUCTIVE
APPROACH

INDUCTIVE APPROACH
 Inductive Research process: is a creation of general
principles or relationships from specific observation,
anecdote or research result to generalization.
 It is a logical model in which general principles are
developed from specific observation. The task of the
researcher is to explain WHETHER a given phenomena
happens.
 Inductive reasoning moves from particular to the general,
from set of specific observation to the discovery of a
pattern that represents some degree of order among all
the given events, but the discovery may not necessarily
tell why the pattern exists- just that it does exist.
 It begins with WHETHER and moves to WHY things happen.

Inductive research process
OBSERVATION/FINDINGS/CURRENT
KNOWLEGDE
CONCEPTUAL STUDY
THEORY

DEDUCTIVE APPROACH
 Deductive Research process: is a specification of assertion
or proposition from generalized theoretical principles.
 It is a logical model in which specific expectations of
hypotheses are developed on the basis of general
principles. It starts from generalization such as all Politian
are liars.
 Deductive reasoning moves from the general to a specific:
1. Pattern that might be logically or theoretically expected
to.
2. Observations that test whether the expected pattern
does actually occur.
 It begins with WHY and moves to WHETHER things
happen.

DEDUCTIVE RESEARCH PROCESS
THEORY
THEORITICAL STYDY
OBSERVATION/FINDINGS/NEW
KNOWLEGDE

MODELS OF RESEARCH
PROCESS
In order to produce a knowledge, a paradigm of
scientific inquiry employs usually sequence of
seven(7) stages which start from:

Habibu Ayuba, BSc; PGDE; MSc; ACA inview NNDC-ICAN,KANO
Problem (s)
hypothesis
Research Design
Measurement
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Findings/Generalization
2/8/2014 24

MODELS OF RESEARCH
PROCESS CONT…(INDUCTIVE)
THEORY
RESEARCH
TOPIC/PROLEM
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
RESEARCH
OBJECTIVES
RESEARCH
HYPOTHESIS
RESEARCH
DESIGD
DATA
COLLECTION
DATA ANALYSIS
DATA
INTERPRETATION
RESEARCH
RESULTS/FINDIN
GS/GENERALIZA
TION

MODELS OF RESEARCH PROCESS
CONT…(DEDUCTIVE)
LITERATURE
REVIEW
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH FIELD
WORK
RESEARCH
FINDINGS/
GENERALIZATION
STATEMENT OF
PROLEM

STAGES OF RESEARCH
PROCESS
 Stage 1: Problem identification: In this stage, the researcher identifies
a research problem which he or she perfects to a research topic.
 Stage 2: Statement of research questions: The researcher explains the
problem in a way that gives rise to a research question.
 Stage 3: Defining/Statement of objectives: The researcher state a
research question in a statement form to show the aim and specific
objectives of the study.
 Stage 4: Hypothesis formulation: An hypothesis is a statement of
testable relationship between sets of variables. Hypotheses are the
assumed answers to the identified problem. The researcher holds
temporarily to these answers until he or she is able to test them
empirically.
 Stage 5: Research design: This is a blue print that guides a researcher
to conduct the research properly. There are different designs. The
researcher must be able to identify the appropriate one that
could solve the research problem at hand.

STAGES OF RESEARCH PROCESS CONT…
 Stage 6: Measurement: Measurement is the method by which researchers
assign numerals, letters or other symbols to quality attributes based on
defined rules. Measurement allows the researcher to compare, evaluate and
draw causal relationships between various quality attributes. Therefore, the
researcher has to choose the appropriate measurement scale.
 Stage 7: Data collection: At this stage, the researcher, armed with the
appropriate research instrument, such as questionnaire, interview,
observation and experimentation, is ready to collect data or information. The
information could be sourced from a primary or a secondary source.
 Stage 8: Data Analysis: At this stage, the researcher picks the appropriate
technique to analyze the data collected in stage 7. This involves the use of
both descriptive and inferential statistics. At this stage the researcher comes
up with research findings.
 Stage 9: Recommendations: At this stage the researcher makes
recommendations or proffers solution to the problem identified in Stage 1,
based on his research findings.
 Stage 10: Generalization: This is the application of research findings/results
to the target population in addition to the sample of the study.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN
RESEARCH UNDERTAKING
Ethics is the norm and value that guides an issue (Research). It is generally accepted standard of
doing things in a particular discipline.
 Therefore, there are two broad categories of ethics in research which are viewed
from the perspective of:
 The researcher.
 The subject of study.
 Ethics from the researcher’s perspective includes:
1. Openness: it entails adequate explicit disclosure of research process and
methodology which can warrant replication of the study.
2. Fabrication of data: it is to ensure that no fabrication is made or any manipulation
of the data collected for the research in order to conform with the interest of the
researcher.
3. Plagiarism: it is an intellectual theft of someone else idea or write-up to be
presented as the researcher’s own idea. Every material or write-up used in the
study must be adequately and properly noted and acknowledged.
4. Documentation of data source: it is the act of noting and acknowledging the source
of the data used in the study either in a direct quotation or in synthesizing
someone’s idea.

Ethics Cont…
 Ethics expected from /for the subject of the study
include:
1. Confidentiality and anonymity of the subject attribute
and information should be maintained.
2. Do not give respondents money to lure them to
participate in the study.
3. Voluntary participation of the subject should be sought.
4. Deception of participants on the nature and truth about
the research should be avoided.
5. No harm should be confronted or inflicted on the
participant while conducting the study include subjects'
reputation, bodily injury and so on.

CHALLENGES/CONSTRAINTS/PROBLEMS
FACED BY THE RESERCHER IN RESEARCH
and RESEARCH IN NIGERIA
Research undertakings always is bedeviled by one problem or another, among many include:
 Inadequate funds/money to finance the research: This includes lack of sponsorship either from the government
or philanthropist.
 Inadequate infrastructural resources such as access to affordable and reliable internet services, power supply,
good roads and so on.
 Inadequate scientific trainings in the research methodology: This includes lack of experts such as interviewers,
statistician and data analysts, sampling experts and so on.
 Lack of confidence from the academia and public to take up new study especially exploratory research.
 Inability to publish the research report in time to be capable of and relevant in solving related problem of
humanity.
 Business units and corporate bodies’ suspicion and distrust that the researcher may misuse the information and
materials supplied to him while data collection for something else other than a study only or leak it to
competitors.
 Insufficient interactions between the research centers/universities and business communities and government
which can guarantee confidence and trust.
 Lack of code of conduct for researchers that can mold their unethical behavior.
 Non-availability of current data such as journals, periodical reports and even books in the library.
 Non-usage of research findings and inadequate compensation by private and public sector.
 Expensive nature of publishing research report.

Multiple choice questions
(Objective Questions)
1. An organization is interested in finding solution to a particular problem within its industry through the application and testing of established theories.
Which of the following is most suitable for the organization?
A. Descriptive research
B. Evaluation research
C. Applied research
D. Basic research
E. Action research
2. Which of the following is NOT considered as an impediment to research in Nigeria?
A. Inadequate funding
B. High level of illiteracy
C. Inadequate infrastructural facilities
D. Insufficient statistical data
E. Availability of research personnel
3. A research that focuses on investigation of a real world is called ............................................ research.
A. Basic
B. Ex-post factor
C. Applied
D. Correlation
E. Historical

OBJECTIVES QUESTIONS
CONT…
4. The implementation of research outcome on the organisation of study is
discussed under………….
A. Methodology of study
B. Study work plan
C. Objective of study
D. Policy implication
E. Summary of study
5. One of the following does not state the purpose of conduct research
studies to
A. widen the horizon of knowledge
B. identify the instruments of data collection
C. proffer solutions to identified problems
D. discover relationship between different phenomena
E. develop and test theories.

Objective Questions
1. Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of an
experimental research?
A. Control over the extraneous variables
B. The measurement of the independent variable
C. Manipulation of the dependent variable
D. Establishing a relationship between given variables
E. Examining the antecedents of the variables
2. A research that focuses on investigation of a real world is called
................ research.
A. Basic
B. Ex-post factor
C. Applied
D. Co relational
E. Historical

Subjective (fill-in gaps) questions
1. A research that is undertaken after the events have taken place and
the data are already in existence is known as………………….
2. A systematic empirical inquiry in which the investigator does not have
direct control of the independent variables because their
manifestations have already occurred is ………………..
3. The reasoning that goes from the general to the specific and from the
foundation of the rational method of inquiry is known
as.......................
4. A theory that explains a relationship using relatively few assumptions
is......................
5. The type of research that analyses the past occurrence of events to
determine the influence on present situation as well as to predict the
future events is ...................................
6. The cause-and-effect relationship is determined by …………research.

Subjective (fill-in gaps)
questions
7. A relational statement that implies the possibilities of
testing is a …………
8. An attempt to predict, explain and explore the relationship
between two or more variables is called …………………
9. The process by which practitioners attempt to study their
problems scientifically in order to guide, correct and
evaluate their decision and action is called ……………
10. Research that depends on the experience or observation of
phenomena and events is called ………………
11. A research study that is undertaken after the events have
taken place and the data are already in existence is
called………………
12. A type of survey design in which a single group of subjects
is followed over a specified period of time, measured at
regular intervals, is ........................ design.

Essay type questions
1. Many management processes are in stages. For
example, we have stages in organizational buying
behavior and the life cycle of a product among others.
List SEVEN stages of the research process and explain
THREE of them. (10 Marks)

THANKS FOR YOUR
PRESENCE AND
LISTINING
ENDS UNTIL NEXT TIME
Habibu Ayuba, BSc;PGDE;MSc;ACA in-view.
08030527135

Business research methodologybcrm1

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