1) The document discusses key concepts in research such as variables, hypotheses, models, and the scientific method. It explains different types of variables and their relationships.
2) Different types of reasoning used in research are covered, including deductive reasoning which moves from general statements to specific conclusions, and inductive reasoning which makes generalizations based on patterns in observations.
3) Sound reasoning is important in research to enhance results. Researchers employ curiosity to identify problems, propose hypotheses, test them, and draw conclusions in a self-correcting process.
This document discusses business research, including:
1) Defining business research and distinguishing it from business decision support systems and business intelligence systems.
2) Exploring trends affecting business research like the emerging hierarchy of business decision makers.
3) Examining the distinction between good quality professional business research versus subpar research.
4) Outlining the nature of the business research process.
The document discusses research design and its key descriptors. It covers the basic stages of research design including the degree of question crystallization, data collection methods, time dimensions, topical scope, research environment, and purpose of the study. It also examines exploratory studies, descriptive studies, causal studies, and participants' perceptional awareness. The overall research design provides a blueprint or framework to guide the research process and help evaluate relationships between variables.
This chapter discusses the research process and provides an overview of its key stages. The research process begins with clarifying the research question in response to a management dilemma. Researchers then propose the research by outlining the budget, methods, timing and other details. Next, they design the research by determining the project, sampling, and pilot testing. Data is then collected and analyzed before reporting the results, which includes an executive summary and conclusions. Some problems to avoid include overreliance on a company's existing database and favored techniques.
The document discusses clarifying a research question through exploratory research using secondary data sources. It covers exploring a management dilemma, conducting literature searches to expand understanding and identify relevant information and questions. Evaluating secondary sources involves factors like authority, format, audience and purpose. Exploratory research helps refine the research question and formulate investigative and measurement questions to determine necessary evidence and scope of study.
This document discusses ethics in research and covers several key topics:
1) It outlines the main ethical issues in research including violating disclosure agreements, breaking confidentiality, misrepresenting results, deceiving participants, and avoiding legal liability.
2) It discusses the importance of obtaining informed consent from research participants, maintaining their confidentiality, and allowing them to withdraw from studies.
3) The document also covers ethical responsibilities of researchers including treating participants ethically, obtaining proper consent, and ensuring no harm comes to participants.
Qualitative research methodologies differ from quantitative in several key ways. Qualitative research aims to understand phenomena through interpretation rather than description or explanation. It utilizes several data collection techniques including interviews, focus groups, observation, and case studies. Sample sizes are typically small and non-probability based. The researcher has a high degree of involvement through methods like participant observation. Analysis focuses on themes rather than counts. The goal is theory building rather than theory testing.
1. The document discusses different approaches to problem solving including scientific thinking, deductive and inductive reasoning, and the scientific method.
2. It explains key concepts in research like variables, hypotheses, theories, and models. Variables can be independent, dependent, moderating, or intervening.
3. Hypotheses should be testable and guide the research study by identifying relevant facts and suggesting an appropriate design and framework to organize conclusions. Strong hypotheses are adequate and testable.
This document outlines the business research process. It discusses understanding research as the systematic identification, collection, analysis, and dissemination of information to improve decision making. The research process involves defining the problem, approaching the problem, designing the research, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings. Data can come from primary or secondary sources and be qualitative or quantitative in nature. The goal is to assess information needs, provide information, and aid decision making.
This document discusses business research, including:
1) Defining business research and distinguishing it from business decision support systems and business intelligence systems.
2) Exploring trends affecting business research like the emerging hierarchy of business decision makers.
3) Examining the distinction between good quality professional business research versus subpar research.
4) Outlining the nature of the business research process.
The document discusses research design and its key descriptors. It covers the basic stages of research design including the degree of question crystallization, data collection methods, time dimensions, topical scope, research environment, and purpose of the study. It also examines exploratory studies, descriptive studies, causal studies, and participants' perceptional awareness. The overall research design provides a blueprint or framework to guide the research process and help evaluate relationships between variables.
This chapter discusses the research process and provides an overview of its key stages. The research process begins with clarifying the research question in response to a management dilemma. Researchers then propose the research by outlining the budget, methods, timing and other details. Next, they design the research by determining the project, sampling, and pilot testing. Data is then collected and analyzed before reporting the results, which includes an executive summary and conclusions. Some problems to avoid include overreliance on a company's existing database and favored techniques.
The document discusses clarifying a research question through exploratory research using secondary data sources. It covers exploring a management dilemma, conducting literature searches to expand understanding and identify relevant information and questions. Evaluating secondary sources involves factors like authority, format, audience and purpose. Exploratory research helps refine the research question and formulate investigative and measurement questions to determine necessary evidence and scope of study.
This document discusses ethics in research and covers several key topics:
1) It outlines the main ethical issues in research including violating disclosure agreements, breaking confidentiality, misrepresenting results, deceiving participants, and avoiding legal liability.
2) It discusses the importance of obtaining informed consent from research participants, maintaining their confidentiality, and allowing them to withdraw from studies.
3) The document also covers ethical responsibilities of researchers including treating participants ethically, obtaining proper consent, and ensuring no harm comes to participants.
Qualitative research methodologies differ from quantitative in several key ways. Qualitative research aims to understand phenomena through interpretation rather than description or explanation. It utilizes several data collection techniques including interviews, focus groups, observation, and case studies. Sample sizes are typically small and non-probability based. The researcher has a high degree of involvement through methods like participant observation. Analysis focuses on themes rather than counts. The goal is theory building rather than theory testing.
1. The document discusses different approaches to problem solving including scientific thinking, deductive and inductive reasoning, and the scientific method.
2. It explains key concepts in research like variables, hypotheses, theories, and models. Variables can be independent, dependent, moderating, or intervening.
3. Hypotheses should be testable and guide the research study by identifying relevant facts and suggesting an appropriate design and framework to organize conclusions. Strong hypotheses are adequate and testable.
This document outlines the business research process. It discusses understanding research as the systematic identification, collection, analysis, and dissemination of information to improve decision making. The research process involves defining the problem, approaching the problem, designing the research, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings. Data can come from primary or secondary sources and be qualitative or quantitative in nature. The goal is to assess information needs, provide information, and aid decision making.
3.activity 2 differentiating between applied research and basic researchNazrin Nazdri
Basic research seeks to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding that may have long-term applications. It is driven by a researcher's curiosity or interest. Applied research focuses on solving practical problems and commercial applications, so it has nearer-term goals. Managers should understand research to make informed decisions and recognize how basic and applied research can both benefit business in different ways.
The document outlines the key steps in the product development process, including identifying problems or needs, conducting market research, developing design specifications and constraints, and considering factors like aesthetics, time, information, capital, tools/machinery, energy, materials, workforce, and ethics. Specifically, it discusses gathering information through patent searches, surveys, and reviewing existing products to help guide the design process.
The document discusses key concepts in business research such as defining variables, identifying relationships between independent, dependent, moderating, and extraneous variables, and providing operational definitions of constructs. It also notes that business research aims to reduce risk and guide business decisions through systematic inquiry and dissemination of relevant data and insights. Several examples are provided to illustrate moderating and extraneous variables.
The document discusses several business research topics:
1. The problem definition stage is critical because solving the wrong problem does not address the underlying issues. Identifying the correct problem to solve is important.
2. In a debate about theory versus practicality, the author argues that good theory can be practical by explaining phenomena and predicting outcomes. Improving an inadequate theory is better than rejecting the concept.
3. Business research may be unnecessary if the problem is not worth addressing given costs, or if necessary information cannot be collected. It is also unnecessary for low-risk decisions.
4. Deduction draws conclusions necessarily from premises while induction draws probable conclusions based on facts but other explanations remain possible.
This document discusses clarifying the research question through secondary data exploration. It covers exploratory research, secondary sources like encyclopedias and textbooks, evaluating information sources, conducting literature searches, formulating investigative and measurement questions, and refining the research question. The goal is to expand understanding of the management dilemma and identify relevant data, questions, and sample frames through secondary research.
The general research area is business marketing theory. The specific research area is the application of marketing management approaches to farming. The research gap is that marketing theory has not often been applied to farming. The problem investigated is the distinction that appears to exist between agricultural and business marketing theory.
This document discusses different types of research including quantitative, qualitative, primary, secondary, and self-generated research. It explains that quantitative research uses measurements while qualitative research seeks insights through verbal data. Primary research involves collecting your own data through surveys or interviews. Secondary research uses other people's findings from sources like books or the internet. Self-generated research involves documenting events yourself through photos, video, or audio. The document also outlines purposes of research like audience, market, and production research. It provides examples to illustrate how different organizations conduct and apply various research methods.
1. The chapter discusses key concepts for thinking like a researcher, including variables, hypotheses, models, and the scientific method.
2. It emphasizes the importance of clearly defining concepts, variables, and hypotheses to guide research and present findings.
3. Sound reasoning is important for researchers to make logical deductions, form evidence-based conclusions through induction, and self-correct processes.
Setting Research Objectives in Applied Marketing ResearchKelly Page
This document discusses the process of defining a research problem and setting research objectives. It covers recognizing the problem or opportunity, understanding why information is needed and the decision-making environment. It also discusses distinguishing between symptoms and the real problem, translating the management problem into a marketing research problem, determining if information already exists, and setting research questions, objectives and hypotheses. The goal is to develop clear and meaningful research objectives to guide the research process.
The document outlines the research process and design chapters of a study, including introducing the theoretical framework and hypotheses, as well as describing different types of research designs and how to develop an appropriate design. It also provides details on formulating the research problem, conducting preliminary data collection and literature review, and the proper formats for citing references and sources in the study.
The document discusses evidence-based policy, providing definitions and examples. It defines evidence as information used to prove facts or support beliefs. Evidence-based policy relies on existing research, commissioned studies, and expert consultation. Developing an evidence base is important for better policymaking and accountability. However, evidence in the voluntary sector is limited by various factors like resources. The document provides tips for organizations to build their own evidence base, such as collaborating with other groups or commissioning external research. It also outlines the research process and choice of methods like qualitative interviews or quantitative surveys.
Problem definition /identification in ResearchShameem Ali
This document outlines the key steps in properly defining a marketing research problem which includes identifying background issues, defining the management problem, determining the research question, estimating the value of information, isolating the problems from symptoms, determining the appropriate unit of analysis, and identifying relevant variables. Proper problem definition is critical as it guides the entire research process and ensures the research answers the right questions to aid decision making.
The document provides an overview of research methodology. It defines research as a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering and generating new knowledge. The key aspects of research covered include formulating research problems and objectives, reviewing previous literature, developing testable hypotheses, designing the research study, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting findings. Examples are given of each step of the research process. Criteria for good research such as clearly defined concepts and terms, consideration of limitations, and usefulness of findings are also discussed.
The document discusses the role and importance of business research. It defines business research as the systematic process of generating objective information to aid business decisions. Business research can be basic or applied. Basic research expands knowledge without addressing specific problems, while applied research addresses real-life business problems. The document also outlines factors to consider when determining whether to conduct business research such as time constraints, data availability, decision importance, and costs versus benefits.
The document discusses the case study method of teaching and provides examples. It outlines the advantages of using case studies, which include developing strong analytical, logical thinking, strategic planning and communication skills. The steps to analyze a case study are described, such as reading the case multiple times, identifying key facts, conducting various analyses, considering alternatives, and developing recommendations. An example software development case study is also provided to demonstrate the application of the case study method.
Developing Audience Insight: Arts and Entertainment Experience (Un)marketingKelly Page
In this presentation I introduce the methods for developing research insight about how people experience arts and entertainment events, and cultural experiences. How do we collect the data and information to inform our communications and marketing activities. The main two approaches discussed include qualitative (observation, interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (surveys or questionnaires. digital tracking) data collection methods.
The document provides guidance for students on conducting seminars and vivas. It outlines the objectives of seminars as introducing practical business fields, teaching research and report preparation skills, and preparing students for the job market. However, it notes some current realities such as students taking shortcuts and supervisors having limited time. It recommends appointing supervisors earlier, providing orientation on research, using more insightful topics, and providing financial support to students. The document then covers the general research process and factors to consider when selecting topics such as scope, interest, resources, and questions. It provides examples of research questions and objectives.
This document provides an overview of project management concepts including the Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, project management framework, project life cycle, processes, knowledge areas, and relationships between project, program, and portfolio management. It defines what constitutes a project and describes project management methodology and tools based on PMI standards.
This document discusses causal modeling and how to establish causal relationships between variables. It provides examples of different types of causal models, including an intervening variable model and a source of spuriousness model. Guidelines are given for including key elements in a causal model such as labeling variables, indicating the direction of relationships, and incorporating intervening or antecedent variables from the literature. The document also demonstrates how to construct causal models using Microsoft Word.
3.activity 2 differentiating between applied research and basic researchNazrin Nazdri
Basic research seeks to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding that may have long-term applications. It is driven by a researcher's curiosity or interest. Applied research focuses on solving practical problems and commercial applications, so it has nearer-term goals. Managers should understand research to make informed decisions and recognize how basic and applied research can both benefit business in different ways.
The document outlines the key steps in the product development process, including identifying problems or needs, conducting market research, developing design specifications and constraints, and considering factors like aesthetics, time, information, capital, tools/machinery, energy, materials, workforce, and ethics. Specifically, it discusses gathering information through patent searches, surveys, and reviewing existing products to help guide the design process.
The document discusses key concepts in business research such as defining variables, identifying relationships between independent, dependent, moderating, and extraneous variables, and providing operational definitions of constructs. It also notes that business research aims to reduce risk and guide business decisions through systematic inquiry and dissemination of relevant data and insights. Several examples are provided to illustrate moderating and extraneous variables.
The document discusses several business research topics:
1. The problem definition stage is critical because solving the wrong problem does not address the underlying issues. Identifying the correct problem to solve is important.
2. In a debate about theory versus practicality, the author argues that good theory can be practical by explaining phenomena and predicting outcomes. Improving an inadequate theory is better than rejecting the concept.
3. Business research may be unnecessary if the problem is not worth addressing given costs, or if necessary information cannot be collected. It is also unnecessary for low-risk decisions.
4. Deduction draws conclusions necessarily from premises while induction draws probable conclusions based on facts but other explanations remain possible.
This document discusses clarifying the research question through secondary data exploration. It covers exploratory research, secondary sources like encyclopedias and textbooks, evaluating information sources, conducting literature searches, formulating investigative and measurement questions, and refining the research question. The goal is to expand understanding of the management dilemma and identify relevant data, questions, and sample frames through secondary research.
The general research area is business marketing theory. The specific research area is the application of marketing management approaches to farming. The research gap is that marketing theory has not often been applied to farming. The problem investigated is the distinction that appears to exist between agricultural and business marketing theory.
This document discusses different types of research including quantitative, qualitative, primary, secondary, and self-generated research. It explains that quantitative research uses measurements while qualitative research seeks insights through verbal data. Primary research involves collecting your own data through surveys or interviews. Secondary research uses other people's findings from sources like books or the internet. Self-generated research involves documenting events yourself through photos, video, or audio. The document also outlines purposes of research like audience, market, and production research. It provides examples to illustrate how different organizations conduct and apply various research methods.
1. The chapter discusses key concepts for thinking like a researcher, including variables, hypotheses, models, and the scientific method.
2. It emphasizes the importance of clearly defining concepts, variables, and hypotheses to guide research and present findings.
3. Sound reasoning is important for researchers to make logical deductions, form evidence-based conclusions through induction, and self-correct processes.
Setting Research Objectives in Applied Marketing ResearchKelly Page
This document discusses the process of defining a research problem and setting research objectives. It covers recognizing the problem or opportunity, understanding why information is needed and the decision-making environment. It also discusses distinguishing between symptoms and the real problem, translating the management problem into a marketing research problem, determining if information already exists, and setting research questions, objectives and hypotheses. The goal is to develop clear and meaningful research objectives to guide the research process.
The document outlines the research process and design chapters of a study, including introducing the theoretical framework and hypotheses, as well as describing different types of research designs and how to develop an appropriate design. It also provides details on formulating the research problem, conducting preliminary data collection and literature review, and the proper formats for citing references and sources in the study.
The document discusses evidence-based policy, providing definitions and examples. It defines evidence as information used to prove facts or support beliefs. Evidence-based policy relies on existing research, commissioned studies, and expert consultation. Developing an evidence base is important for better policymaking and accountability. However, evidence in the voluntary sector is limited by various factors like resources. The document provides tips for organizations to build their own evidence base, such as collaborating with other groups or commissioning external research. It also outlines the research process and choice of methods like qualitative interviews or quantitative surveys.
Problem definition /identification in ResearchShameem Ali
This document outlines the key steps in properly defining a marketing research problem which includes identifying background issues, defining the management problem, determining the research question, estimating the value of information, isolating the problems from symptoms, determining the appropriate unit of analysis, and identifying relevant variables. Proper problem definition is critical as it guides the entire research process and ensures the research answers the right questions to aid decision making.
The document provides an overview of research methodology. It defines research as a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering and generating new knowledge. The key aspects of research covered include formulating research problems and objectives, reviewing previous literature, developing testable hypotheses, designing the research study, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting findings. Examples are given of each step of the research process. Criteria for good research such as clearly defined concepts and terms, consideration of limitations, and usefulness of findings are also discussed.
The document discusses the role and importance of business research. It defines business research as the systematic process of generating objective information to aid business decisions. Business research can be basic or applied. Basic research expands knowledge without addressing specific problems, while applied research addresses real-life business problems. The document also outlines factors to consider when determining whether to conduct business research such as time constraints, data availability, decision importance, and costs versus benefits.
The document discusses the case study method of teaching and provides examples. It outlines the advantages of using case studies, which include developing strong analytical, logical thinking, strategic planning and communication skills. The steps to analyze a case study are described, such as reading the case multiple times, identifying key facts, conducting various analyses, considering alternatives, and developing recommendations. An example software development case study is also provided to demonstrate the application of the case study method.
Developing Audience Insight: Arts and Entertainment Experience (Un)marketingKelly Page
In this presentation I introduce the methods for developing research insight about how people experience arts and entertainment events, and cultural experiences. How do we collect the data and information to inform our communications and marketing activities. The main two approaches discussed include qualitative (observation, interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (surveys or questionnaires. digital tracking) data collection methods.
The document provides guidance for students on conducting seminars and vivas. It outlines the objectives of seminars as introducing practical business fields, teaching research and report preparation skills, and preparing students for the job market. However, it notes some current realities such as students taking shortcuts and supervisors having limited time. It recommends appointing supervisors earlier, providing orientation on research, using more insightful topics, and providing financial support to students. The document then covers the general research process and factors to consider when selecting topics such as scope, interest, resources, and questions. It provides examples of research questions and objectives.
This document provides an overview of project management concepts including the Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, project management framework, project life cycle, processes, knowledge areas, and relationships between project, program, and portfolio management. It defines what constitutes a project and describes project management methodology and tools based on PMI standards.
This document discusses causal modeling and how to establish causal relationships between variables. It provides examples of different types of causal models, including an intervening variable model and a source of spuriousness model. Guidelines are given for including key elements in a causal model such as labeling variables, indicating the direction of relationships, and incorporating intervening or antecedent variables from the literature. The document also demonstrates how to construct causal models using Microsoft Word.
1) The document discusses the differences between explanatory and predictive modeling in scientific research.
2) Explanatory models are used to test causal theories, while predictive models are used to predict new records or scenarios.
3) Explanatory power and predictive accuracy are different and one cannot be inferred from the other. The best explanatory model is often not the best predictive model and vice versa.
This document discusses the importance and components of a theoretical framework. It defines a theory as being based on empirical evidence and making predictions about future behaviors. A theoretical framework provides the broad context and foundations for a research study by presenting known relationships among variables. It should identify the key variables, discuss their relationships as described in previous research, and show how the current study fits within the broader field. The theoretical framework is the foundational basis for a research project.
The document discusses the development of a theoretical framework and hypotheses in research. It explains that after conducting preliminary research like interviews and a literature review, the next step is to develop a theoretical framework. This involves identifying relevant variables, developing a conceptual model of relationships between variables, and providing explanations for these relationships. Hypotheses are then generated based on the theoretical framework. Hypotheses should be testable statements about expected relationships between variables. Null and alternative hypotheses are also discussed.
This document discusses path analysis. It provides definitions and explanations of key terms related to path analysis, including exogenous and endogenous variables, residual variables, direct and indirect effects, and structural equations. It also compares different approaches to path analysis such as using correlation, Q statistics, and LISREL. Path analysis is presented as a technique for analyzing relationships between multiple variables through the use of causal models.
Research Process and Methodology FA10 class 1v15Jeffrey Keefer
The document provides an overview of research processes and methodology for a business ethics course. It includes the following key points:
1. The agenda covers introductions, expectations, the syllabus, an overview of business research, ethics in research involving human subjects, and thinking like a researcher.
2. Business research is defined as acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating relevant business data, information, and insights to guide business decisions and maximize performance. It is driven by business planning goals.
3. Research methods are discussed, including applied versus basic research, descriptive, explanatory, predictive, and reporting studies. Ethical considerations are also covered.
The document provides an overview of business research methods. It discusses the business research process which includes defining problems and opportunities, developing ideas and theories, generating and evaluating alternatives, collecting and analyzing data, reporting findings, and monitoring performance. It also discusses different types of business research such as market research, operations research, and financial research. Research design approaches like exploratory, descriptive, and causal research are explained. Key concepts in research such as constructs, hypotheses, literature review, and use of secondary data are also summarized.
The document discusses research processes and features. It describes key steps in research including problem recognition and definition, creating a research design which involves sampling and data collection, and defining goals and objectives. It also outlines features of research such as encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation, focusing research in key areas, charting university development, and facilitating industrial-academic cooperation.
Woolworths Ltd CEO Grant O'Brien addressed the QUT Business Leaders' Forum, saying that innovation, research, and customer-oriented transformation are key to surviving in the rapidly changing retail landscape. He noted that Woolworths' $1 million investment to fund the Woolworths Chair of Retail Innovation at QUT would help the sector better recognize customer needs. Professor Jan Recker, the inaugural Chair of Retail Innovation, argues that evidence and innovation pave the way to the future. He advocates for evidence-based decision making over relying on status or intuition. Evidence-based organizations can capitalize on internal and external evidence to increase innovation success rates.
This document discusses defining a research problem and its key components. It notes that a research problem involves an issue, objectives to achieve, alternative means of achieving the objective where there is doubt about which alternative is most efficient, and an environment where the problem exists. It provides tips for selecting a problem such as choosing a new topic, avoiding controversial or too narrow/vague problems, and considering feasibility and resources. Steps in problem definition include broadly stating the problem, conducting a pilot survey and expert interviews, redefining any ambiguities, and understanding the problem's nature. The document also includes an exercise asking to redefine sample research topics.
Live innovation.org 4.-defining-the-research-plan-research-design-mind-mapsimran kaur
This document discusses three main types of research designs: descriptive, exploratory, and causal. Descriptive design aims to describe characteristics of a phenomenon using quantitative data and seeking generalization. Exploratory design provides an in-depth understanding using qualitative data without generalization. Causal design examines causal relationships between variables using methods like controlling extraneous variables to eliminate other explanations. Examples of questions and problems for each type are given along with example methods to address them.
This presentation was made at a large pharmaceutical company's R&D and corporate affairs campus - going a little more indepth than the one from the prior Science of Team Science Conference
This document discusses empirical generalizations in marketing. Empirical generalizations are statements derived from empirical evidence that describe consistent patterns observed in research data. They provide a foundation of knowledge for marketers by offering evidence-backed insights. The document provides examples of empirical generalizations, discusses challenges in establishing them, and explains how marketers can leverage empirical generalizations to inform decision-making and develop effective strategies.
Mba2216 business research week 3 research methodology 0613Stephen Ong
The document discusses research methodology and key concepts in developing theories. It defines theory as a formal explanation of how things relate that allows for predictions. The goals of theory are to gain understanding of relationships between phenomena and enable prediction based on that understanding. The document also defines important research terms like concepts, constructs, propositions, variables, and hypotheses that are used to build theories through reviewing literature and logical deduction.
This document discusses three types of strategic focus for businesses: operational excellence, customer intimacy, and product leadership. Operational excellence involves providing standard, low-cost products to customers. Customer intimacy focuses on personalized products that exceed customer expectations. Product leadership means offering innovative, high-quality products. The rest of the document discusses how to engage customers and empower them as smart co-creators through the use of online communities and social media research.
The document discusses taking an evidence-based approach to decision making. It explains that an evidence-based approach involves using the best available evidence from multiple sources to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. It outlines four sources of evidence: scientific literature, organizational data, practitioner experience, and stakeholder values. The document provides an example decision around improving graduate productivity and engagement and walks through analyzing different evidence sources to determine the most trustworthy information to make the best decision.
This document discusses the key steps in defining a marketing research problem and conducting the research process. It outlines identifying the problem, stating research objectives, determining if the information already exists and if the question can be answered. It also covers translating the management problem into a research problem, understanding the decision environment, using symptoms to clarify the problem, and recognizing opportunities. The document then discusses the research design, data collection methods, data analysis, reporting results, and following up on the research. Finally, it briefly touches on managing the research process through a research request and request for proposal.
This document provides an introduction to Snowball Metrics, which aims to establish standard metrics that research universities can use to understand their strengths and weaknesses. The Snowball Metrics approach is a bottom-up collaboration between research universities and Elsevier. It takes a pragmatic approach, agreeing on core metrics first and reusing existing standards where possible. The goal is for Snowball Metrics to become a globally recognized standard to inform evidence-based institutional decision-making, rather than ranking. Universities own the process of defining the metrics, while Elsevier provides project management support and technical expertise.
Early Enterprise 2.0 perspectives (circa 2005) from Stephen Danelutti of netoCiety. Essentially covers the functions of innovation and change in business transformation efforts supported by social software.
A good research employs scientific methods and is characterized by being orderly, systematic, and replicable. It is based on current professional issues and aims to develop or test theories while solving problems. The research has a clearly defined purpose directed towards expanding professional knowledge and developing empirical evidence, often by collecting first-hand data.
The process of market research can be done through deploying surveys, interacting with a group of people, also known as a sample, conducting interviews, and .
Running head SALES DECLINE AT MCDONALDS INC. .docxtoltonkendal
Running head: SALES DECLINE AT MCDONALDS INC. 1
SALES DECLINE AT MCDONALDS INC. 3
Sales Decline at McDonalds Inc.
Students’ Name
University Affiliation
Date
Business Decision Making
Sales Decline at McDonalds Inc.
This was an intriguing task and after much thought, the company I chose is McDonalds. McDonalds is the world's biggest chain of fast food eateries serving various countries over the world. McDonald’s eatery has worked as far as franchisee, subsidiary or the collaboration. The company picks up income from rent, charges and eminences from its establishments and deals from its worked stores. The company offers diverse items including cheeseburgers, chicken, French fries, milkshakes and pastries among numerous different things. In light of the arrangement of the company, McDonalds does not make any immediate offers of sustenance items rather composes and underpins the supply of nourishment to eateries through legitimized outsider administrators.
Sales Decline Problem
McDonald income fell by 11% in the principal quarter of 2015, which mirrors the antagonistic deals fall experienced. The company is attempting to enhance its deals because of the negative gauges among its sections. The administration of the company is continually trying to enhance the aggressiveness of the company towards addressing the shopper's needs. This would help in enhancing the general deals development and execution (Ritchie, Lewis, Nicholls and Ormston, 2013). The recently presented menu things and advancements neglected to pull in new clients from its rivals. For instance, its stores in France and Russia neglected to counterbalance the opposition in the UK. This has constrained McDonald to close some of its failing to meet expectations eateries in U.S and China.
Research Variable
One exploration variable is units of offers incomes sold by the company. Deals incomes are a critical variable, which demonstrates compelling in comprehension the nature and ramifications of the business decay issue. The comprehension and examination on the measure of the business income will be helpful in comprehension the issue confronting McDonalds Inc. The business variable is an autonomous variable, which relies on upon different variables including the advancement levels and accomplishment of showcasing effort. Therefore, the comprehension of the variable is basic in advancing the general exploration of the business decrease issue.
Straight Regression is the procedure of setting up a direct connection between to variables. In relapse, the normal slightest square strategy is utilized to build up direct connection between two variables.
The invalid theory of relapse is that the autonomous variable does not altogether influence the needy variable or β = 0. The substitute speculation is the free variable does not fundamentally influence subordinate variable or ...
This document discusses project risk management. It defines risk management as actively managing risks on a project with the goal of being proactive rather than reactive. The key aspects of risk management covered are identifying risks, performing qualitative and quantitative risk analysis to rank risks, and planning risk responses to deal with risks if they occur. Tools for risk management include risk breakdown structures to organize risks, risk profiling to assess common risk areas, and maintaining a risk register to track identified risks and responses. Stakeholder involvement and clear documentation are important parts of establishing an effective risk management plan.
13 project control & closing managementDhamo daran
This document discusses project control and closing processes. It describes monitoring project work, which involves tracking performance against the project plan and identifying variances. It also discusses administering procurements, including monitoring vendor work and conducting procurement reviews. The document outlines reporting project performance through tools like variance analysis and communication methods. Finally, it describes closing the project through activities like getting customer acceptance, releasing resources, and creating a final report with an executive summary and lessons learned.
The document provides an overview of project procurement management processes including:
1. Planning procurements by determining make-or-buy decisions, developing procurement documents, and evaluating bids.
2. Conducting procurements through soliciting and evaluating seller proposals, selecting sellers, and awarding contracts.
3. Administering procurements by managing contract performance, monitoring inspections and audits, and processing payments.
4. Closing procurements by completing all procurement activities and updating organizational assets.
The document provides an overview of project communication management. It discusses identifying stakeholders, planning communication, distributing information, managing stakeholder expectations, and reporting performance. Some key points:
- Project managers spend most of their time communicating to identify stakeholders, plan how and what to communicate, distribute information, manage expectations, and report on project performance.
- Identifying stakeholders involves analyzing their interests, impacts, and developing a management strategy. The output is a stakeholder register and management plan.
- Planning communication analyzes requirements and defines an approach. The output is a communication management plan.
- Distributing information shares relevant details as planned. Managing expectations addresses concerns and resolves issues.
- Reporting performance provides
This document discusses project human resource management. It covers developing a human resource plan, acquiring the project team, developing the project team, and managing the project team. Key points include identifying roles and responsibilities in the human resource plan, negotiating for and acquiring project resources, using training, team building activities, and addressing conflicts to develop the project team, and providing feedback and managing changes to the team. Motivation theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and McGregor's X and Y theory are also referenced. The overall summary is that this document outlines the main processes for organizing, managing, and leading the project team over the project life cycle.
This document discusses project quality management. It covers quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control. Quality planning involves identifying quality requirements and documenting how quality will be ensured. Quality assurance involves auditing quality requirements and results to ensure standards are used properly. Quality control involves monitoring and recording results to assess performance and recommend changes. Key techniques discussed include quality audits, control charts, flowcharting, histograms, Pareto charts, and statistical sampling. The overall goal of quality management is to deliver a project that meets requirements and satisfies the customer.
This document provides an overview of project cost management. It discusses estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs so the project can be completed within the approved budget. Key aspects covered include developing cost estimates using various techniques, determining an authorized cost baseline by aggregating estimates, and monitoring costs against the baseline using earned value management. Formulas for calculating important metrics like cost and schedule variance, cost performance index, and estimate at completion are also presented to aid in cost control.
The document provides an overview of project time management processes according to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It discusses the key processes including (1) defining activities, (2) sequencing activities, (3) estimating activity resources, (4) estimating activity durations, (5) developing the project schedule, and (6) controlling the project schedule. For each process, it describes the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs involved in planning, monitoring, and managing the timely completion of project activities and the overall project schedule.
This document discusses project scope management processes. It describes the five main processes: collect requirements, define scope, create WBS, verify scope, and control scope. The key outputs are the requirements documentation, project scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and change requests. The collect requirements process involves gathering stakeholder needs through techniques like interviews, focus groups and prototypes. Define scope develops a detailed project description. Create WBS breaks down deliverables into smaller components. Verify scope ensures deliverables meet requirements. Control scope monitors for scope changes and manages the scope baseline.
Project Integration Management involves identifying, defining, combining, and coordinating the various processes and activities within a project. It includes developing the project charter and project management plan, directing and managing project execution according to the plan, monitoring and controlling the project work, performing integrated change control, and closing the project or phase. The project charter and management plan establish the scope, schedule, and cost baselines against which project performance is measured and changes are managed.
The document discusses best practices for oral presentations of research findings, including:
- Planning presentations by understanding learning objectives, audience, and organizing frameworks. Effective organization patterns include topical, spatial, chronological, and problem-solution.
- Developing supportive visual and audio materials that are relevant, appropriate, believable, and help convey the message simply. Charts and graphs can help summarize research for oral presentations.
- Mastering delivery techniques like avoiding cluttered language, practicing, and managing performance anxiety to engage the audience and effectively present findings and insights. Thorough preparation of arrangements is also essential for successful presentations.
The document discusses best practices for presenting research findings and insights in written reports. It covers the key components of short, long, management, and technical reports, including introductions, methodologies, findings, conclusions, and appendices. It emphasizes telling the story of the research and focusing on relevance over volume of data. The document also provides guidance on outlining, writing style, using visual aids like tables, charts and graphs, and preparing and delivering the final written report.
This document provides an overview of multivariate analysis techniques. It defines multiple regression, discriminant analysis, MANOVA, structural equation modeling, conjoint analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and multidimensional scaling. For each technique, it outlines their uses, outputs, and key concepts. The overall purpose is to help readers understand how to classify and apply different multivariate methods to analyze relationships between multiple variables and classify objects.
This chapter discusses various measures of association that can be used to study relationships between two or more variables. It introduces correlation analysis and regression analysis, which are used to measure the strength and direction of relationships between continuous variables. Nonparametric measures are also presented as alternatives when key assumptions of parametric techniques cannot be met. Examples are provided to illustrate concepts like correlation coefficients, lines of best fit, and testing goodness of fit. Key terms related to correlation, regression, and other measures of association are defined.
This document provides an overview of hypothesis testing procedures. It defines key concepts like the null and alternative hypotheses. It explains the six steps of hypothesis testing including choosing a statistical test, stating hypotheses, selecting a significance level, computing a test statistic, determining critical values, and making a decision. Both parametric and nonparametric tests are covered, along with factors to consider when selecting a test. Examples are provided for one-sample, two-sample, and k-sample tests using t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA, and nonparametric alternatives.
This chapter discusses exploratory data analysis techniques for gaining insights from data. It emphasizes visual representations of data through charts, graphs, and cross-tabulation. Cross-tabulation allows examination of relationships between categorical variables and serves as a framework for statistical testing and decision-making. The chapter also discusses how data exploration identifies unexpected patterns that can lead to innovation. It provides examples of different types of visualizations including bar charts, pie charts, histograms, stem-and-leaf displays, boxplots, and maps. Guidelines are given for interpreting percentages in cross-tabulation tables. The key is to make sense of various data displays to deliver insights.
This document discusses data preparation and description in research. It covers editing raw data to ensure accuracy, coding responses numerically or categorically, and analyzing open-ended questions through content analysis. Handling issues like "don't know" answers and missing data are also addressed. Data preparation transforms raw data into usable information through steps like coding, content analysis, and data cleaning. Descriptive statistics can then be used to summarize key characteristics of the data distribution.
This chapter discusses sampling techniques and determining sample size. It covers the basic premises of sampling theory, the accuracy and precision of samples, and the questions that must be answered to develop a sampling plan. It also describes different sampling techniques such as simple random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling. The chapter provides examples of how to calculate sample sizes needed for estimating means and proportions and discusses how to determine the appropriate sample size based on desired precision and confidence level.
The document discusses various aspects of designing questionnaires and instruments for research. It covers determining question types, scales, sequencing, and sources of questions. The key aspects are:
1) Choosing the appropriate question type, scale, and response strategy depending on the objectives, participants, and information being collected.
2) Carefully designing questions considering content, wording, potential biases, and pretesting to ensure quality, reliability and validity.
3) Strategically sequencing questions from general to specific, simple to complex, and avoiding sensitive questions early while allowing for topic transitions.
This document discusses different types of measurement scales that can be used to measure attitudes and preferences. It describes rating scales, ranking scales, sorting scales, and other preference scales. Some key decisions in selecting a measurement scale include the research objectives, number of dimensions being measured, whether choices are forced or unforced, and the number of scale points. The document provides examples of different scales such as Likert scales, semantic differentials, rankings scales, and sorting techniques. It also discusses concepts like balanced vs unbalanced scales and errors to avoid in measurement.
Enriching engagement with ethical review processesstrikingabalance
New ethics review processes at the University of Bath. Presented at the 8th World Conference on Research Integrity by Filipa Vance, Head of Research Governance and Compliance at the University of Bath. June 2024, Athens
Ganpati Kumar Choudhary Indian Ethos PPT.pptx, The Dilemma of Green Energy Corporation
Green Energy Corporation, a leading renewable energy company, faces a dilemma: balancing profitability and sustainability. Pressure to scale rapidly has led to ethical concerns, as the company's commitment to sustainable practices is tested by the need to satisfy shareholders and maintain a competitive edge.
A presentation on mastering key management concepts across projects, products, programs, and portfolios. Whether you're an aspiring manager or looking to enhance your skills, this session will provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in various management roles. Learn about the distinct lifecycles, methodologies, and essential skillsets needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.
12 steps to transform your organization into the agile org you deservePierre E. NEIS
During an organizational transformation, the shift is from the previous state to an improved one. In the realm of agility, I emphasize the significance of identifying polarities. This approach helps establish a clear understanding of your objectives. I have outlined 12 incremental actions to delineate your organizational strategy.
Impact of Effective Performance Appraisal Systems on Employee Motivation and ...Dr. Nazrul Islam
Healthy economic development requires properly managing the banking industry of any
country. Along with state-owned banks, private banks play a critical role in the country's economy.
Managers in all types of banks now confront the same challenge: how to get the utmost output from
their employees. Therefore, Performance appraisal appears to be inevitable since it set the
standard for comparing actual performance to established objectives and recommending practical
solutions that help the organization achieve sustainable growth. Therefore, the purpose of this
research is to determine the effect of performance appraisal on employee motivation and retention.
Sethurathnam Ravi: A Legacy in Finance and LeadershipAnjana Josie
Sethurathnam Ravi, also known as S Ravi, is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and former Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). As the Founder and Managing Partner of Ravi Rajan & Co. LLP, he has made significant contributions to the fields of finance, banking, and corporate governance. His extensive career includes directorships in over 45 major organizations, including LIC, BHEL, and ONGC. With a passion for financial consulting and social issues, S Ravi continues to influence the industry and inspire future leaders.
Colby Hobson: Residential Construction Leader Building a Solid Reputation Thr...dsnow9802
Colby Hobson stands out as a dynamic leader in the residential construction industry. With a solid reputation built on his exceptional communication and presentation skills, Colby has proven himself to be an excellent team player, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Org Design is a core skill to be mastered by management for any successful org change.
Org Topologies™ in its essence is a two-dimensional space with 16 distinctive boxes - atomic organizational archetypes. That space helps you to plot your current operating model by positioning individuals, departments, and teams on the map. This will give a profound understanding of the performance of your value-creating organizational ecosystem.
A team is a group of individuals, all working together for a common purpose. This Ppt derives a detail information on team building process and ats type with effective example by Tuckmans Model. it also describes about team issues and effective team work. Unclear Roles and Responsibilities of teams as well as individuals.
Originally presented at XP2024 Bolzano
While agile has entered the post-mainstream age, possibly losing its mojo along the way, the rise of remote working is dealing a more severe blow than its industrialization.
In this talk we'll have a look to the cumulative effect of the constraints of a remote working environment and of the common countermeasures.
Designing and Sustaining Large-Scale Value-Centered Agile Ecosystems (powered...Alexey Krivitsky
Is Agile dead? It depends on what you mean by 'Agile'. If you mean that the organizations are not getting the promised benefits because they were focusing too much on the team-level agile "ways of working" instead of systemic global improvements -- then we are in agreement. It is a misunderstanding of Agility that led us down a dead-end. At Org Topologies, we see bright sparks -- the signs of the 'second wave of Agile' as we call it. The emphasis is shifting towards both in-team and inter-team collaboration. Away from false dichotomies. Both: team autonomy and shared broad product ownership are required to sustain true result-oriented organizational agility. Org Topologies is a package offering a visual language plus thinking tools required to communicate org development direction and can be used to help design and then sustain org change aiming at higher organizational archetypes.
Comparing Stability and Sustainability in Agile SystemsRob Healy
Copy of the presentation given at XP2024 based on a research paper.
In this paper we explain wat overwork is and the physical and mental health risks associated with it.
We then explore how overwork relates to system stability and inventory.
Finally there is a call to action for Team Leads / Scrum Masters / Managers to measure and monitor excess work for individual teams.
2. Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
Understand . . .
The terminology used by professional
researchers employing scientific thinking.
What you need to formulate a solid research
hypothesis.
The need for sound reasoning to enhance
research results.
3. Research and AttitudesResearch and Attitudes
“Brand communities play a pivotal role for a
brand connecting with its consumers, and as
one of our Never Ending Friending focus group
respondent notes: “I want brands to be my
friends,” which means that consumers would
like to have common ideas, conversations and
benefits delivered to them on their own terms.”
Judit Nagy
vice president, consumer insights
MySpace/Fox Interactive Media
5. Language of ResearchLanguage of Research
Variables
ModelsModels
Terms used
in research
Constructs
Operational
definitions
Operational
definitions
Propositions/
Hypotheses
Propositions/
Hypotheses
Conceptual
schemes
Conceptual
schemesConceptsConcepts
6. Language of ResearchLanguage of Research
Clear conceptualization
of concepts
Shared understanding
of concepts
Success
of
Research
9. A Variable Is the PropertyA Variable Is the Property
Being StudiedBeing Studied
VariableVariable
EventEvent ActAct
CharacteristicCharacteristic TraitTrait
AttributeAttribute
10. Types of VariablesTypes of Variables
DichotomousDichotomous
Male/Female
Employed/ Unemployed
Male/Female
Employed/ Unemployed
DiscreteDiscrete
Ethnic background
Educational level
Religious affiliation
Ethnic background
Educational level
Religious affiliation
ContinuousContinuous
Income
Temperature
Age
Income
Temperature
Age
15. Moderating Variables (MV)Moderating Variables (MV)
• The introduction of a four-day week (IV) will lead
to higher productivity (DV), especially among
younger workers (MV)
• The switch to commission from a salary
compensation system (IV) will lead to increased
sales (DV) per worker, especially more
experienced workers (MV).
• The loss of mining jobs (IV) leads to acceptance
of higher-risk behaviors to earn a family-
supporting income (DV) – particularly among
those with a limited education (MV).
16. Extraneous Variables (EV)Extraneous Variables (EV)
• With new customers (EV-control), a switch to
commission from a salary compensation system
(IV) will lead to increased sales productivity (DV)
per worker, especially among younger workers
(MV).
• Among residents with less than a high school
education (EV-control), the loss of jobs (IV) leads
to high-risk behaviors (DV), especially due to the
proximity of the firing range (MV).
17. Intervening Variables (IVV)Intervening Variables (IVV)
• The switch to a commission compensation
system (IV) will lead to higher sales (DV) by
increasing overall compensation (IVV).
• A promotion campaign (IV) will increase savings
activity (DV), especially when free prizes are
offered (MV), but chiefly among smaller savers
(EV-control). The results come from enhancing
the motivation to save (IVV).
18. Propositions and HypothesesPropositions and Hypotheses
Brand Manager Jones (case) has a
higher-than-average achievement
motivation (variable).
Brand managers in Company Z (cases)
have a higher-than-average
achievement motivation (variable).
Generalization
19. Hypothesis FormatsHypothesis Formats
Descriptive
Hypothesis
In Detroit, our potato
chip market share
stands at 13.7%.
American cities are
experiencing budget
difficulties.
Research Question
What is the market
share for our potato
chips in Detroit?
Are American cities
experiencing budget
difficulties?
20. Relational HypothesesRelational Hypotheses
Correlational
Young women (under 35)
purchase fewer units of
our product than women
who are older than 35.
The number of suits sold
varies directly with the
level of the business
cycle.
Causal
An increase in family
income leads to an
increase in the
percentage of income
saved.
Loyalty to a grocery store
increases the probability
of purchasing that store’s
private brand products.
21. The Role of HypothesesThe Role of Hypotheses
Guide the direction of the studyGuide the direction of the study
Identify relevant factsIdentify relevant facts
Suggest most appropriate research
design
Suggest most appropriate research
design
Provide framework for organizing
resulting conclusions
Provide framework for organizing
resulting conclusions
22. Characteristics ofCharacteristics of
Strong HypothesesStrong Hypotheses
A
Strong
Hypothesis
Is
A
Strong
Hypothesis
Is
AdequateAdequate
TestableTestable
Better
than rivals
Better
than rivals
26. The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method
Direct observationDirect observation
Clearly defined variablesClearly defined variables
Clearly defined methodsClearly defined methods
Empirically testableEmpirically testable
Elimination of alternativesElimination of alternatives
Statistical justificationStatistical justification
Self-correcting processSelf-correcting process
28. Curiosity Is theCuriosity Is the
Ally of a ResearcherAlly of a Researcher
Synovate’s campaign
associates important
discoveries in research
to a common trait of
entrepreneurs: curiosity.
As one of the world’s
largest research
organizations, it claims
curiosity is “what makes
us tick.”
30. Deductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning
Inner-city household
interviewing is especially
difficult and expensive
Inner-city household
interviewing is especially
difficult and expensive
This survey involves
substantial inner-city
household interviewing
This survey involves
substantial inner-city
household interviewing
The interviewing in this
survey will be especially
difficult and expensive
The interviewing in this
survey will be especially
difficult and expensive
31. Inductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning
Why didn’t sales increase during our
promotional event?
– Regional retailers did not have sufficient stock
to fill customer requests during the
promotional period
– A strike by employees prevented stock from
arriving in time for promotion to be effective
– A hurricane closed retail outlets in the region
for 10 days during the promotion
See the text Instructors Manual (downloadable from the text website) for ideas for using this research-generated statistic.
Several terms are used by researchers to converse about applied and theoretical business problems.
A concept is a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain concrete, unambiguous events, objects, conditions, or situations. The importance of conceptualization is discussed in the following slide.
A construct is a definition specifically invented to represent an abstract phenomena for a given research project. Exhibit 3-1, a depiction of job redesign constructs, is provided in Slide 2-13.
A conceptual scheme is the interrelationship between concepts and constructs.
An operational definition defines a variable in terms of specific measurement and testing criteria. An example of an operational definition is provided in Slide 2-14.
A variable is used as a synonym for the construct being studied. Slides 2-15 through 2-20 expand on different types of variables.
A proposition is a statement about observable phenomena that may be judged as true or false. (Slide 2-21)
A hypothesis is a proposition formulated for empirical testing. (Slides 2-22 through 2-25)
A theory is a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that are advanced to explain or predict phenomena. Slide 2-26 shows an example of a theory.
A model is a representation of a system constructed to study some aspect of that system. Slide 2-27 shows an example of a model.
We must attempt to measure concepts in a clear manner that others can understand. If concepts are not clearly conceptualized and measured, we will receive confusing answers.
Exhibit 3-1
Exhibit 3-1 illustrates some of the concepts and constructs relevant to job redesign. The concepts at the bottom of the exhibit (format accuracy, manuscript errors, and keyboarding speed) are the most concrete and easily measured. Keyboarding speed is one just concept in the group that defines a construct that the human resource analyst calls Presentation Quality. It is not directly observable like keyboarding speed. It is a term used to communicate (a label) the combination of meanings presented by the three concepts.
Concepts at the next level are vocabulary, syntax, and spelling. As they are related, the analyst groups them into a construct she calls language skill. Language skills is placed at a higher level of abstraction in the exhibit because two of the concepts that comprise it, vocabulary and syntax, are more difficult to observe and measure.
The construct of job interest is not yet measured nor are its components specified. Researchers often refer to such constructs as hypothetical constructs because they are inferred only from the data—they are presumed to exist but no measure tests whether such constructs actually exist.
If research shows the concepts and constructs in this example to be interrelated, and if the connections can be supported, then the analyst has the beginning of a conceptual scheme.
One exercise you can try is to have students attempt to identify the concepts/constructs in the hypothetical construct…job interest, and discuss which elements are truly measurable…and how.
Operational definitions are definitions stated in terms of specific criteria for testing or measurement. The specifications must be so clear that any competent person using them would classify the objects in the same way.
If a study of college students required classifying students by class level, a definition of each category would be necessary. Students could be grouped by class level based on self-report, number of years in school, or number of credit hours completed. Credit hours is the most precise measure.
In practice, the term variable is used as a synonym for the property being studied. In this context, a variable is a symbol of an event, act, characteristic, trait, or attribute that can be measured and to which we assign categorical values. The different types of variables are presented on the following slides.
For the purposes of data entry and analysis, we assign numerical values to a variable based on that variable’s properties. Dichotomous variables have only two values that reflect the absence or presence of a property. Variables also take on values representing added categories such as demographic variables. All such variables are said to be discrete since only certain values are possible. Continuous variables take on values within a given range or, in some cases, an infinite set.
Exhibit 3-2
Exhibit 3-2 presents the commonly used synonyms for independent and dependent variables.
An independent variable is the variable manipulated by the researcher to cause an effect on the dependent variable.
The dependent variable is the variable expected to be affected by the manipulation of an independent variable.
Moderating variables are variables that are believed to have a significant contributory or contingent effect on the originally stated IV-DV relationship. Whether a variable is treated as an independent or as a moderating variable depends on the hypothesis. Examples of moderating variables are shown in the slide.
Extraneous variables are variables that could conceivably affect a given relationship. Some can be treated as independent or moderating variables or assumed or excluded from the study. If an extraneous variable might confound the study, the extraneous variable may be introduced as a control variable to help interpret the relationship between variables. Examples are given in the slide.
An intervening variable (IVV) is a factor that affects the observed phenomenon but cannot be measured or manipulated. It is a conceptual mechanism through which the IV and MV might affect the DV.
A proposition is a statement about observable phenomena that may be judged as true or false.
A hypothesis is a proposition formulated for empirical testing.
A case is the entity or thing the hypothesis talks about. When the hypothesis is based on more than one case, it would be a generalization. Examples are provided in the slide.
A descriptive hypothesis is a statement about the existence, size, form, or distribution of a variable. Researchers often use a research question rather than a descriptive hypothesis. Examples are provided in the slide. Either format is acceptable, but the descriptive hypothesis has three advantages over the research question.
Descriptive hypotheses encourage researchers to crystallize their thinking about the likely relationships.
Descriptive hypotheses encourage researchers to think about the implications of a supported or rejected finding.
Descriptive hypotheses are useful for testing statistical significance.
A relational hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between two variables with respect to some case. Relational hypotheses may be correlational or explanatory (causal).
A correlational hypothesis is a statement indicating that variables occur together in some specified manner without implying that one causes the other.
A causal hypothesis is a statement that describes a relationship between two variables in which one variable leads to a specified effect on the other variable.
This slide presents the functions served by hypotheses.
The conditions for developing a strong hypothesis are more fully developed in Exhibit 3-4.
Exhibit 3-5
What is the difference between theories and hypotheses?
Theories tend to be complex, abstract, and involve multiple variables.
Hypotheses tend to be simple, limited-variable statements involving concrete instances.
A theory is a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that are advanced to explain or predict phenomena. To the degree that our theories are sound and fit the situation, we are successful in our explanations and predictions.
The product life cycle, shown in Exhibit 3-5, is an example of a theory.
Exhibit 3-7:
Business models are developed through the use of inductive and deductive reasoning.
As illustrated in Exhibit 3-7, a business model may originate from empirical observations about market behavior based on researched facts and relationships among variables.
Inductive reasoning allows the modeler to draw conclusions from the facts or evidence in planning the dynamics of the model. The modeler may also use existing theory, managerial experience or judgment, or facts.
Exhibit 3-6
A model is a representation of a system constructed to study some aspect of that system or the system as a whole.
Models versus Theories
a model’s role is to represent or describe
A theory’s role is to explain.
Models in business research may be descriptive, predictive, and normative.
Descriptive models are used for complex systems because they allow for the visualization of numerous variables and relationships.
Predictive models forecast future events and facilitate business planning.
Normative models are used for control, because they indicate necessary actions.
Exhibit 3-6, shown in the slide, is a distribution network model called a maximum flow model used in management science. In this example, a European manufacturer of automobiles needs an increased flow of shipping to its Los Angeles distribution center to meet demand. However the primary distribution channel is saturated and alternatives must be sought.
Models allow researchers to specify hypotheses that characterize present or future conditions: the effect of advertising on consumer awareness or intention to purchase, brand switching behavior, an employee training program, or other aspects of business.
Good business research is based on sound reasoning because reasoning is essential for producing scientific results. This slide introduces the scientific method and its essential tenets. The scientific method guides our approach to problem-solving.
An important term in the list is empirical. Empirical testing denotes observations and propositions based on sensory experiences and/or derived from such experience by methods of inductive logic, including mathematics and statistics. Researchers using this approach attempt to describe, explain, and make predictions by relying on information gained through observation.
The scientific method is described as a puzzle-solving activity.
The steps followed by business researchers to approach a problem are presented in the slide.
This ad from Synovate reinforces the notion that researchers must be curious. Students can see the Synovate website at www.synovate.com.
Exposition consists of statements that describe without attempting to explain.
Argument allows us to explain, interpret, defend, challenge, and explore meaning. There are two types of argument: deduction and induction.
Deduction is a form of reasoning in which the conclusion must necessarily follow from the premises given. The next slide provides an example of a deductive argument.
Induction is a form of reasoning that draws a conclusion from one or more particular facts or pieces of evidence. Slide 2-8 illustrates an inductive argument.
This slide provides an example of an inductive argument.
Exhibit 3-8
Induction and deduction can be used together in research reasoning. Induction occurs when we observe a fact and ask, “Why is this?” In answer to this question, we advance a tentative explanation or hypothesis. The hypothesis is plausible if it explains the event or condition (fact) that prompted the question. Deduction is the process by which we test whether the hypothesis is capable of explaining the fact.
Exhibit 3-8 illustrates this process.