This document provides an overview of research methodology and the formulation of a research problem. It discusses the importance of properly formulating the research problem as the first step. Some key aspects covered include anticipating the problem, identifying the subject matter, defining the research object, forming hypotheses, designing the study, and determining tools for data collection. Later sections discuss identifying a problem through reviewing previous research and determining the scope of variables, sample size, methods, instruments, and techniques to be used. The goal is to properly delimit the research for effective study and analysis of findings.

1. Research Methodology
Chapter 3
Nagendra Amatya
Associate Professor
Science and Humanities Department
Central Campus Pulchowk
nbamatya@ioe.edu.np

2. Formulation of Research Problem
• Anticipation of problem
• Subject matter identification
• Defining research object
• Formation of hypothesis
• Design of study
• Tools of data collection
• Universe of study

3. Importance of Research Problem
• The formulation of research problem is the first
importance step of research process.
• It is like the identification of destination before
undertaking of journey
• A research problem is like the foundation of building
• the research problem serves as the foundation of
research study: if it is well formulated, you can except a
good study to follow.
• You must have clear idea with regard to what is that
you want to find out about and not what not what you
think you must find

4. Cont..
• A research problem may takes a number of
forms, rom the very simple to the very
complex.
• The way you formulate a problem determines
almost every steps that follows:
– Types of study design that can be used
– The type of sampling strategy that can be
employed
– The research instrument that can be used or
developed
– Type of analysis that can be undertaken

5. Cont..
• In the beginning you may becomes more
confused but this Normal and sign of
progression.
• REMEMBER : confusion is most often but a
first step towards clearly.
• Time taken over formulating your problem, for
the clarity you are about your research
problem/question, the easier it will be you
later on.
Remember this is most crucial step.

6. IDENTIFICATION OF A PROBLEM
• The identification and analyzing a research
problem is the first and most crucial step of
research process.
• A problem can not be solved effectively unless a
researcher possesses the intellect and insight to
isolate and understand the specific factors giving
rise to the difficulty.
• research scholars understand that identification
of a problem means to select a topic of a research
or statement of the problem.
• The topic is the definition of the problem which
delimits or pin points the task of a researcher.

7. Cont..
• Since identifying the exact nature and
dimensions of a problem is of major
importance in research work, it is very
essential that an investigator should learn how
to recognize and define a problem.
• He should proceed step by step in locating the
research problem. The following steps are to
be followed in identifying a research problem.

8. Step in Locating Research Problem
• Step 1 : Determining the field of research in which a
researcher is keen to do the research work.
• Step 2 : The researcher should develop the mastery on
the area or it should be the field of his specialization.
• Step 3 : He should review the researches conducted in
area to know the recent trend and studies in the area.
• Step 4: On the basis of review, he should consider the
priority field of the study.
• Step 5: He should draw an analogy and insight in
identifying a problem or employ his personal
experience of the field in locating the problem. He may
take help of supervisor or expertise of the field.
• Step 6 : He should pin-point specific aspect of the
problem which is to be investigated.

9. Tasks to be performed in analyzing a
problematic situation
1. Accumulating the facts that might be related to the problem.
2. Setting by observations whether the facts are relevant.
3. Tracing any relationship between facts that might reveal the key to the
difficulty.
4. Proposing various explanations for the cause or the difficulty.
5. Ascertaining through observations and analysis whether these explanations
are relevant to the problem.
6. Tracing relationship between explanations that may give an insight into the
problem solution.
7. Tracing relationship between facts and explanations.
8. Questioning assumptions underlying the analysis of the problem.
9. Tracing the irrelevant facts which are not concerned with the problem.
10. Locating the irrelevant explanations which are not related to the problem.
After going through these processes, the researcher will be able to define
or state the problem.

10. Defining Research Problem
Defining a problem is very important. A study should be delimited by the following
aspects:
1. A study should be delimited to certain variables that should be mentioned
clearly in the problem.
2. The study is delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary level,
college or university level.
3. Again study is delimited to size of sample. Considering the time, energy and
money, but it should be a representative.
4. Method of Research: A Problem or study may be conducted by different
methods but it is not possible. Therefore, the best method should be used so
that the study should be delimited to the method only.
5. Measuring Instrument: In behavioral science number of instruments are
available but all tools can not be used to measure Thus the best available tool
will be used for measuring the variable.
6. Techniques of Research: A number of techniques can be used for analysing data
but most appropriate techniques should be used.
7. The other limitation should vary from problem to problem as every problem has
its own delimitations.
These delimitations may help the researcher for conducting the study and the findings
of studies also confine to these delimitations.

11. Interactive model of research design

12. Goals:
Why this study?
Aid in implementation of FSSD and C2C philosophy through innovation in business models
Methods:
1. Literature search on business models and how they interact with material flows and value
creation.
2. Develop generic criteria for a sustainable (from an FSSD and C2C perspective) business model
(what we discussed). (Karen’s preference: develop a method or tool to enable entrepreneurs to
create/assess their own business model from an FSSD and C2C definition of success)
3. Ongoing interviews through all phases of the research. Initially to help gain understanding of the
system, business models, processes of developing business models and how business models
interact with the physical and value flows that an organization creates. As we get further into our
research, we will ask for feedback on the tool/criteria that we identify and identify appropriate
case studies.
4. Collaboration with incubator (aid entrepreneurs in developing business models that help their
business work strategically towards sustainability). Test the tool or set of criteria that was
developed.
5. Additional case studies: we will seek out and interview existing organizations and analyze their
business model with respect to our criteria for a sustainable business model. We will perform a
gap analysis (their current reality vs. sustainable desired future), and assess the potential for our
tool/criteria to aid them in moving strategically towards the desired future.
Research Questions:
How can FSSD be incorporated into the creation of business models to enable organizations to
contribute to moving society towards sustainability?
Others as well - there's some in the draft proposal - we should talk about this

13. • Conceptual Framework:
• Existing theory and lit review:
• The current neo-classical economic paradigm is fundamentally flawed.
• In order to reach a sustainable society within the biosphere we need fundamental shifts in
the way the economic system affects the system within which it resides (Senge et al.
2001). “The challenge today is to develop sustainable businesses that are compatible with
the current economic reality.” (Senge et al. 2001). “Focussing on ecoefficiency may distract
companies from pursuing radically different products and business models – changes that
require shifts in mental models. This is unlikely to occur without mastering the human
dimensions of learning and change.” (Senge et al. 2001). New business logic emerging,
begins with rethinking how firms create value and redefines the characters – customers,
employees, suppliers – and ultimately the company itself (Senge et al. 2001). In short, enable
ourselves to tell a different story. Fundamental to understand a customer and serve a
genuine need – also, a radical shift in business models. Decouple the stuff with the value,
allow for sustainable development. Shifts the meaning of ‘customer’ – from consumers to
co-creators of value, recognize interdependence with suppliers, distributors and customers
needed to build the trust necessary to shift established mental models.
• Business models provide a link between vision and core business and operational processes:
• Vision/core business
• Business Model
• Operations

14. • Our proposed conceptual framework:
• Henrik Ny’s diagram, of economics as a means for sustainable
development towards the creation of environmental and social value
(beyond the triple bottom line).
• Entrepreneurs as change agents within communities to enable sustainable
development (McKay et al.). Planning with sustainability in mind at early
stages of company development may have important impacts on future
business success (the business case for sustainability) and societal welfare
(Blankenship et al.). - That thesis has a lot of useful information about
process of engagement within an incubator and the current incubator
process. Very useful if we end up collaborating with the incubator up the
hill.
• I know that I said I was comfortable going at the generic level, and not
focusing on the system, or on case studies at a certain level of society. I've
been having second thoughts about that, and think we should discuss it
furthur. I'm not convinced that business models are generic enough that
we'll be able to find a definition applicable to all levels and still be able to
make specific, and interesting recommendations. (The larger system is an
important component of what makes this topic interesting for me - and will
allow me to understand the topic. I think the more we scale down, the
more in-depth and interesting our research will be) - K

15. • Validity:
• What data will we collect and what conclusions will we
be able to draw from that?
• How might we be wrong?
• What are the limitations inherent in our approach?
• Time limitations (especially when it comes to testing or
implementing) – we will probably not get much data
back.
• Questions and Methods Matrix What do I need to
know? Why do I need to know this? (i.e. what are my
research questions) What kind of data will answer the
questions? Where can I find the data? Whom do I
contact for access? Time lines for acquisition
Source :http://kafthesis.pbworks.com/w/page/6512970/Interactive%20model%20of%20research%20design

16. Home work and assessment
1) Develop and define at least one your interest of research area in context
of related to construction management area of Nepal.
2) Give three judgment of selecting this topic.
3) Give the minimum three importance of selected research area for local
and National contest context etc.
4) Give summary at least three literature reviews with citation, minimum one
paragraph for each literature but not more than two paragraph for each
literature.
5) Develop your research design conceptual framework
Remember :
 It may be your final thesis topic !!! (It will be send t probable
related expert for review.)
 Contribution of this home work in assessment is 10 marks
 Last date of submission 11 september.
 You may submit in nagendraamatya@gmail.com but you
may have mention your name and roll Number in subject.