2. Meaning of Research
Re + Search=Research = Search Again
Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem
after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.
Research is to know: seek knowledge
3. Business research is defined as the
systematic and objective process of
generating information for aid in
making business decisions.
4. Nature of Business Research
It provides information for decision making
It helps in solving the problems
The information is based on the careful analysis of data
Research findings in one context may not fully apply in other contexts
6. 1.Applied research
Is to solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work-setting,
demanding a timely solution.
2.Basic research (fundamental, pure, academic)
Is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain
problems that occur in organizations can be solved.
3. Descriptive Research
If certain phenomena persists or not. Also called ex-post facto research in
social sciences. What is happening is reported.
4. Analytical Research
The researcher critically analyze and evaluate the data and findings.
5. Quantitative Research
It involves the phenomenon or variable that can be expressed in numbers,
can be measured and tested.
7. 6. Qualitative Research
It involves the categorical variable.
7. Conceptual Research
Related to some abstract ideas and theory. It aims to
reestablish the existing concepts or develop new concepts.
8. Empirical Research
It is experimental research.
8. Scientific Research
• Scientific research is a systematic and objective
inquiry or investigation in order to solve a specific
problem.
• It is the systematic investigation of scientific theories
and hypotheses.
• Positive School of Thought
9. The Essence of the Scientific Method
9
Characteristics of the Scientific Method
Objectivity
Systematic Analysis
Logical Interpretation of Results
Elements of the
Scientific Method
Empirical Approach
Observations
Questions
Hypotheses
Experiments
Analysis
Conclusion
Replication
Basic
Research
Applied
Research
Scientific
Method
Information or
Ideas for alternative
Courses of action
General Laws
11. ScientificResearchProcess
Sensing or Realizing the Problem
Problem Identification
Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis Formulation
Research Design
Collection of Data
Data Analysis
Interpretation and Generalization
12. Qualitative Vs Quantitative Research
Quantitative methods relate to numbers. Data must be able to be
numericised and presented in terms of statistical patterns/
associations. Commonly positivist
Qualitative methods – non quantifiable, focus on values, processes,
experiences, language and meaning. Data is often words/ text.
Commonly non-positivist
Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses
13. Differences between quantitative and qualitative research
Aspects of Research Quantitative Qualitative
Relationship between
researcher and subject
Distant Close
Relationship between
theory/concepts and
research
Confirmation Emergent
Research Strategy Structured Unstructured
Image of Social Reality Static and external to actor Socially constructed by
actor
Nature of Data Hard, reliable Rich, deep
Influence of Social context Lesser Higher
14. When to use Qualitative and when to use Quantitative
methods??
15. Qualitative Research
When dealing with qualitative research – it is imperative to
be able to tolerate a degree of uncertainty.
Qualitative research focuses on depth, meaning, and detail
Adjectives like rich, deep, thick often used in talking about
qualitative data
Deliberate focus on ‘subjectivities’, the participant is the
expert
17. Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research is based on numbers or something that can be
quantified.
Quantitative methods, such as the experiment, have been used partly
in order to maintain the appearance of psychology as a scientific
discipline with valid knowledge claims.
During the 20th century there was a shift away from seeing
quantitative methods as the only valid way of gaining data – but also a
realization that both methods are needed.
19. Business Research
• Business research is defined as the systematic and objective
process of generating information for aid in making business
decisions.
• Business research can be described as a systematic and
organized effort to investigate a specific problem
encountered in the work setting, that needs a solution.
20. Why Business Research?
Managers with knowledge of research have an advantage over those
without.
Knowledge of research and problem-solving process helps managers
to identify problem situations before they get out of control.
Minor problems can be solved by the manager, major problems
would warrant the hiring of outside researchers or consultants.
The manager who is knowledgeable about research can interact
effectively with the researchers.
21. Knowledge about research process also helps managers to become
discriminating recipients of the research findings presented, and to
determine whether or not the recommended solutions are
appropriate for implementation.
When managers understand the research reports about their
organizations handed to them by professionals, they will be
equipped to take intelligent, educated, calculated risks with known
probabilities attached to the success or failure of their decisions.
Research then becomes a useful decision-making tool.
23. When Should Business Research be Undertaken?
23
Is sufficient time
available?
Is information
inadequate?
High importance
of decision?
Research benefits
greater than costs?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Undertake Business Research
NO Do not
undertake Business Research
24. Value and Costs of Undertaking Business Research
24
VALUE
Decreased Uncertainty
Higher Likelihood of
Correct Decisions
Better Business
performance
Higher Profits
Better Reputation
COSTS
Research Costs
Delay in Making
Business Decisions
Disclosure of
Information to
Rivals
Possibility of Error
25. Paradigms in Research
Paradigms: school of thought or a set of assumption about how
research should be conducted.
Positivists: Those who believe in quantitative approach of research.
Believe that Scientific methods should be used in research.
Interpretivists: Believers of Qualitative methods. Believe that
scientific methods can not be used in research.
26. Emerging Paradigms in Research
Ethnography: Study of people in their own environment through
the use of methods such as participant observation and face to face
interviewing.
Phenomenology: Describing the lived experience of a
phenomenon.
Hermeneutics: Interpretation of the texts. Understanding the
meaning of the texts. Interpreting about people on the basis of
their written text or the texts they read.
Constructivism: Reality and our knowledge of it are socially
constructed in that they are a product of particular social, political
and historical circumstances.
27. Subjectivism: How researchers see the world can affect the
research process. Subjectivities take a key role in research.
Feminism: Gender has a pervasive influence in research.
Positivism is a male point of view. Subjective experience of
women differs from that of men. Positivism has omitted
women experiences. Issues such as discrimination, gender
issues, domestic violence, work-life balance are omitted.
28. Ethics in Business Research
Ethics are norms or standards of behavior that
guide moral choices about our behavior and our
relationships with others
The goal is to ensure that no one is harmed or
suffers adverse consequences from research
activities
Note: Refer the book of Asmita Publication by Nepali writers (Dev Raj Adhikari and Dhurba Pandey)
30. Issues Related to Protecting Participants
•Informed consent
•Debriefing
•Right to Privacy/Confidentiality
31. Informed
Consent
• Securing informed consent from participants is a matter of fully
disclosing the procedures of the proposed survey or other research
design before requesting permission to proceed with the study.
• If there is a chance the data could harm the participant (offering only
limited confidentiality, a signed form detailing the types of limits
should be obtained.
• For most business research, oral consent is sufficient.
32. Informed Consent Procedures for Surveys
Introduce yourself.
Brief description of the survey topic.
Geographical area of the respondents and target sample.
Sponsor’s name.
Describe purpose of research.
Time estimate for completing the interview
Promise anonymity and confidentiality (when appropriate).
Tell the interviewee that participation is voluntary.
Tell the participant that item-nonresponse is acceptable.
Ask permission to begin.
33. Debriefing Participants
• Debriefing involves several activities following the
collection of data:
• Explanation of any deception.
• Description of the hypothesis, goal, or purpose of the
study.
• Post study sharing of results.
• Post study follow-up medical or psychological attention.
• The use of deception is questionable; when it is used,
debrief any participant who has been deceived.
34. Rights to Privacy
• Privacy is more than confidentiality.
• A right to privacy means one has the right to refuse to be interviewed
or to refuse to answer any question in an interview.
• To address these rights, ethical researchers do the following:
• Inform participants of their right to refuse to answer any question or
participate in the study.
• Obtain permission to interview participants.
• Schedule field and phone interviews.
• Limit the time required for participation.
• Restrict observation to public behavior only.
35. Ethics and the Sponsor: Confidentiality
•Sponsor non-disclosure
•Purpose non-disclosure
•Findings non-disclosure
Some sponsors wish
to undertake
research without
revealing
themselves. They
have a right to
several types of
confidentiality
including
