The document discusses the significance of crafting appropriate questions in research, highlighting the differences between management, research, and investigation questions. It outlines the process of formulating a research problem, emphasizing clarity, relevance, and feasibility, and provides a case study on improving employee retention. Effective question formulation is essential for guiding the research process and achieving actionable outcomes.

1. Questions in Research: Formulation of
Research Problem – Management Question –
Research Question – Investigation Question
BY
DR. SATYANARAYAN PANDEY
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES BBMKU DHANBAD

2. Introduction
• Objective of the Presentation:
• Explain the importance of asking the right questions in research.
• Understand the process of formulating a research problem.
• Distinguish between management, research, and investigation questions.

3. The Importance of Questions in
Research
• Questions guide the research process.
• Help focus on specific issues and determine methodology.
• Aid in achieving clear, actionable, and meaningful results.

4. Formulating the Research Problem
• Definition:
A research problem identifies an area of concern or an area to be
improved.
• Steps to Formulate:
• Identify a broad subject area.
• Review the literature.
• Narrow down to specific gaps or issues.
• Define the problem clearly.

5. Management Question
•Definition:
A high-level question addressing the broader goals or challenges faced by
an organization or management.
•Characteristics:
•Focused on strategic objectives.
•Often non-technical and outcome-oriented.
•Example:
How can we improve customer satisfaction?

6. Research Question
• Definition:
A precise question aimed at investigating a specific issue within the
research problem.
• Characteristics:
• Clear, focused, and researchable.
• Guides the hypothesis and study design.
• Example:
What factors influence customer satisfaction in retail banking?

7. Investigation Question
• Definition:
Detailed, operational questions that break down the research question
into measurable components.
• Characteristics:
• Specific and often quantitative.
• Direct the data collection and analysis.
• Example:
• What percentage of customers rate service quality as excellent?
• How does response time correlate with satisfaction ratings?

8. Interrelationship Between Questions
• Management Question → Broad strategic direction.
• Research Question → Defines the scope for investigation.
• Investigation Question → Practical, measurable aspects for data
gathering.
• Flowchart Representation (Diagram with arrows showing progression).

9. Key Considerations in Formulating
Questions
•Clarity and focus.
•Relevance to stakeholders.
•Feasibility within time and resource constraints.
•Ethical considerations.

10. Case Study
• Scenario: Improving employee retention in an IT firm.
• Management Question: How can we reduce employee turnover?
• Research Question: What are the key factors driving employee turnover?
• Investigation Question:
• What percentage of employees leave within one year?
• What role does salary dissatisfaction play in turnover?

11. Summary
•Research begins with asking the right questions.
•Management, research, and investigation questions form a hierarchy guiding the research process.
•Effective question formulation leads to actionable and impactful results.