Business Research Methods Problem Definition Problem discovery Problem Discovery and Definition Sampling Selection of exploratory research technique Secondary (historical) data Experience survey Probability Pilot study Case study Data Gathering Data Processing and Analysis Problem definition (statement of research objectives) Experiment Laboratory Conclusions and Report Survey Field Interview Nonprobability Collection of data (fieldwork) Editing and coding data Data processing Selection of basic research method Research Design Selection of exploratory research technique Questionnaire Observation Secondary Data Study Interpretation of findings Report Problem Definition • The indication of a specific business decision area that will be clarified by answering some research questions. Defining Problem Results in Clear Cut Research Objectives Symptom Detection Analysis of the Situation Problem Definition Statement of Research Objectives Exploratory Research (Optional) The Process of Problem Definition Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives Determine unit of analysis Understand background of the problem Determine relevant variables Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms State research questions and objectives Ascertain the Decision Maker’s Objectives • Decision makers’ objectives • Managerial goals expressed in measurable terms. 6 The Iceberg Principle • The principle indicating that the dangerous part of many business problems is neither visible to nor understood by managers. Understand the Background of the Problem • Exercising judgment • Situation analysis - The informal gathering of background information to familiarize researchers or managers with the decision area. 8 Isolate and Identify the Problems, Not the Symptoms • Symptoms can be confusing 9 Symptoms Can Be Confusing Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association: • Membership has been declining for years. • New water park -residents prefer the expensive water park???? • Demographic changes: Children have grown up Organization Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association in a major city. Symptoms Membership has been declining for years. New water park with wave pool and water slides moved into town a few years ago. Problem Definition Based on Symptom True Problem Neighborhood residents prefer the expensive water park and have negative image of swimming pool. Demographic changes: Children in this 20year-old neighborhood have grown up. Older residents no longer swim anywhere. Determine the Unit of Analysis • Individuals, households, organizations, etc. • In many studies, the family rather than the individual is the appropriate unit of analysis. 12 Determine the Relevant Variable • Anything that may assume different numerical values 13 Types of Variables • • • • Categorical Continuous Dependent Independent Hypothesis • An unproven proposition • A possible solution to a problem • Guess State the research questions and research objectives 16 If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there. Broad research objectives Statement of business problem Exploratory research (optional) Specific Objective 1 Specific Objective 2 Specific Objective 3 Research Design Results Influences of definition Feedback Specific Objective I Statement of Problem Exploratory Research (Optional) Broad Research Objectives Specific Objective II Specific Objective III Research Design Results The Process of Problem Definition Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives Determine unit of analysis Understand background of the problem Determine relevant variables Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms State research questions and objectives Basic Questions Problem Definition • • • • • • • What is the purpose of the study? How much is already known? Is additional background information necessary? What is to be measured? How? Can the data be made available? Should research be conducted? Can a hypothesis be formulated? Basic Questions Basic Research Design • What types of questions need to be answered? • Are descriptive or causal findings required? • What is the source of the data? Basic Questions Basic Research Design • Can objective answers be obtained by asking people? • How quickly is the information needed? • How should survey questions be worded? • How should experimental manipulations be made?