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.
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
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?