Chapter 1:
1.1 Outline the features that can make business and management research distinctive from
research in other disciplines.
The features you outline are likely to include:
- the transdisciplinary nature of business and management research;
- the development of ideas that are related to practice and in particular the
requirement for the research to have some practical consequence;
- the need for research to complete the virtuous circle of theory and practice;
- addressing problems that grow out of the interaction between the worlds of theory
and practice.
1.2 What are the key differences between basic and applied research (and consultancy)?
The key differences between basic and applied research relate to both the purpose and the
context in which it is undertaken.
Chapter 2:
2.1 For the workplace project for her professional course, Karen had decided to undertake a
study of the effectiveness of the joint consultative committee in her NHS Trust. Her title was
‘An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Joint Consultative Committee in Anyshire’s
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’. Draft some objectives which Karen may adopt to
complement her title.
2.2 You have decided to search the literature to ‘try to come up with some research ideas in
the area of Operations Management’. How will you go about this?
2.3 A colleague of yours wishes to generate a research idea in the area of accounting. He
has examined his own strengths and interests on the basis of his assignments and has read
some review articles, but has failed to find an idea about which he is excited. He comes and
asks you for advice. Suggest two techniques that your colleague could use, and justify your
choice.
2.4 You are interested in doing some research on the interface between business
organisations and schools. Write three research questions that may be appropriate.
2.5 How may the formulation of an initial substantive theory help in the development of a
research proposal?
2.6 How would you demonstrate the influence of relevant theory in your research proposal?