1
OBSERVATION
Broad area of
research interest
identified
RESEARCH IN BUSINESS
4
3
PROBLEM
DEFINITION
Variables
identified
and labeled
Research
Problem
Delineated
Chapter 3
The Research Process Steps 1-3:
The Broad Problem Area, Data Gathering,
Problem Definition
6
THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
5
GENERATION
OF
HYPOTHESES
7
SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH
DESIGN
2
PRELIMINARY
DATA
GATHERING
Interviewing
Literature Survey
DATA ANALYSIS
AND
INTERPRETATION
8
NO
DEDUCTION
Hypotheses
Substantiated?
Research
questions
answered?
YES
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10
Report
Writing
Report
Presentation
11
Managerial
Decision
Making
2012- Assist. Prof. Dr. Ozge Ozgen
Definition of Problem


A “problem” does not necessarily mean that
something is seriously wrong with a current
situationthat needs to be corrected immediately
A problem could also indicate

an intreset in an issue where finding the right answers
might help to improve existing situation
Broad Problem
An entire situation where one sees a possible need for research and
problem solving.

Currently existing problems

Areas of improvement

A conceptual or theoretical issues that needs to be tightened up

Some research questions that need to be answered empirically




Training programs did not come out to be effective as anticipated
Can training effectiveness be improved
How can we define training effectiveness
How does training effect worker productivity
1
Narrowing Down the Broad Problem


Preliminary Data Collection
Literature Survey
Problem Definition

A clear,

precise(exact) and

succinct(brief) statement of the question or issue
that is to be investigated with the goal of finding a
answer or solution.
Examples for Broad Problem Areas





The sales volume of a product is not picking up
The newly installed information system is not being used by
managers
Inventory control is not effective
Mistakes have increased in clerical jobs
Flow of written communication is slow
Preliminary Data Collection
Background Information on The Organization

The origin and history of the organization

Size in terms of employees, assets, sales etc.

Purpose and Ideology

Location –regional, national etc.

Resources (including human resources)

Interdependent relations with other institutions

Financial Position
2
Preliminary Data Collection
Preliminary Data Collection
Information on Structural Factors and Management Philosophy
Perceptions, Attitudes and Behavioral Responses
•Roles and positions
•Nature of Work
•Extent of specialization
•Workflow interdependencies
•Communication channels
•Superiors in the organization
•Control systems
•Participation in decision making
•Coordination and span of control
•Client systems
•Reward systems
•Opportunities for advancement
•Workflow systems
•Organizational attitudes toward employees family responsibilities
•Involment with community
Secondary Data
Advantages of Secondary Data

Data gathered and recorded by someone else
prior to and for a purpose other than the current
project
Is often:
 Historical
 Already assembled

Inexpensive
Obtained Rapidly
3
Disadvantages of Secondary Data




Uncertain Accuracy
Data Not Consistent with Needs
Inappropriate Units of Measurement
Time Period Inappropriate (Dated)
Literature Review

In order to eliminate the risk of “reinventing the wheel”

Documentation of comprehensive review of published and unpublished work
from secondary sources of data in the areas of specific, interest to
researcher.

Important variables that are likely to influence the situation are not left out

A clearer idea emerges as to what variables would be most important to consider
(parsimony)
Literature Review



A clear and logical presentation of relevant research work done to identify
and highlight important variables and to document significant findings
from earlier research which will serve as a foundation for the theoretical
framework and hypothesis.
All relevant information should be bring together in a cogent and logical
manner instead of presenting all studies in a chronological order with bits
of and pieces of un coordinated information
A good literature review should lead to a logical good problem statement

The problem statement can be made with precision and clarity

Testability and replicability of current research is enhanced

The problem investigated is perceived by scientific community
Steps of Literature Review

Identify relevant sources
Textbooks, journals, theses, conference proceedings,
reports, newspapers, Internet etc.
 Evaluate the quality of source!!!



Extract the relevant information
Writing up the literature review
4
APA Style

Book by one author

Book by two authors or more



Internet Sources

Rogers, B. (2008). Faster-than-light travel: What we've learned in the first twenty years. Retrieved
August 24, 2008, from Mars University, Institute for Martian Studies Web site,
http://www.eg.spacecentraltoday.mars/university/dept.html

Rogers, B. (2008). Faster-than-light travel: What we've learned in the first twenty years. Retrieved
August 24, 2008, from Mars University, Institute for Martian Studies Web site,
http://www.eg.spacecentraltoday.mars/university/dept.html
Mcdonalds, A. (1993). Practical methods for the apprehension and sustained containment of
supernatural entities. In G. L. Yeager (Ed.), Paranormal and occult studies: Case studies in application (pp.
42–64). London: OtherWorld Books.
Article


Crackton, P. (1987). The Loonie: God's long-awaited gift to colourful pocket change? Canadian Change,
64(7), 34–37.
Rottweiler, F. T., & Beauchemin, J. L. (1987). Detroit and Narnia: Two foes on the brink of destruction.
Canadian/American Studies Journal, 54, 66-146.

Article in a weekly magazine

Article in a newspaper




Smith, J., and Peter, Q. (1992). Hairball: An intensive peek behind the surface of an enigma. Hamilton,
ON: McMaster University Press.
Article in an edited book


Sheril, R. D. (1956). The terrifying future: Contemplating color television. San Diego: Halstead.
APA Style
Henry, W. A., III. (1990, April 9). Making the grade in today's schools. Time, 135, 28–31.
Wrong, M. (2005, August 17). "Never Gonna Give You Up" says Mayor. Toronto Sol, p. 4.
Government document

Revenue Canada. (2001). Advanced gouging: Manual for employees (MP 65–347/1124). Ottawa:
Minister of Immigration and Revenue.
Problem Discovery: The Iceberg Principle
Organization
Symptoms
Problem Definition
Based on Symptom
True Problem
Twenty-year-old
Membership has been
Neighborhood
Demographic changes:
neighborhood
declining for years.
residents prefer the
Children in this 20-
swimming
New water park with
expensive water
year-old neighborhood
association in a
wave pool and water
park and have
have grown up. Older
major city.
slides moved into
negative image of
residents no longer
town a few years ago.
swimming pool.
swim anywhere.
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Well Defined Problem Statements

THREE KEY FACTORS OF GOOD PROBLEM
STATEMENT

Relevant


From a managerial perspective
 Problem exists in an organizational setting
 An area that a manager believes needs to be improved in the
organization
From academic perspective
 Nothing is know about topic
 Much is known about topic but the knowledge not integrated
 Much research are avaliable but the results are partly contradictory
 Established relationship do not hold in current situation

Feasible

Intresting
IN-CLASS EXERCISES ON BROAD PROBLEM AREA AND PROBLEM DEFINITION
MARKETING

1. The manager of Woodlands Restaurant is concerned about the low customer image of his
restaurant.
Well Defined Problem Statements

How has the new product effected the sales of the product ?

Has the advertising message resulted in enhanced recall?

How does price and quality rate on consumers’ evaluation of products?

What are the components of quality of life?
IN-CLASS EXERCISES ON BROAD PROBLEM AREA AND PROBLEM
DEFINITION



2. The Dreamland Advertising Agency is wondering why its strategy did not work.
ACCOUNTING

3. Narayan Associates is interested in knowing the implications of high technology in factories,
for accounting and auditing procedures and practices.



4. The Rosalin Auditing Company is perturbed about the different interpretations it is getting
from the tax administrators and tax accountants.
FINANCE

5. The board of directors of Jankrish Computers is worried about the stagnation of the
market price of the Company's stock.



6. Saratoga Supers are perplexed about the low return on their capital investment.
1. To what extent do the customers of Woodlands Restaurant like the menu, the quality of
food, the service, price, and ambiance of the restaurant?
2. Is the message in the most recent advertising of Dreamland Advertising Agency aimed at
the right target group?
3. How should the currently standardized accounting procedures (such as depreciation, tax
write-offs, etc) be changed, as factories resort to specialized technology?
4. What specific items in the balance sheet create misunderstandings and conflicts between
those who assess the tax and those who prepare the tax returns and how can they be
resolved?
5. To what extent do the following factors contribute to the stagnating market price of
Jankrish's shares – the dividend policy, the growth rate, perceived managerial problems, and
the capital market conditions?
6. Is the low return on the capital investment of Saratoga Supers, a function of low sales or
high operating expenses?
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