The Research Question:
Formulation of the Problem
Chapter 2
The Research Question
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Who cares?
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New Coke
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Research Problems v.
Research Opportunities
Source: wikipedia.org
Problem Formation
Step 1: Meet with Client
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Why?
Planned Change v.
Unplanned Change
Source: www.diylife.com
www.squidoo.com
Step 2: Clarify the
Problem/Opportunity
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Comes from client meetings
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Example: New product is not selling
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Normal thinking
Step 3: State the Manager’s
Decision Problem
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What is a decision problem?
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Ex.- “Why are store revenues low?”
Two types
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Discovery-oriented problem
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Answers “_________?” or “________?” about a problem
Unplanned changes
Strategy-oriented problem
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Answers “________?” about a problem
Planned changes
Step 4: Develop Possible Research
Problems
Step 4: Develop Possible Research
Problems
Step 5: Select Research Problems
to be Addressed
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Limitations
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How many to research?
Step 6: Prepare Research Request
Agreement
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“Document prepared by researcher after client
meeting that summarizes problem and what
information is needed”
Includes:
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Background
Decision problem
Research problem
Use
Population
Logistics
Research Proposal
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Research Proposal
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Request for Proposal (RFP)
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“Document that describes problem for which
research is sought, and that asks providers to
offer proposals , including cost estimates and
a description of how they would do the job.”
Research Proposal
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Sections:
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Source: www.chipabf.org
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Problem recognition
Research design
Sampling plan Data
collection forms
Analysis
Time schedule
Personnel
requirements
Appendices