Mgt 540
Research Methods
Phase II: Sekaran
A different perspective
1
Hallmarks of Science








Purposiveness
Rigor
Testability
Replicability
Precision and Confidence
Objectivity
Generalizability
Parsimony
2
Reality check?

100% scientific inquiry in
“management?”
Exactness?
 Error-free?


Is Management a “science” or
an “art?”
3
The (Basic) Research Wheel
Induction
#3 - Comprehend
Patterns
#2 - Recognize
Deduction
Hypotheses
#4 - Relate
Now, to make it a
little more complex …
Induction
#1 - Notice
Observations
/ Data
4
Hypothetico-deductive method
Fig. 2-1 “Building Blocks of Science”
#1 Notice
5
Theoretical
Framework
Hypothesis
•Hypothesis generation via induction
•Hypothesis testing via deduction
Look at Example 2.2 and 2.3
6
Deduction / Induction

Induction is a process of drawing inferences from
observed phenomena which may be subsequently
tested through research. [A form of reasoning in
which a generalized conclusion is formulated from
particular instances ]


For instance – if a manager oberves that people
residing at distances beyond 50 miles from the
workplace remain absent more frequently than those
he knows to reside close by, and infers thateby that
distance is a factor in absenteeism, this is an
inductive process.
Deduction is a process of arriving at a conclusion
from the result of data analysis. [A form of
reasoning in which conclusions are formulated
about particulars from general or universal premise ]

For example, data analysis can infer that turnover
problems can be minimized by a)flexible work hours;
b) recognizing superior performance through suitable
merit pay raises, and c) enriching certain jobs.
7
Steps in
Hypothetico- Deductive Model
1.
2.
Observation
Preliminary information gathering


3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Interviews
Literature surveys
Theory formulation
Hypothesizing
Further scientific data collection
Data analysis
Deduction
8
Hypothetico-deductive method
Fig. 2-1 “Building Blocks of Science”
#1 Notice
#2 Learn
#3 Relate
#7 Deduction
#4 Induction
#6 - Learn
#5 Collection
9
Business Research Software

Groupware


Neural networks


Form of “action” oriented aids
ERP


Project based on past data
CAM / CAD


Focus groups, group interviews
Integrated data management
Data Analytic



SPSS or SAS
Jmp-In
Excel
10
Emerging technologies






Handhelds
Interactive devices
Digital whiteboards
Videoconferencing
Virtual reality
Linking PCs to other electronic
devices
11
Data use

Operations Management /
Research

Data warehousing


Central repositories
Data mining
Application
 Research

12