1
OBSERVATION
Broad area of
research interest
identified
4 6
RESEARCH IN BUSINESS
3
THEORETICAL 5 7
PROBLEM FRAMEWORK
GENERATION SCIENTIFIC
DEFINITION RESEARCH
Variables OF
Research DESIGN DATA ANALYSIS
Problem identified HYPOTHESES
AND
Delineated and labeled INTERPRETATION
Chapter 3 2
PRELIMINARY
DATA
The Research Process Steps 1-3: GATHERING
Interviewing
Literature Survey 8
The Broad Problem Area, Data Gathering, NO DEDUCTION
Hypotheses
Substantiated?
Problem Definition YES
Research
questions
answered?
9 10 11
Managerial
Report Report
Decision
Writing Presentation
Making
2012- Assist. Prof. Dr. Ozge Ozgen
Definition of Problem Broad Problem
A “problem” does not necessarily mean that An entire situation where one sees a possible need for research and
something is seriously wrong with a current problem solving.
situationthat needs to be corrected immediately
Currently existing problems
A problem could also indicate Training programs did not come out to be effective as anticipated
an intreset in an issue where finding the right answers Areas of improvement
might help to improve existing situation
Can training effectiveness be improved
A conceptual or theoretical issues that needs to be tightened up
How can we define training effectiveness
Some research questions that need to be answered empirically
How does training effect worker productivity
1
Narrowing Down the Broad Problem Problem Definition
A clear,
Preliminary Data Collection
precise(exact) and
Literature Survey 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 Preliminary Data Collection
The sales volume of a product is not picking up Background Information on The Organization
The newly installed information system is not being used by
managers The origin and history of the organization
Inventory control is not effective Size in terms of employees, assets, sales etc.
Mistakes have increased in clerical jobs Purpose and Ideology
Location –regional, national etc.
Flow of written communication is slow
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
Inexpensive
Data gathered and recorded by someone else Obtained Rapidly
prior to and for a purpose other than the current
project
Is often:
Historical
Already assembled
3
Disadvantages of Secondary Data Literature Review
Uncertain Accuracy In order to eliminate the risk of “reinventing the wheel”
Data Not Consistent with Needs Documentation of comprehensive review of published and unpublished work
Inappropriate Units of Measurement from secondary sources of data in the areas of specific, interest to
researcher.
Time Period Inappropriate (Dated)
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)
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
Literature Review Steps of Literature Review
A clear and logical presentation of relevant research work done to identify Identify relevant sources
and highlight important variables and to document significant findings
Textbooks, journals, theses, conference proceedings,
from earlier research which will serve as a foundation for the theoretical
framework and hypothesis.
reports, newspapers, Internet etc.
Evaluate the quality of source!!!
All relevant information should be bring together in a cogent and logical
manner instead of presenting all studies in a chronological order with bits Extract the relevant information
of and pieces of un coordinated information
Writing up the literature review
A good literature review should lead to a logical good problem statement
4
APA Style APA Style
Book by one author Internet Sources
Sheril, R. D. (1956). The terrifying future: Contemplating color television. San Diego: Halstead.
Rogers, B. (2008). Faster-than-light travel: What we've learned in the first twenty years. Retrieved
Book by two authors or more August 24, 2008, from Mars University, Institute for Martian Studies Web site,
Smith, J., and Peter, Q. (1992). Hairball: An intensive peek behind the surface of an enigma. Hamilton, http://www.eg.spacecentraltoday.mars/university/dept.html
ON: McMaster University Press.
Article in an edited book 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,
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. http://www.eg.spacecentraltoday.mars/university/dept.html
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
Henry, W. A., III. (1990, April 9). Making the grade in today's schools. Time, 135, 28–31.
Article in a newspaper
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
Problem Definition
Organization Symptoms 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.
5
Well Defined Problem Statements Well Defined Problem Statements
THREE KEY FACTORS OF GOOD PROBLEM
How has the new product effected the sales of the product ?
STATEMENT
Relevant Has the advertising message resulted in enhanced recall?
From a managerial perspective
Problem exists in an organizational setting How does price and quality rate on consumers’ evaluation of products?
An area that a manager believes needs to be improved in the
organization
What are the components of quality of life?
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
IN-CLASS EXERCISES ON BROAD PROBLEM AREA AND PROBLEM DEFINITION
DEFINITION
MARKETING 1. To what extent do the customers of Woodlands Restaurant like the menu, the quality of
1. The manager of Woodlands Restaurant is concerned about the low customer image of his food, the service, price, and ambiance of the restaurant?
restaurant.
2. Is the message in the most recent advertising of Dreamland Advertising Agency aimed at
2. The Dreamland Advertising Agency is wondering why its strategy did not work. the right target group?
ACCOUNTING 3. How should the currently standardized accounting procedures (such as depreciation, tax
write-offs, etc) be changed, as factories resort to specialized technology?
3. Narayan Associates is interested in knowing the implications of high technology in factories,
for accounting and auditing procedures and practices.
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
4. The Rosalin Auditing Company is perturbed about the different interpretations it is getting resolved?
from the tax administrators and tax accountants.
5. To what extent do the following factors contribute to the stagnating market price of
FINANCE Jankrish's shares – the dividend policy, the growth rate, perceived managerial problems, and
5. The board of directors of Jankrish Computers is worried about the stagnation of the the capital market conditions?
market price of the Company's stock.
6. Is the low return on the capital investment of Saratoga Supers, a function of low sales or
6. Saratoga Supers are perplexed about the low return on their capital investment. high operating expenses?
