RESEARCH FORMULATION
IM3105 Research Methods for Business
Sem 1, 2024-2025
Adapted from the Business Research Methods Lecture Notes of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Nguyễn Hậu
Content
1. Classification of business research
2. Formulation of the research
3. Criteria for an appropriate research project
1. Research classification
Based on the generalizability of the findings
Basic research
Applied research
Basic Research Applied Research
Context-free Context-specific
Global knowledge Local knowledge
1. Research classification
Based on the data sources
Desk research
Field research
Based on the conclusiveness
Exploratory research
Conclusive/Confirmatory research
1. Research classification
Based on the form of observed data
Qualitative research
Quantitative research
Based on the nature of findings
Descriptive research
Causal / Associative research
2. Research formulation
A difficult and time-consuming stage
Often starting from a broad area/ subject of interest
Must be linked to a business problem or phenomenon
Narrow down to more specific issues or questions
In the form of what / how / why / … questions
2. Research formulation
Sources of research topics
1. From business/management problem to be solved
2. From the suggestion of managers or policymakers
3. Limitations or suggestions from previous research
4. Shortages or incompleteness of existing theories
5. Experience or observation of the researcher
2. Research formulation
Justifying and formulating the research
1. Analyzing the business/management problem to identify the need for
knowledge (information) to solve it
2. Showing that the existing body of knowledge is not available, not specific, or
not relevant
3. Indicating the need for new knowledge (information) and its
importance/significance
4. Formulating the research problem or questions
2. Research formulation
Justifying and formulating the research
1. Background (introduce research objects, context, and key concepts)
2. Describing the related business or management problem
3. Statement of the research problem or questions
4. Shortages of knowledge (information) of the topic
5. Statement of research objectives
6. Importance or significance of the research
7. Setting the scope and presumption of the research
+ This part is critical for any research project
+ The order and emphasis may vary across different situations
+ Understanding the logical flow from management problem to research objective
3. Criteria for a good research formulation
Research Topic:
1. Significance: by theoretical implications or practical implications
2. Researchability: the research objects can be observed, described, explained,
or predicted
1.
3. Adequacy:
Complication level - researcher’s skill - experience
Available resources and conditions
Research Formulation:
Ensure the logical flow and justification from business problem to research
objectives
Provide strong supportive evidence.
