RESEARCH PROCESS

The research process is a walk through framework or guideline to research (Saunders et al., 1997). The process given above shows the orderly process with one stage leading logically on to the next. However, in practise, research is rarely like that.

The Research Path or Process 1. Identify a broad area of study 2. Select/ develop the research topic 3. Decide the Approach 4. Develop the Plan 5. Collect the data or information 6. Analyse & interpret the Data 7. Present the Findings

Identifying a broad Area of Study You may find a research topic of your course from your job, work, experience, or problems. For example you may have an interest in terms of SMEs in Zimbabwe.

Develop a Research Topic This is a narrowed down research problem which is small enough to be investigated. This leads to setting research questions. The classic way in academic research to identify a research problem is to consider the literature and identify any gaps.

Examples of Topic from broad area of study Operational challenges of SMEs in Zimbabwe (2000-2008) . Challenges behind the modalities of SMEs funding in Zimbabwe. SMEs the future of Zimbabwean Business.

Decide the approach Your general approach to the research is known as your research paradigm. The term paradigm refers to the progress of scientific practice based on people’s philosophies and assumptions about the world and the nature of knowledge; in this context about how research should be conducted

Your approach to the entire process of the research study is known as your research methodology. The assumptions you use in your research and the way you define your research problems will influence the way you conduct the study.

Develop the Plan This is a detail course of action. This specify the activities to be done and their specified time periods of undertaking the activities. Failure to develop a proper plan of action will result in the research not being accomplished.

Collecting The Research Data Data can be collected by using: Interviews Questionnaires Experiments Observation Focus groups

However, data can also be collected from secondary sources such as: Financial statements Magazines RBZ ZIMSTATS E.t.c

If you have quantitative methodology you will be attempting to measure variables or count occurrences of a phenomenon. On the other hand, if you have a qualitative methodology, you will emphasise meanings and experiences related to the phenomena.

Analysing and Interpreting the research data The analysis and interpretation of your research forms the major part of your research project. The tools of analysis depends on whether you have collected quantitative or qualitative data. Several descriptive statistics can be applied:

Measures of central tendency Measures of Variation Certain graphs/Tables can also be applied: Pie charts Bar graphs Simple to complicated tables E.t.c

Writing The Report It is important to write up your research in stages other that waiting for the final write up You can communicate with your supervisor (lecturer/tutor) for the stages of the write up. Remember your score is based on the final write up.