The Research Question: Formulation of the Problem Chapter 2

The Research Question Who cares? Who cares? New Coke New Coke Research Problems v. Research Opportunities Research Problems v. Research Opportunities Source: wikipedia.org

Problem Formation

Step 1: Meet with Client Why? Why? Planned Change v. Unplanned Change Planned Change v. Unplanned Change Source:

Step 2: Clarify the Problem/Opportunity Comes from client meetings Comes from client meetings Example: New product is not selling Example: New product is not selling Normal thinking Normal thinking

Step 3: State the Manager’s Decision Problem What is a decision problem? What is a decision problem? Ex.- “Why are store revenues low?” Ex.- “Why are store revenues low?” Two types Two types Discovery-oriented problem Discovery-oriented problem Answers “_________?” or “________?” about a problem Answers “_________?” or “________?” about a problem Unplanned changes Unplanned changes Strategy-oriented problem Strategy-oriented problem Answers “________?” about a problem Answers “________?” about a problem Planned changes Planned changes

Step 4: Develop Possible Research Problems

Step 5: Select Research Problems to be Addressed Limitations Limitations How many to research? How many to research?

Step 6: Prepare Research Request Agreement “Document prepared by researcher after client meeting that summarizes problem and what information is needed” “Document prepared by researcher after client meeting that summarizes problem and what information is needed” Includes: Includes: Background Background Decision problem Decision problem Research problem Research problem Use Use Population Population Logistics Logistics

Research Proposal Research Proposal Research Proposal Request for Proposal (RFP) Request for Proposal (RFP) “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.” “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 Sections: Sections: Problem recognition Research design Sampling plan Data collection forms Analysis Time schedule Personnel requirements Appendices Source: