1 Stage 3 Defining The Specific Research Problem Prepared By : Mukunda Kumar

2 Defining The Specific Research Problem Research forms a cycle that starts with a problem and ends with a solution to the problem. The PROBLEM STATEMENT is the axis that the whole research revolves around, because it explains in short, the aim of the research. Having completed our initial review of the literature and having acquired enough information to enable us to decide on the specifics of what we shall do, we are ready to define the specific research problem.

3 What is a Research Problem? Research Problem is a Business situation that causes us to feel anxious, confused and unhappy. It is the presence of a problem areas with a certain context involving:- –the WHO or WHAT; –the WHERE; –the WHEN ; and –the WHY of the problem situation.

4 What is Research Problem? Three sources could have contributed to our problem identification that give rise to research:- 1. Our own experience or experiences of others in the field. 2. Research literature when we read about certain findings and noticed that a certain field was not covered, which could lead to a research problem. 3. Conceptual literature where we find shortcomings in theories that could be researched.

5 What is Research Problem? Research can be aimed at: Clarifying or substantiating an existing theory; Clarifying contradictory findings; Correcting a faulty methodology; Correcting the inadequate or unsuitable use of statistical techniques; Reconciling conflicting opinions; or Solving existing practical problems.

6 What is a Research Problem? Research problem can be stated in the form of either questions or statements. Research problem should always be formulated grammatically correct and as completely as possible.

7 Statement of the Problem The statement of the problem involves the demarcation and formulation of the problem; ie The WHO/WHAT, WHERE,WHEN and WHY Turning our research problem or topic into a number of research questions will clarify the range of methods available to answer each of them and give us some idea of what our data and findings will look like.

8 Writing Research Questions Defining clear research questions at the beginning of the research process is important as they largely determine the clear conclusions drawn from the data collected. Research questions may flow from initial examination of relevant Research Literature.

9 Turning Research Ideas Into Research Projects Research IdeasGeneral Focus Research Questions 1. The sponsorship of football clubs by commercial organizations. 1. What benefit do commercial organizations derive from sponsorship of football clubs? 2. The adoption by manufacturing companies of ‘flexible workforces’. 2. Why do manufacturing companies divide their workforces into ‘core’ and ‘peripheral’ workers? 3. The future of Trade Unions.3. What are the strategies that Trade Unions should adopt to ensure their viability into the new century? 4. Team-briefing4. Why have organizations introduced team- briefing.

10 WRITING RESEARCH OBJECTIVES A useful starting point is to begin with one general focus research question which flows from the research idea which may then lead to several more detailed research questions. We may also use our general focus research question as a base to write a set of research objectives.

11 Examples of Research Questions and their Derived Research Objectives Research QuestionsResearch Objectives 1. Why have organizations introduced team-briefing? 1. To identify organizations’ objectives for team-briefing schemes. 2. How can the effectiveness of team-briefing schemes be measured? 2. To establish suitable effectiveness criteria for team-briefing schemes. 3. Has team briefing been effective?3. To describe the extend to which the effectiveness criteria for team- building have been met 4. How can the effectiveness of team-briefing be explained? 4. To determine those factors associated with the effectiveness criteria for team-briefing being met and to estimate whether some of factors are more influential then others

12 Workshop Exercise 3 1. THE PROBLEM STATEMENT or STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM or THE PROBLEM AREA/THE RESEARCH PROBLEM to be investigated.

13 WORKSHOP 3 2. Research Question/s or Hypothesis/es (a statement rather than a question) What do you want to find out from your research on the research problem? 3. Research Objectives.

14 The End…