1. Business research – introduction The nature of business and management research and formulating and clarifying the research topic

2. "The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows. "
Aristotle Onassis

3. Terminology
Methods -
The techniques and procedures used to obtain data
Methodology -
The theory of how research should be undertaken
Saunders et al. (2009) 3

4. The nature of research Definition: Characteristics:
Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.


























‘Something that people undertake in order to find things out in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge’
Saunders et al. (2009)
Research provides the needed information that guides managers to make informed decisions to successfully deal with problems.
….is a systematic and objective process of generating information for aid in making business decisions.
Characteristics:
Data are collected systematically
Data are interpreted systematically
There is a clear purpose to find things out

5. Systematic? „Systematic’ suggests that:
research is based on logical relationships and not just beliefs and facts are in logical order and sequence.
As part of this, your research will involve an explanation of the methods used to collect the data, will argue why the results obtained are meaningful, and will explain any limitations that are associated with them.“

6. Business and management research
Is transdisciplinary
Engages with both theory and practice
Involves undertaking systematic research
Should be undertaken with rigour

7. Features of business and management research
Basic and applied research
Sources:
authors’ experience; Easterby-Smith et al. (2008); Hedrick et al. (1993)
Figure 1.1 Basic and applied research

8. Major Topics for Research in Business
General Business Conditions and Corporate Research
Financial and Accounting Research
Management and Organizational Behavior Research
Sales and Marketing Research
Information Systems Research
Corporate Responsibility Research….

9. Determining If and When to Conduct Business Research
Time constraints
Availability of data
Nature of the decision
Benefits versus costs

10. Determining When to Conduct Business Research
Availability of Data
Time Constraints
Nature of the
Decision
Benefits vs. Costs
Is sufficient time
available before
a managerial
decision
must be made?
Conducting
Business
Research
Is the infor-
mation already
on hand
inadequate
for making
the decision?
Is the decision
of considerable
strategic
or tactical
importance?
Does the value
of the research
information
exceed the cost
of conducting
research?
yes
yes
yes
yes no no no no
Do Not Conduct Business Research

11. Value Should Exceed Estimated Costs
Decreased certainty
Increased likelihood of a correct decision
Improved business performance and resulting higher profits
COSTS
Research expenditures
Delay of business decision and possible disclosure of information to rivals
Possible erroneous research results

12. Things to consider Realities and pitfalls of research
Approaches, strategies and methods
Techniques and procedures for data collection and analysis
Appropriate use of information technology

13. The research process (1) Stages of the research process
Formulating and clarifying a topic
Reviewing the literature
Designing the research
Collecting data
Analysing data
Writing up
Based on Figure 1.2: Saunders et al. (2009)

14. The research process (2)
Factors to consider
The impact of your personal feelings and beliefs
Access to data
Time and other resources
Validity and reliability of the data
Ethical issues

15. Some other things to consider
Clear about what you are doing
Why you are doing it
The associated implications of what you are about to do

16. Formulating and clarifying your research topic
The important steps
Identifying the attributes of a good research topic
Generating ideas that help you select a suitable topic
Turning ideas into clear research questions and objectives
Writing your research proposal

17. Attributes of a good research topic (1) Capability: is it feasible?
Are you fascinated by the topic?
Do you have the necessary research skills?
Can you complete the project in the time available?
Will the research still be current when you finish?
Do you have sufficient financial and other resources?
Will you be able to gain access to data?

18. Attributes of a good research topic (2)
Appropriateness: is it worthwhile?
Will the examining institute's standards be met?
Does the the topic contain issues with clear links to theory?
Are the research questions and objectives clearly stated?
Will the proposed research provide fresh insights into the topic?
Are the findings likely to be symmetrical?
Does the research topic match your career goals?

19. Attributes of a good research topic (3)
And (if relevant)
Does the topic relate clearly to an idea
you were given -
possibly by your organisation ?

20. Generating research ideas
Useful Techniques
Rational thinking Creative thinking
Searching the literature Scanning the media
Brainstorming Relevance Trees
Exploring past projects Discussion
Keeping an ideas notebook

21. Rational thinking Examining your own strengths and interests
Looking at past project titles
Discussion
Searching the literature
Scanning the media

22. Creative thinking Keeping a notebook of ideas
Exploring personal preferences using past projects
Relevance trees
Brainstorming

23. Rational thinking and creative thinking
These techniques will generate possible project one of two outcomes:
One or more possible project ideas that you might undertake;
Absolute panic because nothing in which you are interested or which seems suitable has come to mind.

24. Examining own strengths and interests
Having some academic knowledge
Look at those assignments for which you have received good grade.
You may, as part of your reading, be able to focus more precisely on the sort of ideas about which you wish to conduct your research
There is a need to think about your future

25. Looking at past project title
Dissertations;
Theses.
Scan your university’s list of past project titles for anything that captures your imagination
Scanning actual research projects.
You need to beware. The fact that a project is in your library is no guarantee of the quality of the arguments and observations it contains.

26. Discussion
Colleagues, friends, university tutors, practitioner and professional groups

27. Searching the literature
As part of your discussions, relevant literature may also be suggested. Sharp et al, (2002) discuss types of literature that are of particular use for generating research ideas. These include:
Article in academic and professional journals;
Reports;
Books.

28. Scanning the media
Keeping up to date with items in the news can be a very rich source of ideas

29. Keeping a notebook of ideas
One of the more creative techniques that we all use is to keep a notebook of ideas. All this involves is simply noting down any interesting research ideas as you think of them and, of equal importance, what sparked off your thought. You can then pursue the idea using more rational thinking technique later.

30. Exploring personal preferences using past project
Select six projects that you like
For each of these six projects, note down your first thoughts in response to three questions(if responses for different projects are the same this does not matter);
What appeals to you about the project?
What is good about the project?
Why is the project good?

31. Exploring personal preferences using past project
3. Select three projects you do not like.
4. For each of these three projects that you do not like.
What do you dislike about the project?
What is bad about the project?
Why is the project bad?

32. Relevance tree
You start with a broad concept from which you generate further (usually more specific) topics. Each of these topics forms a separate branch from which you can generate further, more detailed sub branches. As you proceed down the sub branches more ideas are generated and recorded. These can then be examined and a number selected and combined to provide a research idea

33. Brainstorming
Define your problem – that is, the sorts of ideas you are interested in – as precisely as possible.
Ask for suggestions, relating to the problem
Record all suggestions, observing the following rules:
No suggestion should be criticized or evaluated in any way before all ideas have been considered;
All suggestions, however wild, should be recorded and considered
As many suggestions as possible should be recorded.
Review all the suggestions and explore what is meant by each.
Analyze the list of suggestions and decide which appeal to to you most as research ideas why.

34. Refining research ideas
Using the Delphi Technique
Conducting a preliminary study
Continually testing out your ideas
Integrating ideas
Refining topics given to you by your organisation

35. The Delphi technique
This involves using a group of people who are either involved or interested in the research idea to generate and choose a more specific research idea. To use this technique you need:
To brief the members of the group about the research idea;
At the end of the briefing to encourage group members to seek clarification and more information as appropriate;
To ask each member of the group including the originator of the research ideas based on the idea that has been described (justification)

36. The Delphi technique
To collect the research ideas in unedited and non-attributable form and to distribute them to all members of the group;
A second cycle of the process (steps 2 to 4)in which comment on the research ideas and revise their own contributions in the light of what others have said;
Subsequence cycles of the process until a consensus is reached . These either follow a similar pattern (steps 2 to 4)in or use discussion. Voting or some other method.

37. Writing research questions Write research questions that are
Consistent with expected standards
Able to produce clear conclusions
At the right level ( not too difficult )
Not too descriptive
Use the ‘Goldilocks Test’
Clough and Nutbrown (2002)

38. Goldilocks test
Clough and Nutbrown use what they call the Goldilocks test to decide if research questions are either too big two small too hot or just right/
Too big need significant funding
Too small are likely to be insufficient substance
Too hot maybe so because sensitivities that may be aroused as a result of doing the research . This may be because of the timing of the research or the many other reasons that may be upset key people who have a role to play.
Just right are those just right for investigation at this time by this research in this setting

39. Turning ideas into research projects (1)
Examples of research ideas
and their derived focus questions
Table 2.2 Examples of research ideas and their derived focus research questions

40. Turning ideas into research projects (2)
Useful techniques
Start with a general focus question
Discuss areas of interest with your tutor

41. Turning ideas into research projects (3)
Writing clear research objectives
Check your examining body’s preferences for stated objectives
Use a general focus question to achieve precise objectives
Saunders et al. (2009)

42. Turning ideas into research projects (4)
Include SMART Personal objectives
Specific: What precisely do you hope to achieve from undertaking the research?
Measurable: What measures will you use to determine whether you have achieved your objectives?(Secured a career-level first job in software design)
Achievable: Are the targets you have set for yourself achievable given all the possible constraints?
Realistic: Given all other demands upon your time, will you have the time and energy to complete the research on time?
Timely: Will you have time to accomplish all your objectives?

43. The importance of theory
Asking for opinions and gathering facts – 'what' questions (descriptive research)
Using questions that go beyond description and require analysis – 'why' questions
Phillips and Pugh (2005)
In order to:
Explain phenomena Analyse relationships
Predict outcomes Compare and generalise

44. Theory
“ A formulation regarding the cause and effect relationship between two or more variables, which may or may not have been tested”

45. Threefold typology of theories
Grand, middle range and substantive theories
Creswell (2002)
Figure 2.1 Grand, middle-range and substantive theories

46. Threefold typology of theories
Grand theories: Usually thought to be province of natural scientists . (that will lead to a whole new way of thinking about management)
Middle range theories: which lack the capacity to change the way in which we think about the world but are nonetheless of significance . (some of the theories of human motivation well known to manager would be in this category.
Substantive theories : that are restricted to a particular time, research setting, group or population or problem

47. Deductive approach and inductive approach
This discussion of theory dose assume that a clear theoretical position is developed prior to the collection of data (the deductive approach).
This will not always be the case. It may be that your study is based on the principle of developing theory after data have been collected (the inductive approach)

48. Writing your research proposal Purposes of the research proposal
To organise your ideas
To convince your audience
To contract with your client (your tutor)
To meet ethical requirements

49. Content of your research proposal (1)
Title - likely to change during the process
Background - context within the literature
Research questions and objectives - what you seek to achieve

50. Content of your research proposal (2)
Method - can be in two parts: research design and data collection
Timescale and Resources - (finance, data access, equipment)
References - include some key literature sources

51. Evaluating research proposals
How the components of the proposal fit together
Viability of the proposal
Absence of preconceived ideas

52. The best research topics
Summary: Chapter 2
The best research topics
Formulate and clarify the topic
Meet the requirements of the examining body
Use a variety of techniques when generating research ideas
Are focused on clear questions based on relevant literature

53. The best research topics
Summary: Chapter 2
The best research topics
Are theory dependent
Have a proposal containing organised ideas
Tell the reader:
What will be done and why
How it will be achieved