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Business research – introduction The nature of business and management research and formulating and clarifying the research topic
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"The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows. "
Aristotle Onassis
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Terminology Methods - The techniques and procedures used to obtain data Methodology - The theory of how research should be undertaken Saunders et al. (2009) 3
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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
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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.“
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Business and management research
Is transdisciplinary Engages with both theory and practice Involves undertaking systematic research Should be undertaken with rigour
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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
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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….
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Determining If and When to Conduct Business Research
Time constraints Availability of data Nature of the decision Benefits versus costs
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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?
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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 ?
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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
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Rational thinking Examining your own strengths and interests
Looking at past project titles Discussion Searching the literature Scanning the media
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Creative thinking Keeping a notebook of ideas
Exploring personal preferences using past projects Relevance trees Brainstorming
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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.
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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
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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.
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Discussion Colleagues, friends, university tutors, practitioner and professional groups
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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.
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Scanning the media Keeping up to date with items in the news can be a very rich source of ideas
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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.
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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)
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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
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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
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Turning ideas into research projects (2)
Useful techniques Start with a general focus question Discuss areas of interest with your tutor
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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)
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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?
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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
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Theory “ A formulation regarding the cause and effect relationship between two or more variables, which may or may not have been tested”
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Threefold typology of theories
Grand, middle range and substantive theories Creswell (2002) Figure 2.1 Grand, middle-range and substantive theories
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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Evaluating research proposals
How the components of the proposal fit together Viability of the proposal Absence of preconceived ideas
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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
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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
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