1. Business and Management Research
Lecture 3
Professional Development and Research
Lecturer R. Milyankova
Chapter 1

2. Introduction to Business and Management Research (Chapter 1)
Objectives of this session:
Formulating and understanding of research
Developing an appreciation of research problems
Developing a recognition of what constitutes a ‘good’ dissertation/ project

3. Introduction to Business and Management Research
Research Method – tools and techniques used to obtain and analyze data
Research methodology – the theory of how research should be undertaken

4. The nature of research
Research is something that people undertake in order to find out things in a systematic way
Why people undertake research?
…in order to find things out in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge (Jankowicz, 1995)
Systematic = based on logical relations and not just beliefs
To find out things = possible purposes are describing, explaining, understanding, criticizing and analyzing
What is research?
…to research is to seek answers that involve understanding and explanation (Williams & May, 1996)

5. The nature of research
Main characteristics of research:
Data is collected systematically
Data is interpreted systematically
There is a clear purpose: to find things out

6. The Nature of Business and Management Research
Need to go beyond common sense
often wrong
incomplete
Research is different from common sense
done to achieve specific goals/ relies on specific methods/ and is done systematically
Purpose of doing research
to describe/ explain/ understand/ criticize/ analyze

7. Main features of business and management research
The way in which managers and researchers draw on knowledge developed by other disciplines or the transdisciplinary nature of this research
Managers are powerful and busy people and do not allow research unless they see personal and commercial advantages
Research must have practical consequences on the findings or research should complete the virtuous circle of theory and practice

8. Main features of business and management research
The double hurdle of theory and practice:
Mode 1 knowledge creation: questions are set and solved by academic interests
Mode 2 knowledge creation : research is governed by the world of practice

9. Research is: Pure (fundamental, basic) Applied Action discovery
invention
reflection
Applied
solution of problems
evaluation
Action
should lead to change

10. Business and Management Research
Basic
Applied
Purpose
expand knowledge of process of B&M
results in universal principles relating to the process and its relationship to outcomes
findings of significance and value to society in general
Purpose
improve understanding of particular B&M problem
results in solution to problem
new knowledge limited to problem
findings of practical relevance and value to manager/s in organization/s

11. Business and Management Research
Basic
Applied
Context
undertaken by people based in universities/ researh institutes
choice of topic and objectives determined by researcher
flexible timescales
Context
undertaken by people based in a variety of settings including organizations
objectives negotiated with originator
tight timescales

12. The research process Formulating and clarifying a topic
Reviewing literature
Choosing a strategy
Collecting data
Analyzing data
Writing up

13. The research process
Forward planning
Reflection and revision

14. Why do a dissertation? To extend knowledge To develop research skills
To demonstrate ability to apply knowledge and skills and analyze problems
For personal learning
develop in-depth knowledge
help with career

15. What should a dissertation include?
Abstract
Introductory chapter
Literature review
Methodology
Results chapter/s
Conclusions / recommendations
References / bibliography
Appendices

16. How should the dissertation be written?
Clarity and simplicity
write simple sentences
avoid jargon
beware of using large numbers of quotations from literature
Spelling and Grammar
Person, tense and gender
Correct reference

17. Formulating the research topic (Chapter 2)
To be something you are capable of undertaking
To excite your imagination
To feel comfortable you have or can develop the skills required to research the topic
To have a genuine interest towards the topic
To have financial and time resources to undertake research
To receive an answer with significant importance

18. Checklist of attributes of a good research topic
Does the topic fit the specifications and meet the standards set by the examining institution
Is the topic something with which you are really fascinated
Does your research topic contain issues that have clear link to theory
Do you have or can you develop within the project time frame, the necessary research skills to undertake the topic
Is the research topic achievable within the available time

19. Checklist of attributes of a good research topic
Is the research topic achievable within the financial resources that are likely to be available?
Are you reasonably certain of being able to gain access to data you are likely to require for this topic
Are you able to state your research questions and objectives clearly?
Will your proposed research be able to provide fresh insights into the topic?

20. Assignment:
Choose your research topic for the next classes and be ready to discuss it