2. ‘Research is simply the process of thoroughly studying and analysing the situational factors surrounding a problem in order to seek out solutions to it’..(Applied research) OR ‘Research is a detailed study of a subject, carried out to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding’..(Basic research) 2

3. Stages of the research process »Formulating and clarifying a topic »Reviewing the literature »Designing the research »Collecting data »Analysing data »Writing up

5. 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?

6. Appropriateness: is it worthwhile? »Will the examining institute's standards be met? »Does 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?

7. Relevancy Does the topic relate clearly to an idea you were given - possibly by your organisation?

8. Refining research ideas Using the Delphi technique ˃ Brief the group about research idea, ask them to generate independently up to three specific research ideas based on the original research idea with justification, collect from them the so developed research ideas and redistribute in an unedited form amongst all group-members. ˃ Repeat the above cycle so that group-members improve their own contribution in light of what others have said. ˃ Repeat the cycle till the time that group reaches on some consensus on the research idea; this either follows a similar cycle or group discussion, voting or some other method.

9. Turning research ideas into research projects ( Research ideas  research topic  research questions  research objectives) Write research questions It is often a useful starting point in the writing of research questions to begin with one general focus research question that flows from your research idea; this may lead to several more detailed research questions

10. Examples of research ideas and their derived focus questions Table 2.2 Examples of research ideas and their derived focus research questions

11. Writing research objectives Phrasing research question as research objective: an example Research question Why have organizations introduced team briefing? Research objective To identify organizations’ objectives for team briefing schemes

12. Another example Research topic Prevalence of organizational justice in Pakistani organizations Research questions * Do the four facets of organizational justice (distributive, procedural, interactive & informational justice) prevail in Pakistani organizations? * Is the prevalence of four facets of organizational justice evenly distributed across public-versus-private sector organizations, gender and educational level of employees? * Do the four facets of organizational justice determine employees’ job satisfaction?

13. Research Objectives » To investigate in to prevalence of organizational justice in Pakistan » To find out the prevalence levels of distributive justice, procedural justice, interactive justice and informational justice in Pakistani organizations. » To study whether the prevalence of the four facets of organizational justice is evenly distributed across public versus private sector organization, across gender, and across employees’ educational levels? » To study whether such prevalence determine employees’ job satisfaction?