MBB3724 Business Research Methods - ahmadbo.com · Sample Research Questions. Research Methods for Business 17 Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?

Research Methods for Business Research Methods for Business

MBB3724Business Research Methods


The Research Process

• Selecting a topic for research

• Broad problem area

• Problem Statements

• Research Questions and Research Objectives

• Conceptual framework/theoretical models

Research Methods for Business

Ahmad Othman @2006 3

References

Demonstrate

Ethical Standards

Research

Topic

Review

LiteratureResearch

Design

Research

Tools

Prepare

Report

Defend

Proposal

Start

Problem

BackgroundProblem

Statement

ROs & RQs

Operational

Definitions

Conceptual

Framework

End

APA_Referencing_6th_ed.htm


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A persuasive problem statement consists of three parts:

1) the ideal, 2) the reality, and 3) the consequences for the reader of the feasibility report.

Your strategy is one of contrast: by situating the ideal scenario next to the situation as it exists, you will not only persuade the reader that a problem exists, but then go on to emphasize the consequences of ignoring or addressing the problem.

Remember, your problem statement is the backbone of the proposal and the feasibility report. By giving careful consideration to how you construct it (for the proposal), you can use it when doing your research and writing for the proposal as well as the progress and the feasibility report.

Formulating Problem Statements:


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Describe the goals, desired state, or the values that your audience considers important and that are relevant to the problem.

(BUT)Connect statements 1 and 2 using a term such as "but," "however,“ "Unfortunately," or "in spite of";

STATEMENT 1

(DESCRIPTION OF THE IDEAL SCENARIO)

Example

STATEMENT 1

In order to provide excellent patient care at a minimal cost, Middletown

Hospital needs diagnostic procedures that are safe, efficient, and accurate. In

addition, the procedures should not be overly painful for the patient.


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Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value discussed in statement 1 from being achieved or realized at the present time.

STATEMENT 2

(THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION)

Example

STATEMENT 2

Right now, Middletown Hospital's main diagnostic tools are CAT scans

and myelograms (spinal taps). The CAT scan fails to make clear diagnoses

60% of the time. When the CAT scan fails, doctors must resort to

the myelogram. While the myelograms are accurate, this procedure is very

painful and sometimes dangerous for the patient.


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Using specific details, show how the situation in statement 2 contains little promise of improvement unless something is done. Then emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of possible solutions as well.

STATEMENT 3

(THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE AUDIENCE)

Example

STATEMENT 3

If Middletown Hospital continues to do the two procedures, they will not

only be wasting time and money, which jeopardizes their overall efficiency

and earning potential. Also, undue suffering could lead patients to choose

another hospital with more advanced facilities.


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Describe the areas of inquiry you will use that could lead to solutions to the problem--- how will you research the problem? What sources of information, types of research (primary or secondary),or tools will you use to help you find solutions and make recommendations to resolve the clash?

RESEARCH

(YOUR PROPOSED RESEARCH TO INVESTIGATE THE

POSSIBILITY OF MAKING THE REALITY MORE LIKE THE

IDEAL.)

Example

RESEARCH

A new diagnostic technique, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) may surpass

the CAT scan in accuracy and reduce the need to resort to the myelogram. I

propose to research the feasibility of establishing an NMR lab at Middletown

hospital. I will investigate the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of NMR as well

as implementation issues.


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Example

PhD PROPOSAL SITI AISHAH.htm


Example of PROBLEM STATEMEMTS

AUDIENCE:

I am writing to Mrs. Kelly. She is the RAINBOWS director at Hills High School,

in New Jersey. RAINBOWS is an international organization that is run through

schools, churches, and other organizations. It helps youth deal with a

significant loss in their life, mainly death or divorce. The program in PHHS is a

pilot program that has been in effect for about 4 years.

STATEMENT 1 (IDEAL SITUATION)

In order to help individuals learn to deal with grief after a major loss has

occurred in their life, the Spectrum division of the RAINBOWS program in Hills

High School aims to provide each student in the program an environment in

which they feel safe, comfortable, and normal. The goal of RAINBOWS is to

help students learn, understand, deal with, and move on from their loss.


STATEMENT 2 (CURRENT SITUATION)

However, often, students don't know other students in the optional weekly

group meeting very well, which causes them to be uncomfortable and

hesitant about speaking. In the presence of their peers, a student does not

feel safe about speaking or expressing their feelings in fear that they may be

judged. Also, optional weekly meetings send the message that it is optional

to deal with the loss, when in fact the students must learn about their loss

and how to live with it.

STATEMENT 3 (CONSEQUENCE OF THE CURRENT SITUATION)

By not feeling comfortable or safe in the program, students are not able to

fully learn, understand, deal with, or move on from their loss.


RESEARCH

I would like to investigate different strategies such as family

involvement, individual meetings, more awareness of the program, and

mandatory involvement and see if they might help the student to

recover from their loss. I would also like to look into the probability of

the implementation of these strategies.



References

Demonstrate

Ethical Standards

Research

Topic

Review

LiteratureResearch

Design

Research

Tools

Prepare

Report

Defend

Proposal

Start

Problem

BackgroundProblem

Statement

ROs & RQs

Operational

Definitions

Conceptual

Framework

End



14

How to Write a Research Question

What is a research question?

A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and

arguable question around which you centre your research. You

should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious

about.

Why is a research question essential to the research process?

Research questions help writers focus their research by providing

a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a

well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about”

paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis.


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Steps to developing a research question:

Is your research question clear?

Research questions must be as clear as possible in

order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her

research.

Is your research question focused?

Research questions must be specific enough to be well

covered in the space available.

Is your research question complex?

Research questions should not be answerable with a simple

“yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts. They should, instead,

require both research and analysis on the part of the writer.


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Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?

Clear: How are online users experiencing or

addressing privacy issues on such social networking

sites as MySpace and Facebook?

The unclear version of this question doesn’t specify which social

networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites are causing. It

also assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The clearer

version specifies sites (MySpace and Facebook), the type of harm

(privacy issues), and who the issue is harming (users). A strong research

question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation.

Sample Research Questions


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Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment

from global warming?

Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins

in Antarctica?

The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn’t be

adequately answered in a book-length piece.

The focused version narrows down to a specific cause (glacial

melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and a specific group that

is affected (penguins). When in doubt, make a research

question as narrow and focused as possible.


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Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in

the U.S.?

Appropriately Complex: What are common traits of those

suffering from diabetes in America, and

how can these commonalities be used

to aid the medical community in

prevention of the disease?

The simple version of this question can be looked up online and

answered in a few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis.

The more complex version is written in two parts; it is thought provoking

and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the

writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer

a research question, it’s likely not very effective.



References

Demonstrate

Ethical Standards

Research

Topic

Review

LiteratureResearch

Design

Research

Tools

Prepare

Report

Defend

Proposal

Start

Problem

BackgroundProblem

Statement

ROs & RQs

Operational

Definitions

Conceptual

Framework

End



20

An operational definition is a statement that describes how a particular variable is to be measured,

or It can be a demonstration of a process - such as a variable, term, or object - relative in terms of the specific process or set of validation tests used to determine its presence and quantity.

Operational definitions need to be clear and precise so that a reader knows exactly what to observe or measure.

Operational Definition


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Example 1:

Lemon juice, vinegar, and certain other substances are acids. To find out

whether a substance is an acid, place a drop of the substance on blue litmus paper.

Operational definition: Substances that cause the litmus paper to turn pink

are acids.

Example 2:To measure a person’s pulse, place your index and middle

fingers lightly on the inside of the person’s wrist and find the beating artery.

Operational definition: The pulse is the number of beats counted in 1 minute.

Example 3:You have to classify vertebrates as fish, amphibians, reptiles,

birds, or mammals. Operational definition: A bird is an animal that has two

feet, a pair of wings, and feathers.

Example 4:You have to determine the relative ages of layers of sedimentary

rock. Operational definition: In sedimentary rock that has not been disturbed,

the oldest rock is the bottom layer area, and the youngest rock is the top

layer.


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Look over the written plan for carrying out an investigation, or write up a plan.

Identify and list any variables or terms that do not have a single, clear, obvious meaning.

If there are several reasonable ways to make an observation or to perform an action, choose one that suits the purpose of the investigation.

Write a clear, complete definition of what the researcher should do or measure. Check your definition by asking yourself, Will this definition tell another person what to observe or how to measure?

Tips for Writing Operational Definitions


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References

Demonstrate

Ethical Standards

Research

Topic

Review

LiteratureResearch

Design

Research

Tools

Prepare

Report

Defend

Proposal

Start

Problem

BackgroundProblem

Statement

ROs & RQs

Operational

Definitions

Conceptual

Framework

End



24

A conceptual framework is used in research to outline

possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach

to an idea or thought.

Conceptual frameworks (theoretical frameworks) are a type of

intermediate theory that attempt to connect to all aspects of

inquiry (e.g., problem definition, purpose, literature review,

methodology, data collection and analysis).

Conceptual frameworks can act like maps that give coherence to

empirical inquiry. Because conceptual frameworks are potentially

so close to empirical inquiry, they take different forms depending

upon the research question or problem.

Conceptual Frameworks


PLANNED BEHAVIOR MODEL


MODEL OF TRUST


SERVICE QUALITY MODEL


MODEL OF QUALITY


CHILD DEVELOPMENT MODEL


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References

Demonstrate

Ethical Standards

Research

Topic

Review

LiteratureResearch

Design

Research

Tools

Prepare

Report

Defend

Proposal

Start

Problem

BackgroundProblem

Statement

ROs & RQs

Operational

Definitions

Conceptual

Framework

End

12_References.ppt


31

THANK YOU

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MBB3724 Business Research Methods - ahmadbo.com · Sample Research Questions. Research Methods for Business 17 Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?