Chapter 3.pptx the broad problem area and defining the problem statement
- 1. Chapter 3 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH THE RESEARCH PROCESS - THE BROAD PROBLEM AREA AND DEFINING THE PROBLEM STATEMENT
- 2. The Broad Problem Area Examples of broad problem areas that a manager could observe at the workplace: Training programs are not as effective as anticipated. The sales volume of a product is not picking up. Minority group members are not advancing in their careers. The newly installed information system is not being used by the managers for whom it was primarily designed. The introduction of flexible work hours has created more problems than it has solved in many companies. 2
- 3. Preliminary Information Gathering Nature of information to be gathered: Background information of the organization. Prevailing knowledge on the topic. 3
- 4. First Review of the Literature Helps the researcher to: Structure research on work already done Develop problem statement with precision and clarity Is beneficial in both basic and applied research projects
- 5. Critical Literature Review A literature review is “the selection of available documents (both published and unpublished) on the topic, which contain information, ideas, data and evidence written from a particular standpoint to fulfill certain aims or express certain views on the nature of the topic and how it is to be investigated, and the effective evaluation of these documents in relation to the research being proposed” (Hart, 1998, p. 13).
- 6. Functions Literature Review Research builds on existing knowledge One does “reinvent the wheel” Look at a problem from a specific angle Find out what variables are important to consider Introduce relevant terminology/provide definitions Provide arguments for the relationships variables Testability and replicability are enhanced. Research findings are related to findings of others.
- 7. Data sources Textbooks Academic and professional journals Theses Conference proceedings Unpublished manuscripts Reports of government departments and corporations Newspapers The Internet
- 8. Searching for literature Most libraries have the following electronic resources at their disposal: Electronic journals Full-text databases Bibliographic databases Abstract databases
- 9. Evaluating the literature Titles Abstract Table of contents/first chapter book Number of citations
- 10. Documenting the Literature Review Literature review introduces Subject study Highlights the problem Summarizes work done so far
- 11. A good problem statement Research objective: why of the research Research objective applied research: to solve a specific problem in a work setting; to change something. Example: To determine factors that increase employee commitment to the organization; Allows manager to increase commitment and hence to decrease turnover, absenteeism and increase performance levels.
- 12. Example The purpose of this study is twofold: 1. to identify the factors that influence the passenger’s waiting experience and 2. to investigate the possible impact of waiting on customer satisfaction and service evaluations.
- 13. A good problem statement Research questions: what of the research (what do you want to learn?) Translates problem into a specific need for information Research questions: Are related to the objective If objective is unclear we will not be able to formulate research questions Example: What are the factors that affect the perceived waiting experience of airline passengers To what extent do these factors affect the perception of waiting times? What are the affective consequences of waiting How does affect mediate the relationship between waiting and service evaluations? How do situational variables (such as filled time) influence customer reactions to the waiting experience?
- 14. Good problem statement Relevant for the organization Feasible you are able to answer the research questions within the restrictions of the research project. Interesting to you!
- 15. The research proposal The research proposal drawn up by the investigator is the result of a planned, organized, and careful effort.
- 16. Research Proposal contains (1) Working title. Background of the study. The problem statement. - The purpose of the study. - Research questions. The scope of the study. The relevance of the study.
- 17. Research Proposal contains (2) The research design offering details on: a. Type of study b. Data collection methods c. The sampling design. d. Data analysis. Time frame of the study Budget Selected bibliography.