INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS RESEARCH IN MODERN WORLD.ppt
- 1. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
- 2. 2 What is Research ? Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.
- 3. 3 What is Research ? Managers in organizations constantly engage themselves in studying and analyzing issues and hence are involved in some form of research activity as they make decisions at the workplace.
- 4. 4 Business Research Business research can be described as a systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work setting, that needs a solution. Business research comprises a series of steps designed and executed, with the goal of finding answers to the issues that are of concern to the manager in the work environment.
- 5. 5 Research and the Manager Problems in Management: - Employee attitudes and behaviors - Human resources management - Production operations management - Information systems
- 6. 6 Research and the Manager Problems in Marketing: - Advertising - Sales promotion - Product packaging - Product pricing - Consumer preferences - New product development
- 7. 7 Types of Business Research Research can be undertaken for two different purposes: 1. To solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting. Such research is called applied research. 2. To generate a body of knowledge about how to solve problems that could be occurred in organizations. This is called basic research or fundamental research. It is also known as pure research.
- 8. 8 Examples of Applied Research Packages sales increased by 200% from 2001 to 2008. but the sales decreased by 6% in 2009. What is the reason for this decrease? The question is: what will Packages do about this problem?
- 9. 9 Examples of Basic Research University professors engage in basic research in an effort to understand and generate more knowledge about various aspects of businesses, such as: - How to improve the effectiveness of information systems. - How to integrate technology into the overall strategic objectives of an organization. - How to increase the productivity of the employees. - How to increase the effectiveness of small businesses.
- 10. 10 Examples of Basic Research These findings later become useful for application in business situations.
- 11. 11 Distinction Between Applied and Basic Research The main distinction between applied and basic business research is: - Applied research is specifically aimed at solving a currently experienced problem. - Basic research has a broader objective of generating knowledge and understanding of phenomena and problems that occur in various organizational settings. - Both types of research follow the same steps of systematic inquiry to arrive at solutions to problems.
- 12. 12 Managers and Research Managers with knowledge of research have an advantage over those without. Minor problems can be solved by the manager, major problems would warrant the hiring of outside researchers or consultants. Managers are the ones to take the decision on the basis of research findings and conclusion.
- 13. 13 Advantages of Internal Researchers The internal researchers have better chance of being readily accepted by the employees. The team would require much less time to understand the structure, the philosophy and climate and work system of the organization.
- 14. 14 Advantages of Internal Researchers They would be available for implementing their recommendations after the research findings are accepted. The internal team might cost considerable less than the external team.
- 15. 15 Disadvantages of Internal Researchers They might have less fresh ideas and perspectives that might be needed to correct the problems. There is scope for certain powerful groups in the organization to influence or misrepresent certain facts.
- 16. 16 Disadvantages of Internal Researchers There is a possibility that the internal researchers are not perceived as “experts” by the management, and hence their recommendations do not get the consideration and attention they deserve. Certain organizational biases of the internal research team might make the findings less objective and less scientific.
- 17. 17 Advantages of External Consultants They have a wealth of experience from having worked with different types of organizations. They might have more knowledge of current sophisticated problem- solving models through their periodic training programs.
- 18. 18 Disadvantages of External Consultants The cost of hiring an external research team is usually high. They need a considerable time to understand the organization to be researched. They seldom get a warm welcome, nor are accepted by employees. They charges additional fees for their assistance in the implementation and evaluation phases.
- 19. 19 Ethics and Business Research Ethics in business research refers to a code of conduct of behavior while conducting research. Ethical conduct applies to the organization and the members that sponsor the research, the researchers who undertake the research, and the respondents who provide them with the necessary data.
- 20. 20 Ethics and Business Research The members that sponsor the research should do it in good faith, pay attention to what the results indicate, and pursue organizational rather than self-interest. Ethical conduct should also be reflected in the behavior of the researchers who conduct the investigation, the participants who provide the data, the analysts who provide the results, and the entire research team that presents the interpretation of the results and suggests alternative solutions.
- 22. MCQ 1What is research? a) The process of making decisions without analysis b) The process of solving problems after studying situational factors c) The act of collecting random data d) None of the above 22
- 23. 2 . What is the primary purpose of business research? a) To generate random solutions b) To analyze and solve workplace problems systematically c) To replace managerial decision-making d) To reduce employee involvement 23
- 24. 3 . What is applied research aimed at ? a) Generating a body of knowledge b) Solving current problems in the workplace c) Understanding phenomena without application d) None of the above 24
- 25. 4 . Which of the following is an example of basic research ? a) Investigating a sales decline b) Understanding how to improve small business effectiveness c) Addressing customer complaints about a product d) Increasing the sales of a specific product line 25
- 26. 5 . What is a major disadvantage of hiring internal researchers ? a) Higher costs compared to external consultants b) Less fresh perspectives to solve problems c) Difficulty understanding organizational culture d) Limited availability after presenting findings 26
- 27. TRUE OR FALSE 27 6. Basic research focuses on solving specific problems in the workplace. 7. Ethical conduct in business research applies only to researchers. 8. Managers benefit from research knowledge because it aids decision-making. 9. External consultants are always more cost-effective than internal researchers. 10. Ethical research involves pursuing organizational rather than self-interest.
- 28. 28 11.Explain the difference between applied and basic research. (5 POINTS) 12.What are the ethical responsibilities of sponsors in business research (5 POINTS)