The gist of Research in Business Research

RBM 027: BUSINESS RESEARCH
AND REPORTS
RESEARCH WRITING

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH
 Purposiveness: The research must have a definite aim and purpose for achieving objectives.
 Rigor: The research must have a good theoretical base and sound methodology that enables
collection of the right of information for data analysis.
 Testability: This means that hypothesis must be developed after a study of the problem.
 Replicability: The results of the research and hypothesis should be supported in subsequent studies
conducted under similar circumstances for confidence in the research design.
 Precision and confidence: This refers to how close the findings based on a sample are to the
reality.the closer the results are to the predicted phenomena, the higher the precision.

Characteristics cont..
Objectivity: Conclusions drawn through interpretation of results of data
analysis should be objective and based on facts from actual data collected.
Generalizability: This refers to the scope of applicability of the research
findings. The wider the range of applicability of solutions by research, the
more useful the research. It depends on the samplingdesign, instruments
used for data collection and objectivity in the interpretation of data.
Parsimony: This is the simplicity in explaining phenomena and challenges
that occur in theapplication of solutions from research outcomes.
Ethical-This is the most important characteristic in carrying out research.

Characteristics of Good Research
Good research generates reliable data and follows the standards of scientific methods, which
include:
 Clear definition of purpose of the research and research problem. This should include its scope, limitations
and definition of terms.
 The research process should be described in sufficient detail to permit other researchers to repeat
theresearch.The research design should be carefully planned to yield objective results. The sample of a
populationshould include evidence of the degree of representation of the sample.
 High ethical standards must be applied. A research design must include safeguards against mental orphysical
harm to participants, exploitation, invasion of privacy and loss of dignity

Good research cont..
Data analysis should be sufficiently adequate for revealing the significance of the research.
Data analysis should give rise to findings and conclusions.
Findings must be presented in clear, precise assertions that are carefully drawn.
Presentation of datashould be comprehensive and easily understood. Findings should be
presented unambiguously
Conclusions must be justified by the data collected from the research, with detailed findings.
The research report should contain information that gives the qualifications of the researcher
forgreater confidence in research reports.

TYPES OF RESEARCH
Basic research
It is also referred to as pure or fundamental research.
It is a type of research which is characterized by a desire to know or to
expound the frontiers of knowledge.
It is research based on the creation of new knowledge.
It is mainly theoretical and for advancement of knowledge.
Basic researchers are interested in deriving scientific knowledge which will
be a broad base for furtherresearch

Types of Research cont..
Applied Research
The type of research which is conducted for purpose of improving present
practice, normally applied research is conducted for the purposes of
applying or testing theory and evaluating its usefulness in solving problems.
Applied research provides data to support theory or suggest the
development of new theories. It is the research done with the intention of
applying the results of its findings to solve specific problems,currently
being experienced in an Organization.

Action Research
This is a small scale intervention in the functioning of the real world and a close
examination of theeffects of such interventions.
Normally situational and it is concerned with diagnosing a problem in a specific
context and attemptingto solve it in that context.
Conducted with the primary intention of solving a specific, immediate and
concrete problem in a localsetting.
Not concerned with whether the results of the study are generalized to other
settings, since its majorgoal is to seek a solution to a given problem.
Limited in its contribution to theory, but it is useful because it provides answers to
problems that cannotwait for theoretical solutions.

Descriptive Research
Undertaken in order to ascertain and be able to describe the characteristics of variables in a
situation.
Descriptive studies are undertaken in organizations in order to learn about and describe
characteristics of employees e. g. Education level, job status, length of service etc
The most prevalent method of gathering information in a descriptive study is the
questionnaire.
Othersinclude: interviews, job analysis, documentary analysis etc.
Descriptive statistics such as the mean, standard, deviation, frequencies, percentages are used in
the analysis of descriptive research.

Correlational Research
Usually descriptive in that it cannot presume (not certain) a cause-and-
effect relationship.It can only establish that there is an association between
two or more traits or performance.
Involves collecting data to determine whether a relationship exists between
two or more quantifiable variables.
Main purpose of correlation research is to describe the nature of the
relationship between the two variables.
Helps in identifying the magnitude of the relationship

Casual Research
 Refers to one which is done to establish a definitive cause effect relationship among variables.
 The researcher is keen to delineating one or more factors that are certainly causing the problem.
 The intention of the researcher conducting a casual study is to be able to state that variable X causes variable Y to
change.
 A casual study is more effective in a situation where the researcher has already identified the cause ofthe problem.
Examples:
Relationship of young and old employees in an organization.
Remuneration packageend month and mid moth performanceFacilitation e.g. transport

Historical Research (USE OF DOCUMENTS)
This is the systematic and objective location and synthesis of evidence in
order to establish facts anddraw conclusions about past events.
The act of historical research involves the identification and limitation of a
problem of an area of studywhich is based on past events.
The researcher aims to:Locate as many pertinent sources of information as
possible concerning the specific problem.
Then analyze the information to ascertain its authenticity and accuracy, and
then be able to use it togeneralize on future occurrences

Importance of Historical Research
It enables solutions to contemporary problems to be solved in the past.
Throws light on present and future trends.
Allows for the revelation of data in relation to select hypothesis, theories
and generalizations that arepresently held about the past.
Ability of history to employ the past, to predict the future and to use the
present to explain the pastgives historical research a dual and unique
quality which makes is exceptionally useful for all types ofscholarly study
and research.

Experimental Research
The investigator deliberately controls and manipulates the conditions which
determine the events towhich he is interested in
Qualitative Research.(Human behaviors and aspects)
Includes designs, techniques and measures that do not produce numerical
data.
Data is usually in form of words rather than numbers and this words are
grouped into categories

Methods of collective Qualitative Data
Direct observation
Participant observation
Interview method.
Human behaviors are explained best using qualitative research

Quantitative Research
Includes designs, techniques and measures that produce discrete numerical
or quantifiable data.
Radom sampling is usually done to ensure a representative of a sample is
given

ADVANTAGES OF USING BOTH QUALITATIVE
AND QUANTITATIVE DATA.
A researcher has several objectives of study, hence they can be assessed
using both.
No bias
Both supplement each other

DISADVANTAGES
Combining both methods can be
expensive (time, energy and money)
Researcher may not have been
sufficiently trained in this method to be
able to use them effectively.

The Gist of Research
HOW DOES RESEARCH
BEGIN?/RESEARCH
PROBLEM

To start with..
Research usually begins with clarification of a topic in which one has some interest
or about which increased knowledge is clearly needed.
The term topic refers to subject issue or area under discussion.
The topic is essential in success ofresearch project.
One’s interest in topic is mandatory in order to sustain the research.
Research problem refers to an area in any field where researcher would like to find
an answer/solution.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET AFTER
IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM
There must be an individual,group or organization to
which the problem can be attributed(sample) eg teachers,
farmers, doctors, engineer, workers, students etc.
There must be some environment which the problem
pertains(place/location ie Nairobi county).
There must be some objectives to be attained.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE TOPIC
SELECTION/POINTS TO OBSERVE WHEN
SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
 Personal interest-Interest produces enthusiasm on what one is doing. It is the interest that makes theexperience
adequately rewarding.
 Topic one selects should be important-The topic selected should not be brought forward just becauseof personal
interest but also because it will add to knowledge.
 Time-Due to time limitations, writers of academic research need to avoid complex topics as they mayrequire large
population samples. It is important to compare the time that topic will take against timeavailable.
 Newness-It is always good to look at a new area so that, what one is doing is a little different fromwhat others have
done in past.
 Accessibility to material and respondents-A suitable topic is one which allows researcher to access thematerial. It is
important to note that getting materials and respondents in some areas might not be aneasy task.

Considerations cont..
Ethical consideration-It is both unethical and illegal to conduct research
that may slander or do physicalor psychological damage to subjects involved
hence a researcher needs to take care of a subject in avery humane manner.
Subject /topic selected for research should be familiar.ie known to
unknown or general to specific
Costs involved
Selection of a problem must be pre-decided by a preliminary study.

When choosing a topic..
Avoid the following:
A subject that have been overdone
Too narrow/fake problem
Controversial subjects

STEPS IN TOPIC SELECTION
Identify areas that puzzles an interest to you-Many issues may interest or puzzle a
researcher and thismay be social, economic, political,hr related issues, culture and
religion.
Identify/select key words for the topic-Researcher should narrow down to the
real aspects that arepuzzling or interesting him/her and express the in specific key
words. Example in human resourcemanagement, researcher may be interested on
how mergers and acquisitions affect company loyalty.
Define the topic-Researcher analyses selected key words and tries to put them
together meaningfully.
Formulate the topic-After problem identification and definition it is important that
reseacher comes upwith a complete topic e.g. impact of mergers and acquisitions
on company loyalty in a privatesector.

QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE
RESEARCH TOPIC
 Clear and an un ambiguous.
Supported by credible evidence.
Should captivate or interest researcher.
Should be researchable

WHERE TO GET RESEARCH TOPIC FROM
/SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS.
 Current issues(Newspaper)
 Observation of environment behavior.
 Personal Experience
 Course;lecturers,discussion groups and literature.
 Lifestyle
 Previous research work i.e. impact of microfinances on SME
 Natural calamities
 Review of related literature-Review of published literature eg textbooks,journals,magazines
etc.Othersources in this categories include. Research bulletin, research projects, research thesis

Sources cont..
 Consultation with experts and research institutions.
Participation in professional discussions-forums, seminars,
workshops and conferences.
Social development –social changes and technological changes.
Media-news like alcoholism,drug abuse,addiction and
immorality

ASSIGNMENT
LOOK FOR AN INTERESTING TOPIC ON ANY FIELD OF YOUR
CHOICE THAT YOU WILL USE TO DEVELOPE A PROPOSAL.
EACH STUDENT WILL PRESENT THEIR TOPIC IN THE NEXT
CLASS EXPLAINING HIS/HER MOTIVATION.

The gist of Research in Business Research

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