Ch06

Chapter 6: Problem Definition and the

Research Proposal

Problemdiscovery

Problem definition(statement of

research objectives)

Secondary(historical)

data

Experiencesurvey

Pilotstudy

Casestudy

Selection ofexploratory research

technique

Selection ofbasic research

method

Experiment SurveyObservation Secondary

Data StudyLaboratory Field Interview Questionnaire

Selection ofexploratory research

techniqueSampling

Probability Nonprobability

Collection ofdata

(fieldwork)

Editing andcodingdata

Dataprocessing

Interpretationof

findings

Report

DataGathering

DataProcessingandAnalysis

Conclusionsand Report

Research Design

Problem Discoveryand Definition

COMPLETELYCERTAIN

ABSOLUTEAMBIGUITY

CAUSAL ORDESCRIPTIVE

EXPLORATORY

First step Problem, opportunity, or monitor operations Discovery before definition Problem means management problem

Albert Einstein

The indication of a specific business decision area that will be clarified by answering some research questions.

Statement of Research Objectives

Problem Definition

Defining Problem Results inClear Cut Research Objectives

ExploratoryResearch(Optional)

Analysis of the Situation

Symptom Detection

The Process ofProblem Definition

Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives

Understand background of the problem

Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms

Determine unit of analysis

Determine relevant variables

State research questions and objectives

Decision makers’ objectives Managerial goals expressed in measurable

terms.

10

The principle indicating that the dangerous part of many business problems is neither visible to nor understood by managers.

Exercising judgment Situation analysis - The informal gathering

of background information to familiarize researchers or managers with the decision area.

12

Symptoms can be confusing

13

Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association:

Membership has been declining for years. New water park -residents prefer the

expensive water park???? Demographic changes: Children have grown

up

Problem DefinitionOrganization Symptoms Based on Symptom True Problem

Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association in a major city.

Membership has been declining for years. New water park with wave pool and water slides moved into town a few years ago.

Neighborhood residents prefer the expensive water park and have negative image of swimming pool.

Demographic changes: Children in this 20-year-old neighborhood have grown up. Older residents no longer swim anywhere.

TOTIEMULESTO

TOTIEMULESTO

Individuals, households, organizations, etc. In many studies, the family rather than the

individual is the appropriate unit of analysis.

18

Anything that may assume different numerical values

19

Categorical Continuous Dependent Independent

An unproven proposition A possible solution to a problem Guess

22

Statement of business

problem

Exploratory research (optional)

Statement of business

problem

Broad research

objectives

Specific Objective 1

Specific Objective 2

Specific Objective 3

Research Design

Results

The Process ofProblem Definition

Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives

Understand background of the problem

Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms

Determine unit of analysis

Determine relevant variables

State research questions and objectives

A written statement of the research design that includes a statement explaining the purpose of the study

Detailed outline of procedures associated with a particular methodology

What is the purpose of the study? How much is already known? Is additional background information

necessary? What is to be measured? How? Can the data be made available? Should research be conducted? Can a hypothesis be formulated?

What types of questions need to be answered?

Are descriptive or causal findings required?

What is the source of the data?

Can objective answers be obtained by asking people?

How quickly is the information needed? How should survey questions be worded? How should experimental manipulations be

made?

Who or what is the source of the data? Can the target population be identified? Is a sample necessary? How accurate must the sample be? Is a probability sample necessary? Is a national sample necessary? How large a sample is necessary? How will the sample be selected?

Who will gather the data? How long will data gathering take? How much supervision is needed? What operational procedures need to be

followed?

Will standardized editing and coding procedures be used?

How will the data be categorized? What statistical software will be used? What is the nature of the data? What questions need to be answered? How many variables are to be

investigated simultaneously? Performance criteria for evaluation?

Who will read the report? Are managerial recommendations

requested? How many presentations are required? What will be the format of the written

report?

How much will the study cost? Is the time frame acceptable? Is outside help needed? Will this research design attain the stated

research objectives? When should the research be scheduled to

begin?

Dummy tables Representations of the actual tables that

will be in the findings section of the final report; used to gain a better understanding of what the actual outcomes of the research will be.