1. Introduction to BRM

8/3/2019 1. Introduction to BRM

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Module ² 01 (6 Lectures)

y Concept of research and its application in various functions

of Management.

y Pure and Applied research, Quantitative and Qualitative

approach,y Scientific Method in research.

y Research Process

y Problems encountered by researcher.

y Precautions for the researcher.



1. Introduction to Business Research

Methods



Contents

y Meaning and Definition of Research

y Difference b/w Research Methods and Research

Methodology

yUnderstanding Business Research

y Business Research applications

y Pure vs. Applied Research

y Scientific Methods in Research



Research : Meaning and Definition

y A detailed study of a subject, especially in order to

discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding.

y

Research is all about addressing an issue or asking andanswering a question or solving a problem

y Research can be defined as Purposeful investigation or

experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation

of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of

new facts, or practical application of such new or revised

theories or laws



Business Research

y Business Research Business research can be described as a

systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific

problem encountered in the work setting, which needs a

solution

y Business research is an organized, systematic, data-based,

critical, objective, scientific inquiry or investigation into a

specific problem, undertaken with purpose of findinganswers or solutions to it.



Some commonly researched areas in business

1. Employee behaviors such as performance, absenteeism, and

turnover

2. Employee attitudes such as job satisfaction, loyalty, andorganizational commitment

3. Supervisory performance, managerial leadership style, and

performance appraisal systems.

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Business Research Applications



Types of business research: applied and basic

1. Applied research

Research done with the intention of applying the results of the

findings to solve specific problems currently being

experienced in an organization

1. Basic research ́ fundamental ² pureµ

Research done chiefly to make a contribution to existing

knowledge

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Managers and research

Managers with knowledge of research have an advantage over those

without Knowledgeable about research and research methods helpsprofessional managers to:

1. Identify and effectively solve minor problems in the work setting

2. Know how to discriminate good from bad research

3. Appreciate and be constantly aware of the multiple influences andmultiple effects of factors impinging on a situation

4. Take calculated risks in decision making, knowing full well the

probabilities associated with the different possible outcomes.

5. Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in asituation.

6. Related to hire researchers and consultants more effectively.

7. Combine experience with scientific knowledge while making decision.

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The Manager and the consultant- researcher

Managers often need to engage a consultant to study some of

the more complex, time consuming problems that they

encounter

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The Managers ² researcher relationship

During their careers, it often becomes necessary for managers to deal

with consultants, so while hiring researchers or consultants the

manager should make sure that:

1. The roles and expectations of both parties are made explicit.

2. Related philosophies and value systems of organization are clearly

stated and constraints, if any, are communicated.

3. A good rapport is established with the researchers, and between the

researchers and the employees in the organization, enabling the full

cooperation of the latter.

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Internal consultants / researchers 1-2

Some organizations have their own consulting or research

department, which might be called the management services

department, the organization and methods department, R & D

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Internal consultants / researchers

Advantage of internal consultants /

researchers

Disadvantage of internal consultants

/ researchers

1. Accepted by the employees2. Less time to understand the

structure, work system

3. They are available to

implement theirrecommendations, and deal

with any bugs

4. Less cost

1. Fall into a stereotyped wayof looking

2. Scope of certain powerful

3. Not perceived as experts

4. Biases of the internalresearch team

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External consultants / researchers

Advantage of external consultants /

researchers

Disadvantage of external consultants /

researchers

1. Wide range of experience

2. Have more knowledge of

current sophisticated problem

solving

1. The cost is high

2. Much time to understand the

organization

3. Additional fees for

implementation

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Knowledge about research and managerial

effectiveness

Managers are responsible for the final outcome by making the

right decisions at work. This is greatly facilitated by research

knowledge

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Ethics and business research

Ethics in business research refers to a code of conduct or

expected societal norm of behavior while conducting

research.

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The hallmarks of scientific research

1. Purposive

Started the research with a definite aim or purpose

2. Rigor

Rigor connotes carefulness, scrupulousness (conformity to highstandards of ethics n excellence), and the degree of exactitude in

research investigations

3. Testability

The manager or researcher develops certain hypotheses on howemployee commitment can be enhanced, then these can be

tested by applying certain statistical tests to the data collected

for the purpose.

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The hallmarks of scientific research

4. Replicability

The results of the tests of hypotheses should be supported again and yet

again when the same type of research is repeated in other similar

circumstances.

5. Precision and confidenceDesign the research in a manner the ensures that our findings are as close to

reality

6. Precision: reflects the degree of accuracy or exactitude of the results on

the basis of the sample, to what really exists in the universe.

7. Confidence: refer to the probability that our estimations are correct, itis important that we can confidently claim that 95% of the time our results

will be true and there is only a 5 % chance of our being wrong.

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Types of Research Studies

Fundamental or Basic Research: primarily intended to find out

certain basic principles like John Robinson¶s Imperfect Competition

Theory in Economics, Maslow¶s Hierarchy of Needs Theory etc.

Applied Research: application of available scientific methods in

social science research which helps to contradict, alter or modify any

existing theory or theories and helps to formulate policies.

Descriptive Research: a fact finding approach generalizing a

cross- sectional study of the present situation. For example, astudy on problems of industrial relations in India with an inter

disciplinary approach which is classified under conclusive research.



Types of Research Studies

Historical Research :a research on past social forces which have shaped the

present. For example, to study the present state of Indian labor we may research

on past historical forces.

Formulative or Exploratory Research: a research which investigate any

problem with suitable hypothesis. It is particularly important for clarification of anyconcept and throwing new light for further research on principles of developing

hypothesis and its testing with statistical tools.

Experimental Research :a research which enable us to quantify the findings, to

apply the statistical and mathematical tools and to measure the results thus

quantified. It is also quantified under conclusive research

Ex-Post Facto Research :an empirical enquiry for situation that have already

occurred. For example market failure of a product if studied or researched later

may be categorized under ex- post research.

1. Introduction to BRM

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