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Business Research Methods

M. Phil

The Superior University, Lahore

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Course Objective

Enhance your

understanding,

knowledge andskills enough to

teach

conduct a business research

project and

publish

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Outline Understanding business research process, design

and proposal Problem definition, literature review, secondary

data, citation management and plagiarism

Research methods and techniques: qualitative,quantitative & mixed methods; survey, observation

and experimentation

Understanding measurement of research constructs,

scaling and designing the data collection instrument Determining the sample size and data collection

Data analysis, interpretation, publication/sharing

the results

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Methodology Knowledge and understanding

Lectures, Discussions

Skills

Seminars/workshops, Assignments, EndNote, Turnitin, SPSS

Assessment:

Attendance and class participation 10% Publications/Project 40%

End term 50%

Total marks 100

Recommended Text Book:

Business Research Methods, 8th ed. Zikmund et al

Reference Book

SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis

Using SPSS, 4th ed. Pallant, J.

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Business?

We do business to earn profits Business is a dynamic field

We have competitors

We need to keep up

We need to grow

We need customers

We come across problems and issues

We need to look into opportunities

This all requires decision-making at the

right time and that depends on right

information and data

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Business research is the systematic andobjective process of generating information for

aid in making business decisions.

It is the application of scientific method in

searching the truth about business phenomena

and includes defining business opportunities and

problems, generating and evaluating alternativecourse of action and monitoring employee and

organizational performance

What is Business Research?

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Business Research

Research information is neither sensitive nor

unsystematically gathered.

Literally, research (re-search) -search again Business research must be objective

Detached and impersonal rather than biased

(unfair, partial and influenced) It facilitates the managerial decision process for all

aspects of a business.

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Information

Reduces

Uncertainty

I dont knowif we

should

offer on-site

child care?

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Data, Information and Intelligence

Data are facts or recorded measures of certainthings/events

Information is data processed/formatted to support

decision-making or define relationship between two

acts

Business Intelligence is the subset of data andinformation that actually has some explanatory

power enabling power to enable effective

managerial decision-making

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Example: HKB Purchased products are recorded in Kot Lakhpat Ware

House by scanner forming data

Each item checked out/sold is recorded and becomes

data

Inventory system structures data in a way that it cangenerate stock reports, can place orders for more

stocks, hence turning data into information

Information from Liberty and DHA stores sales and

inventory records may be used by analysts to

determine trends in customer purchases, needs for

opening new stores in new localities: Johar Town,

DHA Phase 6

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Characteristics of Valuable Information

Relevance: How pertinent particular informationis to the situation at hand

Quality: The degree to which data is accurate,

valid and reliable for the situation in hand Timeliness: Business is a dynamic field in which

out-of-date information can lead to poor

decisions. Data must be current and provided atright time

Completeness: Information on all aspects of the

decision to be made

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Sources of Input for Decision-Making Internal records: Accounting reports of sales and inventory

figures, provide considerable data. Data about costs, shipments,inventory, sales, and other aspects of regular operations are

routinely collected and entered into the computer.

Proprietary business research: Projectsgathering of

new data to investigate specific problems. Not conducted regularly,market research

Sales persons Input: Customer complaints, comments,changes in competitors goods and services

Behavioral Tracking: Scanner data, automated customer counts

Web tracking: Social media, face book, blogs

Outside vendors and external distributors:

Industry sales trends, competitors, market share, demographics

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The Decision-making Process --Development

and Implementation of a Strategy

Identifying problems and opportunities

Diagnosis and assessment

Selecting and implementing a course of

action

Evaluating the course of action

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Evaluating a Course of Action Evaluation research is the formal, objective

measurement and appraisal of the extent to which a

given activity, project, or program has achieved its

objectives.

Performance monitoring research:

Research that regularly provides feedback for evaluation

and control

Indicates things are or are not going as planned Research may be required to explain why something

went wrong

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Is sufficient time

available before

a managerial

decision

must be made?

Is the infor-

mation already

on hand

inadequate

for makingthe decision?

Is the decision

of considerable

strategic

or tactical

importance?

Does the value

of the research

information

exceed the cost

of conductingresearch?

Conducting

Business

Research

Do Not Conduct Business Research

Time ConstraintsAvailability of Data

Nature of the DecisionBenefitsvs. Costs

Yes YesYesYes

No No No No

Determining When to Conduct Business

Research

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Value

Decreased certaintyIncreased likelihood

of a correct decisionImproved businessperformance andresulting higherprofits

Costs

ResearchexpendituresDelay of business

decision andpossible disclosureof information torivalsPossible erroneousresearch results

Potential Value of Business Research

Should Exceed Estimated Costs

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Major Areas for Business Research

General Business Conditions and Corporate Research

Financial and Accounting Research

Management and Organizational Behavior Research

Sales and Marketing Research

Information Systems Research

Corporate Responsibility Research

Cross-functional-- Teams are composed of

individuals from various organizational departmentssuch as engineering, production, finance, and

marketing who share a common purpose

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Global Business Research

Business Research is increasingly global Market knowledge is essential

General information about country -

economic conditions and political climate Cultural and consumer factors

Market and competitive conditions - demand

estimation

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The Internet is Transforming Society

Time is collapsing.

Distance is no longer an obstacle.

Crossing oceans is only a mouse click away.

People are connected 24 hours a day, seven

days a week.

"Instantaneous" has a new meaning. Seeking facts and figures about an issue

Surveys on Web sites

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Business Research Categories Foundational to answer basic questions. What

business should we be in? Testing addresses things like new product concepts,

promotional ideas. How effective they will be?

Issues examines how specific issues impact the firm.How does organizational structure impact employee

job satisfaction and turnover?

Performance monitors specific metrics profitability,

delivery times. They are critical in real-timemanagement. The potential impact of policy changes

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Basic Research Attempts to expand the limits of knowledge.

Not directly involved in the solution to apragmatic problem.

Example

Is executive success correlated with high need forachievement?

Are members of highly organized work groupsmore satisfied than members of less organizedwork groups?

Do consumers experience cognitive (act ofknowing, perception) disagreement (intellectual

thinking ability) in low-involvement situations?

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Applied Research

Conducted when a decision must be made about aspecific real-life problem

Example

Should McDonalds add Italian pasta dinners to itsmenu?

Business research told McDonalds it should not?

Should Procter & Gamble add a high-pricedhome teeth bleaching kit to its product line?

Research showed Crest Whitestrips would sell

well at a retail price of $44

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ScientificMethod The analysis and interpretation of empirical

evidence (facts from observation orexperimentation) to confirm or disprove prior

conceptions.

A way to use knowledge and evidence to reachobjective conclusions about the real world

A set of prescribed procedures for establishing

and connecting theoretical statements aboutevents for analyzing empirical evidence, and for

predicting events yet unknown in an attempt to

confirm or disapprove prior conceptions

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Assessrelevantexistingknowledge

Formulateconcepts &Propositions

StatementofHypotheses

Designresearch

Acquireempiricaldata

Analyze &evaluatedata

Provideexplanation-state newproblem

The Scientific Method: An Overview

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Theory

Theory is the foundation of research

It guides and help researcher to be focused

and systematic so that the ultimate purposeof research is obtained and problem is

solved

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Theoretical framework

A theoretical framework is the foundation ofhypothetico-deductive research as it is the

basis of the hypotheses that you will develop.

A theoretical framework represents your

beliefs how certain phenomenon (variables,

concepts) are related to each other ( a model)

and an explanation of why you belief that

these variables are associated with each other(theory)

Both model and theory flow logically from

previous research in the problem area.

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Components of Theoretical Framework

Definitions of the concepts or variables inyour model

Developing a conceptual model that provides

a descriptive representation of your theory Coming up with a theory that provides an

explanation for relationships between the

variables in your model From the theoretical framework then testable

hypotheses can be developed to examine

whether your theory is valid or not?

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Theoretical Framework:

(Air Safety Violations)

Independent variables Dependent variableCommunication

among cokpit

members

Communication

between ground

control and cokpit

Decentralization

Training of cokpit

crew

Air Safetyviolations

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Research Stages Cyclical process - conclusions generate new

ideas

Stages can overlap (something else )chronologically(arranged in the order of time)

Stages are functionally interrelated

Forward linkages

Backward linkages

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Stages of the Research Process

Problem Discoveryand Definition

ResearchDesign

Sampling

DataGathering

Data Processingand Analysis

Conclusions andReport

Discovery andDefinition

and so on

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Problemdiscovery

Problem definition(statement of

research objectives)

Secondary

(historical)

data

Experience

survey

Pilot

study

Case

study

Selection of

exploratory researchtechnique

Selection of

basic research

method

Experiment SurveyObservation

Secondary

Data StudyLaboratory Field Interview Questionnaire

Selection of

exploratory research

techniqueSampling

Probability Nonprobability

Collection of

data

(fieldwork)

Editing and

codingdata

Data

processing

Interpretation

of

findings

Report

Data

Gathering

Data

Processingand

Analysis

Conclusions

and Report

Research Design

Problem Discovery

and Definition

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Stages In The Research Process

Problem Discovery and Problem Definition

Research Design

Sampling

Data Gathering

Data Processing and Analysis

Conclusions And Report

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Problem Discovery And

Definition First step

Problem, opportunity, or monitor operations

Discovery before definition

Problem means management problem

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The formulation of the problem

is often more essential than its

solution

Albert Einstein

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35

State the research

questions and researchobjectives

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Hypothesis

A statement

that can be proved false

by empirical data

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Secondary

(historical)

Data

Pilot

Study

Experience

Survey

CaseStudy

Exploratory

Research

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Exploratory Research Techniques

Two Examples Secondary data (historical data)

Previously collected

Census of population

Literature survey

Pilot study

A number of diverse techniques

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Focus Group Interview

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Research Design

Master plan

Framework for action

Specifies methods and procedures

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Basic Research Methods

Surveys

Experiments

Secondary data

Observation

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POPULATION

SAMPLESample: Subset

of a larger population.

Selecting a Sample

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Sampling

Who is to be sampled?

How large a sample?

How will sample units be selected?

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Data Gathering Stage

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Data Processing and Analysis

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Conclusions And Report Writing

Effective communication of the research

findings

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Questions?

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Thank you

Wh i R h D i ? I

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What is a Research Design? I A research design is the arrangement of

conditions for collection and analysis of datain a manner that aims to combine relevance tothe research purpose with economy inprocedure. Research design is the conceptual

structure within which research is conducted,constitutes blue print for collection,measurement and analysis of data

A plan of what data to gather, from whom,how and when to collect the data, and how toanalyze the data obtained

Research program strategy

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What is a Research Design? II

A research is a framework or blueprint for

conducting a research project. It details the

procedures necessary for obtaining theinformation needed to structure or solve the

research problems.

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Components of Research Design-1

Introduction

Purpose statement Objectives and outcome of the study

Significance of the study

Methods and methodology

Theory

Research questions and hypothesis

Limitations /delimitations and assumptions of the study

Population, field of study, geographical, cultural considerationsand sampling

Supervisor, approval/permission to conduct research

Staffing

Time frame, deadlines, submission dates

f h i

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Components of Research Design-II

Finances (Grants, travel, photocopying etc)

Equipments (PC, Printer, Scanners) Software (MS Word, Citation Management Software, Plagiarism

Control; Turnitin)

Email, Internet

Library, Laboratory

Qualitative (open ended questions) Quantitative (close-ended

questions)/mixed

Data and information collection techniques

Data analysis procedure

Findings, outcome of the research, Interpretations and

implications and Review

Publishing the research findings (Thesis, papers, reports)

Th I t d ti

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The Introduction

13-Feb-13 53Azra Naheed Center for Research andDevelopment Superior University Lahore

Components of introduction Background of the study

The research problem

Studies that have addressed the problem

Deficiencies in the studies The significance of the study

Introduction is the opening part of the proposal that justifies

the problem to be researched and clarifies the significance ofthe proposed study in order to establish a framework for

research.

Purpose Statement

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Purpose Statement

54

The purpose statement indicates why you want to do the studyand what you intend to accomplish (Locke et al, 2000)

Why Purpose Statement

It is the most important statement in an entire research study.

It conveys the overall intention of a proposed study.

It establishes the direction for the research.

Qualitative Research: In qualitative research we use theworlds like explore, understand, or discover and we have

focus on single phenomena.

Quantitative Research: In quantitative research we use

words like determine, identify, or compare and we have focuson comparing and relating two or more variables.

Mixed Methods Research: In Mixed methods research wefocus on both qualitative and quantitative research and

mention the design with justification.

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The objectives of this research study are as follows:

To explore teachers view on performance that how

they define performance and what they see as good,bad or acceptable performance.

To explore teachers experiences about HRMpractices and how they feel about these practices?

To explore teachers opinion about organizationalfactor that contributes to their performance.

To establish the basis for evolving effective andperformance oriented human resource practices.

To facilitate the policy making bodies to evolve acomprehensive view of teachers performance andthus undertake necessary administrative adjustments.

Ex

a

mp

le

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Significance of the study

56

A significance sections elaborates on theimportance and implication of a study for

researcher, practitioners, and policy maker. In

designing the section one might include3 or 4 ways in which the study adds to

scholarly research and literature in the field

3 or 4 ways in which the study helps improvepractice

3 or 4 reasons why the study will improve

policy

Methodology and Methods

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Methodology and MethodsThe methodology includes the methods, procedures, and

techniques used to collect and analyze information.It should generally include statements about:

Site and sample

Methods of data collection

Data analysis procedures

Why Methodology

it clarifies the procedures and methods of data

collection and analysis

It increases the efficiency and authenticity of

the research

Th

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Theory

58

Theory is the standard principle that defines the relationship of

two or more variables

Qualitative Research: In case of qualitative research theory isan outcome of the whole research process by finding the

answers to the research questions

Quantitative Research: In case of quantitative research theoryis used as bases to be verified through the acceptance or

rejection of hypothesis using statistical results.

Mixed Methods Research: in case of Mixed MethodsResearch theory is both developed and also verified.

Research Questions and Hypothesis

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Research Questions and Hypothesis

Research questions are interrogative statements or

questions that the researcher seeks to answer

(Main question)

HRM practices and performance among teachers in

Pakistan.

(Sub questions) What are the teachers experiences about Human Resource

management Practices and how they feel about that?

How do teachers perceive about their own performance

and what they perceive as good, bad or acceptable

performance?

What are the teachers opinions about organizational

factors that contribute to their performance? 59

H th i di i h h

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Hypothesis are predictive statements that the

researcher holds about the relationship among

variables to be tested

HO = There is no relationship between HR

practices and performance

HA = There is relationship between HR

practices and performance

Li i i d D li i i

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Limitations and Delimitations Limitations:

possible weaknesses of the study that were not/ could not be controlled.

Delimitations:

boundaries set by the researcher that limit thegeneralizability of findings.

Example: Due to limitations of resources

This study is restricted to the Teachers with 02 or

more years of experience (02 years are supposedto be minimum)

This study is restricted only to the teachers of

higher education sector in Pakistan.

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Application ofthe Research

Study

Basic or PureResearch

Applied

Research

Objective of theresearch

Exploratoryresearch

Explanatory

research

Descriptiveresearch

TimeDimension

Cross-sectionalresearch

Longitudinal

research

Inquiry Mode

Qualitativeresearch

Quantitative

research

MixedMethodsresearch

Classificatio

n of

Research

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A Classification of Research Designs

Single Cross-

Sectional Design

Multiple Cross-

Sectional Design

Research Design

Conclusive

Research DesignExploratory

Research Design

Descriptive

Research

Causal

Research

Cross-SectionalDesign LongitudinalDesign

A C i f B i R h D i

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A Comparison of Basic Research Designs

Objective:

Characteristics:

Methods:

Discovery of ideasand insights

Flexible, versatile

Often the front end of

total research design

Expert surveys

Pilot surveys

Secondary data:

qualitative analysis

Qualitative research

Describe marketcharacteristics or

functions

Marked by the prior

formulation of specific

hypotheses

Preplanned and structured

design

Secondary data:

quantitative analysis

Surveys

Panels

Observation and other

data

Determine causeand effect

relationships

Manipulation of

one or more

independent

variables

Control of other

mediating variables

Experiments

Exploratory Descriptive Causal

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Research Proposal

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

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Basic Questions - Problem Definition

What is the purpose of the study?

How much is already known?

Is additional background informationnecessary?

What is to be measured? How?

Can the data be made available? Should research be conducted?

Can a hypothesis be formulated?

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Basic Questions - Basic Research Design

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 askingpeople?

How quickly is the information needed?

How should survey questions be worded? How should experimental manipulations be

made

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Basic Questions - Selection of Sample

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?

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Basic Questions -Data Gathering

Who will gather the data?

How long will data gathering take?

How much supervision is needed?

What operational procedures need to be

followed?

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Basic Questions - Data Analysis

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?

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Basic Questions -Type of Report

Who will read the report?

Are managerial recommendations

requested? How many presentations are required?

What will be the format of the written

report?

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Basic Questions - Overall Evaluation

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?

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Anticipating Outcomes

Dummy

(a representation or copy of something)

tables: Representations of the actual tables that will

be in the findings section of the final report;

used to gain a better understanding of whatthe actual outcomes of the research will be.

Outline of the Structure of a Sample Proposal

1 Ti l

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1. Title

2. Introduction

Background of the study (Sectoral Brief) The research problem

Studies that have addressed the problem

Deficiencies in the studies

The significance of the study The purpose statement

3. Purpose Statement

The purpose or study, aim of the project and reasons for the

research design

The research questions and hypotheses

Outline of the structure of a proposal

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4. Philosophical Foundations

worldview and philosophical assumptions for using

specific research approach.

5. Literature Review

6. Methodology and Methods Site and sample

Data collection procedures

Data analysis procedures

7. Theoretical Framework

8. Potential Ethical issues

9. References and appendixes

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Thank youDr. Muhammad [email protected], 03004487844