Research Methodology Introduction part 2

7/24/2019 Research Methodology Introduction part 2

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Program : MBA

Semester : III

Subject Code : MB0050

Subject Name : Research Methodology

Unit Number : 2

Unit Title : Research Problem and Formulation of

the Research Hypothesis

Lecture Number : 2

Lecture Title : Research Problem and Formulation of

the Research Hypothesis

Book Id : B1700

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Research Problem and Formulationof the Research Hypotheses

Objectives :

Explain the business decision problem.

Translate the decision needs into clearly spelt research questions.

Describe the method to be followed to arrive at the research

questions.

List the components of a research problem.

Translate the research questions into research hypothesis

depending on the nature of research.

Prepare a research proposal.

In this unit, we will focus on the research problem and the

formulation of the research hypothesis.2

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Unit-2 Research Problem and Formulation of the Research Hypotheses


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Introduction

The most important aspect of the business research method is to

identify the what, i.e., what is the exact research question to

which you are seeking an answer.

The second important thing is that the process of arriving at the

question should be logical and follow a line of reasoning that can

lend itself to scientific enquiry. This reasoning approach needs to

be converted into a possible research question. And based on the

initial study of the research topic, you should be able to make

certain assumptions which can lend direction to the study asresearch hypothesis.

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Defining the Research Problem

The challenge for a business manager is not only to identify and

define the decision problem; the bigger challenge is to convert the

decision into a research problem that can lead to a scientific

enquiry.

One needs to narrow down the decision problem and rephrase it

into workable research questions.

A research problem can be defined as a gap or uncertainty in the

decision makers existing body of knowledge which inhibits

efficient decision making.

The defined research problem might be classified as simple orcomplex.

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Management Decision Problem vsManagement Research Problem

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Problem Identification Process

The process of identifying the research

problem involves the following steps:

1. Management decision problem

2. Discussion with subject experts

3. Review of existing literature

4. Organizational analysis

5. Qualitative survey

6. Management research problem

7. Theoretical foundation and model building

8. Statement of research objectives

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Formulating the ResearchHypotheses

Any assumption that the researcher makes on the probable

direction of the results that might be obtained on completion of

the research process is termed as a hypothesis.

The problem identification process ends in the hypothesis

formulation stage.

The formulated hypothesis could be of two types:

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Descriptivehypothesis:

This is simply a statement aboutthe magnitude, trend or behaviourof a population under study.

Relationalhypothesis

These are the typical kind of

hypothesis which state theexpected relationship between twovariables.



Writing a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a formal document that presents the

research objectives, design of achieving these objectives and theexpected outcomes/deliverables of the study.

There is a broad framework that most proposals follow. The steps

in this are:

Executive summary Background of the problem

Problem statement and research objectives

Research design

Scheduling the research

Results and outcomes of the research

Costing and budgeting the research

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Writing a Research Proposal

The proposals formulated could be of three types:

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Academic research proposals

Internal organizational proposal

External organizational proposals



Summary

The most important step in research is to identify the decision to

be made and how it can be converted into a research problem.

There are some essential elements of a typical research problem.

These include the unit of analysiswhich is the individual or group

that is to be studied. The second element is a clear definition of

the variables under study.

The problem formulation process ultimately ends as a research

hypothesis.

Research proposal presents the research objectives, design of

achieving these objectives and the expected

outcomes/deliverables of the study.

There are three different kinds of research proposals available to

the researcher academic, internal and external.12

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Check Your Learning

1. What do you mean by Independent, Dependent, Moderating and Extraneous

variables?

Ans: Any variable that can be stated as influencing or impacting the dependent

variable is referred to as an independent variable.

The outcome of effect that is being studied in research is called dependent variable.

Moderating variables are the ones that have a strong effect on the relationship

between the independent and dependent variables.

Extraneous variable: Any variable that may have an effect on the dependent variableand is not a part of the study.

2. What is a research hypothesis?

Ans: Any assumption that a researcher makes on the probable direction of the

results that might be obtained on completion of the research process is termed as a

hypothesis.

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Activity

ABC Travels is a travel company that offers foreign tour packages. The

company wants to know what Indian travelers look for when booking a

holiday to a foreign country. The typical customers for this company are

usually a family group of four. The family group usually has two children.

Formulate at least two research questions for the problem.

State the unit of analysis of your study.

What is your independent and dependent variable?

State your research objectives and the research hypothesis.

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