Research Methdology Lecture 1
Research Methdology Lecture 1
Research Methdology Lecture 1
Methodology
Business Research, Methodology & Methods
BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND METHODS
An organized and Research It is the over all framework or strategy that guides the
systematic inquiry or Methodology: entire research process.
investigation into a
specific problem is Underlying theory and analysis of how the
undertaken with the research should proceed.
purpose of finding answers A set of principles and ideas that inform the design of a
or solutions to it. research study.
it involves the decision-making process regarding the
selection and application of research method.
Identify Identify and effectively solve minor problems in the work setting.
Appreciate Appreciate the multiple influences and effects of factors impinging on a situation.
Prevent Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in a situation.
Relate Relate to and share information with hired researchers and consultants for problem solving.
Advantages:
• Better acceptance from staff. Advantages:
• Knowledge about organization. • Divergent thinking: creative process of
• Would be an integral part of generating ideas and new possibilities.
implementation and evaluation • Convergent thinking: is the process of
of the research
recommendations. finding familiar solutions to problems.
• Experience from several situations in
different organizations.
• Better technical training.
Disadvantages:
• Less fresh ideas
• Power politics could prevail:
misrepresent certain facts Disadvantages:
• Possibly not valued as “expert”
by staff, so their • Takes time to know and understand
recommendations would not be the organization
considered. • Compatibility and cooperation from
staff not easy
• Not available for evaluation and
implementation
• Costs
Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when
Example 1
the latter operate in totally unrelated realms of business. For
What type of this research example, Coca-Cola has announced that it wants to buy China
scenario? Huiyuan Juice Group in an effort to expand its activities in one of
Who will conduct it? the world’s fastest-growing beverage markets. Such acquisitions
What is the problem?
are claimed to “work miracles.” However, given the volatility of
What is the question?
the stock market and the slowing down of business, many
companies are not sure whether such acquisitions involve too much
risk. At the same time, they also wonder if they are missing out on
a great business opportunity if they fail to take such risk. Some
research is needed here!
Answer: You have to understand this scenario is an open end (i.e., there is no right or wrong answer, but
you have to explain your answer)
What type of this research scenario?
This could fall into the realm of basic or applied research, depending on why this study is done and who sponsors it.
Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when the latter operate in totally unrelated realms of business. This is
general statement, and you cannot understand who will sponsor the study (i.e., coca-cola or a general researcher). Also, it is unclear
it will be done with intention to apply it or general knowledge.
Internal or external researcher. Again, internal if you consider a research team from coca-cola will do it. In case your answer is
external researcher, this means that coca-cola will sponsor this research and ask consultant company to do it.
Also, it could be done by a researcher for basic knowledge, in this case your answer for the first question should be basic research.
What is the problem?
The basic research aspiration of the professor has taken the form of applied research in this
particular system, where they would apply the findings of her research to solve the problem.
External researcher
-Why do some organizations experience high absenteeism rates among their employees?
-What are the underlying factors that contribute to the high absenteeism rates observed in
Example 3
Effects of Service Recovery on Customer Satisfaction
A research scientist wants to investigate the question: What is the most effective way for an
organization to recover from a service failure? Her objective is to provide guidelines for
establishing the proper "fit" between service failure and service recovery that will generalize
across a variety of service industries.
This will be a case of basic research, the purpose of which was to study the efficacy of different
service recovery strategies and add to the body of existing marketing knowledge.
Who will conduct it?
External researcher
What is the problem?
What is the most effective way for an organization to recover from a service failure?