Definitions Flashcards
Learn abstract theory
Business Research
a series of well thought out activities and carefully executed data analysis that help a manager avoid, solve or minimize a problem
Applied Research
to solve a current problem that demands a timely solution. Applies to a specific company, within firms or research agencies
Fundamental Research
generate a body of knowledge by trying to understand how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. Research done to make a contribution to existing knowledge. (Teaching us something we didn’t know before, mainly done in universities and knowledge institutes)
Internal Research Benefits
More chance of being accepted, Less time needed to understand the structure of the organization, Less costly
Internal Research Disadvantages
Might be stereotyped, not perceived as experts by the staff, less objective findings
External Research Benefits
Has experience in working with different types of organizations, more knowledge
External Research Disadvantages
High cost and time, might not be accepted by Staff
The Hallmarks of Good Research
Purposiveness, Rigor, Objectivity, Parsimony, Replicability, Generalizability
Purposiveness
A definite aim or purpose, knowing the ‘‘why’’ of your research
Rigor
Ensuring a good theoretical base and a good methodological design adds rigor to a purposive study (implies carefulness)
Objectivity
Drawing conclusions based on facts rather than on subjective ideas
Parsimony
Shaving away unnecessary details, explaining a lot with a little
Replicability
Finding the same results if the research is repeated in similar circumstances
Generalizability
Being able to apply the research findings in a wide variety of different settings
Deductive Research
Theory to data, testing theory
Inductive Research
data to theory, building theory
Seven-step Deductive Research Process
- Define the Business problem.
- Formulate the problem statement.
- Develop theoretical framework
- Choose a research design
- Collect data
- Analyze data
- Write-up
Seven-step Inductive Research Process
- Define the business problem
- Formulate the problem statement.
- Provide a conceptual background
- Choose a research design
- Collect data
- Analyze data
- Develop theory
Primary data
Information that the researcher gathers first hand through instruments such as surveys
Secondary data
Data that already exists and doesn’t have to be gathered by the researcher
Business Problem
Gap between actual and desired situation (state)
What makes a good business problem?
Feasibility and relevance
Feasibility
Is it doable?
- Is the problem demarcated? (Make smaller if it is too big)
- Can the problem be expressed in variables?
- Are you able to gather the required data?
Relevance
Is it worthwhile?