HOC1 : INTRODUCTION

Question 1

What is business research

Answer 1

it is the process of finding answers or solutions to a problem after study and analysis of a specific phenomenon -> it is carried out in a scientific way => it is a organized , systematic , data-based , critical and objective investigation

Question 2

research aims at …

Answer 2

building theory
testing a theory
describing a situation/phenomenon

Question 3

what is a theory

Answer 3

a set of ideas that intends to explain a phenomenon , identify a casual relationship

Question 4

what is primary data

Answer 4

gathered first hand

Question 5

what is secondary data

Answer 5

already available ex. from the company , industry

Question 6

what is quantitative data

Answer 6

numbers -> ex. surveys

Question 7

what is qualitative data

Answer 7

words -> ex.through interviews

Question 8

what is the meaning of applied and basic research -> how are they different

Answer 8

->Applied research is driven by practical goals, aiming to solve specific problems and improve understanding in real-world contexts,

->while basic research is motivated by curiosity, seeking to create new knowledge and build theories for future studies without immediate practical application.

Question 9

Applied research includes:

Answer 9

• driven by practice
• purpose to improve understanding of a specific business problem
  -purpose to apply the results of research by solving specific problems ( e.g. in an organization)
  -problem of generalizability
  -generate recommendations
  -conducted by academics , practicitioners , policy makers

Question 10

basic fundamental research includes :

Answer 10

• driven by curiosity -> interest of the researcher
  -purpose to create new knowledge
  -purpose to build theories that may serve as a foundation of further studies
  -no commercial purpose -> yet innovation or practical implications may occur later
• problem of applicability
• no immediate end use among practitioners , unless in long run ( mainly conducted by academics)

Question 11

why do managers need to know about research

Answer 11

-to understand empirical research in the business domain
-to identify and solve problems
-to get a feel for casual relationships
-to make the right decisions , based on facts rather than vested interests
-to help distinguish between good and bad studies
- to interact effectively with researchers or consultants
- to cope with increasing complexity and uncertainty

Question 12

what are the hallmarks of scientific research and define each

Answer 12

The hallmarks of scientific research encompass characteristics such as purposiveness, rigor, testability, replicability, precision, objectivity, generalizability, and parsimony, ensuring a systematic and reliable approach to investigation and analysis.
1. Purposiveness: Research has a specific focus and purpose, such as solving a particular problem or increasing understanding.

2. Rigor: Research is conducted with a strong theoretical base and methodological precision, ensuring a high degree of exactness.
3. Testability: Research hypotheses are formulated in a way that allows them to be empirically tested, predicting expected outcomes based on theory.
4. Replicability: Findings and conclusions should be reproducible in other studies, enhancing the validity of the research.
5. Precision and Confidence: Refers to the exactness and consistency of measurements or observations, along with the researcher’s degree of certainty and reliability in the results.
6. Objectivity: Conclusions drawn are based on factual data rather than subjective interpretations, ensuring a factual and unbiased approach.
7. Generalizability: Findings are applicable in various settings, increasing the usefulness and value of the research.
8. Parsimony: Simplicity is preferred over complexity, avoiding unnecessary elaboration beyond what is essential for the research.

Question 13

What are the 6 steps of the writing process

Answer 13

-choosing a topic and designing the project
-writing a critical literature review
-concepts , conceptual frameworks and theories
-collecting and analyzing research material
-interpreting the research material
-framing arguments and writing up the BA paper…

Question 14

what is the difference between method and methodology

Answer 14

-> method : specific activity to generate data :
ex. interviews , focus groups , case study , surveys , experiment , content analysis
-> methodology : the approach , strategy & techniques : to use the appropriate research method & to answer research questions