Dr. Rohit H. TrivediAsst. Prof.

VMPIM

Defining the Research Problem

2-2

Define the Research Problem and Research Objectives

Management Problem: Symptoms of failure to achieve an

objective are present. What should be done?

Symptoms of the likelihood of achieving an objective are present (opportunity identification). What should be done?

Research Objectives: Providing relevant, accurate, and

unbiased information that managers can use to solve their management problems

2-3

PROBLEMS:

A problem is and interrogative sentence or statement that asks:

What relation exists between two or more variables? The answer is what is being sought in the research.

If the problem is a scientific one, it will almost always contain two or more variables.

2-4

Management Decision Problem Vs. Management Research Problem

Management Decision Problem Research Problem Should a new product be To determine consumer preferencesintroduced? and purchase intentions for the

proposed new product. Should the advertising To determine the effectivenesscampaign be changed? of the current advertising

campaign. Should the price of the To determine the price elasticitybrand be increased? of demand and the impact on sales

and profits of various levels of price changes.

2-5

Management Dilemma The symptom of an actual

problem Not difficult to identify a

dilemma, however choosing one to focus on may be difficult

2-6

Working with the Hierarchy

Fine tune the research question Examine concepts and constructs Break research questions into specific

second-and-third-level questions Verify hypotheses with quality tests Determine what evidence answers

the various questions and hypothesis Set the scope of your study

2-7

The Problem Definition ProcessTasks Involved

DiscussionwithDecision Maker(s)

Interviewswith Experts

SecondaryData Analysis

QualitativeResearch

Management Decision Problem

Management Research Problem

Environmental Context of the Problem

Step I: Problem Definition

Step II: Approach to the Problem

Objective/ Theoretical

Foundations

ResearchQuestions

Hypotheses

Step III: Research Design

Analytical Model: Verbal, Graphical, Mathematical

SpecificationofInformationNeeded

2-8Proper Definition of the Research Problem

Research Problem

Broad Statement

Specific Components

2-9

The Role of Theory in Applied Research

indicate whether

Research Task Role of Theory

1. Conceptualizing

and identifying

key variables

Provides a conceptual foundation and understanding of the basic processes

underlying the problem situation. These processes will suggest key dependent

and independent variables.

2. Operationalizing

key variables

Theoretical constructs (variables) can suggest independent and dependent

variables naturally occurring in the real world.

3. Selecting a

research design

Causal or associative relationships suggested by the theory may

a causal or descriptive design should be adopted.

4. Selecting a

sample

The theoretical framework may be useful in defining the population and

suggesting variables for qualifying respondents, imposing quotas, or stratifying

the population (see Chap. 11).

5. Analyzing and

interpreting data

The theoretical framework (and the models, research questions and hypotheses

based on it) guide the selection of a data analysis strategy and the interpretation

of results (see Chap. 14).

6. Integrating

findings

The findings obtained in the research project can be interpreted in the light of

previous research and integrated with the existing body of knowledge.

2-10

Models

An analytical model is a set of variables and their interrelationships designed to represent, in whole or in part, some real system or process.

In verbal models, the variables and their relationships are stated in prose form. Such models may be mere restatements of the main tenets of a theory.

2-11

Graphical Models

Graphical models are visual. They are used to isolate variables and to suggest directions of relationships.

2-12

Mathematical models explicitly specify therelationships among variables, usually inequation form.

Wherey = degree of preference

= model parameters to be estimated statistically

Mathematical Models

n

iii xaay

10

aa i,0

2-13Development of Research Questions and HypothesesFig. 2.4

Components of the

Research Questions

Hypotheses

Objective/TheoreticalFrameworkAnalytical

Model

Marketing Research Problem

2-14Research Questions and Hypotheses

Research questions (RQs) are refined statements of the specific components of the problem.

A hypothesis (H) is an unproven statement or proposition about a factor or phenomenon that is of interest to the researcher. Often, a hypothesis is a possible answer to the research question.

2-15

Thanks a lot……..