Research method

Research Methods

Research Methods Dr K S Sukon

Lecture 1-2Introduction to Research Methods


LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the purpose and objectives of a projectUnderstand scientific and business researchUnderstand the importance of choosing the right topic for their dissertation Write research objectives Write a research proposal


What is research?Can you tell me?


RESEARCHVery often people react to symptoms. The real problem remains often unidentified. When applying scientific methods of research to business management, the research usually starts by identifying the problems by asking as many related questions as possible. The researcher finds more about the subject by gathering information, and through in-depth review of the literature. The general aim of research is to discover new facts and to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.


SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Scientific research requires us to follow pre-determined and well established methods that are based on sound theoretical frameworks. Such processes are well structured, logical and objective. In such cases, conclusions are based on standard data analyses rather than preconceptions. The possibilities of generalisations are enhanced and they are known in advance.


BUSINESS RESEARCHBusiness research aims at finding solutions to problems in the field of business management. The spectrum of business research is wide ranging from fundamental research to applied research. The aim of fundamental research is to contribute to the existing business management theories WHEREAS applied research aims at solving current real-life problems occurring in business management.Business research is to describe, explore, explain, identify causes, establish relationships, and predict.


What is expected from students?


THE OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS The specific objectives of a research projectincludeTo develop and demonstrate the ability to undertake an independent research project by employing systematic analysis of the chosen fieldsTo provide opportunities to apply and test concepts presented in the taught programmeTo integrate conceptual material from several fields with management experience


THE OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS To appreciate the use and limitations of theoretical frameworks, formulae, models and modes of analyses To demonstrate intellectual rigour, quality of analysis, relevance of findings, evidence of managerial competenceTo provide opportunities to students to analyses peoples responses to events that cant be simulated completely in the educational settingTo serve as basis for developing new concepts not covered in the literature


THE OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS To provide opportunities to students to acquire and useTechniques of time management and planning Libraries and information services on-siteSearch engines on the InternetInterviewing techniquesPersuasion techniques (to persuade people to cooperate)Data collection techniquesData presentation techniquesData analyses techniquesReport writing methods


Where should I start?Start by choosing a topic


THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOPIC Take sufficient time to think about the topic of your dissertation Choosing an area that you like most and which is related to your job Find ideas for dissertation within the area


Where do I get topics?A few tips for you


Ideas may emanate from

A problem affecting your work or your organisation (your boss will definitely like this one!)A preference for the further exploration of a topic that you are already good atAn old idea that you had always wished to investigateAn intuition that needs some more detailed attention


If you still havent found a topic:Dont worry


Carry out a systematic academic search through past dissertations. Take time to read the part onLimitations and The way forward. Note down the following: What do you like about the dissertation?Whats good about the dissertation? Why do you feel it is good? What do you dislike about them? What is unsatisfactory about them? Why? Is there a possibility to have any variants of the titles?However you should avoid reproducing the topics of existing work too literally as you will end up copying the literature review and models. (Note this is a serious case of plagiarism.)


Havent found the idea?Read the abstracts of a few research journals Search through on-line databasesSearch for ideas on the internet


When you have more than a few topics?


Dont forget these before deciding!How far is it relevant to your course?Is there sufficient information available?Will you get access to data? (Ensure that institutions will allow you access to the relevant data. Ensure that your boss will allow you to use the database of the company for your dissertation)Is it interesting? (Always choose a topic that you feel comfortable with if you dont want to be sick to death of it before it is completed!)How much do you know already? (Always choose something that you are good at, and avoid your weak areas)


Dont forget these before deciding!Are you familiar with the theoretical frameworks?How difficult is likely to be? (The intrinsic complexity of the subject matter should be considered carefully e.g. compulsory use of advanced statistical techniques. At the same time dont choose too easy a topic )Is it possible to complete a dissertation on this topic in the time available? (Work out a rough estimate of the time you are likely to take to complete the project)Will you find an academic to supervise your work?


Decided?It is time to put some order..


Area Field Aspect - TopicDevelop your ideaStep 1: identify an area An area covers the broadest range of scholarly and business endeavour e.g. Banking and Finance, Human Resource Development, International marketing and tradeStep 2: identify a field A field is a component of the area e.g. credit control, employee motivation


Area Field Aspect - TopicStep 3: identify an aspect An aspect is a more detailed facet of a field e.g. evaluating consumer credit arrangement, employee incentive schemes, critical analysis of export marketing strategyStep 4: Develop the topic from the aspect This requires narrowing down the aspect (make it clearer, more precise) in order to obtain the final topic and this may become the title of your dissertation.


The topic should :Inform your supervisor of the issues you are likely to cover and, by implication, to exclude.Demonstrate the way your dissertation will be more than a simple description of the subject matter.


An exampleArea: Banking and FinanceField: Credit ControlAspect: Collection and processing of information in screening borrowersTopic 1: Assessing the effectiveness of the mechanisms of commercial banks in Mauritius to acquire and process information about credit worthiness of their borrowersTopic 2: A comparison of the efficiency of the mechanisms used by commercial banks and other financial institutions to acquire and process information about credit worthiness of their borrowersTopic 3: Has the setting up of the Mauritius Credit Information Bureau improved the sharing of information among financial institutions in Mauritius?


After the topic.We should write the objectives


THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The topic or the title is still not sufficiently preciseDevelop the topic into well-defined research objectives that are uncluttered with irrelevant details - which you will seek to address in your dissertation. Objectives reflect the researchers clear sense of purpose and direction. They relate to what you really want to do? and to what is most useful to do?


The objectives must provide clear information about the issue you are dealing with. For instance, you may be describing, comparing, assessing or evaluating efficiency, assessing or evaluating effectiveness, assessing the appropriateness, carrying out an inventory of the beliefs/opinions/values/attitudes, finding constraints, finding the options that exist and what decisions need to be made, and finding causes/factors.


The objectives must provide clear information about Who will be involved?For instance, you may be dealing with corporate customers only; human resource managers of top 100 companies will be included in the survey. 3. When will it be done?For instance, you may be dealing with customers requiring the service during the day or for the year 2005-2006.


Examples of ObjectivesTo examine the efficiency of mechanisms used by commercial banks to process information about credit worthiness of individual borrowersTo assess the impact of the Mauritius Credit Information Bureau in improving the sharing of information among financial institutions in Mauritius.To compare organisation A with other organisations, and identify its strengths and weaknessesTo evaluate the awareness, usage, perceived likes and dislikes with the new products of company ATo appraise individuals reaction to the opening of a new store in Flacq.It is recommended that dissertations at postgraduate level are based on two to four research objectives.


HypothesisHypothesis are stated in declarative form, a relationship between variables and reflect a theory or body of literature in which they are based.

It is derived directly from the statement of problem and is actually a guess at a solution to the problem bases on a review of the literature, past research and personal experience.


Hypothesis DevelopmentEmployee Behaviour and Service Quality

Further to the exhaustive literature review, it can be deduced that employee behaviour has a considerable impact on service quality. This is because service encounters involve interaction between customers and employees (Winsted, 2000; Suprenant and Solomon, 1987) so employees will have an important role to play in influencing customers perceptions of service encounters (Bitner et al., 1990; Johnston, 1995; Piercy and Gravens, 1995). Similarly, Sanes (1996) has stated that that an organizations human resources are critical differentiators in service delivery.


Hypothesis DevelopmentHence, the following hypothesis has been formulated.

H0There is no significant difference between employee behaviour and service quality at XYZ Ltd.

H1There is a significant difference between employee behaviour and service quality at XYZ Ltd.


What is a successful dissertation?


THE SUCCESSFUL DISSERTATION Elements that all examiners will be lookingfor in your dissertation:clear presentation of concepts and existing ideasappropriate link between existing ideas, your own idea, results of analyses and conclusionscautious choice and application of methods and techniques


The dissertation should beOriginalYou must always carry out your research work sincerely so that the findings are genuine and they can be used by the organisation. Always aim at results that may be published in journals and company newsletters.You should refrain from copying the work of others. Plagiarism is a serious offence. Always follow the rules of referencing and reporting when using the findings of research carried out by other people.


The dissertation should be2. GeneralThis means your findings must be relevant beyond the situation and setting in which the data has been gathered. Even if you are using a case study method, ensure that the findings are relevant to other departments of the organisation or of similar organisations.


The dissertation should be3. PragmaticIt is always recommended that a research dissertation must be practical so that people can use the recommendations.Avoid writing recommendations that are far too general like the company must motivate its staff.


How to get good grades?A dissertation is likely to attract good grades ifit is well structured and well written (few or no typographical errors, appropriate use of appendices and correct referencing) you can convince the examiner or reader about the importance of the researchthe research objectives have been formulated appropriatelythe background to the research is presented in a way which is interesting to the readerthe literature review is informative and relevant to the research work; the concepts and ideas identified have been developed further or have been used


How to get good grades?A dissertation is likely to attract good grades if

There is a judicious use of methodsThere is a critical evaluation of the methods used Findings are analysed thoroughly, not merely described (remember that you are working in the area of management and therefore you must link the statistical results to the management issues being addressed)Proper use of charts and tablesConclusions are linked to findings and analysesRecommendations are practical and feasible


THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL You will be required to submit a research proposal which is considered to be a crucial part of the research dissertation. The aim of the research proposal is to organise and convey your ideas and thoughts.The content of the research proposal should be organised as follows:Your contact details (Name, phone, e-mail address)AreaFieldAspectTopic


THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL Background Why have you chosen this area, field and topic? What is your motivation? Why is it important? Discuss the importance of the research to the organisation(s) involved. Your knowledge of this area/aspect. Reference to around ten previous works like company reports, research papers, newspaper articles, textbooks and theories. Brief description of the nature of the organisations/people involved.Research objectives


THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL Research Methods Who will be involved? How are you planning to collect data from them? Which sampling method you intend to use? Which statistical methods you are planning to use? Timetable (How will you complete the dissertation during the time given to you? When are you planning to do what? State clearly the months and days)Resources (List any resources you would need like a special software)References (List the references. Use the Harvard referencing method as far as possible)


Example Management ProblemWhat price should we charge for our new product?Research ProblemWhat are our costs of production and marketing (COGS)?What are our pricing objectives and position in the market?What price does similar types of products sell for?What is the perceived value of our product in the marketplace? Are there any norms or conventional practices in the marketplace (e.g., customary prices, continual discounting)


ExampleResearch ObjectivesTo assess the costs involved in producing and selling our productTo determine corporate objectives and their implications for pricingTo examine current prices for direct and indirect competitionTo determine potential customer reaction to various prices and their perception of the benefits of owning the product


Lecture 3RESEARCH METHODS


Learning Objectives

Understand what research is all aboutDefine the various research methods and explain their usageUnderstand the important steps in conducting researchUnderstand the importance of a research design


Research ParadigmWidely Recognized Research Paradigms

Positivist Quantitative

Phenomenological Qualitative or Interpretivist


Positivist ParadigmThe world is external and objectiveObserver is independentScience is value-freeLook at causality and fundamental factsDeductiveOperationalise concepts to encourage objectivityQuantitative Use of statistics to establish an objective view


Phenomenological ParadigmThe world is socially constructed and subjectiveObserver is part of what is observedScience is driven by human interestsFocus on meaningsInductiveTry to understand what is happeningQualitative Multiple methods to establish pattern in different subjective areas


FEATURES: POSITIVIST PARADIGMPOSITIVIST PARADIGM

Tends to produce quantitative dataUses large samplesConcerned with hypothesis testingData is highly specific and preciseThe location is superficialReliability is highValidity is lowGeneralizes from sample to population


FEATURES: PHENOMENOLOGICAL PARADIGMPHENOMENOLOGICAL PARADIGM

Tends to produce qualitative dataUses small samplesConcerned with generating theoriesData is rich and subjectiveThe location is naturalReliability is lowValidity is highGeneralizes from one setting to another


Research can be


Descriptive researchIn descriptive research, the basic objectives include providing information about conditions, situations, and events that occur in the present. Deals with everything that can be counted and studied which has an impact of the lives of the people it deals with.

For example: finding the most frequent diseases that affects the children of a town. The reader of the research will know what to do to prevent that disease thus more people will gave a healthy life.


Exploratory research and Confirmatory researchAn exploratory research Used for problem that has not been clealy definedHelps determine the best research design data collection method and selection of subjects.Reselt are not usually useful for decision making by themselves but they can provide significant insight into a given situation


A confirmatory research is employed when the researcher has generated a theoretical model (based on theory, previous research findings, or detailed observation) that needs to be tested through the gathering and analysis of field data


Causal researchCausal research aims to suggest causal linkages between variables by observing existing phenomena and then searching back through available data in order to try to identify plausible causal relationships. This involves the discovery of factors identified as cause of any phenomenon always preceding in time the occurrence of the phenomenon.


Correlational researchCorrelational research is also useful and it involves the search for relationships or associations between variables through the use of various measures of statistical association. Seaks to establish a relationship/ association/correlation between 2 or more variable that do not readily lend themselves to experimental manipulationFor example: to test the hypothesis- Listening to music lowers blood pressure levels


Prediction researchA prediction research study has as its goal the capacity to forecast future events and the formulation of hypotheses for research.

Some research in investments and portfolio management, for example, is directed at developing approaches to enhance the capacity to predict market trends.


Experimental research methodExperimental research method is a systematic andscientific approachto research in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables, and controls and measures any change in other variables.

The main characteristics of experimental studies are: (1) active manipulation of treatment variables by the researcher, and (2) the use of random assignment of units to each type of treatment.

It attempts to explore cause and affect relationships where causes can be manipulated to produce different kinds of effects.


Case studyCase study research method relates to two distinct research approaches. The first consists of an in-depth study of a particular person/employee/client, department, or organisation with the aim of producing a nuanced description of the pervading cultural setting that affects productivity, and an account of the interactions that take place between students and other relevant persons. The second approach to Case Study Research involves the application of quantitative research methods to non-probability samples which provide results that are not necessarily designed to be generalisable to wider populations.


Survey methodSurvey method aims at collecting systematic descriptions of existing phenomena in order to describe or explain what is going on. Data are obtained by directing questions to a relatively large group of people. Survey studies also typically report relations among variables. These relationships are associational and not causal.


Ethnographic research methodEthnographic research method A qualitative approach that studies the cultural patterns and perspectives of participants in their natural settingsPurpose To describe, analyze, and interpret the culture of a group over time to understand the groups shared beliefs, behaviors, and language Objectives


Grounded theoryis a systematic methodology in thesocial sciencesinvolving the construction of theory through the analysis of dataa study using grounded theory is likely to begin with a question, or even just with the collection of qualitative data

This method is not so common among business researchers.


Grounded Theory isaresearchmethodthat will enable you todevelop atheorywhichoffers an explanation aboutthe main concern of the population of your substantive area andhow that concern is resolved or processed.


Action researchis learning by doing - a group of people identify a problem, do something to resolve it, see how successful their efforts were, and if not satisfied, try again.

action research that differentiate it from common problem-solving activities that we all engage in every day


IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS Theory: In its most general sense a theory is a set of related concepts that combine to describe or explain some phenomena. Often it is the answer to 'what', 'when', 'how' or 'why' questions.Theoretical framework: or a specific conceptual model (in wThe conceptual underpinning of a research study which may be based on theory hich case it may be referred to as the conceptual framework).Variable: An attribute or characteristics of a person or an object that varies within the population under investigation (e.g. profit, age, weight, number of customers).


Independent variable (IV): The variable (or antecedent) that is assumed to cause or influence the dependent variable(s) or outcome. The independent variable is manipulated in experimental research to observe its effect on the dependent variable(s). It is the stimulus. It is sometimes referred to as the treatment variable.Dependent variable (DV): In experimental research, the dependent variable is the variable presumed within the research hypothesis to depend on (be caused by) another variable (the independent variable); it is sometimes referred to as the outcome variable. It is the response or the consequence.Moderating variable (MV): is a second independent variable that is included because the researcher believes that it may have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between the primary independent variable-dependent variable links. IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


Intervening variables (IVV): The intervening variable (IVV) may be defined as a factor that affects the observed relationship between the IV and the DV but itself is not visible or open to manipulation.Example: Increase in the number of on-line advertisements (IV) will lead to an increase in the number of people using electronic banking services (DV) especially among those who have just had access Internet facilities (MV). The result will come from stimulating the users sense of innovation and curiosity (IVV). IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


Research question: A clear statement in the form of a question of the specific issue that a researcher wishes to answer in order to address a research problem. A research problem is an issue that lends itself to systematic investigation through research.

Hypothesis: A statement that predicts the relationship between variables (specifically the relationship between the independent and dependent variables). A hypothesis may be directional or non-directional:

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


Directional hypothesis (or one-tailed hypothesis): A hypothesis that makes a specific prediction about the nature and direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.Non-directional hypothesis (or two-tailed hypothesis): A hypothesis that does not specify the nature and direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.Null hypothesis (H0): A statement that there is no relationship between the independent and dependent variables and that any relationship observed is due to chance or fluctuations in sampling.IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


Deductive reasoning: a logical process of developing specific predictions or hypotheses from general principles. This type of reasoning moves from the general to the particular.

Inductive reasoning: a logical process of reasoning used to develop more general rules from specific observations; this type of reasoning moves from the specific to the more generalised. IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


Reliability: It is concerned with the consistency and dependability of a measuring instrument, i.e. it is an indication of the degree to which it gives the same answers over time, across similar groups and irrespective of who administers it. A reliable measuring instrument will always give the same result on different occasions assuming that what is being measured has not changed during the intervening period. A number of techniques can be used to ensure the reliability of a standardised measuring instrument such as an attitude questionnaire, personality test or pressure sore risk calculator. These include test-retest, split-half and alternate forms. There are also statistical tests that can be used to assess reliability such as Cronbach Alpha and the Spearman correlation coefficient test. IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


RELIABILITYMeans consistency or dependabilityExample: a weight-scaleone gets on it & read 150 as the weightif one repeats it & gets the same weight each time then the scale is reliable

Reliability isconsistency in measurement


A measure is said to bereliable(in a given setting) if it can be repeated with minimal variation. Some terms applied to particular forms of reliability are:repeatabilityreproducibilityinter and intra observer variabilityconsistencyequivalencestability


Reliability: the degree to which a measurement procedure produces similar outcomes when it is repeated. E.g., gender, birthplace, mothers nameshould be the same always

Validity: tests for determining whether a measure is measuring the concept that the researcher thinks is being measured, i.e., Am I measuring what I think I am measuring?


Validity is truth in measurement


Validity: In research terms, validity refers to the accuracy and truth of the data and findings that are produced. It refers to the concepts that are being investigated; the people or objects that are being studied; the methods by which data are collected; and the findings that are produced. There are several different types of validity: Face validity: the extent to which a measuring instrument appears to others to be measuring what it claims to measure. Content validity: is similar to face validity except that the researcher deliberately targets individuals acknowledged to be experts in the topic area to give their opinions on the validity of the measure. IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


Criterion-related validity: requires the researcher to identify a relevant criterion or 'gold standard', which is itself reliable and valid, to provide an independent check of the new measure (i.e. to compare the results from a well-established and a new measuring instrument). Construct validity: refers to the degree to which a research instrument measures a theoretical concept (or construct) under investigation. Internal validity: refers to the extent to which changes in the dependent variable (the observed effects) can be attributed to the independent variable rather than to extraneous variables. External validity: refers to the degree to which the results of a study are generalisable beyond the immediate study sample and setting to other samples and settings. IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS


THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Now it is time to do the work!The steps of the research process


THE RESEARCH PROCESSWhich Management Problem?

Select the management problem which you wish to explore.


THE RESEARCH PROCESS2.BrainstormBrainstorming with colleagues and tutors will help to reflect on the significance of the problem and its relevance as a management issue. For the research to proceed in a focused and systematic manner, these questions must be refined to form more specific research questions and objectives that indicate exactly which target populations and which variables or factors should be included in the research study.


THE RESEARCH PROCESS3.Initial Literature reviewThis initial literature review is essential as it will help you to develop a frame of reference for the research, formulate conceptual and operational definitions of key concepts, and crystallise in specific terms the research topic and problem. Develop a list of key words that will be used for an in-depth critical literature review. Around 10-12 sources must be reviewed. Find more about the organisation or set up where your research will be conducted.


THE RESEARCH PROCESS4.Identification of the research methods and techniquesIdentify the paradigm, methods and techniques you are planning to use for your research, data collection and analyses. Formulate research hypotheses and decide on the type of data needed.


THE RESEARCH PROCESS5.Prepare research proposalAt this stage, you will have to prepare a sound research proposal that will be accepted by the University of Mauritius. You should convince the tutors that you are interested in the topic and that you have a sound knowledge together with a clear plan. Carry any change suggested to the proposal. Obtain the approval before proceeding further.


THE RESEARCH PROCESS6.Carry out intensive literature review.The aim is to achieve a deeper grasp of the problem and its context, to develop a concise, critical and evaluative summary of previous research and literature on the research topic. This will also be the opportunity to gather ideas for the literature design, data collection and analyses, instruments, and techniques.


7.Identify the population and the sample.You must define the population clearly, identify the sample selection method, and decide on the sample size and the sample units.8.Develop a data collection design.Develop instruments to collect data that will allow us to answer the research questions.9.Select an appropriate data analysis strategy.Decide on the statistical analyses that you will use. Identify (if any) the univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses that will be used.THE RESEARCH PROCESS


10.Conduct a pilot study.A pilot study is essential in identifying areas in the process that may require amendments. 11.Revise, amend and fine-tune the instruments.On the basis of the findings of the pilot study, revise the data collection instrument.12.Input, clean, analyse and interpret data.The analyses of the data must be geared towards the research objectives. You must remember that only a judicious choice of methods that will provide you the appropriate elements that can be weaved together to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations.13.Write the dissertation.THE RESEARCH PROCESS


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