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Research Problem Definition

This document discusses the importance of properly defining research problems in business research. It outlines six learning outcomes related to problem definition and research design. Key aspects of problem definition discussed include understanding the background, identifying symptoms and changes, determining the appropriate unit and variables of analysis, and writing clear research objectives and questions. The use of "dummy tables" in research proposals to clarify objectives is also covered. Proper problem definition is presented as essential to conducting useful business research.

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Sakshi Juneja
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
71 views

Research Problem Definition

This document discusses the importance of properly defining research problems in business research. It outlines six learning outcomes related to problem definition and research design. Key aspects of problem definition discussed include understanding the background, identifying symptoms and changes, determining the appropriate unit and variables of analysis, and writing clear research objectives and questions. The use of "dummy tables" in research proposals to clarify objectives is also covered. Proper problem definition is presented as essential to conducting useful business research.

Uploaded by

Sakshi Juneja
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Business Research

Method for (BRM)


Dr Seema Garg

Research Problem
Definition:

Foundation of Business
Research

LEARNING
LEARNING OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES
1. why proper problem definition is essential to
useful business research
2. Know how to recognize problems
3. Translate managerial decision statements
into relevant research objectives
4. Translate research objectives into research
questions and/or research hypotheses
5. Outline the components of a research
proposal
6. Construct dummy tables as part of a research
proposal

The formulation of the problem is often


more essential than its solution.

Albert Einstein

Different stages of a Research


Process
A
Question
is raised

Formulation
of Research
Questions

Suggest
Hypotheses

Literature
Review

Research
Design
Formulation

Data
Analysis

Acquire
Data

Research Design Formulation

Report
Writing &
Presentation

Hypotheses
Support

Data
Interpretatio
n

Problem Definition

The indication of a specific business


decision area that will be clarified by
answering some research questions.

The Problem-Definition
Process
Problem
When there is a difference between the current
conditions and a more preferable set of
conditions.

Problems Mean Gaps


Business performance is worse than expected
business performance.
Actual business performance is less than
possible business performance.
Expected business performance is greater than
possible business performance.

Defining Problems Can Be


Difficult

The Problem-Definition
Process

The Iceberg Principle

The principle indicating that the


dangerous part of many business
problems is neither visible to nor
understood by managers.

Understand the Background of the


Problem
Exercising judgment
Situation analysis - The informal
gathering of background information
to familiarize researchers or
managers with the decision area.

11

Understand the Business


Decision
Situation Analysis
The gathering of background information to
familiarize researchers and managers with the
decision-making environment.

Interview Process
Develop many alternative problem statements
Think about possible solutions to the problem
Make lists
Be open-minded

Understand the Business


Decision
Identifying Symptoms
Interrogative techniques
Asking multiple what, where, who, when,
why, and how questions about what has
changed.

Probing
An interview technique that tries to draw
deeper and more elaborate explanations
from the discussion.

What Has Changed?

Symptoms Can Be Confusing

Determine the Unit of


Analysis
Unit of Analysis
Indicates what or who should provide the data and
at what level of aggregation.
Individuals (such as customers, employees, and owners)
Households (families, extended families, and so forth)
Organizations (businesses and business units)
Departments (sales, finance, and so forth)
Geographical areas
Objects (products, advertisements, and so forth).

Multi-level analysis studies variables measured at


more than one unit of analysis.

Determine the Relevant


Variable
What is a Variable?
Anything that varies or changes from
one instance to another; can exhibit
differences in value, usually in
magnitude or strength, or in direction.

What is a Constant?
Something that does not change; is not
useful in addressing research questions.

Types of Variables
Dependent
variable
Continuous
variable
Can take on a range
of quantitative
values.

Categorical
variable
Indicates
membership in
some group.
Also called
classificatory

A process outcome
or a variable that is
predicted and/or
explained by other
variables.

Independent
variable
A variable that is
expected to
influence the
dependent variable
in some way.

Example Business Decision Situations,


Corresponding Research
Hypotheses, and Variable
Descriptions

Writing Research Objectives and


Questions
Research Questions
Express the research objectives in
terms of questions that can be
addressed by research.
Help to develop well-formulated,
specific hypotheses that can be
empirically tested.
Help the researcher design a study that
will produce useful results.

Clarity in Research Questions and


Hypotheses
Research Questions
The researchers translation of the problem into
a specific inquiry.
Provide input that can be used as a standard for
selecting from among alternative solutions.

Hypotheses
Statements that can be empirically tested.
State what is expected to be found through the study.

Managerial Action Standard


A specific performance criterion upon which a
decision can be based.

Influence of Decision Statement of


Marketing Problem on Research
Objectives and Research Designs

How Much Time Should Be Spent on


Problem Definition?

Budget constraints usually influence


how much effort is spent on problem
definition.
The more important the decision
faced by management, the more
resources should be allocated
toward problem definition.
The time taken to identify the
correct problem is usually time well
spent.

The Research Proposal


Research Proposal
A written statement of the research design.

Uses for the Proposal


As a planning tool
As a contract

Funded Business Research


Basic research usually performed by
academic researchers that is financially
supported by some public or private
institution as in federal government grants.

Using Dummy Tables to Clarify


Research Objectives
Dummy Tables
Tables placed in research proposals that are
exact representations of the actual tables
that will show results in the final report with
the exception that the results are
hypothetical (fictitious).
Assist in recognizing the types of research
findings necessary to make specific decisions
about anticipated results.
Help identify missing key variables and
irrelevant dependent variables in the research
model.

A Dummy Table for David Deland

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