BRM UNIT I

Dr.Shalini Swamy
JSPM’s Imperial College of Engineering & Research
Department Of MBA
 CHAPTER I

Meaning of Research
Research is a logical and systematic search for new and useful information on a particular topic.
Research is important both in scientific and nonscientific fields. In our life new problems, events,
phenomena and processes occur every day. Practically, implementable solutions and suggestions
are required for tackling new problems that arise. Scientists have to undertake research on them
and find their causes, solutions, explanations and applications. Research is a careful and detailed
study into a specific problem, concern, or issue using the scientific method.

Research can be about anything, and we hear about all different types of research in the news.
Cancer research has 'Breakthrough Cancer-Killing Treatment Has No Side Effects in Mice,' and
'Baby Born with HIV Cured.' Each of these began with an issue or a problem (such as cancer or
HIV), and they had a question, like, 'Does medication X reduce cancerous tissue or HIV
infections?'

Definitions: "Research is simply a systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing

specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution of a
problem that would be possible under ordinary means. It starts with a problem, collects data or
facts, analyses them critically and searches decisions based on the actual evidence".
(C.C.Crawford)

Research is carefully inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; a diligent

investigation to ascertain something (Clifford woody).

Francis Bacon: “Research is a power of suspending judgment with patience of meditating with
pleasures of asserting with caution, of correcting with readiness of arranging thought with
scrupulous plan

"Research is in an honest, exhaustive intelligent searching for facts and their meanings or
implications with reference to a given problem". (P.M. Cook)

Redman and Mory define research as a,” Systematized effort to gain new knowledge”.

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Need of business research

 To understand clearly an observed phenomenon and explain its logic and reason for
happening.
 To get insights about problem, threat and opportunities
 To find solutions for a problem.
 To test existing laws or theories.
 To develop new ideas, concepts and theories.
 To test hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.
 To identify areas where research could make the difference.
 To predict future of events.

Characteristics of scientific research method- Scientific research is the application of

scientific methods , scientific principles to the investigation of relationship among different
variables to find out solutions to the problem or develop new theory. It is mostly carried out by
scientific researchers with a systematic observation and proper testing. The characteristics of
scientific research are as follows:

Purposiveness: scientific research must have some specific purpose involved in conducting the
research. All the activities carried out in research are directly influenced by purpose of research
that means the purpose of research forms the basis of all procedures and execution.

Testability: a scientific investigation adopts a certain sequential procedure, an organized plan to

collect and analyze data about the problem under study. In general this plan includes some
scientific steps such as formulation of hypothesis, testing, compilation of findings or facts and
generalization.

Replicability: Scientific research must be replicable as the research results which are replicable
have more acceptability and confidence as being scientific. Replicability means that if we use
similar methods and procedures of data collection and analysis as compared to the previous
study, the research studies must come out with similar results.

Objectivity: objectivity means ability to see and accept facts as they are, not as one might wish
they are. Scientific research must deal with fact rather than interpretations of fact. The data

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collected from research should be free from all types of biasness. Researchers should not be
influenced any type of value, belief and preferences. Objectivity requires that researchers should
set aside all kinds of subjective considerations and prejudices.

Parsimony: The scientific research must have the feature of parsimony i.e. research should be
conducted in simple and economical manner. There should be simplicity in explaining the
problems and generalizing solutions for the problem.

Rigor: scientific research methodology must be carried out carefully with proper thought –out
methodology. Conducting rigorous research requires good theoretical knowledge and proper laid
out methodology. This will eliminate the bias; facilitate factual data collection and analysis
which in turn would lead to sound and reliable research findings.

Generalizability: scientific research must have the characteristics of generalizability. The results
obtained from the research must be applicable and acceptable worldwide. Generalizability refers
to the scope of applying research findings of one organizational setting to other setting of almost
similar nature. The more generalizable the research, the greater will be its usefulness and value.
However it is not always possible to generalize the research findings to all other research setting,
situations or organizations.

Research applications in business and management

 A research problem refers to a complexity which a researcher or a scientific community

or an industry or a government organization or a society experiences. It may be a
theoretical or a practical situation. It calls for a systematic understanding and possible
solution. It helps identify problems and using this information, wise decisions can be
made to tackle the issue appropriately.

 It helps to understand customers and their need better and hence can be useful to
communicate better with the customers or stakeholders.

 Mathematical and logical research on business and industry reduces the risks and
uncertainties in advance in business by conducting business research.

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  Financial outcomes and investments that will be needed can be planned effectively using
business research. It is helpful in industry and business for higher profits, output, and
efficiency and to improve the quality of products.

 Business research can help track competition in the business sector by categorization of
new products, new materials etc.

 Business research can enable a company to make wise decisions as to where to spend and
how much.

 Business research can enable a company to stay up-to-date with the market and its trends
and appropriate innovations can be made to stay ahead in the game.

 Business research helps to measure reputation.

 Social research helps find answers to social problems. They explain social phenomena
and try to find solution to social problems.

Types of Research:

1. Basic or fundamental research: This research is mainly conducted to increase knowledge

base. It is driven purely by interest and a desire to expand our knowledge. This type of research
tends not to be directly applicable to the real world in a direct way, but enhances our
understanding of the world around us. It can be exploratory, descriptive or explanatory. It
generates new ideas, principles and theories in different fields. It is sometimes implicitly said
that basic research doesn’t have practical applications. For example, someone conducting basic
research on cheating behaviour may design a study examining whether students from illiterate
families cheat more often than students from literate families. Notice that the research is not done
to reduce cheating or help people who cheat or any other “applied” aspect, but to increase the
understanding of cheating behaviour. The outcomes of basic research form the basis for many applied
research. Basic research includes

 Seeks generalization
 Aims at basic processes
 Attempts to explain why things happen

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  Tries to get all the facts
 Reports in technical language of the topic
2. Applied Research: This type of research is related with solving practical problems rather than
focusing on the knowledge expansion, it is mainly used to find solutions to problems which
occur on a daily basis and develop new innovative technologies. The main aim of applied
research is to provide better technologies for humans to enhance their standard of living.
Example: Investigating which treatment approach is the most effective for treating cancer
patients whereas researching which strategies work best to motivate workers.

 Studies individual or specific cases without the objective to generalize

 Aims at any variable which makes the desired difference
 Tries to say how things can be changed
 Tries to correct the facts which are problematic
 Reports in common language

3. Quantitative Research- Quantitative research is generally related with the positivist concept.
It usually involves collecting and converting data into numerical form so that statistical
calculations can be made and conclusions could be drawn. Objectivity is very vital in
quantitative research. Therefore, researchers try to avoid their own presence, behaviour or
attitude affecting the results (e.g., by changing the circumstances being studied or causing
participants to behave differently). The aim of quantitative research is to develop mathematical
models, theories related to phenomenon. Quantitative research is mainly used in social sciences.
It investigates what, where, when and how the decision process made.

4. Qualitative Research- Qualitative research is the approach usually related with the social
constructivist concept which emphasizes the socially constructed nature of reality. It is about
recording, analyzing and attempting to reveal the in depth meaning and significance of human
behaviour and experience, including conflicting beliefs, behaviors and emotions. The qualitative
method tries to answer why and how of decision-making rather than what and when. The
approach to data collection and analysis is logical but allows for greater flexibility compared to
quantitative research. Data is collected in textual form on the basis of observation and

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communication with the participants, e.g., through participant observations, in-depth interviews
and focus groups. It is not converted into numerical form and is not statistically analyzed.

5. Descriptive Research- Descriptive research is used to describe characteristics of an

observable fact being studied. These studies are structured in such a way that it cannot be
changed frequently, so it can be said that they are rigid in nature. They cannot identify cause and
effect relationship between variables. Descriptive research answers questions such as who, when,
where, what and how. This type of research describes what exists and may help to reveal new
facts and meaning and to observe, describe and document.

6. Exploratory Research- Exploratory research is carried out for a problem that has not been
clearly defined. The main aim of this research is to gather initial information which helps to
define problems and recommend hypothesis. The exploration of new phenomena in this way may
help the researcher’s need for better understanding, may test the feasibility of a more extensive
study, or determine the best methods to be used in a subsequent study. Exploratory research
often relies on secondary research such as reviewing available literature, or qualitative
approaches such as informal discussions with consumers, employees, management or
competitors, and more formal approaches through in-depth interviews, focus groups, projective
methods, case studies or pilot studies. The results of exploratory research are not generally useful
for decision-making, but they can provide major insight into a given situation.

7. Historical Research- It is defined as the type of research that examines past events or
combinations of events to arrive at an account of what has happened in the past. Historical
research is carried out to discover the unknown; answer questions, recognize the relationship that
the past has to the present; record and assess activities of individuals, agencies, or institutions;
and assist in understanding the culture in which we live. Historical research can exhibit patterns
that occurred in the past and over time which can facilitate us to see where we came from and
what kinds of solutions we have used in the past. We usually will notice that what we do today is
expressly rooted in the past. Historical research involves the process of collecting and reading
the research material collected, and writing the document from the data collected.

8. Experimental Research- It is commonly used in sciences such as sociology and psychology,

physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, etc. It is a collection of research designs which use

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manipulation and controlled testing to understand fundamental processes. Usually, one or more
variables are manipulated to establish their effect on a dependent variable. Experimental
Research is mainly used when: there is time priority in a causal relationship (Cause precedes
effect) or there is uniformity in a causal relationship (a cause will always lead to the same effect)
or the magnitude of the correlation is great. Experimental research is important to society as it
helps us to improve our daily lives.

9. Mixed research- - research that involves the mixing of quantitative and qualitative methods
or paradigm characteristics. Nature of data is mixture of variables, words and images

10. Cross-sectional Research- One-shot or cross-sectional studies are those in which data is
gathered once, during a period of days, weeks or months. Many cross-sectional studies are
exploratory or descriptive in purpose. They are designed to look at how things are now, without
any sense of whether there is a history or trend at work.

Limitations of Research

 Biasness by researcher
 Defective data collection
 Existence of Subjectivity
 Lengthy and Time-consuming
 Costly Process

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 CHAPTER II

Research Problem

The research problem serves as the foundation of research body

A research problem can be defined as a definite or clear statement about an area of concern, a
condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in
scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that point to a need for meaningful
understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do
something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.

The purpose of a problem statement is to:

1. Introduce the reader about the significance of the topic being studied. The reader is
oriented to the significance of the study and the research questions or hypotheses to
follow.

2. Places the problem into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be
investigated.

3. Provides the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary
to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information

Steps in formulating Research problem:

The process of formulating a research problem comprised of no. of steps. Working through these
steps proposes a reasonable level of knowledge in broad subject area within which the study is to
be undertaken and the research methodology itself.

Step 1: Defining the research Problem - This is the first and the most critical step of the
research journey A research problem can be defined as a gap or uncertainty in the decision
makers’ existing body of knowledge which inhibits efficient decision making. Sometimes it may
so happen that there might be multiple reasons for these gaps and identifying one of these and
pursuing its solution, might be the problem. For example, a researcher wants to study work life

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balance he/ she needs to be made so that there is complete clarity of the concept and its sub
contents.

Step 2: Problem Identification process- The problem recognition process invariably starts with
the decision maker and some difficulty or decision dilemma that he/she might be facing. This is
an action oriented problem that addresses the question of what the decision maker should do.
Sometimes, this might be related to actual and immediate difficulties faced by the manager
(applied research) or gaps experienced in the existing body of knowledge (basic research).

Step 3: management Dilemma - Any research needs to be triggered by the need and desire to
know more. This need might be merely because we want to discover and reinstate some
relationships, the orientation might be purely academic with the purpose of uncovering some
new perspectives to existing phenomena (basic or fundamental research) or there might be an
immediate business decision that requires additional information acquisitions and analysis in
order to arrive at any effective and workable solution (applied research). For example, an HR
consultant or professor might wish to study some aspect of the work-life balance phenomenon or
a soft drinks manufacturer might want to test the acceptability of fruit-based juices to his product
portfolio.

Step 4: Formulation of research question

The management-research question hierarchy process of sequential question formulation leads a

manager or researcher from management dilemma to investigative questions. There are six steps
to the management research question hierarchy for a management dilemma that can be faced at
work. The process begins with the management dilemma—the problem or opportunity that
requires a business decision.

A) Management Dilemma: The management dilemma is usually represents an actual problem,

such as:

 Rising costs

 The discovery of an expensive chemical compound that can increase the intensity of a drug

 Increasing tenant move-outs from an apartment complex

 Declining sales

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 A larger number of product defects during the manufacture of an automobile.

 An increasing number of letters and phone complaints about post purchase

B) Management Question: the management dilemma restated in question format.

Example - What can be done so that the delay in delivery of the product does not occur again?
C) Research question(s): Examine variables, determine necessary evidence, and evaluate
hypotheses that explain the research objective

Example - Should the delivery service be switched to another company?

D) Investigative questions: questions the researcher must answer to satisfactorily answer the
research question; what the decision marker feels he/she needs to know to arrive at a conclusion
about the management dilemma.

Example - Which specific delivery company can be used for the delivery of this product?

E) Measurement questions: how can the questions be measured? What needs to be asked or
observed for the information needed to solve the problem and the management research
question?

Example - What is the approximate delivery time of the best delivery company in the city?

F) Management Decisions: Based on the findings gained from the research, what action course
should the management take?

Example - Based on the data gathered, should the company switch to a new delivery company or
not?

By following these six steps successfully, management dilemma can be solved effectively.

Step 5: Formulation of objective - these research questions are transformed in form of research
objectives in action oriented words. These objectives guide us of what we want to achieve
through our research study.

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Characteristics of Good Research Question

“The most successful research topics are narrowly focused and carefully defined but are
important parts of a broad-ranging, complex problem.”

A good RQ has following advantage:

 Gives details of the problem statement

 Further describes and refines the issue under study

 Adds focus to the problem statement

 Guides data collection and analysis

 Sets context of research.

Hence, while writing RQ, it is important to see if it is relevant to the existing time frame and
conditions. For example, study the impact of “odd-even” vehicle formula in decreasing the level
of air pollution in various districts of Delhi.

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 CHAPTER III

Process of Business Research:

Research involves a systematic process that focuses on being objective and gathering a multitude
of information for analysis so that the researcher can come to a conclusion. This process is used
in all research and evaluation projects, regardless of the research method (scientific method of
inquiry, evaluation research, or action research). The scientific research process is a multiple-
step process where the steps are interlinked with the other steps in the process. If changes are
made in one step of the process, the researcher must review all the other steps to ensure that the
changes are reflected throughout the process. Research experts recognized the following steps of
the research procedure to conduct a research study.

Step 1: formulation of Research problem: The formulation of a general topic into a specific
research problem thus constitutes the first step in a scientific enquiry. Essentially two steps
are involved in formulating the research problem, viz., understanding the problem thoroughly,
and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view.

Step 2.Literature Review: Once the problem has been identified the next step researcher must
study more about the topic under investigation. The review of literature provides clear idea about
the formulated problem, its history, how these studies were conducted, and the conclusions in the
problem zone. This step provides foundational knowledge about the problem area. For this
purpose academic journals, conference and govt. reports and other related data could be studied.
The literature review:

 Compares and contrasts

 Identifies areas of consensus and dissent

 Reveals gaps or oversights

 Indicates areas needing further research

 Points out trends, themes, approaches, methodologies, theories, and frames of analysis

 Examines methodological or theoretical strengths and weaknesses

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Step 3: Development of Research Question & hypothesis: After extensive literature survey,
researcher should state in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Working hypothesis
is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences.
Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to
be tested. The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research
and to keep him on the right track. It sharpens his thinking and focuses attention on the more
important facets of the problem. It also indicates the type of data required and the type of
methods of data analysis to be used.

Working hypotheses arise as a result of a priori thinking about the subject, examination of the
available data and material including related studies and the counsel of experts and interested
parties. Working hypotheses are more useful when stated in precise and clearly defined terms.

Step 4: Preparing the Research Design: Once the management dilemma has been converted into
a research question and a working hypothesis, the next step is to develop a framework of the plan
of investigation. Based on the orientation of the research, i.e., exploratory, descriptive or causal,
the researcher has a number of techniques for testing the stated objectives. These methods have a
clear indication of the process of systematically controlling the variables under study in order to
be able to establish the association or causality of the relationship under the study. In other
words, the function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with
minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. But how all these can be achieved depends
mainly on the research purpose.

Step 5: Determining the sample Design: This section refers to how one goes about making an
investigation of the respondent population to be studied. It is not always possible to study the
entire population. Thus, one goes about studying a small and representative sub-group of the
same. This sub-group is referred to as the sample of the study. For instance, blood testing is done
only on sample basis. Hence, quite often, we select only a few items from the universe for our
study purposes.

The most important criteria for this selection would be the representativeness of the sample
selected from the population under study. The second rule to avoid a probability of error in
prediction is that the selected sample should be free from researcher’s bias and the degree of

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precision/ error should be measurable and small enough to be deducted from the results. Another
critical decision the researcher needs to take is to determine the optimal sample size to be
selected in order to obtain results that can be considered as representative of the population under
study.

Step 6: Data Collection: The gathering of data may range from simple observation to a large-
scale survey in any defined population. There are many ways to collect data. The approach
selected depends on the objectives of the study, the research design, and the availability of time,
money, and personnel. With the variation in the type of data (qualitative or quantitative) to be
collected, the method of data collection also varies. Broadly data is classified into two categories
primary and secondary.

There are a variety of primary data methods available to the researcher ranging from subjective,
non-quantifiable interviews, focus group discussions, personal/telephonic interviews/ mail
survey to the well-structured and quantifiable questionnaires. Secondary data is information that
has been collected and compiled earlier. For example, company records, magazine articles,
expert opinion surveys, sales records, customer feedback, government data and previous
researches done on the topic of interest. This step in the research process requires careful and
rigorous quality checks to ensure the reliability and validity of the data collected. There are
measurement options available to establish these criteria for the data collection instrument such
as questionnaire.

Step 7: Data Refining and preparation for analysis: Once the data is collected, it must be
refined and processed in the format required for evaluating the information in order to answer the
research question(s) and test the formulated hypotheses. This stage requires editing of the data
for any omissions and irregularities. Then it is coded and tabulated in a manner in which it can
be subjected to statistical testing.

Step 8: Data analysis and interpretation of findings: Analysis work after tabulation is generally
based on the computation of various percentages, coefficients, etc. by applying various well-
defined statistical tools and techniques. In the process of analysis, relationships or differences
supporting or conflicting with original or new hypotheses subjected to tests of significance to
determine with what validity data can be said to indicate any conclusion. Further, the researcher,

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based on his analysis, determines if his findings are consistent with the formulated hypotheses
and theories.

Once the data has been analyzed and summarized, the researcher tries to link the results with the
research objectives, stating clearly the implications of the findings and doing all this with an
objective and rational approach.

Step 9: Report Writing: The report compilation that starts from the problem formulation to the
interpretation is the final part of the process. In its preliminary pages, the report should carry title
and date followed by acknowledgements and foreword. Then there should be a table of contents
followed by a list of tables and list of graphs and charts, if any, given in the report. The main text
of the report should have the following parts introduction, summary of findings, main report, and
conclusion.

At the end of the report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all technical data.
Bibliography, i.e., list of books, journals, reports, etc. consulted, should also be given in the end.
Index should also be given specially in a published research report.

Research can be seen as a series of linked activities moving from a beginning to an end.
Research usually begins with the identification of a problem followed by formulation of research
questions or objectives. Proceeding from this the researcher determines how best to answer these
questions and so decides what information to collect, how it will be collected, and how it will be
analyzed in order to answer the research question.

Described in this way the research process is given the impression of linearity, yet research
investigation is often an iterative process whereby the process of conducting the research will
give rise to new ideas which, in turn, feed back into the data collection and analysis stage.
Decisions made early in the research process are often revisited in the light of new insights or
practical problems encountered along the way.

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 Defining a Research Problem

Literature Review (Understanding Problem)

Formulating Research Question & Hypothesis

Preparing Research Framework or Research design

Sampling Design (Exploratory, Descriptive, causal)

Data collection Plan & Process (Instrument design,

data collection, Pilot Testing)

Data Refining & Preparation

Data analysis and interpretation of findings

Report Writing (Introduction, LR, Findings,

implications & conclusion)

Stages of Research Process

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Elements of a Research Proposal

“A research proposal is a document that describes the essential features of a study to be

conducted in the future, as well as the strategy whereby the inquiry may be logically and
successfully accomplished.”

These proposals are intended to convince people that your ideas and projects are important. They
strive to explain how you can satisfactorily complete the project. A research proposal needs to let
people know why the project is a good and/or needed idea and that you understand what
information and studies are already out there. Writing a good proposal will help us to manage
our time so that we can complete the research and meet objectives. The specific format and
content of these elements may vary; they may not always appear as separate sections or in the
order listed here.

1.) Title

A title should be thorough enough that it lets the reader know what the project is, but brief
enough that it is not overwhelming or too complex to understand. It should grab the reader's
attention and convince them to read more.

2.) Abstract

In the abstract, the writer gives a short summary that contains the problem the research will look
to solve. It will outline the solution by explaining the method, procedures, and instruments that
will be used.

3.) Table of Contents

This section lets the reader know the main components of the proposal, and the order in which
they are presented. For example, it would outline that the methods section begins on page 18,
and the budget section starts on page 21.

4.) Introduction

Every research proposal should begin by introducing the subject area and the specific problem
your research will address. This sets the tone for the rest of your proposal and is therefore your

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only opportunity to make a good first impression, so make sure it’s well organized and
informative. The introduction section covers:

 Background of the study- The main idea of the background of study is to establish the
area of research in which your work belongs, and to provide a context for the research
problem. It also provides information to the research topic.

 Statement of the problem- When you start a research, you have a question that you wish
to seek answer for. The question leads to a problem that needs to be solved by the
research. Begin the research with a description of the problem or a thesis statement.
 Objectives of the study- States what your research hopes to accomplish.
 Significance of the study- research is important and what contributions will it give to the
field. It is also advised to state how your findings can make a difference and why is it
important that the research be carried out.
 Limitation of the study- It is not possible to include ALL aspects of a particular
problem. State what is not included. Specify the boundaries of you research. A too wide
area of investigation is impractical and will lead to problems.
 Definition of terms- Terms or concepts that you use should be defined and explained
unless they are familiar or obvious. You should refer to authoritative sources for
definitions.

5). Literature Review: This section list all the information retrieved from various sources such
as relevant bodies of literature, reports, books and other authenticate sources. A well-written
review provides a sense of critical issues which form the background for your own work. By
reviewing related literature at this stage, it will make us:

 Aware of other similar work which has been done.

 Expose methodologies that have been adopted and which you may use or adapt.
 Provide sources of information that you do not have yet.
 Approaches do not used before.

6). Research Methodology: This section is the heart of the proposal because it provides insight
and perspective about plan to carry out the project. How will you accomplish your objective(s)?

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What theories or concepts will guide the study? How do they or might they suggest the specific
hypotheses or research questions? Where might you run into obstacles? This describes the data
used in research study and the methodology adopted for study. It explains detailed plan of whole
research procedure (interview, observation, and questionnaire), statistical tools, and data
collection process, framing of questionnaire and target population for the research study.

7). Findings, Implications and Conclusions- In this section researcher explained the results
draw out from statistical analysis in alignment with research questions or research objectives.
This section logically follows through from the methodology and findings; with a smooth
transition to reporting, analyzing, discussing, and substantiating the results. This summarizes the
results and major findings. Based on the findings of previous section, researcher present
discussion and major implications of the study. Conclusion is the last part of report writing in
which sum up the main points and refer to any underlying theme. If any questions or issues
remain unresolved, mention them in the conclusion.

8). References and Appendix: This component cites all the references made in the paper to
other research studies and sources of information, be it by way of testimony, statistics, direct
quotes, and paraphrased information. It is vital that every reference is recorded: doing so adds
credibility and discipline to the paper. In appendix section include data tables, background
calculations, specification lists for equipment used, details of experimental configuration, and
other information needed for completeness.

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Organizational value: Organizational values describe the core ethics or principles which the
company will abide by, no matter what. They inspire employees’ best efforts and also constrain
their actions. Strong, clearly-articulated values should be a true reflection of your organization’s
aspirations for appropriate workplace behaviour, and play an important role in building a positive
culture at your organization. Core values also help companies to determine if they are on the
right path and fulfilling their goals by creating an unwavering guide.

Well-drafted and current organizational values:

 Guide staff behaviour, as well as strategic and operational decisions

 Provide a solid foundation for your employment policies , and “fill the gaps” where
policies are silent

 Over time, improve the organization’s ethical character as expressed in its operations and
culture

 Demonstrate integrity and accountability to external stakeholders

 Set the organization apart from its competitors

 Reduce risk of inappropriate behaviour

 Strengthen the employment value proposition

Values of Research: The integrity of research is based on the foundational core values of
science. The research system could not operate without these shared values that shape the
behaviors of all who are involved with the system. There are six values that are most influential
in shaping the norms that constitute research practices

Objectivity: objectivity describes the attitude of impartiality with which researchers should strive
to approach their work. Scientific objectivity is intended to ensure that scientist’ personal beliefs
and qualities—motivations, position, material interests, field of specialty, prominence, or other
factors—do not introduce biases into their work.

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Honesty: As an individual researcher, those engaged in assessing research, whether those who
are funding it or participating in any level of the peer review process, also have fundamental
responsibilities of honesty. The researcher must be honest in their assessments and aware of and
honest in reporting their own conflicts of interest or any cognitive biases that may skew their
judgment in self-serving ways.

Openness: In the scientific research, openness refers to the value of being transparent and
presenting all the information relevant to a decision or conclusion. Always be prepared to share
your data and results, along with any new tools that you have developed, when you publish your
findings, as this helps to further knowledge and advance science. You should also be open to
criticism and new ideas.

Accountability: Accountability requires that individuals be willing and able to demonstrate the
validity of their work or the reasons for their actions. Individual accountability builds the
trustworthiness of the research enterprise as a whole. Researchers are accountable to colleagues
in their discipline or field of research, to the employer and institution at which the work is done,
to the funders or other sponsors of the research, to the editors and institutions that disseminate
their findings, and to the public, which supports research in the expectation that it will produce
widespread benefits

Fairness: Fairness is a particularly important consideration in the list of authors for a publication
and in the citations included in reports of research results. Upholding fairness also requires
researchers to acknowledge those whose work contributed to their advances. This is usually
done through citing relevant work in reporting results.

Stewardship: Good stewardship implies being aware of and attending carefully to the dynamics
of the relationships within the lab, at the institutional level, and at the broad level of the research
enterprise itself. For instance, senior researchers may also serve as mentors to younger
researchers whom they are not directly supervising or formally responsible for. At a broader
level, researchers, institutions, sponsors, journals, and societies can contribute to the
development and updating of policies and practices affecting research.

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Ethical principles - Harm to participants, Lack of informed consent, Invasion of privacy,

Deception, Reciprocity and trust, Affiliation and conflicts of interest Legal considerations - Data
management, Copyright.

Ethical Principles: Research ethics are the set of ethics that govern how scientific and other
research is performed at research institutions such as universities, and how it is disseminated.

Research ethics are important for a number of reasons.

 They promote the aims of research, such as expanding knowledge.

 They support the values required for collaborative work, such as mutual respect and
fairness. This is essential because scientific research depends on collaboration between
researchers and groups.

 They mean that researchers can be held accountable for their actions. Many researchers
are supported by public money, and regulations on conflicts of interest, misconduct, and
research involving humans or animals are necessary to ensure that money is spent
appropriately.

 They ensure that the public can trust research. For people to support and fund research,
they have to be confident in it.

 They support important social and moral values, such as the principle of doing no harm to
others.

Research ethics involves the application of fundamental ethical principles to a variety of topics
involving scientific research.

Harm to participants- The principle of non-maleficence places an obligation on researchers not

to harm others or expose people to unnecessary risks. The researcher should take the
responsibility to protect the subject from whatever harm which might befall them e.g. Physical
discomfort, emotional stress, humiliation, embarrassment or any other situation that puts the
participant at disadvantage. There should be no harm to participant career prospects,
development or self-esteem.

MBA SEM-1 Page 22

Lack of informed consent- Informed consent is best understood by looking at what it means to
be informed and to give consent. Being informed means that participants are told everything that
might or will occur during a study in a way in which they can understand. Giving consent
implies that a) the agreement to participate is voluntary, free from coercion and undue influence
and b) that the person providing the consent is competent to make a rational and mature
judgment about taking part. If the criteria of being informed and giving consent are met then
informed consent is said to be given.

Invasion of privacy- invasion of privacy happens when private information such as beliefs,
attitudes, opinions and records, is shared with others, without the participant knowledge or
consent. Privacy concerns the respect for limited access to another person, be it physically,
emotionally or cognitively. For example, although participants grant access to their thoughts and
feelings when they agree to participate, they do not agree to unlimited access. Therefore they
have always got the right to decline to talk about certain issues or to answer specific questions.

Deception: Deception happens when researchers provide misleading or withholding information

from the participant about the project. Deception should be minimized and when necessary the
degree of effects must be mitigated as much as possible. Researchers should always weigh the
gains achieved against the cost of human dignity. To the extent concealment or deception is
necessary, the researcher must provide full and accurate information to participants at the
conclusion of the study, including counseling, if appropriate.

Reciprocity and trust- Trust in data quality, trust in secondary data users, and trust in
researchers collecting data were each addressed from a variety of angles by respondents. The
ethic of reciprocity is a general moral principle found in virtually all religions and culture, often
as a fundamental rule, a fact which suggests that it may be related to innate aspects of human
nature

Affiliation and conflicts of interest- This happens when researchers have interests that are not
fully apparent and that may influence their judgments on what is published. These conflicts
include personal, commercial, political, academic or financial interest. Financial interests may
include employment, research funding, stock or share ownership, payment for lecture or travel,

MBA SEM-1 Page 23

consultancies and company support for staff. This issue is especially pertinent in biomedical
research where a substantial number of clinical trials are funded by pharmaceutical company.

Such interests, where relevant, should be discussed in the early stage of research. The researchers
need to take extra effort to ensure that their conflicts of interest do not influence the methodology
and outcome of the research. It would be useful to consult an independent researcher, or Ethics
Committee, on this issue if in doubt. When publishing, these conflicts of interest should be
declared to editors, and readers will judge for themselves whether the research findings are
trustworthy.

Legal considerations: Data Management & Copyright

Data Management: Best practices in Research Data Management promote research integrity
and collaborative opportunities. A Data Management Plan ensures data security, accessibility
and validation of results. Researchers should explain the processes used to protect research
participants including the steps taken to ensure anonymity of data. This could also include an
explanation of constraints to data sharing. It may not be appropriate to share confidential data
with other researchers depending on the level of consent which has been received from
participants.

While working with data, we are expected to be aware of the ethical and legal issues surrounding
data. The management of sensitive data is a part of good research practice as it ensures you
maintain high ethical standards to minimize the risk to participants, researchers and third parties
including the University.

Sensitive data

There are many reasons data can be sensitive. Examples include:

 Ethical issues surrounding personal or biometric data

 Legal issues such as IP rights

 Commercial interests or patents

 Environmental issues such as the locating of endangered species

MBA SEM-1 Page 24

  Security issues for organizations or countries

Any issues should be identified and addressed in your Data Management Plan.Despite these
issues, many data can be shared if you take the steps to address them responsibly and
appropriately.

Strategies for handling sensitive data include:

 Obtaining ethical approval

 Complying with data protection legislation such as GDPR(general data protection

regulation)

 Informed consent

 Controlled access

 Licensing

 Secure storage

Copy right: Copyright is a form of intellectual property that gives the creator of an original
work, such as a book, song, movie or computer program, exclusive rights in relation to that
work. These rights include the rights to publish, distribute and adapt the work. The rights are for
a certain time period, after which the work is said to enter the public domain.

Copyright law gives creators of original material the exclusive right to further use and duplicate
that material for a given amount of time, at which point the copyrighted item becomes public
domain.

 Copyright law protects creators of original material from unauthorized duplication or use.

 For an original work to be protected by copyright laws, it has to be in tangible form.

 In the U.S., the work of creators is protected by copyright laws until 70 years after their
death.

Work in which copyright subsists (Chapter III, Section 13 of Copyright Act 1956)

MBA SEM-1 Page 25

 Literary works (including computer programmes, tables and compilations including computer
literary data bases)

 Dramatic works

 Musical works

 Artistic works

 Cinematograph films

 Sound recordings

How Copyrighting Works

When someone creates a product that is viewed as original and that required significant mental
activity to create, this product becomes an intellectual property that must be protected from
unauthorized duplication. Examples of unique creations include computer software, art, poetry,
graphic designs, musical lyrics and compositions, novels, film, original architectural designs,
website content, etc. One safeguard that can be used to legally protect an original creation is
copyright.

Under copyright law, a work is considered original if the author created it from independent
thinking void of duplication. This type of work is known as an Original Work of Authorship
(OWA). Anyone with an original work of authorship automatically has the copyright to that
work, preventing anyone else from using or replicating it. The copyright can be registered
voluntarily by the original owner if they would like to get an upper hand in the legal system in
the event that the need arises.

Not all types of work can be copyrighted. A copyright does not protect ideas, discoveries,
concepts, or theories. Brand names, logos, slogans, domain names, and titles also cannot be
protected under copyright law. For an original work to be copyrighted, it has to be in tangible
form. This means that any speech, discoveries, musical scores, or ideas have to be written down
in physical form in order to be protected by copyright

ar, such as expanding knowledge.

MBA SEM-1 Page 26

  They support the values required for collaborative work, such
as mutual respect and fairness. This is essential because
scientific research depends on collaboration between
researchers and groups.
 They mean that researchers can be held accountable for their
actions. Many researchers are supported by public money, and
regulations on conflicts of interest, misconduct, and research
involving humans or animals are necessary to ensure that
money is spent appropriately.
 They ensure that the public can trust research. For people to
support and fund research, they have to be confident in it.
 They support important social and moral values, such as the
principle of doing no harm to others.

MBA SEM-1 Page 27