Research Problem

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 Management Research: Research Problem Identification
• Gaps in literature
• Dissatisfaction with a current solution to a
problem
• Release of some assumptions
• Untested conclusions
• Suggestions from previous researchers
• Observations/statements of some
administrators/public persons
• Discussion with researchers (conferences)

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Management Research: Exploratory Phase
Search Strategy
Discovery/ Analysis
Secondary Sources

Expert Search Group

Interview Strategy Discussions

Individual
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Conducting a Literature Search

Define management dilemma

Consult books for relevant terms

Use terms to search

Locate/review secondary sources

Evaluate value of each source and content

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Evaluating Information Sources

Purpose

Format Scope
Evaluation
Factors
Audience Authority

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Management Research: Research Problem Definition
• The tentative and general statements of problem
obtained in the problem identification phase are
converted into researchable questions and
propositions.

• Clear and unambiguous statements of the problem

are made and the information required for
research is stated.

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Management Research: Research Problem Formulation
• Identify Variables
• Theoretical framework
• Variables
• from literature
• from researcher
• Relating the problem to existing literature
• Development of Hypothesis/Model

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 Management Research: Hypotheses Generation
• is the most difficult phase of research
• is a creative process.
• is carried out on the basis of theoretical work that has already
been done.
• uses the list of variables
• Independent Variable (Resultant Variable
• Explanatory Variable (Causal Variable)
• Dependent Variable (Criterion Variable)
• Extraneous Variable (Non-observable)
• Moderating Variable
• Mediating Variable
• Discrete Variable
• Continuous Variable
• Dummy Variable

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Management Research: Mathematical Formulation of Research Problem

• Transforming the management problem into a research problem

• The objective of the research
• The constraints associated with the problem
• Listing the alternative courses of action available
• The typical variables considered in the mathematical formulation
• Exogenous Variable
• Endogenous Variable
• Controllable Variable
• Un-controllable Variable
• Discrete Variable
• Continuous Variable

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 Business Research: Clarifying Research
Question
Step 1: Discover the Management Dilemma

•A management dilemma is an opportunity or

problem that the manager has discovered
because of one or more symptoms.

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Business Research: Clarifying Research
Question
Step 2: Define the Management Question

•A management question is a restatement

of the manager’s dilemma in question
form.

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 Business Research: Clarifying Research
Question
Step 3: Define the Research Question

•A research question is the hypothesis

that best states the objective of the
research; the question that focuses
the researcher’s attention.

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Business Research: Evaluating the Value of
Research
• Option analysis: Managers conduct formal analysis of each alternative research project
judged in terms of estimated costs and associated benefits and with managerial judgment
playing a major role.
• Decision theory: The focus is on trying to assess the outcomes of each action. The
manager chooses the action that affords the best outcome – the action criteria that meets
or exceeds whatever criteria are established. Each criterion is a combination of a decision
rule and a decision variable. The decision rule is a criterion for judging the attractiveness
of two or more alternatives when using a decision variable. The decision variable is a
quantifiable characteristic, attribute, or outcome on which a choice decision will be made.
The evaluation of alternatives requires that
1) each alternative is explicitly stated,
2) a decision variable is defined by an outcome that may be measured, and
3) a decision rule is determined by which outcomes may be compared.
• Prior or Interim Evaluation: In this case, managers decide to control the research
expenditure risk by doing a study in stages. Costs are then reviewed at each stage.
• Ex Post Facto Evaluation: This form occurs after the research is conducted but can be
useful in guiding future decisions.
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Business Research: Question Hierarchy

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Business Research: Question Hierarchy

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Business Research: Formulating the Research
Question

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Business Research: Fine-Tuning the Research
Question
Break
Examine
questions
variables
down

Fine-Tuning
Determine
Set
necessary
scope of study
evidence

Evaluate
hypotheses
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