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Research: – Definition, Meaning, Importance types and Qualities of Research; Research applications in functional
areas of Business, Emerging trends in Business research. Research & the Scientific Method: Characteristics of
scientific method. Steps in Research Process. Concept of Scientific Enquiry: – Formulation of Research Problem –
Management Question – research Question – Investigation Question Research Proposal – Elements of a Research
Proposal, Drafting a Research Proposal, evaluating a research proposal.
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RESEARCH
MEANING & DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
Research refers to a search for knowledge. Research is a scientific and systematic search for relevant information
on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation. Research is the process of finding solutions
to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.
According to Redman and Mory, “Research is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”
According to Clifford Woody, “Research comprises defining and redefining problems formulating hypothesis or
suggested solutions; collecting, organizing, and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and
at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.”
According to The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English, “A careful investigation or inquiry
especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”
Research refers to the systematic method consisting of expressing the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting
the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solution(s) towards the
concerned problem.
Research is a process through which researcher attempts to give answer to a question with the support of data.
Research is systematic process, because it follows certain steps that are logical in order. These steps are:
1. Identifying the related area of knowledge & understanding the nature of problem to be studied.
2. Reviewing literature to understand how others have approached or dealt with the problem.
3. Collecting data in an organized and controlled manner so as to arrive at valid decisions.
4. Analyzing data appropriate to the problem.
5. Drawing conclusions and making generalizations.
In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is
called as research.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
• To discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures.
• To find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet.
• To provide solutions to complex problems.
• To make new discoveries.
• To develop new products.
• To save costs.
• To improve our life.
• To get Ph.D., Masters and Bachelors degree.
IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
1. Solves operational & planning problems→ Research has its special significance in solving various
operational and planning problems of business and industry. Operations research and market research are
considered crucial and their results assist, in more than one way, in taking business decisions.
2. Solves social problems→ Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and
in seeking answers to various social problems. It provides the intellectual satisfaction of knowing a few things
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just for the sake of knowledge and also has practical utility for the social scientist to know for the sake of being
able to do something better or in a more efficient manner.
3. Increased role in applied economics→ The role of research in several fields of applied economics, whether
related to business or to the economy as a whole, has greatly increased in modern times. The increasingly
complex nature of business and government has focused attention on the use of research in solving operational
problems.
4. Basis for government policies→ Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our
economic system. Government’s budget rest in part on an analysis of the needs and desires of the people and on
the availability of revenues to meet these needs.
5. Develops new theories & ideas→ Research assists in Ph.D. thesis students, assists philosophers and thinkers to
establish the view points, assists analysts and intellectual to develop new theories and ideas.

TYPES OF RESEARCH
The different types of research are as under:
1. Descriptive & Exploratory→ Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different
kinds. The major purpose of this research is to describe the state of affairs as it exists at present. In social
science and business research, the term ex-post facto research is commonly used for descriptive research
studies. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can
only report what has happened or what is happening. The methods of research utilized in descriptive research
are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and co-relational methods.
On the other hand, Exploratory Research is also known as formulative research. In this research, the
researcher tries to gain insights or familiarity with phenomenon.
2. Applied & Fundamental→ Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (or basic or
pure) research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem faced by society or an
industrial/business organization.
Whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory.
Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed as “pure or basic research.”
Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental
research. Similarly, research studies, concerning human behavior carried on with a view to make
generalizations about human behavior, are also examples of fundamental research, but research aimed at certain
conclusions or solutions facing a concrete social or business problem is an example of applied research.
Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some pressing practical problem, whereas
basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus, adds to the
already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.
3. Quantitative & Qualitative→ Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is
applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. On the other hand, Qualitative research is
concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. For instance,
when we are interested in investigating the reasons for human behavior (i.e., why people think or do certain
things), we quite often talk of ‘motivation research’, an important type of qualitative research. Qualitative
research is especially important in the behavioral sciences where the aim is to discover the underlying motives
of human behavior. Through such research we can analyze the various factors which motivate people to behave
in a particular manner or which make people like or dislike a particular thing.
4. Conceptual & Empirical→ Conceptual research is related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally
used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
On the other hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for
system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by
observation or experiment. We can also call it as experimental research. In such research, the researcher must
first provide himself with a working hypothesis or guess as to the probable results. He then works to get enough
facts to prove or disprove his hypothesis.
5. Some other types of research→ Other types of Research are-
(a) One Time Research & Longitudinal Research- In the former case, the research is confined to a single
time period, whereas in the latter case, the research is carried on over several time periods.

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(b) Historical research is that which utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or
ideas of the past.
(c) Field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research- These researches are classified
depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried out.
(d) Clinical & diagnostic research- The research which follows case study methods or in-depth approaches to
reach the basic casual relations is called clinical research. Research which goes deep into the causes of
things or events that interest us, using very small samples is called as diagnostic research.
(e) Conclusion oriented & decision oriented- In conclusion-oriented research, a researcher is free to pick up a
problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared to conceptualize as he wishes. Decision
oriented research is conducted to help out the decision maker and the researcher does not embark upon
research according to his own inclination.
QUALITIES OF RESEARCH
Good research alone is of relevance in solving the problem under consideration. Hence it becomes imperative that
we understand the qualities that define good research. Some of the essential qualities of a good research are:
1. Good research has a well-defined goal. It should have a clear statement of objectives.
2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the
research for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what has already been attained.
3. Good research contributes towards the existing knowledge bank. It aims at increasing the understanding of
existing and new facts and ideas.
4. Good research is logical. A clear logical argument is required to communicate an ordered sequence of ideas and
activities and hence support research conclusions.
5. The results of a good research should be verifiable. The research if replicated should yield same conclusions.
Research that relies on concrete data collected from a real-life situation would have good chances of yielding
valid results.
6. Good research is frank. In other words, it lists the flaws in the research and also explains the impact of such
flaws on research results.
7. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to show its significance and the methods of analysis used
should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data should be checked carefully.
APPLICATION OF RESEARCH IN VARIOUS FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT
Management is a process which involves the function of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling in
the dynamic environment to achieve the objective of the organization. The research is utilized at each & every step
of the managerial function whether it would be planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.
 The initial function planning involves the application of research in large scale deciding in advance about the
future which is based on the data collected by the research work.
 The organizing has its own significant applications of research because the data collected has to be well-
organized in order to reach at the conclusion.
 Staffing involves the research in providing answers to the questions such as which person, under whom, where
and why the research is conducted for that staffing has been done.
 Directing involves research such as where to move, why to move, how to move and with what strategy to move.
 Controlling involves how to control, who are to be controlled and in what manner.
We know that the major interest of any business enterprise is to take the right decision at the right time. Research
finds its use at each & every step of decision-making process. The decision-making process cannot exist without
research. The decision-maker totally relies on the research.
Management perceived the research to be most important in the organization for the effective & efficient
functioning. It has become an essential requirement of the management of each & every organization irrespective of
its nature & size.
Some of the main applications of research in management are as follows:
a) Providing purposeful direction to the firm.
b) Managing survival & growth.
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c) Maintaining firm’s efficiently in terms of profit generation.
d) Managing innovations.
e) Building effective manpower.
f) Meeting the challenges of competition by modifications & innovations.
g) Dealing with growing technological sophistication.
h) Sustaining efficiency & effectiveness.
i) Retaining & maintaining talent & sense of loyalty.
j) Maintaining relations with various societal segments.
k) Demand forecasting.
l) Consumer buying behavior.
m) Measuring advertising effectiveness.
n) Media selection for advertising.
o) Test marketing.
p) Product positioning.
q) Product potential.

BUSINESS RESEARCH
Business research is a systematic inquiry that provides information to business. It is the application of the
scientific method in searching for the truth about business phenomena. These activities include defining business
opportunities and problems, generating and evaluating ideas, monitoring employee and organizational performance,
and understanding the business process.
More specifically, it is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating (distributing/ spreading)
relevant business data, information, and insights to decision makers that mobilize (organize/ activate) the
organization to take appropriate business actions that, in turn, maximize business performance.
According to Zikmund, “Business research is defined as the systematic and objective process of gathering,
recording, and analyzing data for aid in making business decisions.”
According to Cooper & Schindler, “Business research is a systematic enquiry that provides information to guide
managerial decisions.
In other words, business research is a systematic and scientific procedure of data collection, compilation, analysis,
interpretation, and implication pertaining to any business problem. Managers use this information to guide business
decisions and reduce risk.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH IN BUSINESS
The major interest of any business enterprise is to take the right decision at the right time. Research finds its use at
each & every step of decision-making process. The decision-making process cannot exist without research. The
decision-maker totally relies on the research. Some of the significance of research in business are:
a) Providing purposeful direction to the firm.
b) Managing survival & growth.
c) Maintaining firm’s efficiency in terms of profit generation.
d) Managing innovations.
e) Evaluating the day-to-day performance of employees.
f) Building effective manpower.
g) Meeting the challenges of competition by modifications & innovations.
h) Dealing with growing technological sophistication.
i) Sustaining efficiency & effectiveness.
j) Maintaining relations with various societal segments.
k) Demand forecasting.
l) Consumer buying behavior.
m) Measuring advertising effectiveness.
n) Media selection for advertising.
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o) Test marketing.
p) Product positioning.
q) Identifying business opportunities and product potential.
r) Availing potential investment options and maximizes returns.

SCOPE OF BUSINESS RESEARCH

a. Advertising research.
b. Marketing research.
c. Consumer behavior research.
d. Financial research.
e. Performance monitoring research.
f. Evaluation research.
g. B2B, B2C marketing research.

TYPES OF BUSINESS RESEARCHES

 Marketing Research→ Marketing research (also called consumer research) comprises a form of applied
sociological study, which concentrates on understanding the behaviors, tastes and preferences, mainly current
and future, of consumers in a market-based economy.
 Market Research→ Market research has a broad scope and includes all aspects of the business environment. It
asks questions about competitors, market structure, government regulations, economic trends, technological
advances, and numerous other factors that make up the business environment.
 Product Research→ This looks at what products can be produced with available technology, and what new
products innovations with future technology can develop.
 Advertising Research→ This attempt to assess the likely impact of an advertising campaign in advance, and
also measures the success of a recent advertising campaign.
RESEARCH PROCESS
Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired
sequencing of these steps.
1. Formulating the research problem→ In the first step, the researcher must formulate the research problem he
wants to study, i.e., he must decide the general area of interest or aspect of a subject matter that he would like to
inquire into. Initially, the problem may be stated in a broad general way and then the ambiguities relating to the
problem are resolved. Because, essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research problem, viz.,
understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the problem in to meaningful terms from an analytical
point of view.
Firstly, to understand the problem thoroughly, the researcher can seek the help from a guide who is usually an
experienced man and has several research problems in mind. Secondly, the researcher must at the same time
examine all available literature to get himself familiar with the selected problem. After this, the researcher
rephrases the problem into analytical or operational terms, i.e., to put the problem in a specific term as possible.
In fact, formulation of the problem often follows a sequential pattern where a number of formulations are set up,
each formulation more specific than the preceding one, each one phrased in more analytical terms, and each
more realistic in terms of the available data and resources.
2. Extensive Literature Survey→ Once the problem is formulated, the researcher should undertake extensive
literature survey connected with the problem. For this purpose, academic journals, conference proceedings,
government reports, books, etc., must be read by researcher depending on the nature of the problem. The earlier
studies, if any, which are similar to the study in hand should be carefully studied. A good library will be a great
help to the researcher at this stage.
3. Development of working hypothesis→ After extensive literature survey, the researcher should develop the
working hypothesis or hypotheses. The hypothesis means a mere assumption or some supposition or statement
whose validity is to be tested – proved or disproved. Hypothesis should be very specific because it has to be
tested. The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher and to keep him on the right track. It sharpens his

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thinking and focuses attention on the more important facets of the problem. On may develop working
hypothesis by using the following approach:
(a) Discussions with experts & guide about the problem, its origin and the objectives in seeking/finding a
solution.
(b) Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem for possible trends, and other clues.
(c) Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems.
4. Preparing the research design→ After developing working hypothesis, the researcher will be required to
prepare a research design, i.e., he will have to state the conceptual structure within which research would be
conducted. The preparation of such a design facilitates research to be as efficient as possible yielding/giving
maximum information. The preparation of the research design involves usually following considerations: -
(a) The means of obtaining the information.
(b) The availability and skills of the researcher & his staff, if any.
(c) Explanation of the way in which selected means of obtaining information will be organized and the reasoning
leading to the selection.
(d) The time available for research.
(e) The cost factor relating to research, i.e., the finance available for the purpose.
5. Determining sample design→ After preparing the research design, the researcher must decide the way of
selecting a sample or is popularly known as the sample design. In other words, a sample design is definite plan
determined before any data are actually collected for obtaining a sample from a given population. Samples can
be either probability samples or non-probability samples. With probability samples each element has a known
probability of being included in the sample, but the non-probability samples do not allow the researcher to
determine this probability. Probability samples are those based on simple random sampling, systematic
sampling, stratified sampling, cluster/area sampling, whereas non-probability samples are those based on
convenience sampling, judgment sampling, and quota sampling techniques.
6. Collecting the data→ After determining the sample design, the researcher should collect the appropriate data
as he needed in order to conduct his research. As, in dealing with any real-life problem, it is often found that
data at hand are inadequate, and hence, it becomes necessary to collect data that are appropriate. There are
several ways of collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably in context of money, time, and other
resources at the option of the researcher.
Basically, there are two types of data that are used in research – Primary data & Secondary data. Primary data
can be collected either through experiment or through survey. If the researcher conducts an experiment, he
observes some quantitative measurements or the data through which he examines the truth contained in his
hypothesis. But in the case of a survey, data can be collected in many ways, viz., observation, personal
interview, telephone interviews, questionnaires, schedules, etc. On the other hand, secondary data can be
collected through company’s documents, magazines, journals, newspapers, websites, previous reports, etc.
The researcher should select one of these methods of collecting the data taking into consideration the nature of
investigation, objective and scope of the inquiry, financial resources, available time and the desired degree of
accuracy.
7. Analysis of data→ After the data have been collected, the researcher should start analysis of the collected data.
The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such as establishment of categories, the
application of these categories to raw data through coding, tabulation and then drawing statistical inferences.
Thus, researcher should classify the raw data into some purposeful and usable categories. Coding operation is
usually done at this stage through which the categories of data are transformed into symbols that may be
tabulated and counted. Editing is the procedure that improves the quality of the data for coding. Tabulation is a
part of the technical procedure wherein the classified data are put in the form of tables. A great deal of data is
tabulated by computers. Analysis work after tabulation is generally based on the computation of various
percentages, coefficients, etc. by applying various well defined statistical formulas. In brief, the researcher can
analyze the collected data with the help of various statistical measures.
8. Hypothesis Testing→ After analyzing the data, the researcher is in a position to test the hypotheses, if any, he
had formulated earlier. Various tests, such as Chi-square test t-test, f-test, have been developed by statisticians
for the purpose. The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or more of such tests, depending upon the

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nature and object of research inquiry. Hypothesis testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in
rejecting it.
9. Generalizations and Interpretations→ If a hypothesis is tested, it may be possible for the researcher to arrive
at generalization, i.e., to build a result. As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at
certain generalizations. At this stage, the researcher seeks to explain his findings on the basis of some theory. It
is known as interpretation.
10. Preparation of the report→ Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him.
Writing of report must be done with great care keeping in view the following points:-
(a) The layout of the report should contain the preliminary pages, the main text and the end matter. In preliminary
pages, the report should contain Title of the project, preface, acknowledgements, declaration, certificate, table
of contents, and list of table & graphs/charts. In main text, the report should contain introduction to topic &
company, research design, analysis & interpretation, summary of findings and conclusions. At the end of the
report, appendix should be enlisted in respect of all technical data which includes questionnaires, etc.
Bibliography, i.e., list of books, journals, reports, etc., consulted should also be given in the end.
(b) Report should be written in a concise and objective style in simple language avoiding vague expressions such
as “it seems”, “there may be”, and the like.
(c) Charts & illustrations in the main report should be used only if they present the information more clearly.

RESEARCH & THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Good business research is based on scientific method. The scientific method guides our approach to problem
solving. A scientific method implies an objective, logical and systematic method, i.e., a method free from personal
bias (partiality/unfairness), a method to ascertain qualities of a phenomenon (fact/thing) capable of being verified, a
method wherein the researcher is guided by the rules of logical reasoning, a method wherein the investigation
proceeds in an orderly manner.
In other words, scientific method consists of systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data.
Scientific method is the means to discover or create empirical knowledge.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Good research generates dependable data that are derived by professionally conducted practices and that can be
used reliably for decision making. Good research follows the standards of the scientific method. The various
characteristics of the scientific method are:
1) Purpose clearly defined→ The purpose of the business research—the problem involved or the decision to be
made—should be clearly defined and sharply described in terms as unambiguous (clear) as possible. The
statement of the decision problem should include its scope, its limitations, and the precise meanings of all words
and terms significant to the research.
2) Research process detailed→ The research procedures used should be described in sufficient detail to permit
another researcher to repeat the research. Except when secrecy is imposed, research reports should reveal with
candor (honesty) the sources of data and the means by which they were obtained. Omission of significant proce-
dural details makes it difficult or impossible to estimate the validity and reliability of the data and justifiably
weakens the confidence of the reader in the research itself as well as any recommendations based on the
research.
3) Research design thoroughly planned→ The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to
yield (give) results that are as objective as possible. When a sampling of the population is involved, the report
should include evidence concerning the degree of representativeness of the sample. Direct observations should
be recorded in writing as soon as possible after the event. Efforts should be made to minimize the influence of
personal bias in selecting and recording data.
4) High ethical standards applied→ Researchers often work independently and have significant latitude in
designing and executing research projects. A research design that includes safeguards against causing mental or
physical harm to participants and makes data integrity a first priority should be highly valued. Ethical issues in
research reflect important moral concerns about the practice of responsible behavior in society.
5) Limitations frankly revealed→ The researcher should report, with complete frankness, flaws (error/ defect) in
procedural design and estimate their effect on the findings. There are very few perfect research designs. Some

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of the imperfections may have little effect on the validity and reliability of the data; others may invalidate them
entirely. As a decision maker, you should question the value of research where no limitations are reported.
6) Analysis adequate for decision maker’s needs→ Analysis of the data should be extensive enough to reveal
(tell) its significance. The methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The extent to which this criterion is
met is frequently a good measure of the competence of the researcher. Adequate analysis of the data is the most
difficult phase of research for the novice (learner/trainee/beginner). The validity and reliability of data should be
checked carefully. The data should be classified in ways that assist the researcher in reaching relevant
conclusions and clearly reveal the findings that have led to those conclusions.
7) Findings presented unambiguously (clearly)→ Some evidence of the competence and integrity of the
researcher may be found in the report itself. For example, language that is clear and precise; assertions
(claims/statements) that arc carefully drawn and hedged with appropriate reservations; and an apparent effort to
achieve maximum objectivity tend to leave a favorable impression of the researcher with the decision maker.
Generalizations that outrun the evidence on which they are based, and exaggerations (overstatement), tend to
leave an unfavorable impression. Presentation of data should be comprehensive, easily understood by the
decision maker, and organized so that the decision maker can readily locate critical findings.
8) Conclusions justified→ Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and
limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis. Researchers are often tempted to broaden the
basis by including personal experiences and their interpretations. Researchers also may be tempted to rely too
heavily on data collected in a prior study and use it in the interpretation of a new study. These actions tend to
decrease the objectivity of the research and weaken readers’ confidence in the findings. Good researchers
always specify the conditions under which their conclusions seem to be valid.
9) Researcher’s experience reflected→ Greater confidence in the research is warranted if the researcher is expe-
rienced, has a good reputation in research, and is a person of integrity. For this reason, the research report
should contain information about the qualifications of the researcher.

RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem refers to some difficulty, which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or
practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same. A research problem is one which requires a
researcher to find out the best solution for the given problem.
An individual or a group of persons can be said to have a problem which can be technically described as a research
problem, if they are having one or more desired outcomes and having two or more courses of action for the desired
objectives and are in doubt about which course of action is best.
Some components of research problem areas under: -
1) There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty or the problem.
2) There must be some objective(s) to be achieved. Without objective one cannot have a problem.
3) There must be alternative means (or the courses of action) for obtaining the objective(s) that the researcher
wishes to achieve.
4) There must remain some doubt in the mind of researcher with regard to the selection of alternative. This means
that research must answer the question concerning which possible alternative is best.
SELECTING THE PROBLEM
The research problem undertaken for study must be carefully selected. A research guide can help more the
researcher in choosing a problem. However, the following points should keep in mind in selecting a research
problem.
1. Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, because then it will be difficult task to throw any
new light in such a case.
2. Controversial subject should not be chosen by an average researcher.
3. Too narrow or too vague (unclear) problems should be avoided.
4. The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible, so that the related research material or
sources of research are within researcher’s reach. For this, the researcher may contact an expert or a professor
in the University who is already engaged in research. He may as well read articles published in current
literature available on the subject.

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5. The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, and the
time factor are few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a problem.
TECHNIQUES INVOLVED IN DEFINING A PROBLEM
Defining a research problem properly and clearly is a crucial part of a research study. Hence, the research problem
should be defined in a systematic manner giving due weightage to all relating points. However, some of the
techniques involved in defining a problem are as under:-
1. Statement of the problem in a general way→ First of all, the problem should be stated in a broad general
way, keeping in view either some practical concern or some scientific concern. For this purpose, the researcher
must go through the subject matter thoroughly. The researcher may undertake some sort of preliminary survey
or what is often called pilot survey. Then the researcher can himself state the problem or he can have the
guidance of the guide or the subject expert in accomplishing this task. Often, the guide puts forth the problem in
general terms, and it is then upto the researcher to narrow it down and phrase the problem in operational terms.
2. Understanding the nature of the problem→ The next step in defining the problem is to understand the origin
and nature of the problem clearly. The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with the guide or
expert in order to find out how the problem originally came about and with what objectives in view. If the
researcher has stated the problem himself, he should consider once again all those points that induced (forced)
him to make a general statement concerning the problem.
3. Surveying the available literature→ All available literature concerning the problem at hand must necessarily
be surveyed and examined. This means that the researcher must be well-known with relevant literature. He must
devote sufficient time in reviewing of research already undertaken on related problems. This is done to find out
what data and other materials are available for operational purposes. Studies on related problems are useful for
indicating the type of difficulties that may be encountered in the present study.
4. Developing the ideas through discussions→ Discussion concerning a problem often produces useful
information. Various new ideas can be developed through such discussions. Hence, a researcher must discuss
his problem with those persons who have enough experience in the same area or working similar problems.
People with rich experience are in a position to enlighten the researcher on different aspects of his proposal
study and their advice & comments are usually valuable to the researcher.
5. Rephrasing the research problem→ Finally, the researcher must rephrase the research problem into a
working proposition. Once the nature of the problem has been clearly understood, the environment (within
which the problem has to be studied) has been defined, discussions over the problem have taken place and the
available literature has been surveyed and examined, the task of rephrasing the research problem has been done.
Through rephrasing, the researcher puts the research problem in specific terms as possible.
AN ILLUSTRATION
The technique of defining a problem outlined above can be illustrated for better understanding by taking an
example as under:
Let us suppose that a research problem in a broad general way is as follows:
“Why is productivity in Japan so much higher than in India”?
In this form the question has a number of ambiguities (doubts) such as: What sort of productivity is being referred
to? With what industries the same is related? With what period of time the productivity is being talked about? In
view of all such ambiguities the given statement or the question is much too general to be amenable to analysis.
Rethinking and discussions about the problem may result in narrowing down the question to:
“What factors were responsible for the higher labor productivity of Japan’s manufacturing industries during the
decade 1971 to 1980 relative to India’s manufacturing industries?”
This version of the problem is definitely an improvement over its earlier version for the various ambiguities have
been removed to the extent possible.

MANAGEMENT-RESEARCH QUESTION HIERARCHY-

A useful way to approach the research process is to state the basic dilemma that prompts the research and then try
to develop other questions by progressively breaking down the original question into more specific ones. This
process can be thought of as the management-research question hierarchy.

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There are six steps to the management research question hierarchy for a management dilemma that can be faced at
work-
1) MANAGEMENT DILEMMA- The process begins at the most general level with the management dilemma, a
symptom of an actual problem, such as rising costs, declining sales, or a large number of defects, or emerging
behaviors, attitudes, etc. that signal an opportunity.
EXAMPLE- An increased number of complaints have been received regarding a product due to delay in its
delivery.

2) MANAGEMENT QUESTION
A management question is a restatement of the manager's dilemma in question form LIKE How can
management fully eliminate the factors that are causing this problem? How can they avail the opportunity?
EXAMPLE- What can be done so that the delay in delivery of the product does not occur again?
3) RESEARCH QUESTION
A research question is the hypothesis that best states the objective of the research; the question that focuses the
researcher's attention. Like- By taking which course of action can the management eliminate the factors that are
causing the problem? What course of action is available so that opportunity can be availed?
EXAMPLE-Should the delivery service be switched to another company?
4) INVESTIGATION QUESTION-An investigative question is the question that the researcher must answer to
satisfactorily answer the research question.
An Investigative question is a scientific question for which the researcher seeks to find an answer, either by
designing an experiment, testing an existing product or by doing a survey. In all cases the researcher will need to
collect and analyze all the data by himself. The data collected must be in numbers, For Example: percentages,
number of drops, time in seconds or height in mm. The investigation is to be conducted in a series of scientific
steps known as the scientific method.
LIKE- Which alternate is most suitable for the managers in order to avail the opportunity?
EXAMPLE:
Which specific delivery company can be used for the delivery of this product?
5) MEASUREMENT QUESTION: A measurement question is the question asked of the participant or the
observations that must be recorded.
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?
6) MANAGEMENT DECISION:
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?

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research proposal is also known as dissertation or thesis. A research proposal is a structured formal document that
explains what a researcher is planning to research (i.e., Research topic), why it is worthy to research (i.e.,
justification), and how a researcher plan to investigate it (i.e., practical approach to do research).
A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or academia.
The purpose of the research proposal is to convince research supervisor, committee or university that the research
is suitable (for the requirements of the degree program) and manageable (given the time and resource constraints
that the researcher will face).
The most important word here is “Convince” – in other words, the research proposal needs to sell the research idea
(to whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t convince them about its suitability and manageability, the
researcher needs to revise and resubmit. This will cost valuable time to researcher, which will either delay the start
of research or reduce time available for research.

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Proposals are evaluated on the cost and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of the
proposed plan for carrying it out. Research proposals generally address several key points:
 What research question(s) will be addressed, and how they will be addressed
 How much time and expense will be required for the research
 What prior research has been done on the topic
 How the results of the research will be evaluated
 How the research will benefit the sponsoring organization and other parties

ELEMENTS OF GOOD RESEARCH PROPOSAL or

DRAFTING OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The basic elements in a research proposal are important because they communicate researcher’s thought process,
present the originality of his ideas, and demonstrate that he is passionate about the subject in question.
Key Elements of a Research Proposal - The elements of a good research proposal are-
 The title,
 The introduction,
 Literature review,
 Aims and objectives,
 Research Methodology,
 Scope of the research,
 Outline and timetable, and bibliography.
1) THE TITLE- Title tells on what topic research is being carried out. It should be short, clear & easy to
understand. It quickly tells what the research is about.
2) INTRODUCTION- Every research proposal should begin by introducing the subject area and the specific
problem that research will address. This sets the tone for the rest of proposal. It is an opportunity to make a good
first impression, so it should be well organized and informative.
3) LITERATURE REVIEW- A research proposal doesn’t usually include a full literature review, but an
overview of key studies should be provided. Doing this supplies the reader with vital background information.
4) AIMS & OBJECTIVES- After establishing research problem, the proposal should outline a set of aims and
objectives. The distinction here is as follows:
 Research aim is the broad expected outcome of the study and what the research will achieve overall;
 Research objectives are narrower and more focused, with each one detailing how the research will meet the
overall study aims.
If required, the researcher should also state the hypotheses that research will test.
5) RESEARCH METHODOLOGY- Methodologies means the research methods that the researcher will use
to conduct study and they must appear in research proposal whether or not experimental research is being
conducted.
The methodologies include methods to collect data, sampling techniques, sample size, research approaches, and
ethical concerns.
6) SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH- The researcher works with time and resources constraints, so it is required
to mention scope of research in research proposal. The limits that research has are specified in this section. It
makes research proposal strong and authentic.
7) OUTLINE, TIMETABLE & BIBLIOGRAPHY- Finally, a good research proposal will also include a
chapter outline and a timetable.
The chapter outline sets out how the researcher intends to structure the final dissertation, noting what each
section will cover and how it fits into overall argument.
The timetable will set out a step-by-step plan of when the researcher expects to finish each stage of study,
including everything from initial research to writing up results.
The Bibliography is the list of sources used in preparing research proposal.

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EVALUATING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Evaluation of research proposal can be done on following points
1) IMPORTANCE: The importance of problem addressed through research is checked.
2) CONTENT AND DESIGN: It is checked whether the proposed methodology fit the research question(s) or
not. The research questions should be well-constructed and easily understood for approval of research proposal.
3) POPULATION AND SAMPLING METHODOLOGY: Sample for research is drawn from population,
so it is required to select it carefully as well as the techniques used for sampling & sampling size can also prove
to be success or failure for research. This can be checked by following-
a) Who is the target population?
b) Is the sampling methodology appropriate to the research question(s)?
c) Could a smaller sample be drawn to achieve the same objective?
d) How will the researcher(s) gain access to the proposed participants? Etc.
4) TIMING: The timing which is required to conduct research is also a considerable point. The timing should
not be so long and so short which contribute in loosing the importance of research.
5) RESOURCES: Resources including data & other play an important role for good research. While evaluation
research proposal on resources, following points can be considered
a) What resources will be required to conduct this research (e.g., instrument design, Web application
development, mail and/or e-mail services, data entry and analysis)?
b) From where will these resources be obtained?
c) The quality of questions framed in case of questionnaire.
d) How the data collected is being analyzed?
e) OVERALL IMPACT: The overall impact of research is identified. It should be benefit for all and not to
harm anyone. Following questions can be addressed-
a) What will be the impact of the study?
b) Is there any considerable negative impacts on Society?
c) Will the study overburden respondents?
d) Do the expected benefits of the study appear to outweigh the costs?

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