Research Methods in Logistics and Supply

Chain Management

Chapter 1
Research Methods: An Introduction

By: Yirga B. (MA in LSCM)

 1.1. Meaning of Research
The term research is composed of two words:-
1. Re – means new, again, over again
2. Search – examine, to investigate to test, to probe …
etc.
 Research can be defined as a systematic investigation
into and study of materials and sources in order to
establish facts and reach new conclusions.
 Research is a systematic and scientific investigation
to solve a particular problem.
 Cont.……
• A scientific, and systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic.
• Research is an Organized and Systematic way of
finding answers to Questions.
• Research is an academic activity of Search for
knowledge or An art of scientific investigation.
• Research is the application of human intelligence in
a systematic manner to a problem whose solution is
not immediately available.
 1.2 Types of Research
The research is classified into different
categories based on the following criteria;
 Based on the application of the studies:
 Based on the objectives of the studies:
 On the basis of the process of research/Based
on types of information sought:
 Cont.……
1. On the basis of the outcome of the research: Whether
the research tries to solve a particular problem or makes a
general contribution to the knowledge, research can be;-
a. Basic research.
b. Applied research.
Basic research: Also known as pure or fundamental
research.
Such research is aimed at investigating or search for new
principles and laws. It is mainly concerned with
generalization and formulation of a theory.
 Cont.……
• Fundamental research is organized only for the
attainment of knowledge and truth.
• In general, fundamental research is concerned with the
theoretical aspect of science.
• In other words it studies the laws of nature, without or
regardless of the immediate application of its findings.
E.g. -The relationship between crime and economic
status
 Cont.……
Applied research: A research aimed at finding a
solution for an immediate problem facing a society, a
group or industry.
 The results of such research would be used by either
individuals or groups of decision-makers or even by
policy makers.
 While pure research discovers principles and laws,
applied research discovers their application in solving
some social, economical or any other problems.
E.g. - The improvement of safety in the working place
-The reduction of wastage in the working places
 Cont.……
2. Based on the objectives of the studies: On the basis of
the purpose it can be:-
a) Exploratory research: To gain familiarity with the new
phenomena. It is aimed at discovering, identifying and
formulating a research problem and hypothesis.
b) Descriptive Research: The main purpose of such
research is description of the state of nature or affairs, as
it exists at present.
 To portray accurately the characteristics of particular
individual situation or group.
Example:
 Cont.……
c) Explanatory/Causal Research: finding the
‘reasons why’
• Desire to know how the causal factors relate to the
effects under predictions. To test hypothesis of
causal relationship between the variables.
d) Diagnostic research/Analytic research: Such
research goes beyond simple description of the state
of nature. When a researcher encounters an issue that
is already known and have a description of it, you
may begin to ask “why” things are the way they are.
 To determine frequency within which something is
occurs.
 Cont.……
3. On the basis of the process of research: That is,
on the basis of data used in the research process
research can be;-
a) Qualitative research: Such research is applicable
for phenomenon that cannot be expressed in terms
of quantity. Things related to quality and kind.
b) Quantitative research: It is based on the
measurement of quantity or amount. It is
applicable for phenomenon that can be expressed
in term of quantity.
 1.3 Motivation of doing Research
 Desire to get a research  Desire to get intellectual
degree along with its joy of doing some creative
consequential benefits. work
 Desire to solve a challenge  Desire to be of service to
in solving the unsolved society
problems.  Directives of government.
 Desire to design appropriate  Curiosity about new
policies things.
 Desire to get respect and  Etc....
promotion
 Research and Scientific Method
• Research methodology and technique are mostly different
from one science to another or can be different from
research to research.
• The philosophy common to all research methodology and
technique is called Scientific methods.
 Steps in scientific method
The steps in scientific methods are summarized as
follows.
Observation
Recording
Classification
Generalization
Verification
 Cont.……
Research is a scientific and systematic investigation to
solve particular problem.
• Why research is scientific?
• Because the researcher is apply/follow some of
scientific logical reasoning. These logical reasoning is
divided into two.
1. Deductive reasoning approach and
2. Inductive reasoning approach
 Cont.……
Deductive reasoning or deduction starts with a general
statement or hypothesis and examine the possibilities to
reach a specific logical conclusion.
 Or a movement in knowledge from a general rule to a
particular case.
 Deductive reasoning always follows steps. First there
is a premise, then a second premise and finally an
inference.
Theory tentative hypothesis observation
confirmation
 Cont.……
A common form of deductive reasoning is called syllogism,
in which the two statements (a major premise and minor
premise) reach a logical conclusion.
Example:
Man is mortal and Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is
mortal
Note: In deductive reasoning if something is true of a class
in general , the conclusion is logical and true.
 Cont.……
Inductive reasoning: in this we goes from specific
approach to general approach.
Inductive reasoning makes a broad generalization from
specific observations.
Basically there is a data, then conclusion is drawn from
that data. This is called inductive logic.
Observation pattern tentative hypothesis
theory.
 Cont.……
It is the movement of knowledge from particular facts to
general rule or principle.
Example: Socrates is mortal and Socrates is a man;
therefore, man is mortal.
Note: even if all of the premises are true in a statement,
inductive reasoning allow for the conclusion to be false.
Example – Harold is grandfather
_ Harold is bald
_ Therefore, all grandfathers are bald.
 Research Process
 Identification and  Collecting data
Formulating the research  Execution of the project
problem  Analysis of the data
 Extensive literature survey  Hypothesis testing
 Developing working  Generalization and
hypothesis interpretation
 Preparing the research  Reporting the result
design
 Determine sample design
 Criteria of Good Research
One expects scientific research to satisfy the following
criteria:
1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined
and common concepts be used.
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. The procedural design of the research should be
carefully planned to yield results that are as objective as
possible.
 Cont.……
4. The researcher should report with complete frankness,
flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon
the findings.
5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to
reveal its significance and the methods of analysis used
should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the
data should be checked carefully.
6. 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.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the
researcher is experienced, has a good reputation in
research and is a person of integrity.
 THE END
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