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Module 2-Part 1 - Research Problem Definition

Module 2 focuses on the research problem definition process, emphasizing the importance of identifying and clarifying business issues before conducting research. It outlines steps for problem discovery, including understanding symptoms, formulating decision statements, and determining relevant variables. The module also highlights the significance of formulating clear research objectives and hypotheses to guide the research design.

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2 views36 pages

Module 2-Part 1 - Research Problem Definition

Module 2 focuses on the research problem definition process, emphasizing the importance of identifying and clarifying business issues before conducting research. It outlines steps for problem discovery, including understanding symptoms, formulating decision statements, and determining relevant variables. The module also highlights the significance of formulating clear research objectives and hypotheses to guide the research design.

Uploaded by

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Module 2

Research Problem
Hypothesis
Research Design
Module 2- Part 1
29-04-2020
Learning Objectives:
Identification and Selection of the problem
Definition and Statement of the Problem
Evaluation of the Problem
Criteria and Sources for Identifying the Problem
Process of Defining the Problem
Problem Discovery and Definition

• First step
• Problem, opportunity, or monitor operations
• Discovery before definition
• Problem means management problem
Case : Deland Trucking has a Recruitment
Problem
Case: Deland Trucking has a
Recruitment Problem
• Translating a business situation into something
that can be researched
decision statement - A written expression of the
key question(s) that the research user(business
manager) wishes to answer.
problem definition - The process of defining and
developing a decision statement and the steps
involved in translating it into more precise
research terminology, including a set of research
objectives.
“The formulation of the problem
is often more essential than its
solution.”

Albert Einstein
Decision failures
Introduction of new coke
Introduction of smokeless cigarettes
Problem Definition
• The indication of a specific business
decision area that will be clarified by
answering some research questions.
• Problems Mean Gap
– Business performance is worse than expected
– Actual business performance is less than
possible
– Expected business performance is greater than
possible business performance
A problem occurs when there is a difference between the current
conditions and a more preferable set of conditions.
Defining Problem Results in
Clear Cut Research Objectives
Symptom Detection

Analysis of
the Situation
Exploratory
Research
(Optional)
Problem Definition

Statement of
Research Objectives
The Problem-Definition Process - Steps
• The problem-definition process involves several
interrelated steps:

• 1. Understand the business situation—identify key


symptoms
• 2. Identify key problem(s) from symptoms
• 3. Write managerial decision statement and corresponding
research objectives
• 4. Determine the unit of analysis
• 5. Determine the relevant variables
• 6. Write research questions and/or research hypotheses
The Process of
Problem Definition
Ascertain the Determine unit
decision maker’s of analysis
objectives

Understand Determine
background of relevant
the problem variables

Isolate/identify State research


the problem, not questions and
the symptoms objectives
Ascertain the Decision Maker’s
Objectives
• Decision makers’ objectives
• Managerial goals expressed in measurable
terms.
The Iceberg Principle

• The principle indicating that the dangerous


part of many business problems is neither
visible to nor understood by managers.
Understand the Background of
the Problem
• Exercising judgment
• Situation analysis - The informal gathering
of background information to familiarize
researchers or managers with the decision
area.
Isolate and Identify the Problems,
Not the Symptoms
• Symptoms can be confusing
Symptoms Can Be Confusing
Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming
association:
• Membership has been declining for years.
• New water park -residents prefer the
expensive water park????
• Demographic changes: Children have
grown up
Problem Definition
Organization Symptoms Based on Symptom True Problem

Twenty-year-old Membership has been Neighborhood Demographic changes:


neighborhood declining for years. residents prefer the Children in this 20-
swimming New water park with expensive water year-old neighborhood
association in a wave pool and water park and have have grown up. Older
major city. slides moved into negative image of residents no longer
town a few years ago. swimming pool. swim anywhere.
Multiple interviews are necessary to identify all
the key symptoms and gain a better understanding of the
actual business situation.

The researcher is trying to identify possible changes in the customers,


the competitors, the internal conditions of the company, and the external environment.
Analysis of the symptoms has led to the conclusion
that there is an employee retention problem.
Perhaps drivers are dissatisfied with being away from
their families for so long and this is leading to higher levels of
driver turnover.
Or, perhaps it is the cents per mile that is leading to driver
frustration and a desire to go to a higher-paying competitor.

David and James eventually agree on the following decision


statement:
In what ways can Deland Trucking build driver loyalty so that
retention increases and subsequent recruitment costs decrease?
Determine the Unit of Analysis
• The unit of analysis for a study indicates what or who
should provide the data and at what level of aggregation.
• -investigation may need to collect data about individuals
(such as customers, employees, and owners),
• households (families, extended families, and so forth)
• organizations (businesses and business units)
• departments (sales, finance, and so forth)
• geographical areas
• or objects (products, advertisements etc.)
Determine the Relevant Variable
• Anything that may assume different
numerical values
Types of Variables
• Categorical
• Continuous
• Dependent
• Independent
Hypothesis
• An unproven proposition
• A possible solution to a problem
• Guess
State the research questions and
research objectives
If you do not know where you are going,
any road will take you there.
Broad Statement Exploratory
research of business research
objectives problem (optional)

Specific Specific Specific


Objective 1 Objective 2 Objective 3

Research
Results
Design
Research Proposal
• A written statement of the research design
that includes a statement explaining the
purpose of the study
• Detailed outline of procedures associated
with a particular methodology
• Normally a schedule of costs and deadline
is included
Basic Questions -
Problem Definition
• What is the purpose of the study?
• How much is already known?
• Is additional background information necessary?
• What is to be measured? How?
• Can the data be made available?
• Should research be conducted?
• Can a hypothesis be formulated?
Basic Questions -
Basic Research Design
• What types of questions need to be
answered?
• Are descriptive or causal findings required?
• What is the source of the data?
Basic Questions -
Basic Research Design
• Can objective answers be obtained by
asking people?
• How quickly is the information needed?
• How should survey questions be worded?
• How should experimental manipulations be
made?
Basic Questions -
Selection of Sample
• Who or what is the source of the data?
• Can the target population be identified?
• Is a sample necessary?
• How accurate must the sample be?
• Is a probability sample necessary?
• Is a national sample necessary?
• How large a sample is necessary?
• How will the sample be selected?
Basic Questions -
Data Gathering
• Who will gather the data?
• How long will data gathering take?
• How much supervision is needed?
• What operational procedures need to be
followed?
Basic Questions -
Data Analysis
• Will standardized editing and coding
procedures be used?
• How will the data be categorized?
• What statistical software will be used?
• What is the nature of the data?
• What questions need to be answered?
• How many variables are to be investigated
simultaneously?
• Performance criteria for evaluation?
Basic Questions -
Type of Report
• Who will read the report?
• Are managerial recommendations
requested?
• How many presentations are required?
• What will be the format of the written
report?
Basic Questions -
Overall Evaluation
• How much will the study cost?
• Is the time frame acceptable?
• Is outside help needed?
• Will this research design attain the stated
research objectives?
• When should the research be scheduled to
begin?

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