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Business Research MethodsNing DING

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Learning Objectives

• Generate ideas about a suitable research topic

• Identify the attributes of a good research topic

• Turn the ideas into clear research questions

• Draft a research proposal

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Group Assignment

• Expert

• Literature

(Literature) research on topic

Formulate keywords

Research internet, library, other resources

Interview expert

Literature findings

Formulate clear research objectives; develop theoretical framework

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Group Assignment

• Definition

Example:• Stress: neutral, negative, positive definition?• ‘physical, mental, or emotional response to events that

causes bodily or mental tension’• Direction?:

– indicators of stress (how does it show)

– Sources of stress (what causes it)

– Coping with stress (which strategies)

– Stress and health (example: usage of coffee / energy drinks during exam periods)

– Stress and self esteem

– Etc

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2.1 Introduction

Fail to plan? Plan to fail.

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2.2 Attributes of a good research topic

•Feasible•Clear•Significant: symmetry of potential outcomes•Ethical•Theory-based

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2.2 Attributes of a good research topic

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1Discover

B/M dilemma

2Define

B/M Question

3Define

Res Question(s)

1a ExplorationReview published sources and interview information

Understand the true B/M dilemma, not just its symptoms

2a ExplorationClarify the plausible actions, e.g. brainstorming with experts

3a SelectionThe most plausible and with the greatest gain

2.2 Attributes of a good research topic

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2.3.1 Generating research ideas

Rational Thinking Creative Thinking

See Table 2.1 on Page 23

•Strengths & interest

•Past project titles

•Discussion

•Literature search

•Media search

•Personal preferences using past projects

•Relevance trees

•Brainstorming

•Notebook diary

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2.3.2 Refining research ideas

Delphi technique

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2.3.2 Refining research ideas

Delphi technique

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2.3.2 Refining research ideas

The preliminary study

To gain a greater understanding so that your research question can be refined.

•Is your research idea feasible? •Do you need to revise your ideas?

Integrating ideas

Working up and narrowing downClassfying each research idea into its area, field, and then the precise aspect

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2.4.1 Research question(s)

Too big?

Too small?

Too hot?

Just right?

Russian Dolls

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2.4.1 Research question(s)

juvenile delinquency juvenile delinquency

a. What is the 1994 rate of juvenile delinquency in the U.S.? b. What can we do to reduce juvenile delinquency in the U.S.?

c. Does education play a role in reducing juvenile delinquents' return to crime?

too narrow

too narrow

too broad

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2.4.1 Research question(s)

Question:Question:

Does MacDonald's or Burger King make a better burger?

Vs.

no concrete meaning

no concrete meaning

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2.4.1 Research question(s)

Worked Example:

How have green issues influenced the way in which manufacturers advertise cars?

Parameter Narrow Broader

Language UK(e.g. car) UK and USA (e.g. car/ automobile)Subject area Green issues Environmental issues

Motor industry ManufacturingAdvertising Marketing

Business sector Motor industry ManufacturingGeographical area UK Europe and North AmericaPublication period Last 5 years Last 15 yearsLiterature type Refereed journals Journals and books

and books

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2.4.2 Research objective(s)

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2.4.2 Research objective(s)

Why should research objectives be developed?

Focus the study Avoid unnecessary data Organise the study clearly

How should you state your objectives?Take care that the objectives of your study:coherent and logical; clearly phrased realisticaction verbs to appreciate

to understandto study.

Your objectives are structured using action-words like:

•assess or reassess•develop•provide (an understanding of …)•examine•analyse•interpret•elucidate•articulate•establish•construct•evaluate or re-evaluate

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2.4.3 Theory

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2.4.3 Theory

Theory

• Narrows the range of facts we need to study

• Suggests which research approaches are likely to yield the greatest meaning

• Suggests a system for the researcher to impose on data in order to classify them in the most meaningful way

• Summarizes what is known about an object of study and states the uniformities that lie beyond immediate observation

• Predict further facts that should be found

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2.5 Writing research proposal

Purposes of the research proposal:• Organizing your ideas• Convincing your audience• Contracting with your client

Content of the research proposal:• Title• Background• Research Questions and objectives• Method• Timescale • Resources• References

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3. Literature Review

Deductive approachDeductive approach

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3. Literature Review

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Summary• Research topic

– Formulate and clarify your research topic

– Generate and refine your research ideas using various techniques.

• Research question– Clear, theory-dependent

• Research Proposal– What you want to do?– Why you want to do?– What your are trying to achieve?– How you plan to achieve it?

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Group Assignment

Translate into questionnaire questions

Design a draft questionnaire

Define your research population and sample, questionnaire requirements

Formulate clear research objectives; develop theoretical framework;Make research measurable: determine all variables

Define hypotheses

hand-in date for research proposal (use ‘assignment form‘ on blackboard):

Tuesday, week 3, 12:00 noon, my pigeon holeBased on: ‘Team Assignment Business research Methods‘

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Discussion Questions• In academic research, at University level, a verb

best avoided in the research question is:

A. to identify.  B. to describe.  C. to determine.  D. to establish.

• Idea generation by two or more people thinking as freely as possible is formally known as:

A. forced relationships. 

B. gap analysis. 

C. clap-trapping. 

D. the learning curve. 

E. brainstorming

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Discussion Questions•

Which word fills all the blanks in this extract: We talk about generating __________, testing_______, rejecting ________.

A. objectives  B. hypotheses  C. aims  D. questions

More exercises: click here

A student plans a research project; it is called A description of IBM. On the limited information we have (the title), which ONE of these best applies to the idea?   A. It is wide. 

B. It has an acceptable purpose.  C. It has an acceptable method.  D. It is narrow.