DMS 411:

BUSINESS
RESEARCH
METHODS

Lecture II
1
2
Scientific Research Approach
• Introduction
• Principles / Postulates of Scientific
Method
• Scientific research approach

• Research Proposal / Research Report

• Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific
Research
3
 Research is……
• Knowledge acquisition gained
– through reasoning
– through intuition
– Tradition
– Personal experience
– Authority
– but most importantly through the use of
appropriate methods
• Science must avoid logical mistakes that make incorrect
connections and result in faulty information outcomes.

4
 The Abstraction Ladder

Theory Abstract Level

Propositions
Levels of
Abstraction

Concepts / Constructs

Observations of Objects,
Events and Occurrences (Reality) Empirical Level

5
 Sources of Knowledge

• Research depends on ability to discriminate

among various sources for best results in a
given situation

• Styles of thinking:
– Empiricism (observable concrete data)
– Rationalism (Formal structural proofs)
– Existentialism (Informal process)
– Idealism (highly interpretive ideas)

6
 Rationalism
(Formal structural
proofs)

Postulational

Self-evident truth

Method of authority Scientific Methods

Idealism
Empiricism
(Highly
(Observable,
interpretative
concrete
ideas)
data)
Literary

Untested opinion

Existentialism
(Informal process) 7
 Scientific research
• Scientific research is majorly a product
of both logical and empirical approaches,
captured through analytical thinking

• ‘Critical Thinking calls for a persistent

effort to examine any belief or supposed
form of knowledge in the light of the
evidence that supports it and the
further conclusions to which it tends’
(Glaser, 1941)
8
 Critical thinking
• Key points when thinking critically:
– Persistence:
• Considering an issue carefully and more than
once
– Evidence:
• Evaluating the evidence put forward in support
of the belief or viewpoint
– Implications:
• Considering where the belief or viewpoint
leads; what conclusions would follow; are these
suitable and rational; and if not, should the
belief or viewpoint be reconsidered
9
 Scientific Research Approach
• Introduction
• Principles / Postulates of Scientific
Method
• Scientific research approach

• Research Proposal

• Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific
Research
11
 Scientific Research Method
• The Scientific Method involves a series of
steps that are used to investigate a natural
occurrence

• Scientific method refers to a body of

techniques for investigating phenomena,
acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and
integrating previous knowledge.

• The analysis and interpretation of empirical

evidence (facts from observation or
experimentation) to confirm or disprove
prior conceptions

• It is an approach used to generate knowledge

12
Principles/Postulates of Scientific Method:

• Relies on empirical evidence

• Utilizes relevant concepts
• Committed to only objective
considerations
• Presupposes ethical neutrality
• Results in probabilistic predictions
• Its methodology is made known to all
• Aim at formulating most general axions
(scientific theories).

14
 Scientific research process
Define the research Desktop
Field work &
problem research
report writing
=
Research
Review literature: proposal
Report writing Theory Vs Empirical
(findings)?
Concepts & Previous research
Theories findings

Formulate Hypothesis
Data analysis

Design research

Collect data

15
 Research Process

What? Where? HOW? Who?

•Concepts, •Context / Overall Representation
Variables & setting of Methodology •Population
Measures the day to be used •Sampling

Data Gathering

Analysis
Interpretation
& Application
16
 Scientific Research Approach
• Introduction
• Principles / Postulates of Scientific
Method

• Scientific research approach

• Research Project

• Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific
Research
17
 Scientific research process
Define the research Desktop
Field work &
problem research
report writing
=
Research
Review literature: proposal
Report writing Theory Vs Empirical
(findings)?
Concepts & Previous research
Theories findings

Formulate Hypothesis
Data analysis

Design research

Collect data

18
19
 The Research Project

Purpose Methods
What? Why? How? Why?

Extent
Written Scope
proposals
establish

Obligations, Resources, Timing, Delivery

20
 How should the research project/paper be
written?

• Clarity and simplicity

– write simple sentences
– avoid jargon
– beware of using large numbers of quotations from literature

• Spelling and Grammar

• Person, tense and gender

• Correct reference

21
 Research Project
• Blueprint of the planned study
• Detailed outline of the total process to provide
answers to the research questions
• Contains the following major sections:
 Prefatory Items
 Chapter One: Introduction
 Chapter Two: Literature review
 Chapter Three: Methodology
 Chapter Four: Data Analysis (Results)
 Chapter Five: Discussions, Conclusions &
Recommendations
 References / bibliography
 Appendices
22
 Components of research paper: Prefatory Items

• Consists of: • An Analysis of the Key Success

Factors for Lean Supply
– Title page Management: A Case Study of
Unilever’s Tea Supply Chain in Africa
– Declaration •
•
by
– Dedication •
•
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

– Acknowledgements •

– Abstract •
•
This is a research project submitted in
– Table of contents partial fulfilment of the requirement for
the
– List of • award of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

tables/figures • 2009

– List of
abbreviations 23
 Components of research paper: Prefatory Items

• Consists of:
– Title page • The Effect of Top
– Declaration Management Teams on
Organizational Performance
– Dedication in Kenya
– Acknowledgements •
•
BY

– Abstract •
•
SAMSON MACHARIA IRUNGU

– Table of contents
•
• SUPERVISORS:

– List of
• PROF F. N. KIBERA
• DR WAHOME GAKURU

tables/figures •
•
A PROPOSAL SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
– List of AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF XXXXXXXX

abbreviations • 2006
24
 Components of research proposal…..
• Chapter One: Introduction
• The chapter introduces and briefly discusses the
concept(s) / phenomena under investigation.
• Intended to brings out the conceptual as well as
contextual focus of the research
• Key Focus:
– What is the nature of the issue or problem the research
investigates?
– Why is this worthy of investigation?
– What have previous researchers discovered about this issue or
problem?
– What does your research attempt to prove?

25
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background Gives the reader an indication of what to

expect
1.2 Problem Statement What is the study about? Why now? Which
concepts? Context?
1.3 Research Objectives Arguments would focus on the relevancy, timeliness, and appropriateness of the
research in the current context of factors and trends in society /organizations

1.4 Conceptual framework

1.5 Study hypothesis

1.6 Scope of the study

1.7 Significance of the Study

26
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background

1.2 Problem Statement Contains the need for the proposed study,
usually presented by posing explicit
research questions.
1.3 Research Objectives Requires use of both theoretical and
empirical foundation to justify the research
1.4 Conceptual framework (present logic and rationality).

1.5 Study hypothesis

1.6 Scope of the study

1.7 Significance of the Study

27
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Research Objectives • Addresses the purpose of the proposed

study, and acts as the basis upon which
1.4 Conceptual framework research deliverable(s)/outcomes are
evaluated
1.5 Study hypothesis • Derives from the research Questions
• Should be SMART
1.6 Scope of the study

1.7 Significance of the Study

28
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Research Objectives

1.4 Conceptual framework

A pictorial representation of the
1.5 Study hypothesis underlying (guiding arguments)
relationships between the concepts/
1.6 Scope of the study variables in the study.
Brainstorming and drawing conceptual
maps is best done after gaining a feel
1.7 Significance of the Study
from literature review

29
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Research Objectives

1.4 Conceptual framework

1.5 Study hypothesis

Hypotheses are statements
1.6 Scope of the study whose truth you want to test,
or “predicted answers” to
1.7 Significance of the Studyresearch questions (Robson,
2002)

30
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Research Objectives

1.4 Conceptual framework

1.5 Study hypothesis

States the boundaries of the investigation
1.6 Scope of the study with respect to several aspects such as
definition of concepts, variables, context
(geographical reach), study population (unit
1.7 Significance of the Study
of analysis), etc

31
 Components of research proposal…..

Components:

1.1 Background

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Research Objectives

1.4 Conceptual framework

1.5 Study hypothesis

1.6 Scope of the study

• States explicit benefits that would derive
1.7 Significance of the Study from the Study
• List the potential beneficiaries and how
the stand to benefit

32
 Fig. 1: Conceptual Framework for the Proposed Study
TMT demographic
characteristics
 Average members’ age
 TMT tenure
 Education level
 Functional background
 TMT members experience
(tenure)
 TMT size
 Gender
H5
TMT cognitive
characteristics
 Innovativeness
 Proactiveness
 Perception to risk
 Locus of control
 Tolerance for ambiguity
 Open-mindedness
 Aggression
H1
Operating Environment
Govt control, competition, availability and cost of
resources (vital inputs), interest rates, taxation, H4
political activities, change in information
technology,
Organizational Performance
Decision making process Economic/financial
Collective ownership for
performance
corporate affairs, group
 Gross profit
discussions & consultations, H6
frequency of meetings, level  Turn over
of communication &  Earnings per share
information sharing  Dividends per share
 Average stock price
 Market share
 Return on capital
Organizational structure
 Organization’s age,
H3
 Organization’s size

H2

33
 RESEARCH PROJECT
– Title Page

– Chapter I: Introduction
– Chapter II: Literature Review
– Chapter III: Research Methodology
– Chapter IV: Data Analysis (Results)
– Chapter V: Discussions,
conclusions &
recommendations
– References
– Appendices

Sunday, October 11, 2015 34

 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
• Examines recent and historically
significant research studies that act as
the basis for the proposed study
• Literature review is a summary of the
major studies & theories that have been
published on a research topic.

• Forms the basis upon which chapter one

(introduction) is prepared

Sunday, October 11, 2015 35

 Components of research proposal: Chapter Two:
Literature Review

• Examines recent and historically

significant research studies that
act as the basis for the proposed
study
• Objectives of LR:
– Should identify the major findings
on a topic up to the present;
– Should point out the principal
deficiencies of existing studies or
provide a sense of what is lacking in
the literature;
– Should conclude by leading into your
research question (How your
research proposes to contribute to
the literature or address some
short-coming of a previous study).
36
 RESEARCH PROJECT
– Title Page

– Chapter I: Introduction

– Chapter II: Literature Review

– Chapter III: Research Methodology

– Chapter IV: Data Analysis (Results)

– Chapter V: Discussions, conclusions &

recommendations
– References
– Appendices
37
 Chapter Three: Research Methodology

• Describes what is to be done (how the study is to be

undertaken…. In a logical manner)

Components:
What design strategy will be used?
3.1 Research Design Who/what is the study unit? Who/what
forms the population of the study?
3.2 Population
Will sampling be done, and if so, what sampling
3.3 Sampling and sample design will be used? What sample size?
size
What kind of data will be used? Where /from whom
3.4 Data Collection will it be collected? Which/what instrument will be
used and how will the researcher reach the
respondents /data source?
3.5 Proposed Data
Analysis Methods
How will the collected data be analyzed &
presented?
38
 RESEARCH PROJECT
– Title Page

– Chapter I: Introduction

– Chapter II: Literature Review

– Chapter III: Research Methodology

– Chapter IV: Data Analysis (Results)

– Chapter V: Discussions, conclusions &

recommendations
– References
– Appendices
39
 Chapter IV: Results
• Presents outcome from the analysis
• Key Components
–The data used;
–The empirical model and type of
analysis (statistical /non statistical)
employed;
–The hypothesized results;
–The actual results;
–Interpretation of the results.
Sunday, October 11, 2015 40
 Results
How to report…
• how many people answered a, b, c, d?

• the average number or score?

• a change in score between two points in time?

• how people compared?

• how many people reached a certain level?

“Sixty percent (n= 18) of the sample either strongly

agreed or agreed with the statement that the holiday
season tends to cause a great deal of anxiety.”

Sunday, October 11, 2015 41

 RESEARCH PROJECT
– Title Page

– Chapter I: Introduction

– Chapter II: Literature Review

– Chapter III: Research Methodology

– Chapter IV: Data Analysis (Results)

– Chapter V: Discussions, conclusions &

recommendations
– References
– Appendices
Sunday, October 11, 2015 42
 Chapter V: Discussions, Conclusions &
Recommendations
• The purpose of this part of the research
report is to summarize findings, that is, to
restate study argument and conclude as to
whether or not it is valid

• Used to present answers to the research

questions

• Key components:
– Summary of study findings (from analysis)
– Conclusions
– Study limitations
– Key recommendation

Sunday, October 11, 2015 43

 REFERENCES
• Literature sources (authentic sources)
– Books
– Journals
– Magazines,
• Use the Harvard or APA referencing
style

Sunday, October 11, 2015 44

 APPENDICES
• Introduction letter
• Letter of authorization
• Data collection instruments
• Sampling frame
• Maps, flow diagrams etc.

Sunday, October 11, 2015 45

 Scientific Research Approach
• Introduction
• Principles / Postulates of Scientific
Method

• Scientific research approach

• Research proposal

• Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific
Research
Sunday, October 11, 2015 46
Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific Research

47
Language of Research

Clear conceptualization
of concepts
Success
of
Research Shared understanding
of concepts

48
 Characteristics of a scientific research
• Findings of a good study are
• Purposiveness
difficult to disagree with
• Rigor because:
• Testability • Arguments & analysis detailed,
clear and obviously valid
• Replicability • Possible objections considered
• Objectivity and if possible answered
• The various parts fit together
• Generalizability
• Aims met by methods
• Parsimony • Conclusions follow from
(Simplicity) analysis

Sunday, October 11, 2015 49

Indicators of Good Research
Clearly defined purpose
Detailed research process
Thoroughly planned design
High ethical standards
Limitations addressed
Adequate analysis
Unambiguous presentation
Conclusions justified
Credentials
50
• General questions and
answers?

• Lessons learnt?

• General comments?
51
Thank you

52