Regine Eina E. Calisin Dr. Carlos A. Jacobo, Jr.

MM-MPA, 2nd Year Mgt. 201- Management Research

S.Y. 2023-2024 Reaction Paper: Problem Definition and the Research Process
Bicol College Graduate School

Management research plays a crucial role in identifying and resolving problems within
organizations. To tackle these problems effectively, a systematic approach is necessary.
The problem definition sets the foundation for any research study. It involves identifying,
clarifying, and articulating the problem that needs to be addressed. This step is crucial as it
guides the entire research process.
1. Identifying the Problem: The first step is to recognize the issue or challenge being faced.
This requires a keen understanding of the organization, its processes, and the industry it
operates in. It may involve examining various sources such as market trends, customer
feedback, employee surveys, or financial statements to identify areas of concern.
2. Clarifying the Problem: Once the problem is identified, it must be refined and clearly
defined. Ambiguity or vagueness in problem definition can lead to ineffective research
outcomes. The problem must be well-described, concise, and specific to provide focus and
direction to the research study.
On the other hand, the research process allows management researchers to investigate
the identified problem systematically and provide evidence-based solutions. Here are the key
steps involved in the research process:
1. Literature Review: A literature review is conducted to gain a comprehensive
understanding of existing knowledge, theories, and best practices related to the identified
problem. This step helps researchers identify knowledge gaps and establish a foundation for
their research design.
2. Objective Setting: The research objectives clearly define the aims and goals of the study.
These objectives should align with the problem identified in the problem definition phase. They
provide a roadmap for conducting the research, enabling researchers to stay on track and
measure the success of their study.
3. Research Design: The research design outlines the methodology and data collection
techniques. It includes decisions regarding the selection of research participants, data sources,
research instruments, and sampling techniques. The research design should be robust and
suitable for the problem at hand to ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings.
4. Data Collection: In this phase, data relevant to the problem is collected. This can be
done through various methods such as surveys, interviews, observation, or analysis of pre-
existing data. The collected data should be accurate, reliable, and representative to ensure
meaningful analysis and interpretation.
Regine Eina E. Calisin Dr. Carlos A. Jacobo, Jr.
MM-MPA, 2nd Year Mgt. 201- Management Research
S.Y. 2023-2024 Reaction Paper: Problem Definition and the Research Process
Bicol College Graduate School

5. Data Analysis: Once the data is collected, it is analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and
relationships. Statistical techniques, qualitative analysis methods, or a combination of both can
be utilized to examine the data. The analysis should be aligned with the research objectives to
draw meaningful and relevant conclusions.
6. Conclusion and Recommendations: Based on the data analysis, a conclusion is drawn
regarding the problem identified. The research should provide evidence-based
recommendations that address the problem effectively. These recommendations should be
practical and actionable, enabling organizations to implement solutions to overcome the
problem.
7. Dissemination: The final step in the research process is the dissemination of research
findings. This can be done through reports, presentations, publications, or conferences. The
dissemination of research findings contributes to the knowledge base of management research
and allows other organizations to benefit from the research outcomes.
Therefore, management research is a systematic process that begins with problem
definition and proceeds through various stages until conclusions and recommendations are
drawn. Effective problem definition guides the research process, ensuring that the study is
focused and addresses the identified problem. By following a structured research process,
management researchers can contribute to the development of solutions that enhance
organizational performance and effectiveness.