Research Method

Chapter 1
Introduction to Business Research

By: Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Azzawi

 Chp1 : Learning Objectives

• Know the importance and scope of business research

• Describe what research is and how it is defined

• Differentiate between applied and basic research

• Know the importance of research to a manager

• Know when business research is needed

• Describe the ethical issues involved in business research

1.0 Introduction

▪ To be a responsible individual, he/she has to understand the

environment and the nature of the phenomena it presents.
▪ This can be understood as finding a solution to it.
▪ In this case, there must be something missing or there is a gap
between what we understand/know and what it should be.

• No Form of organization. • Organized into classes.

• Preferred when collecting da • Preferred when analyzing data.
• Less accurate when determining measures. • Highly accurate when determining measures.
• Lists are used in this data type. • Frequency tables are used in this data type.
• No form of summarization. • Summarized in frequency distribution.
Process

In order to achieve
this, we go
through several
processes from
collecting
information to
selecting
alternatives.
1.1 Importance of Business Research

• Research is important to any business organization:

To stay competitive in the market To analyze and evaluate critical strategies

To accurately identify or understand its to keep abreast (side by side) on all
customers to check its competitor in the aspects of the business
industry
 1.2 Scope of Business Research

Business research covers a wide range of phenomena.

❑ Problems may occur in any area of business.

❑ No clear distinction in the classification of problems based on areas

❑ Integration of problems related to two and more areas

❑ External environment facing the business

 1.3 What is Research?

• Intellectual application of the investigation of a matter.

• They are used for discovering, interpreting, and developing methods and

systems for advancing human knowledge.

1.4 Defining Business Research

An organized, systematic, data-based, critical, and objective scientific inquiry or investigation into a

specific problem is undertaken to find answers and solutions.

Content of four stages

• First stage: Problem identification

• Second stage: Gather the relevant information
• Third stage: Critically analyze the information
• Fourth stage: Provide a solution to the existing problem
1.5 Types of Business Research: ((Applied and Basic Research))

1. Basic research (also called fundamental or pure research)

• The primary objective of the advancement of knowledge and theoretical understanding.

• Not undertaken to solve any specific problem.

• It is often the foundation for further applied research.

1.5 Types of Business Research: ((Applied and Basic Research))

2. Applied research

• Use knowledge (research findings) for practical concerns

• Solve a current problem faced by the organization in the work setting

• Application of known theories to the actual operational field

 1.6 Managerial Value of Business Research

❑ To make the right decisions in a timely manner

❑ Well-informed and up-to-date in their own area of specialization

❑ Recent developments in particular industries

❑ Understand, predict, and control the environment of the organization

1.7 When is Business Research Needed?

The manager’s decision as to whether or not research should be

conducted for a problem encountered in the organization depends on
various factors:
1. Time constraints
2. Availability of data
3. Nature of decision
4. Benefit versus costs
1.8 Ethical Consideration in Research

Ethics in research aims to ensure that no one is harmed or suffers

inverse consequences while following any research stage.

 1.8.1 Ethical Consideration and the Sponsor

• Honestly assess their capabilities.

• Research must be conducted professionally with a systematic, organized, and

scientific approach.

• The research project/results will remain confidential.

• Submit the research report to the sponsoring company at the agreed time.
1.8.2 Ethics and Target Respondents

• Target respondents who provide information

• Information collected should not be misused for any other purpose

• Participation is voluntary

• Confidentiality of the replies

• Not to embarrass respondents/informants

1.8.3 Researcher and Team Members

• Design a project that is safe for everyone involved.

• Honest and unbiased to accurately record all necessary data.

Questions ?

End of Chapter 1