BUSINESS RESEARCH

METHODOLOGIES
Chapter One & Two
Uma Sekaran 7 t h .ed., 2020 -2021
By Dr. Mohammad Al-Masarweh
Second Semester 2020-2021

Dima Hajaya 5190002

Chapter 1:
Introduction To Research

• What Is Research ?
• Business Research .
• Types of Business Research : Applied and Basic .
• Managers and Research .
• The Manager and the Consultant- Researcher .
• Internal versus External Consultants/ Researcher .
• Knowledge About Research and Managerial Effectiveness .
• Ethics and Business Research .
• Summary .
Chapter Learning Objectives:
After completing Chapter 1 you should be able to :

1. Describe what research is and how it is defined .

2. Distinguish between Applied and Basic research, giving examples, and

discussing why they would fall into one or the other of the two
categories .

3. Explain why managers should know about research .

4. Discuss what managers should and should not do in

order to interact most effectively with researchers .

5. Identify and fully discuss specific situations in which a manager would be

better off using an internal research team, and when an external research
team would be more advisable, giving reasons for the decisions .

6. Discuss what research means to you and describe how you, as manager,
might apply the knowledge gained about research .

7. Be aware of the role of ethics in business research .

What is the problem of Mr. Orlando’s company ?
-------------------
1-Market stock price decline of about 72% .

2-Quarterly loss of $206 M a total of 8 Billion on sales

3-Failure of the advertising agency .

4-Lawsuit of discrimination .
-------------------
1-Down turn of industry trend .
2-Economy recession .
3-Idle capacity .
He suggested some questions and ideas :
------------------
How can efficiency and productivity increased ?

How can he allocate more capital by take stock of intangible asset ?

Assessing whether the current car models appeal sufficiently to the new rich ?

Should he cut the advertising budget ?

How can he increase gas mileage ?

How can he improve marketing ?

Is it suitable for him to take salary raise ?

This manager feels that many important decision should be taken and executed but only after a
thorough investigation and applying a scientific research .
What is Research ?
----------------
Simply : is the process of finding solution to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of
the situational factors .

A good research should help you make a good decision .

What does a good decision need ?

----------------
1-To identify the problem accurately .

2-Recongnize the relevant factors that compose the problem .

3-To gather the right type of information .

4-To draw appropriate conclusions .

5-To know how to implement the result and solve the problem .
Research Definition :
----------------
An organized , systematic , data-based , critical objective , scientific inquiry into a specific
problem undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solution to it .

Business Research Described :

A systemic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work
setting , that needs a solution.

Inquiry
Investigation
Examination
Experimentation
The Role of Theory and Information in Research:
----------------
◦ Some research is aimed at building theory, whereas other research is designed to test a
theory or to describe what is going on, using an existing framework, instrument, or
model.
◦ Both theory and information play an important role in a research project.

A Theory can be:

◦ Idea or hunch that someone has (optimal formation of a soccer team).
◦ Any concept, instrument, model, or framework that helps people to think about
or solve a problem, to describe a phenomenon, or to better understand a topic of
interest (Competitive advantage)
Types of Business Research :
Which comes first the basic research or applied research ?

Applied Research :
When the purpose is to solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting ,
demanding a timely solution . This research called Applied Research .

:Example
Diet Coke is losing U.S. sales at 7%
a year, almost double the rate of decline
.of American cola sales overall
)Look page 6(
Types of Business Research :
Which comes first the basic research or applied research ?

Basic-Fundamental-Pure Research :
◦ When the purpose is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how
certain problem that occur in organizations can be solved , and to build theories based on
the research results .
◦ University professors engage in basic research in an effort to understand and generate
more knowledge about various aspects of businesses
◦ These findings later become useful for application in business situations.
: Types of Business Research

• Which comes first the basic research or applied research ?

• Do the different types of research follow the same steps of

systematic inquiry to arrive at solution to problem?

Yes , but applied research could have a shorter time frame than
. some basic research

• T.F. The knowledge generated from basic research is often

applied later for solving organization problems .
 Managers and Research :

◦ Any manager have to understand , predict and control events that are dysfunctional to the
org .

◦ T.F. As a manager you will probably be bringing in researchers to solve problems instead
of doing the research yourself , so there is no need to bother to study about research .
.Why professional managers need to know about research methods
Knowledge of research and problem-solving processes helps managers to identify -1
. problem situations before they get out of control

. They can interact effectively with outside researchers -2

Knowledge about research helps managers to become discriminating of research -3

. findings

It helps managers to determine whether or not the recommended solutions are -4

. appropriate for implementation

. They will be more discriminating while shifting through business journal -5

Managers can handle their own problems at a considerable cost saving by studying -6
.the results of good published research

Take calculated risk in decision making knowing full well probabilities associated -7
.with the different possible outcomes
.Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence -8
 Manager-Consultant Relationship
(outside consultant , students , professors)
When the manager is knowledgeable about research, then the interaction with
the researcher become more meaning full ,purposeful and beneficial .

When hiring an outside researcher , the manager should :

1-Interact effectively with research team .
2-Delinate the roles for researchers and the management and constrains .
3-Inform the researchers what type of information could be provided or not for them .
4-Make sure there is a congruence in the value system .
 ​
Internal Consultant ​:Types of Researchers
It is a department that serves as the internal consultant to other units in the Org.
(Management Services Department, the Organization and Methods Department, research
​and development department (R&D))
​
​
 ​
​ Internal Consultant ​:Types of Researchers
​
:​ Advantages
.​ Readly accepted by the employees-1
.​ Less time to understand the internal environment of the Org -2
.​ The team will be available for implementing their recommendation-3
.​ Less cost compared with external-4

​ : ​Disadvantages
.​Inhibit any fresh ideas to solve problems -1
.​Certain vested interests could dominate -2
Recommendations may not get the consideration and attention they deserve, -3
.​” they perceived by “not expert
.​Findings maybe biased by the team -4
​
 External Consultant: Types of Researchers
An external consultant is someone external to the organization who can be
contracted to conduct the Research and help implement the findings.
Advantages :
1- Own a wealth of experience from having worked with
different types of orgs.
2- They have more knowledge of current sophisticated
problem-solving models through their periodic training
programs.

Disadvantages:
1- The cost of hiring an external research team is high.
2- The external team need considerable time to understand
the organization to be researched.
3- They charge additional fees for their assistance in the
implementation and evaluation phases.
 Types of Researchers: Expected Question

◦ If the problem is complex or if there are likely to be vested

interest, it will be advisable to use (Fill in the space………) .
Knowledge about research and managerial effectiveness
◦ managers are responsible for the final outcome by making the right decisions at work
and this is greatly facilitated by research knowledge.
◦ Knowledge of research heightens the sensitivity of managers to the innumerable
internal and external factors operating in their work and organizational environment.
◦ It also helps to facilitate effective interactions with consultants and comprehension of
the nuances of the research process.

Ethics and Business Research

◦ Ethics Refers to a code of conduct, or expected societal norms of behavior
while conducting research.
◦ Ethical behavior pervades each step of the research process.
◦ There are business journals such as the Journal of Business Ethics and
the Business Ethics Quarterly that are mainly devoted to the issue of
ethics in business.
Note: (Answer some end of chapter questions)
 CHAPTER 2
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

• The Hallmarks of Scientific Research .

• Some Obstacles to Conducting Scientific Research in the
Management Area .
• The Building Blocks of Science in Research .
• The Hypothetico-Deductive Method .
• Other Types of Research .
• Summary .
Chapter Learning Objectives:
After completing Chapter 2 you should be able to :

Explain what is meant by scientific investigation, giving examples of both scientific

and nonscientific investigations.

Discuss the seven steps of the hypothetico-deductive method, using an

example of your own.

Discuss alternative perspectives on what makes good research.

 ​Chapter 2
Scientific Investigation
​
• Scientific Research focuses on avoiding; minimizing and solving problems and pursues
a step-by-step logical, organized methods to identify the problems, gather data, analyze
them and draw valid conclusions.​

• scientific investigation tends to be more objective than subjective, and helps managers
to highlight the most critical factors at the workplace that need specific attention so as
to avoid, minimize, or solve problems

• T.F. Scientific investigation and managerial decision making are integral part of

effective problem solving.​True
• Does the Scientific research apply to: basic or applied 
research?
• T.F. Applied research may or may not be generalizable
to other orgs.
• Do researchers always take a scientific approach to
research?
The Hallmarks of scientific research. (Employee commitment example)

1- Purposiveness:
Every scientific research should have a definite aim or purpose. Why?
Because the results and conclusions will help in problem solving.

2- Rigor
Connotes carefulness, and the degree of exactitude, it involves a good theoretical base and a
carefully though-out methodology. You can’t ask 10-12 employees to indicate what would
increase their level of commitment.
The Hallmarks of scientific research. (Employee commitment example)

3-Testability ( of what?)
To see whether or not the data support the educated hypotheses or not
by using many statistical tests.

4- Replicability
The results after testing the hypothesis should be supported again
and again when the same type of research is repeated in other similar
circumstances , or orgs.
The Hallmarks of scientific research. (Employee commitment example)

5- Precision and Confidence

Precision:
Refers to the closeness of the findings to the reality based on a sample .
Confidence:
Refers to the probability that the estimations are correct.
In business 95% probability is fine.-
T.F. The narrower the limits within which we can estimate
the range of our predictions the more precise our findings.
( 30-40) is better than ( 20-50) estimations.

6- Objectivity
The Conclusions should be drawn through the interpretation
of the results and further, it should be based on the facts of
the findings derived from actual data.
The Hallmarks of scientific research. (Employee commitment example)

7- Generalizability
◦ Refers to scope of applicability of the research findings in one organizational setting to
other settings.
◦ For wider generalizability, the research sampling design has to be logically developed,
but with extra costs.
◦ The generalizability of applied research is restricted.

8-Parsimony
◦ Simplicity in explaining the phenomena that occur, and in generating solution for the
problem.
◦ Economy in research models is achieved when lesser number of variables are included foe
cost wise and effort.
Variable2

Variable1 Variable3 Variable5 Variable6

Variable4
 The Hypothetico – Deductive method
◦ The hypothetico‐deductive method, popularized by the Austrian philosopher Karl Popper,
is a typical version of the scientific method (step by step).

Interpretation of data
Data analysis
Data collection
Determine measures
Develop hypotheses
Define the problem statement
Identify a broad problem area
 The Hypothetico – Deductive method
1- Identify a broad problem area
The researcher (manager) senses or observe some changes or new behavior, attitudes, or
feelings in the work place.

2- Define the problem statement

A problem statement that states the general variables and objectives of the research should
be developed. By seeking of information in depth of what is observed. By unstructured
interviews or reading some reports or by doing library research to make sure of the problem
and associated factors.

3- Developing Hypotheses ( Educated conjecture) Hypothesizing

A network of association identifies among the variables or factors is then theoretically
woven. With a justification as why the researcher expects such an influence on the problem.
This stage integrates all the information in a logical manner, so that factors responsible for
the problem can be conceptualized and tested later, and to discover their contribution or
influence on problem occurrence.
Hypotheses should be testable and falsifiable too.
4- Determine Measures
The problem variables should be measured in some way to test the hypotheses, in other words,
variables should be operationalized, especially for the intangible variables, such as
commitment; attitudes; loyalty; morale…etc.

5- Data collection
Data with respect to each variable in the hypothesis need to be obtained through interview or
questionnaire or observation, or from annual reports etc.

6-Data analysis
By statistically analyzing the data collected in the previous stage to see if the generated
hypotheses have been substantiated(supported; proved). Statistical tests may include: SLR;
MLR; T-tests; F-tests; Chi-square….etc.

7- Interpretation of data
Decisions should be taken scientifically whether the Null or the alternate
hypotheses were supported, and what should that mean, in other words,
what we should deduce from the results, and based on that we are able
to make recommendations.
What is the difference between Deductive and Inductive reasoning?
Deduction:
Arriving at reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of a known fact.
Example: we know that all high performer are proficient in their jobs. If John is a high
performer, we conclude that he is highly proficient in his job.

Induction:
Observe certain phenomena and on this basis arrive at conclusions.
Example: We see that the production processes are the prime features of factories, we
conclude that factories exist for production purposes.

Note please that when we talk about deduction we say hypotheses testing , but when we
talk about induction we say generating hypotheses.

Lets read the example on page 29, then try at home to answer some of end of chapter
questions.​
◦ Some obstacles to conducting scientific research in the management area

◦ In conducting scientific research in the management area is quantifying human behavior or

gathering data from a representative sample.

◦ These problems occur whenever we attempt to measure abstract and subjective constructs.
Difficulties might also be encountered in obtaining a representative sample, restricting the
generalizability of the findings.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO RESEARCH

◦ All research is based on beliefs about the world around us (Ontology)

◦ The disagreement about the nature of knowledge or how we come to know (epistemology)

A-Positivism
◦ scientific research is seen as the way to get at the truth – indeed.
◦ For a positivist, the world operates by laws of cause and effect that we can discern if we
use a scientific approach to research.
◦ Positivists are concerned with the rigor and replicability of their research, the reliability of
observations, and the generalizability of findings.
◦ Positivists use deductive reasoning to put forward theories that they can test by means of a
fixed, predetermined research design and objective measures.
◦ The key approach of positivist researchers is the experiment, positivists believe that the
goal of research is to only describe phenomena.
◦ Emotions, feelings, and thoughts – is impossible.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO RESEARCH

B-Constructionism
◦ Constructionism criticizes the positivist belief that there is an objective truth.
◦ Constructionists do not search for the objective truth, they aim to understand the rules
people use to make sense of the world by investigating what happens in people’s minds.
◦ The research methods of constructionist researchers are often qualitative in nature, focus
groups and unstructured interviews allow them to collect rich data, oriented to the
contextual uniqueness of the world that is being studied.
C-Critical realism
◦ Critical realism is a combination of the belief in an external reality (an objective truth)
with the rejection of the claim that this external reality can be objectively measured;
observations will always be subject to interpretation.
◦ They argue that we need to use triangulation across multiple flawed and erroneous
methods, observations, and researchers to get a better idea of what is happening around us.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO RESEARCH

D-Pragmatism
◦ Pragmatists feel that research on both objective, observable phenomena and subjective
meanings can produce useful knowledge, depending on the research questions of the
study.
◦ Pragmatism describes research as a process where concepts and meanings (theory) are
generalizations of our past actions and experiences, and of interactions we have had with
our environment.
◦ pragmatism endorses eclecticism and pluralism. Another important feature of pragmatism
is that it views the current truth as tentative and changing over time
◦ stress the relationship between theory and practice
 Conclusion

“Why do I need to know this?”

◦ Knowledge of epistemology may help you to relate to and understand the research of
others and the choices that were made in this research.
◦ Understanding your personal ideas on research and how it should be done allows you to
determine which kinds of research questions are important to you and what methods for
collecting and analyzing data will give you the best answer to these questions.
Thank You