Chapter 2 Scientific Investigation and Business Research Process

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved
© Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd. (008974-T), 2012 2– 1

PART 1
CHAPTER 2
Business Research Process

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
 Differentiate between two different types of thought

process—deduction and Induction
 Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative
research
 Know the different scientific stages of business
research process

2.1 Approaches to business
Research
Two different thought processes:
 Reasoning
1. Induction (Inductive Reasoning)— general principles are
inferred from specific observations to arrive at valid
conclusions.
Investigating a Specific problem to come up with general solution

Employee high turn over new salary structure

Inductive—Bottom Up Approach
Conclusion
Hypothesis
Specific
Observation

2.1 Approaches to Research
(cont.)
2. Deduction (Deductive Reasoning)—deductive

reasoning relies on specifics are inferred from
general principles/theory to arrive at valid
conclusions.
Use general model to solve a Specific problem
Use hierarchy of need theory Categorize employees

needs

Deductive—Top Down Approach
Theory
Hypothesis
observation
Confirmation

2.2 Quantitative vs Qualitative
Research
 Quantitative research to describe and understand

phenomena focusing on statistical analysis of
numerical data using large-scale survey research
method, and data collection methods of
questionnaire and/or structured interview.

2.2 Quantitative vs Qualitative
Research (cont.)
 Qualitative research attempts to explore and

explain phenomena related to people’s beliefs,
experiences, attitudes, behaviour and interactions
through methods
 using case study and/or observation research
method, and data collection methods of direct or
participant observation and/or un-structured
interview.

Both have their strengths and
weaknesses
 One of the advantages of quantitative research is

that of generalisation of research findings to the
population through the statistical analysis
 On the other hand, the qualitative research does
not necessarily seek to choose the sample that is
representative of the target population. However, it
provides in-depth information which is not possible
with quantitative data

2.3.1 Problem Identification
 Desires to find information needed to fulfil a need.

In this context, a research is needed to address a
problem. If there is no problem then there is no
need for a research.
 Don’t confuse the research phenomenon with the

research problem

2.3.1 Problem Identification
Match items of group A with the most relevant counterpart from group B
(Group A) (Group B)
1.Absenteeism 1.misleading Market segmentation

2.Confusing Consumer needs 2.Excessive Paperwork
3.Bottlenecks 3.Demotivated Employees
4.High material costs 4.Low Productivity
5.High Employee turn over 5.Incorrect Demand Forecasting
6.Bankruptcy 6.Low Employee awareness
7.Low Inventory turn over 7.Weak Attendance Policy
8.Employee Dissatisfaction 8.Inappropriate On - Job - Training
9.Low skilled employees 9.Incentive plan

2.3.2 Defining the Research
Objective / question
 Need to be very focused to identify the research
objectives
 The objectives’ action verb should be clear
– Understand (describe) – What
– Explain – Why
– Explore – How

2.3.3 Research Design
 Provides the framework to be used as a guide in

collecting and analysing data
 Match a research problem with appropriate
research design
– Descriptive research design
– Causal research design
– Exploratory research design

Descriptive research design
Can be either (a) longitudinal or (b) cross-sectional.

–A. Longitudinal: Taking multiple measures from the same
sample over an extended period of time—from a few months to
a few years (ex: market share, productivity and inventory
turnover over 4 quarters)
–B. cross-sectional : Takes place at a single point in time and

aims to describe the relationship between variables (ex:
market share, productivity and inventory turnover over on
December 2017)

Causal /experimental research
design
 Seeks to establish the cause and effect relationship

among the variables of interest
Ex. The impact of work design on the individual

performance

Exploratory research design
 Is to generate hypotheses for further study

 Provide insight on how to do more conclusive
research
 Ex. Business process models (BPMs)

2.3.4 Designing Research
Methodology
Major parts of research methodology are:
1. Research method: primary/secondary

2. Method of data collection (instruments)
3. Sampling plan OR complete census
4. Fieldwork plan
5. Analysis plan

2.3.5 Budget and Cost
Estimation
Three basic parameters which provide an estimate of

how much a study is going to cost.
Sample size.
How difficult it is to find the sampling units
(respondents) and their geographical dispersion?
Who will do the fieldwork?

2.3.6 Presentation, Report and
Decision-making
A business research starts with problem

identification and ends with an
actionable/formal report.

Business Research Process:
An Overview
Defining
Opportunity and
information research
need felt objectives
Designing
Managerial research
decision and method
action
Diagrammatic
Representation of the
Business Research
Process
Plan and do
Report primary
writing and research
presentation
Plan and do
Tabulation secondary
and analysis research


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Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

© Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd. (008974-T), 2012 2– 1

Business Research Process

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

 Differentiate between two different types of thought

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Two different thought processes:

Investigating a Specific problem to come up with general solution

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

2. Deduction (Deductive Reasoning)—deductive

Use general model to solve a Specific problem

Use hierarchy of need theory Categorize employees

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 Quantitative research to describe and understand

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 Qualitative research attempts to explore and

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 One of the advantages of quantitative research is

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 Desires to find information needed to fulfil a need.

 Don’t confuse the research phenomenon with the

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

1.Absenteeism 1.misleading Market segmentation

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 Provides the framework to be used as a guide in

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Can be either (a) longitudinal or (b) cross-sectional.

–B. cross-sectional : Takes place at a single point in time and

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 Seeks to establish the cause and effect relationship

Ex. The impact of work design on the individual

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

 Is to generate hypotheses for further study

 Ex. Business process models (BPMs)

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Major parts of research methodology are:

1. Research method: primary/secondary

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Three basic parameters which provide an estimate of

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

A business research starts with problem

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

Business Research Methods All Rights Reserved

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