After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
Understand the first step in business research process, i.e. the broad problem area Identify the broad problem area through several ways Understand how preliminary information gathering aids in deciding whether the problem is worth investigating and describe the problem clearly
research process in its entirety Define a research problem clearly in the form of a problem statement Understand the principles, values and standards of conducting research (research ethics)
identification of a broad problem area Broad problem area refers to the general or entire situation where research and problem– solving might be needed
The term “literature” in a literature review means
published or unpublished research articles that others have conducted in the areas that are relevant to the study. There are a few concerns that need to be addressed.
that describes the symptoms of the specific issues that a researcher wishes to investigate. In a sense, literature review has assisted the researcher to be more focused and specific compared to the early stages of the research.
elements. – clear statement with sufficient contextual detail to justify its importance – the method of solving the problem, often stated as a claim or a working thesis – the purpose, statement of objective and scope of the document the researcher is preparing
research Avoid invasion of privacy of subjects and respect the dignity of respondents Do no harm to individuals or groups, the research discipline or to society in general