relevant context.

approaches in a
research
Develop

Dr. Rishardh Hussain

P.hD (USA), MBA, BBA (Hons), FCMI (UK), MCIM (UK), Member – AMA (USA), MSLIM, MIM

Senior Visiting Lecturer

IDM Colombo Campus
Learning Outcomes

Be able to develop research approaches in a relevant context.

Assessment Criteria

Appraise business research problems.

Develop and justify appropriate research aims and objectives within a defined scope
and timeframe.

Critically explore, select, and justify research approaches.

Introduction
Research is central to both business and academic
activities

There is no consensus in the literature on how it

should be defined.
Introduction

However, from the many definitions offered, there is

general agreement that research is:

A process of inquiry and investigation

Systematic and methodical, and

Increases knowledge.
The application of the scientific method in searching for the truth about business
phenomena.

These activities include defining business opportunities and problems, generating and
evaluating alternative courses of action, and monitoring employee and organizational
performance.

Business Research
Defined
Business Research
The Scientific Method

The way researchers go about

using knowledge and evidence
to reach objective conclusions
about the real world.
1. Is it feasible? 2. Is it is it worthwhile?

Appraise business research problems.

Appraise business research problems.
Appraise business research problems.
Research aims
and objectives
Formulating research aim and
objectives in an appropriate
manner is one of the most
important aspects of your thesis.

This is because research aim

and objectives determine the
scope, depth and overall
direction of the research.
Aim = what you hope to achieve.

Objective = the action(s) you will take in order to

achieve the aim.

Research aims and objectives

Aims are statements of intent. They are usually written in broad terms. They set
out what you hope to achieve at the end of the project.

Objectives, on the other hand, should be specific statements that define

measurable outcomes, e.g. what steps will be taken to achieve the desired
outcome.

Research aims and objectives

The Link -Coherence

Research Problem

Research Aims &

Objective

Research Design
and Methodology

Conclusions
Research aim and objectives
Example
Research title: Effects of Organizational Culture on Business Profitability: A Case
Study of Virgin Atlantic

Research Problem: What are Effects of organizational culture on business

profitability: a case study of Virgin Atlantic?

Research aim: To assess the effects of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture

on business profitability
Research aim: To assess the effects of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture
on business profitability

Following research objectives would facilitate the achievement of this aim:

To analyze the nature of organizational culture at Virgin Atlantic

To identify factors impacting Virgin Atlantic organizational culture

To analyzing impacts of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture on employee

performances
To provide recommendations to Virgin Atlantic strategic level management in
terms of increasing the level of effectiveness of organizational culture
Service Quality Model
1. Is there a gap between the expectations of the customers and their
perceived service?
The Link
Research Title
A Study on Service Quality in Hospital-Patient Interaction at ABC Hospital

Research Problem 1. Is there a gap between the expectations of the customers and their perceived service?
2. Do Quality differences exist among the services provided by different divisions of ABC
Hospital?

Research Aims &

Objective 1. To find out the expectations and perceptions of patients, doctors, and nurses about the service
quality of ABC Hospital

2. To find out whether there is a gap between expected and perceived service qualities by
Research Design
customers
and Methodology
3. To find out whether there are differences in the quality of the services provided by the different
divisions of the same hospital and if so why.
Conclusions
Research approaches.
Research approaches