Research

Methodology
 Business Research, Methodology & Methods
BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND METHODS

An organized and Research It is the over all framework or strategy that guides the
systematic inquiry or Methodology: entire research process.
investigation into a
specific problem is Underlying theory and analysis of how the
undertaken with the research should proceed.
purpose of finding answers A set of principles and ideas that inform the design of a
or solutions to it. research study.
it involves the decision-making process regarding the
selection and application of research method.

Research Method The technique used in gathering evidence.

(Methodological
Approach)

Practical procedures used to generate and analyze

data.
 Purpose of the Research (Types of research)
BASIC RESEARCH APPLIED RESEARCH

Generates a body of knowledge by trying to

The research is done with the
comprehend how certain problems that occur in intention of applying the results of
organizations can be solved. the findings to solve specific
problems currently being
experienced in the organization.

It enhances the understanding of certain problems that

commonly occur in organizational settings and seeks
methods of solving them. Solves a current problem faced by
the manager in the work setting,
demanding a timely solution.
The findings of such research contribute to the building
of knowledge in the various functional areas of
business. Such knowledge generated is usually later
applied in organizational settings for problem-solving.
 Why managers should know about research:
Being knowledgeable about research and research methods helps professional managers to:

Identify Identify and effectively solve minor problems in the work setting.

Know Know how to discriminate good from bad research.

Appreciate Appreciate the multiple influences and effects of factors impinging on a situation.

Take Take calculated risks in decision-making.

Prevent Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in a situation.

Relate Relate to and share information with hired researchers and consultants for problem solving.

Combine Combine experience with scientific knowledge while making decisions.

Internal Vs. External Researchers
INTERNAL RESEARCHERS
Advantages:
• Better acceptance from staff.
• Knowledge about organization.
• Would be an integral part of
implementation and evaluation
of the research
recommendations.
Disadvantages:
• Less fresh ideas
• Power politics could prevail:
misrepresent certain facts
• Possibly not valued as “expert”
by staff, so their
recommendations would not be
considered.
EXTERNAL RESEARCHERS
Advantages:
• Divergent thinking: creative process of
generating ideas and new possibilities.
• Convergent thinking: is the process of
finding familiar solutions to problems.
• Experience from several situations in
different organizations.
• Better technical training.
Disadvantages:
• Takes time to know and understand
the organization
• Compatibility and cooperation from
staff not easy
• Not available for evaluation and
implementation
• Costs
 Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when
Example 1
the latter operate in totally unrelated realms of business. For
What type of this research example, Coca-Cola has announced that it wants to buy China
scenario? Huiyuan Juice Group in an effort to expand its activities in one of
Who will conduct it? the world’s fastest-growing beverage markets. Such acquisitions
What is the problem?
are claimed to “work miracles.” However, given the volatility of
What is the question?
the stock market and the slowing down of business, many
companies are not sure whether such acquisitions involve too much
risk. At the same time, they also wonder if they are missing out on
a great business opportunity if they fail to take such risk. Some
research is needed here!
Answer: You have to understand this scenario is an open end (i.e., there is no right or wrong answer, but
you have to explain your answer)
What type of this research scenario?

This could fall into the realm of basic or applied research, depending on why this study is done and who sponsors it.

Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when the latter operate in totally unrelated realms of business. This is
general statement, and you cannot understand who will sponsor the study (i.e., coca-cola or a general researcher). Also, it is unclear
it will be done with intention to apply it or general knowledge.

Who will conduct it?

Internal or external researcher. Again, internal if you consider a research team from coca-cola will do it. In case your answer is
external researcher, this means that coca-cola will sponsor this research and ask consultant company to do it.

Also, it could be done by a researcher for basic knowledge, in this case your answer for the first question should be basic research.
What is the problem?

The risk associated with aquation.

What is the question?

To acquire or not to acquire?

Example 2

A university professor wanted to analyze in depth the reasons for absenteeism

of employees in organizations. Fortunately, a company within 20 miles of the
campus employed her as a consultant to study that very issue.

What type of this research scenario?

Who will conduct it?
What is the problem?
What is the question?
Answer
What type of this research scenario?

The basic research aspiration of the professor has taken the form of applied research in this
particular system, where they would apply the findings of her research to solve the problem.

Who will conduct it?

External researcher

What is the problem?

Some organization the absenteeism rate is high

What is the question?

-Why do some organizations experience high absenteeism rates among their employees?

-What are the underlying factors that contribute to the high absenteeism rates observed in
Example 3
Effects of Service Recovery on Customer Satisfaction

A research scientist wants to investigate the question: What is the most effective way for an
organization to recover from a service failure? Her objective is to provide guidelines for
establishing the proper "fit" between service failure and service recovery that will generalize
across a variety of service industries.

What type of this research scenario?

Who will conduct it?
What is the problem?
What is the question?
Answer:
What type of this research scenario?

This will be a case of basic research, the purpose of which was to study the efficacy of different
service recovery strategies and add to the body of existing marketing knowledge.
Who will conduct it?

External researcher
What is the problem?

Service failure in some some companies leads to Customer dissatisfaction

What is the question?

What is the most effective way for an organization to recover from a service failure?